Sunderland fans were not happy with their side’s display on Monday night, with journalist and Black Cats supporter Josh Bunting wholly frustrated by the side’s inability to control the second half.
The Lowdown: Disappointing return
Sunderland were looking for what would have been their third consecutive win after previously seeing off Birmingham and Millwall, having scored five goals along the way, conceding just one.
A 1-0 win against Saudi Pro League-leaders Al Shabab over the break would have also given Tony Mowbray’s side a confidence boost heading into this fixture, making the 2-1 loss to West Brom even harder to take.
The Latest: Journalist fumes at loss
Fans were left frustrated by Mowbray’s decision to bring on Patrick Roberts so late on in the game. As per The Sunderland Echo, the SAFC faithful lamented the boss’ hesitance to introduce more attacking impetus.
Journalist Bunting meanwhile was left more frustrated with what he saw from the Black Cats on the pitch, particularly the individual errors and inability to recognise the threat from West Brom’s right-hand side.
Though he did acknowledge his appreciation for the sides efforts in reaching the heights of 11th place in their first season back in the Championship, Bunting said: “It is hard to criticise anybody this season but that second half tonight was just pathetic. Too many errors, not identifying that left hand side, onto Hull on Saturday and looking for a reaction. Frustrated tonight.”
The Verdict: A game of two halves
Both Bunting and the fans are unfortunately right, as Mowbray got it wrong on the night.
The performance from Sunderland in the second half was a complete contrast to the first, with a creative spark like Roberts wasted on the bench and the decision to bring off Amad Diallo particularly baffling given he was the only real threat.
Sunderland had seven shots to West Brom’s three across the first half, and had four shots to the Baggies’ seven in the second half of proceedings. The boss’ in-game management will have to improve next time out with a trip to Hull City.