Sunderland lost 2-1 away at Birmingham City in the Championship today, but one player still impressed.
Sunderland headed to St Andrew’s today, to face former boss Tony Mowbray and his new Birmingham City side.
Blues went into this one on the back of a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in midweek, but started the day in 18th and just six points above the drop zone, compared to the Black Cats who started in 10th and a point outside the top six.
And the first half was perhaps as complete an away performance as we’ve seen under Michael Beale, who had Jack Clarke to thank at half-time for putting his team in front.
The 23-year-old finished neatly for his 15th Championship goal of the season, with four assists making for 19 goal contributions in the Championship this season.
Sunderland though would crumble in the second half, with Blues scoring twice to comeback and snatch all three points.
Philip West hails Jack Clarke despite Birmingham City downfall
Clarke has gone from strength to strength with Sunderland.
Less than two years ago, Clarke and Sunderland were playing in League One. But now the former Spurs man is firing Sunderland towards the Premier League, and he’s doing so in some style.
He took his goal well today and delivered another typically energetic and lively performance, catching the eye of Roker Report journalist Philip West, who gave this glimmering account of Clarke and his overall contribution to Sunderland:
A fan favourite forever
Most are expecting Clarke to move on in the summer, and after the club rejected bids last summer and last month, it would only be fair to Clarke that he seals his long-awaited Premier League return at the end of this season.
He’s become a hugely talented player in the Championship; not only does he have the quick-feet, but he delivers like West says, time and time again for Sunderland.
Replacing him is going to be very difficult for Sunderland and Beale. He brings so much to the team and it might mean that Beale has to change styles or set ups to accommodate for a team without Clarke.
For now though, Clarke is a Sunderland player, and he will be until the summer at least.
If he can continue to deliver the goods for Sunderland then the Black Cats will stand a huge chance of earning promotion, but today’s results leave the Black Cats in 10th and now four points behind Coventry City in 6th.
Up next for Sunderland is Swansea City at the Stadium of Light next weekend.