For Patrick Roberts, it only gets tougher. His wait for a goal came so close to ending in the win over Luton Town on Wednesday, as fans become ever divided over his abilities.
Sunderland got back to winning was on Wednesday night. The Black Cats beat Luton Town 2-0 on home soil, leaving themselves on a positive note ahead of the trip to Leeds United on Monday.
Regis Le Bris will be relying on his experienced players to keep the team in check ahead of the crunch match at Elland Road, which could see this young Sunderland side either faulter or prevail.
The likes of Patrick Roberts may be called upon to deploy their experience and expertise. But so far this season, Roberts has been in the firing line. Against Luton, Sunderland fans criticised Roberts for his first half display, but praised him for his second half performance.
Roberts has scored just twice in the Championship all season with his last coming coming in the 1-1 draw against Bristol City at the Stadium of Light way back in December.
Patrick Roberts knows he’s not at his best for Sunderland right now
The 28-year-old has been a figure of debate throughout the season, as he was last time round where he struggled throughout. Speaking in December, Roberts admitted that he’d been in poor form too.
He explained: “Ever since I’ve come here, I’ve been trying to do my best for Sunderland and every time I’m proud to wear that shirt… I know I could probably do a lot more. I know myself. I’m very hard on myself.
“The first thing for me is Sunderland winning games, and I’ll take that any day over a goal and assist, but I know you need those things to win games, so I understand that point as well and I’m hoping I can add more to my game.”
So far this season, Roberts has two goals in 31 Championship appearances for the Black Cats, with five assists to his name as well. He came close to scoring against Luton and he put a number of crosses into the box, though none of his five attempted crosses were met by a Sunderland player.
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A matter of time before Patrick Roberts fulfils his Sunderland promise?
Scoring and creating goals is of course easier said than done, as Roberts has found out. But Le Bris clearly sees something in the former Manchester City man, else he wouldn’t keep on selecting him.
Then against Luton in the second half, we saw more of the Roberts we all know and love as he cut inside and unleashed a shot on goal – that’s the Roberts we need to see more of.
A goal might be the catalyst he needs to get back to his best. Right now he may be lacking a bit of confidence which would be understandable given the criticism he’s received, though at times it’s certainly been warranted.
A good performance against Leeds could silence some of his doubters, and a goal in the coming games or even at Elland Road on Monday night could see him flourish in time for the run in.