Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Wed 9 April 2025 19:00, UK

Patrick Roberts was dropped for Sunderland’s encounter with Norwich, where they struggled to pose a threat. 

Sunderland sealed their spot in the playoffs with a 0-0 draw away to Norwich, though their performance left a lot to be desired. 

The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last three encounters, they have scored just two goals in that period, and both have came from Trai Hume.

Milan Aleksic was handed only his second start of the season at Carrow Road, and his display assured exactly why Roberts deserves to start when fit.

Roberts offers plenty to Sunderland’s attack 

Roberts will be the first person to admit that his lack of goal scoring ability is a concern, having scored just two goals from open play over the past two seasons.

However, with two goals and seven assists this season, he is one of the players with the most goal contributions for Sunderland, while offering plenty in other areas of the pitch.

Quite frankly, Sunderland struggled to get out of their own half against Norwich, and Robert is very good at doing that with his close control and agility when on the ball.

With five games left in this season, Le Bris may be afforded some time to rest Roberts, though he will simply need to start in the playoffs if Sunderland are to have any chance of returning to the Premier League.

Sunderland are in a sticky situation 

Sunderland have nothing left to play for with five games left in the season, and it has left Le Bris with a dilemma to contend with.

Rotation could be key in order to get his best players at maximum capacity for the playoffs, while utilising his best players could be key to gaining momentum to take into the playoffs.

Both arguments hold value in their own way, though the task Le Bris faces is to find a steady balance between the 2 to ensure that Sunderland can maintain the current momentum, while also managing minutes carefully for those who will have a key role to play in their push for promotion.