A number of Sunderland players have been below their best lately, but Patrick Roberts is one man who has come in for a fair amount of criticism recently.
Sunderland have now lost successive games for the first time this season, after defeats to Leeds United and Hull City.
Those results have raised concerns over Regis Le Bris’ tactics, and the performances of the players, too, while also all-but destroying Sunderland’s hopes of automatic promotion.
With the Sunderland squad under the microscope, it’s not surprising that serious questions are being asked of those who are not in the best form.
Patrick Roberts can’t deal with Regis Le Bris’ tactics
Focusing on Patrick Roberts in particular, Darren Williams suggested fatigue is setting in for the winger and some of his teammates, and that it has visibly affected his game.
Williams said (via Total Sport): “There have been a few tired bodies on the pitch in the previous two or three games. I’m hopeful that we can turn it around because you can’t continue with tired legs on the pitch.
“I watched the game against Luton and Chris Rigg looked really tired. He’s a great player but you’re asking a lot of a young man to step on the pitch and compete week in and week out. Even Roberts at times. I can’t work out whether he’s tired or it’s just the way he goes about his game.”
Nick Barnes added to the debate, defending Roberts for his hard work, but suggesting he is perhaps not suited to the style of football Le Bris is asking him to play.
Barnes said: “On Saturday against Hull, Roberts was the one who was on the ball more than anyone up and down the right wing. Regis Le Bris has conceded he can’t play three-game weeks so you’re already dealing with a player who is only going to play two games in a week.
“And suddenly he’s being expected to get the ball and, don’t get me wrong he works very hard, you can see that he’s tiring in games because of the work he’s now inheriting.”
Patrick Roberts has been sub-par for weeks
The truth is, Roberts has not been at his best for a while now. Sunderland fans have questioned his inclusion in the team for weeks, but really, Le Bris has no one else who can play on the right wing.
With Eliezer Mayenda proving his worth as a striker, and Adil Aouchiche heading out on loan, resting Roberts would mean playing someone out of position; be it Rigg, or moving the likes of Romaine Mundle or Tommy Watson onto the right.
| Statistics | Patrick Roberts (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 5 |
| xG | 5.1 |
| Crosses into penalty area/90 | 0.25 |
But, Roberts is simply not contributing enough at all, and something has got to give. Unfortunately, we may have to wait until the summer to see Sunderland upgrade on Roberts, so hopefully he can find his form again before the season is out.