Pierre Ekwah has been slammed for his decision-making in Sunderland’s defeat to Newcastle United.
Pierre Ekwah had struggled for form since returning from an injury that kept him out for a month earlier in the season, however he had looked to be returning ‘to his best’ under Michael Beale.
The Frenchman retained his place in Sunderland’s starting line-up as they hosted Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round this afternoon, but it wasn’t long before he had his head in his hands.
The Black Cats found themselves 1-0 down going into half-time – not a horrific scoreline given the gulf between the two teams.
While Sunderland would have held a glimmer of hope that they could make a dramatic comeback in the second half, Pierre Ekwah quickly shut down that chance.
Only 25 seconds into the half, Ekwah turned on the edge of Sunderland’s box and attempted to take Miguel Almiron on, in what seemed to be a moment of madness.
Almiron claimed the ball fairly comfortably, before slotting it in for Alexander Isak to double the Magpies’ lead.
Sunderland fans were left in shock by a terrible decision from Ekwah, who trudged back to the halfway line with his head in his hands.
Roy Keane was in attendance to watch his former club in action and was baffled by Ekwah’s mistake.
Speaking to ITV, Keane said: “At some stage you’ve got to take responsibility. I’m sure the manager won’t have been saying go out in the second half and try and beat players on the edge of the box.
“That will define a player’s career, their decision making at important times, and certainly a minute into the second half against your rivals. You do not try and beat a man on the edge of your box. Madness.”
Who is to blame?
Sunderland were very poor today, but one thing in particular that seemed to really frustrate fans was their insistence on playing out from the back.
Anthony Patterson would pass it out and we would eventually get caught in possession and would be on the back foot once again. While I understand our players were left with very little option of what to do in many of these situations, Pierre Ekwah simply did not need to do that.
Pass it or hoof it. Anything is better than thinking you can just take on a Premier League footballer in your own box.
I always expected us to lose, but it is more irritating when each goal came from our own mistakes.