“Sunderland’s Weaknesses Exposed Against Leeds United.
Are They Missing the Key Ingredient for a Title Run?
“There is a fragility about this group, and it’s not a criticism of anybody, it’s just the strength in depth of so many teams in this league, and how long the season is”- Marco Gabbiadini feels that Sunderland exhibits a certain ‘fragility’ this season.
Marco Gabbiadini has expressed concern about a certain ‘fragility’ in Sunderland this season.
Currently, Sunderland sits at the top of the Championship table as the October international break approaches. However, Sheffield United is level on points in second place, and they would be in first if not for a points deduction earlier in the campaign.
Despite this, Regis Le Bris is rightly receiving praise for his team’s strong start to the season. In their last match, Sunderland narrowly avoided defeat, drawing 2-2 against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light due to a last-minute error from Illan Meslier.
Since the September international break, Sunderland has played five matches, managing to secure only seven points from a possible 15. Just three points separate them from sixth-placed Watford, and with 37 games remaining, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland can maintain their form.
**Gabbiadini Highlights Sunderland’s ‘Fragility’ After Leeds United Match**
There are already concerns this season that Sunderland may struggle as Christmas approaches and could fall out of contention for a top-two finish by May. Many believe that the youthful nature of their squad might hinder their promotion efforts.
On Total Sport, Gabbiadini pointed out what he perceives as a ‘fragility’ within the team, contrasting Sunderland’s depth with that of Leeds United. He noted, “Leeds have a wealth of depth; last season, Wilfried Gnonto didn’t start many games due to the talent in front of him, but when that talent is absent, players like him can step up.”
He added, “Leeds can also invest further if they need to strengthen mid-season, which adds to their advantage.”
Gabbiadini concluded, “This group has a fragility, but that’s not a criticism; it reflects the overall strength in depth of many teams in this league and the length of the season.”
**Sunderland’s Season Could Depend on the January Transfer Window**
For teams vying for promotion, the January transfer window is crucial for shaping their season’s outcomes. Sunderland may face injuries by then, and Le Bris could identify areas needing reinforcement.
It will be essential for Sunderland’s ownership to demonstrate that they can invest alongside teams like Leeds and Burnley, providing their manager with a competitive squad. Additionally, retaining key players during the January window will be vital for the Black Cats.
