Sunderland fans were particularly critical of one player during the 2-1 defeat vs Watford.
Sunderland suffered their second defeat of the season against Watford on Saturday, losing 2-1 at Vicarage Road.
Watford took a 1-0 lead into half-time but Wilson Isidor got the Black Cats back on level terms shortly after the restart.
Late on, the Hornets got back in front from the penalty spot, with Dan Neil giving away the penalty, condemning Sunderland to a second-straight defeat on the road under Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats have now dropped down to 3rd in the Championship table after Blackburn Rovers claimed an impressive 2-0 win vs QPR, whilst West Brom lost 3-2 at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunderland fans react to Dan Neil performance v Watford
Whilst Sunderland and the vast majority of their individual first-team players are enjoying strong seasons, Neil isn’t.
Neil was made Sunderland captain going into this season. But so far, the Black Cats academy graduate has been poor.
During the Watford game, Neil recorded just 50 touches (seventh most of any Sunderland player), with 32 passes and a pass completion rate of just 78%.
Fans on social media criticised the 22-year-old against Watford, with comments ranging from “very poor game”, “missing in most games”, and “really not been impressed by Dan Neil so far this season.”
One Sunderland fan even posted during the Watford game: “When do we start questioning Dan Neil?”
Another added: “Dan Neil needs to do some strength training, every week he loses 50/50s, poor start to the season for him.”
Regis Le Bris may have tough Sunderland call to make on Dan Neil
Neil certainly hasn’t lived up to his personal expectations this season, having set the bar very high following two impressive seasons in the Championship.
He’s not settled into this style of play so far. He’s not picking out the passes he would normally and like one comment suggested, he’s not showing that he can hack the physicality of the Championship.
For Le Bris, Alan Browne might be a better selection in the middle alongside Chris Rigg.
Browne is more of a physical presence in the side and that’s something that Garry Bennett says Sunderland are lacking right now.
The Irishman hasn’t put a foot wrong yet, though Browne has been missing recently due to a knee injury.
When Browne is fit and ready for selection again, Le Bris may well choose to drop Neil and give Browne a chance to state his case for a regular starting spot.