As Sunderland failed to score against a lowly Huddersfield Town last night, two of their January targets both found the back of the net for Ipswich Town.
Sunderland lost 1-0 at Huddersfield Town in the Championship last night, ending a run of three games unbeaten for Michael Beale‘s side.
The Black Cats now sit in 10th but remain just a point outside the top six. Though after last night’s performance, it’s difficult to see Sunderland genuinely challenging for promotion this season.
And for a third time under Beale’s watch, Sunderland failed to get on the scoresheet.
Sunderland had scored seven goals in three games prior to last night, but when teams play like Huddersfield did; condensed, as expected from a team fighting for survival, the Black Cats seem to find it very difficult to break the opposition down.
Sunderland missed out on striker signings in January
Although Sunderland made some good signings in January, they once again failed to sign a new striker.
Though it seems like they tried to bring one in with Kieffer Moore heavily linked; the Bournemouth man was at one point touted as a top target for Sunderland, though he eventually joined Ipswich Town on loan.
The Tractor Boys also signed Ali Al-Hamadi from AFC Wimbledon after he too was linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.
And in Ipswich’s 4-0 win away at Millwall last night, both Moore and Al-Hamadi were on the scoresheet, lifting Kieran McKenna’s side up into 4th place of the table and a staggering 16 points ahead of Sunderland.
Black Cats ready to pay price in race for top six
After missing out on a striker, it now looks like Sunderland face an uphill battle in the race for top six.
Although they’re still only a point away, last night’s performance has shone a light on the Black Cats’ lack of bite on attack, especially when playing away from home.
On their day, and when Jack Clarke is in form, Sunderland are a threat to anyone. But they’re just not consistent enough.
Still, if they had a striker like Moore, they might have knicked a goal last night, and seeing him scoring for Ipswich (he has three goals in three league games) is a real sucker punch for Beale and Sunderland.
But behind the striker position, there’s some very talented players at Sunderland.
They bolstered quite well in January despite not signing a new no.9 and things are certainly looking up in the long run.
Summer will once again be crucial for Sunderland with another season in the Championship looking like the likeliest outcome.
And yet again, a new striker will be at the very top of Kristjaan Speakman and Beale’s wishlist.