Sunderland winger was one of the standout performers in his side’s 1-0 win on Saturday.
Sunderland beat Millwall 1-0 on Saturday afternoon as Regis Le Bris‘ side returned to winning ways following the international break.
In their last outing before the international period, Sunderland were beaten 3-0 at Coventry in a lacklustre display, one which some Sunderland supporters labelled as ‘lazy‘.
Against Millwall, Sunderland didn’t look back at their free-flowing and intense best, but were markedly better than their Sky Blues display.
Trai Hume’s first-half volley was met by a beautifully weighted cross from wideman Patrick Roberts with 20 minutes on the clock, which was enough to earn all three points for the Black Cats. Roberts’ stats from the Millwall game highlight just how impressive he was.
Sunderland ace Patrick Roberts was outstanding against Millwall
Roberts often comes under criticism from some sections of the Sunderland supporter base for his lack of goals. An evident critique given the former Manchester City youngster has only found the net twice this term for the Black Cats.
Despite his lack of goals, Roberts mitigates this weekly with the way he brings teammates into play by using his dazzling dribbling ability to create space, evidenced by the winger’s seven assists so far this term.
| Sunderland player | Assists in league so far this season |
| Patrick Roberts | 7 |
| Trai Hume | 6 |
| Eliezer Mayenda | 5 |
| Jobe Bellingham | 3 |
| Dan Neil | 3 |
Sunderland’s top-assister this season notched his seventh so far with a brilliant lofted ball into the box which Hume met with aplomb.
Roberts’ creative spark was there for the 40,000 fans to witness, with the winger creating the most chances (4) of anyone on the field in the Millwall clash and also completing most dribbles (4).
Patrick Roberts looks back to his best for Sunderland
Roberts had been accused of looking ‘tired’ during the period before the international break, but the time off to recharge his batteries seems to have done the two-goal star the world of good following his pivotal performance in the victory over Millwall this weekend.
On his day, Roberts is unplayable, and one of the most dynamic right-wingers the second tier has to offer.
Roberts’ goal output evidently must improve – especially for a side battling at the top of the table – but his persistence at bringing others into play goes a long way to remedy that.
If a refreshed Roberts can consistently produce the goods akin to his assist against Millwall throughout the season’s climax, then Sunderland’s chances at promotion will be significantly boosted.