What experts said on Sky Sports following Sunderland’s 1-0 loss to Hull City at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s chances of making the play-offs this season, according to Sky Sports commentators, are unlikely unless they buy another striker.
The Black Cats were defeated 1-0 by Hull at the Stadium of Light, with some home fans chanting ‘you’re getting dismissed in the morning’ at head coach Michael Beale following the final whistle.
When asked if he believes Sunderland can make the play-offs as things stand, Sky analyst Jobi McAnuff replied, “No.” I believed it was a big overachievement last year, a fantastic season, and I believe that elevated expectations throughout the football club, particularly in the hierarchy.
“They’ve been clamouring for a centre forward and more experience in the team for a long time. I believe that if they do not sign a centre-forward, they will struggle to reach the play-offs for the reasons we discussed.”
Sunderland are interested in signing Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore on loan, as the Black Cats try to improve their offensive options before the end of the January transfer season.
“You don’t want to bring in players just for the sake of it,” said Sky pundit Aaron McLean. “You want to be able to bring in someone who will have an impact, but they cost money. To find number nines who will score goals, whether they are number nines or simply strikers who can run the channels. They need someone to put the ball in the back of the net.
“We’ve witnessed many of games in which they played exceptionally well but were unable to convert their opportunities. They had 15 shots to Hull’s two, but how many chances did they actually create? I don’t recall them appearing like they were about to score. That is the first piece of a complex puzzle that Michael Beale must solve.
Sunderland had seven points from six games under Beale, with many fans still upset at the club’s decision to fire Tony Mowbray.
When asked about the changes since Beale took over, McAnuff said, “I see a team that is probably more pragmatic now.” I believe the one thing under Tony Mowbray, and possibly a criticism leveled at him, was that they were perhaps a little too open. They were definitely an enjoyable football squad to watch. I pictured them travelling to Burnley and going head-to-head. They don’t do that right now.
“I believe that if you are not getting results and the football is not performing at the levels we have seen in the past, some questions will be raised. Tony Mowbray knows the league and what it takes to get out of it. The hierarchy clearly disagreed with what he sought to bring in the door. Michael Beale has to be having those conversations because I’m sure he’ll have a decent notion of what helps that team go into the top six, which it appears everyone at Sunderland is striving for.”
