Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been defended, despite playing his part in Hull City’s goal at the weekend.
Sunderland lost 1-0 to Hull City at the weekend, further cementing the Black Cats’ 4th placed position in the Championship.
The game saw Regis Le Bris’ side create very little in terms of goalmouth action, except for a chance for Wilson Isidor who was unable to guide a free header on target, whilst Eliezer Mayenda also snatched at a half-opportunity to level the game during his substitute cameo.
It was calamitous at the other end of the pitch as well, with Anthony Patterson conceding an own goal, one which came from a Joe Gelhardt corner. The former Sunderland man curled it towards Black Cats shot-stopper Patterson who was unable to keep out the effort, a moment which has sparked ‘serious questions’ from Le Bris.
Sunderland fans have called for Patterson to be dropped after the game for his costly error, but he has been defended by one EFL expert who has suggested that an alternative player was partly at fault for the goal conceded.
Expert partly blames Patrick Roberts for Sunderland ‘clanger’ vs Hull City
The defeat to Hull City marked Le Bris’ first defeat at the Stadium of Light since the beginning of his tenure on Wearside, and it was done in fairly unspectacular circumstances, with Patterson’s own-goal being the difference by the full-time whistle.
Whilst Patterson has received plenty of criticism for the defeat, EFL expert Justin Peach has hit back, suggesting that Black Cats winger Patrick Roberts deserves a fair share of the blame for the goal.
Per Second Tier Podcast on YouTube, Peach said: “I’m not sure this is a bigger clanger most are making out.
“I don’t think he fumbles it. If you’re going to blame Patterson you’ve got to blame Patrick Roberts just as much. He didn’t commit to the header and obviously, that meant Patterson’s got to come out and do something with it.
“I think even if Patterson doesn’t come out and try and claim it I think he’s got to pull off a save to stop it from going in because I think Patrick Roberts has not done his duty at the near post there.
“You can describe it as a clanger but I think it’s harsh that Patterson’s had a bit of a pile on really from this.”
Anthony Patterson must use next run of games to correct confidence issues
In big games this season, it is clear that Patterson hasn’t always commanded his box with the intent needed in a Championship goalkeeper, with the Leeds United away defeat being another example of the Sunderland man struggling with balls into the box.
| Fixture | Position |
| Sheffield Wednesday (A) | 12 |
| Cardiff City (H) | 21 |
| Preston North End (H) | 15 |
| Coventry City (A) | 7 |
| Millwall (H) | 11 |
The last thing that Sunderland needs is a goalkeeper low on confidence, as this will get targeted like Hull City boss Ruben Selles did. Because of this, the upcoming run of games will need to be used to improve Patterson’s confidence.
Sunderland have a slightly more favourable run of games on the horizon where hopefully the Black Cats shot-stopper can regain his confidence in between the sticks, with him almost certainly set to face fewer shots than in previous clashes with the likes of Leeds United.