Ex-Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini thinks that Championship teams have discovered one way to ‘disrupt’ his former team.
The Black Cats are in fourth place in the Championship table after an excellent first 21 games of the 2024/25 season.
The Wearside club have lost just three times in the league and remain firmly in contention for the automatic promotion places.
But it has not all been plain-sailing for Regis Le Bris’ side as they have only won two of their last nine games, including a run of five consecutive draws.
Gabbiadini believes one of the reasons for Sunderland’s recent dip in form is that their opposition has realised one of their flaws.
Marco Gabbiadini names ‘physicality’ as Sunderland issue
Gabbiadini reflected on Sunderland’s 3-2 win over Swansea City in which Jobe Bellingham completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down.
Of course, it was great to come away with the three points but the first half at the Swansea.com Stadium was pretty concerning.
“I think it was an interesting game because there were different parts to it,” Gabbiadini said on Total Sport. “I think teams are seeing some, not weaknesses but, opportunities to disrupt Sunderland.
“Physicality I think is one of them. We saw it with Bristol City midweek and Swansea in that first half. They were niggly and a little bit pushy and put hands on players.”
And Gabbiadini is fair in his assessment of Sunderland’s lack of ‘physicality’. With Jobe Bellingham in midfield, it’s certainly not a huge issue, but the likes of Dan Neil and Chris Rigg are not the strongest.
Particularly against more physical opposition, the addition of Salis Abdul Samed could be valuable when he returns from injury.
Marco Gabbiadini praises Sunderland’s character
While Gabbiadini pointed out one way in which Sunderland struggled against Bristol City and Swansea, he also pointed out something they deserve credit for.
The Black Cats showed great spirit in coming back from losing positions to earn a point in the former and all three in the latter.
“They did [show character] because it was a bit disappointing midweek [against Bristol City],” Gabbiadini added.
“They’ve had a stuttering few weeks with all those draws and they’ve got to keep pace if they want to stay in this race for the top two. This was a big win [vs Swansea].”
Sunderland could find themselves in another close game on Saturday when they welcome Championship top goalscorers Norwich City to the Stadium of Light.