One Sunderland player has been handed unwarranted stick following the Watford draw, according to a Black Cats journalist.
The Black Cats were held to yet another draw at the Stadium of Light against out-of-form opposition, this time Tom Cleverley’s Watford.
Despite going in front courtesy of Luke O’Nien, who was set up superbly by Trai Hume following a Sunderland set-piece, it was then Watford who managed to edge in front with a penalty and a wonder strike at the start of the second stanza.
Regis Le Bris’ set-up has been questioned over being too defensive yet again in a game where more attackers should have been deployed.
Alongside Le Bris, several of the players were on the lips of fans following the game in regards to them putting in unsatisfactory showings, but one journalist has looked to debunk any claims towards one man that he has defended.
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Michael Graham defends limited Ian Poveda after Sunderland substitute performance
On the hour mark, French boss Le Bris turned towards Ian Poveda to spark some magic into his side, despite the Colombian tallying very little game time this season due to several injury concerns staining his debut season on Wearside.
In the 30 minutes, he was unable to significantly contribute, with it being a Wilson Isidor and Dennis Cirkin link-up that helped notched Sunderland’s second goal in the dying embers.
Despite his limited output in his short stint, journalist Michael Graham has defended the winger on X, where he said: “Bit surprised to see Ian Poveda getting criticism today. Thought he was perfectly decent when he came on. Opinions, I suppose.”
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Ian Poveda needs time to settle into high-level football
Looking at Poveda’s career statistics, he has more than enough Championship experience to be used to playing at this level, but unfortunately his colourful injury record has made his game time rather sporadic.
His injuries have once again unfortunately taken centre stage in his career this season, just like it did in the 2023/24 campaign with Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
Because of this, it is going to take a while for Poveda to get himself back up to full speed, and whilst his output was limited against Watford, fans will have to be patient with the summer signing, who will need to be carefully used because of various precautions.