PAUSE FOR THOUGHT: FULHAM

Yesterday’s result was a complete disaster. In a game where most of us hoped would see us return to winning ways, we suffered a third league defeat in a row and, in what seems to be a theme when we lose, it was comfortable. With lots of chatter and fallout from the result I wanted to rattle through a couple of things from the game.

SET PIECES

Yet again Sunderland fell behind through a goal from a corner, Raul Jimenez left unmarked for a free header with Fulham crowding Robin Roefs to make it almost impossible for him to come and claim the ball. When this was such a strong point for us earlier on in the season, you do wonder why it is suddenly an issue with such basic mistakes like leaving their striker free.

It is not just an issue with defending set pieces though, as we have been utterly useless at attacking ones as well. I genuinely cannot believe how many times the first man was not beaten from corners yesterday. It has been an issue at Sunderland for far too long. Ballard’s header against Coventry was not just special because of the context of the game, but also because most probably could not believe we actually picked out a red and white shirt from it! This is something we need to be better at, especially considering we are playing in a Premier League season where set pieces and long throws are becoming an important factor as to how teams are getting goals.

STYLE OF PLAY

In all honesty this does not even feel like a Sunderland thing, but more a football thing, but the football being played currently is an absolute chore to watch. No creativity, no spark, just sideways passing and long throws into the box. The first half was one of the worst I have sat through in a Premier League fixture in my life. Both teams were absolutely terrible and was like watching your local pub team at times - it was that scrappy.

Unfortunately, our style of play is one of those that when you win you can ignore as it’s ultimately effective, but when you lose it’s just not good to watch at all. Our wingers do not create anything, our midfield just pass sideways or backwards, it is painful at times. If Xhaka is not on the pitch, you just cannot see us creating much at all. People have the nerve to moan about the strikers, when was the last time Brobbey had a shot? When was the last time Mayenda or Isidor actually got one of their runs noticed and played in behind? All season we have relied on the odd moment of quality and solid defending to win games, and I do worry our luck has run out with that one.

Le Bris has done a superb job but with Florent Ghisolfi now the main man and KLD so keen for constant progression, you do worry that if we suffer the same drop-off as last season, they may be tempted to look elsewhere. Let’s not forget if it was not for fan reaction, we would have had current Porto manager Francesco Farioli taking over from Tony Mowbray despite him earning a newly promoted side a play-off place. I saw a stat yesterday that RLB has only won 17 of 54 games from February onwards in his managerial career, which is a bit of a worry that it is such a consistent problem.

INJURIES

The phrase ‘dropping like flies’ has never been truer after potentially losing a staggering four players in yesterday’s defeat (five if you include Dennis Cirkin). Nordi Mukiele, Jocelin Ta Bi and Brian Brobbey all limped off, with Romaine Mundle also seemingly picking up an injury in the game.

It has been a problem with us for years now with constant injuries to the point where it is pointless asking why this keeps happening. The injuries could provide opportunities to the likes of Lutsharel Geertruida, Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda and even Chemsdine Talbi who seems to have fallen down the pecking order all of a sudden. It does however potentially leave us pretty stretched once again after only just getting a few players back fit.

RACIST ABUSE

It really did top of what was already a terrible day when the club released a statement regarding the alleged racist abuse of Romaine Mundle. It is just mental that this is still an issue in 2026 and the worst part is it is not even the only incident from yesterday, with Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare also being on the receiving end of it following his missed penalty against Crystal Palace.

It is so sad that people overstep the mark like this and just reflects so poorly on the fanbase. Hopefully those responsible never step foot in a football ground again.

CONCLUSION

Yesterday was bad, but we are still in the cup - do we put all our eggs in the basket of getting to Wembley? We will see, as it does seem like with safety all-but-secured and Europe looking well out of reach, mid table looks likely, which is still a very successful season for our first year back in the big time.