Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts has given his thoughts on the Black Cats’ poor display against Coventry City.
Sunderland lost to Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, with the Black Cats’ performance putting the nail in the coffin of any slim hopes of an automatic promotion push.
The Black Cats have all but confirmed their place in the play-offs, but have looked off the pace in recent weeks, with the poor showing against Coventry City showcasing that, something that Regis Le Bris has been critical of his Sunderland side for.
Sunderland fans regarded Dan Neil as poor, but he wasn’t alone in producing a poor performance, with no players donning the red & white covering themselves in glory.
Following the disappointing defeat, Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts gave his views on the defeat and what they ‘lacked’.
Sunderland star Patrick Roberts calls Coventry City performance ‘unacceptable’ as he admits ‘frustration’
Sunderland were never able to get going against Coventry City, whether that was bringing strength and stability to the backline, injecting energy into the centre of the park, or creating some chances in the final third, everything was simply flat.
That was certainly the opinion of Sunderland attacker Roberts, who admitted his side ‘lacked an awful lot’ across the pitch.
Speaking to the club, via YouTube after the game, Roberts gave his verdict on the game, to which he said: “I thought today we lacked an awful lot. It’s something a lot of us are embarrassed about. To come here we knew it would be a tough place anyway but to give two goals like that is unacceptable.”
Roberts then addressed any fan murmurs following the game, as well as the general feeling from the manager and around the camp.
“It’s one that is tough to take in the moment. I think we all appreciate that and we all appreciate you know frustration within ourselves and fans and the manager is obviously frustrated.”
Regis Le Bris must utilise international break to solve key issue
Despite Sunderland’s brilliant season, which sees them sit comfortably in 4th in the business end iof the Championship campaign, with there being an incredibly slim likelihood that they could drop out of the play-offs, it is clear that the performances have been lacklustre recently.
Above all else, it appears the lack of consistency in how Le Bris shapes up his side most likely isn’t helping, with the Black Cats side looking somewhat lost at the CBS Arena against Coventry City.
The international break has come at a perfect moment for Sunderland, who must now us their time wisely in getting consistency with tactics, but also to ensure that they have a plan B for when they are outclassed, as they certainly didn’t have one against the Sky Blues.