Talking Points: Pathetic performance leaves sorry Sunderland languishing in eleventh

In a Talking Points article usually we analyse some major points of discussion that emerge from Sunderland’s latest match. However, after that absolutely woeful defeat away to Gillingham there’s very little to say.

It felt like the side had no plan as they tried to play some variety of 3-5-2 or 5-3-2, but truthfully it was difficult to understand what they were doing.

The lads tried to go wide and work crosses into the box for both Grigg and McNulty - neither of whom are particularly renowned for their aerial prowess. Other than that, sloppy, ineffective play plagued the side who looked like strangers at times. The confidence just isn’t there and the Lads aren’t inspired to perform.

Subsequently, another defeat leaves our season in tatters. Truthfully, if we carry on this way then there’s absolutely no chance of promotion. We currently sit in eleventh position, 14 points behind Wycombe at the top of the table, 5 points off Coventry in sixth, and 12 points off MK Dons in the first relegation position.

Something needs to change if we are to try and make a push for the play-offs because at present we look like we’ll be lucky to land in the middle of the pack.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images