Sunderland striker Nazariy Rusyn’s performance against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon highlighted a key problem for manager Tony Mowbray.
The Black Cats suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Argyle at the weekend, with Morgan Whittaker and Finn Azaz scoring in the first half to claim all three points.
The result leaves Tony Mowbray’s side sitting in ninth position, two points off the play-off places.
Rusyn was given a 6.7 out of ten on SofaScore, but his lack of involvement in the game highlights the needs for a goal scoring striker in January.
He only made three passes, which was the fewest of any player that either started or was substituted on. With that he only made 12 touches, which is especially poor as Black Cats’ goalkeeper Anthony Patterson made 33.
The former Ukraine under-21 international also only had two shots, with neither of those being on target.
He was then substituted off at half-time for Eliezer Mayenda, who’s performance in the second half was praised, being called ‘a livewire’.
Journalist criticises Rusyn
Journalist Pete Smith of the Sunderland Echo gave Rusyn a five out of ten in his player ratings after his performance, saying:
“Had two very good chances early on but couldn’t take them and faded from the game thereafter, replaced by Mowbray at the break. Sunderland got into good crossing positions but he couldn’t get into positions to convert.”
What Rusyn’s performance did is highlight a key problem for Mowbray – a striker is needed.
The Ukrainian joined the club from Zorya Luhansk in his homeland, officially for an undisclosed fee.
However reports have suggested that the fee was around £2.5m, which is a substantial amount of money for a player who has a proven goal scoring record, albeit in worse leagues on paper.
He is arguably Sunderland’s best striker right now, with none of them scoring a goal so far this season. But Rusyn’s recent performances, despite a poor showing against Plymouth, should mean he will still be first in line up front, ahead of Mason Burstow and Luis Hemir Semedo.
After a bad day at the office for all involved against Plymouth, a first goal for the club could finally be on the cards when they host Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night.