View: Le Bris must axe Patrick Roberts, Sunderland promotion depends on it
Patrick Roberts has been severely underperforming for Sunderland this season and his place in the starting XI must come under serious consideration.
Another draw on Tuesday (26 November) continued the Black Cats’ winless run, registering just two shots on target from 18 attempts according to FotMob.
Their attacking woes in the absence of Romaine Mundle have been worrying and the lack of final third ability from Roberts has contributed far too much.
Sunderland aren’t blessed in depth in the wide areas but Regis Le Bris must find a way to adapt his team without Roberts.
Patrick Roberts form is a worry for Sunderland
Roberts has just one goal to his name this season and that came from the penalty spot. Quite remarkably, in this campaign, he has registered an xG (expected goals) of 2.41 just showcasing his lack of composure in the final third.
His poor goal record isn’t just a case of poor form either, with the forward having scored just eight times in 113 Sunderland appearances. When you consider the fact he is a regular starter, it’s a very worrying statistic.
In fact, his last goal from open play came in March of 2023, 18 months ago.
For all of the good work and attributes that he brings to the Black Cats’ side, his inability to produce when it matters is deeply concerning and Sunderland need to address it.
January will provide an excellent opportunity to do so and it is a position that needs to be made a priority at the Stadium of Light.
Failure to strengthen there could end up being their downfall in their push for a Premier League return.
In other Sunderland news, Chris Rigg has been on the receiving end of a “betrayal” claim made by Carlton Palmer.
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