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“He’s so UNBELIEVABLE and absolute “STINKER” this is the best i’ve ever seen him play throughout his career”- Sunderland Michael Graham believes a Sunderland player had an “absolute stinker” against Plymouth – and it wasn’t Anthony Patterson.
Sunderland squandered a valuable opportunity to gain ground in the promotion race, settling for a 2-2 draw with bottom-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.
Despite coming from behind to take a 2-1 lead, Sunderland were unable to hold on and conceded a scrappy equalizer, leaving them with just one point at the Stadium of Light.
Trai Hume was arguably Sunderland’s standout player, providing the assist for Wilson Isidor’s first goal before scoring the second himself.
However, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson faced criticism from fans for failing to come out and collect the ball when Plymouth scored their injury-time equalizer.
But Patterson wasn’t the only player to receive harsh words. Journalist Michael Graham didn’t hold back in his criticism of centre-back Chris Mepham, describing his performance as an “absolute stinker.”
Mepham, who has been a regular in the starting lineup this season and has largely impressed since his summer loan move from Bournemouth, struggled in this match.
For Plymouth’s opening goal, he was caught out of position, and the ball ricocheted off him before Patterson inadvertently scored an own goal.
Mepham failed to command the defense as he usually does, with Graham taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment.
Just days before the Plymouth match, pundit Don Goodman had praised Mepham, describing this season as the best he’s ever seen the 27-year-old play, calling him a “rock” at the back. However, as with all players, Mepham had an off day against Plymouth, and now it’s about bouncing back.
Despite the setback, head coach Régis Le Bris is unlikely to dwell too long on this draw. Although Sunderland missed a chance to close the gap, there is still plenty of the season left.
They remain just four points behind league leaders Leeds United, who face Burnley on Monday, and a draw in that match would benefit Sunderland’s position.
Next up for the Black Cats is a key matchup against Middlesbrough on Monday, February 3rd, as they look to bounce back from this disappointing result.
