Marco Gabbiadini has given a depressing verdict on Sunderland, as they prepare to face Newcastle United.
The derby fast approaching with a 12 noon kick-off at St James’ Park on Sunday.
The former Sunderland striker now works in the media covering his old club.
Last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Brighton saw the Mackems extend a really poor run of performances.
Marco Gabbiadini telling BBC Radio Newcastle: “We are really lacking the final ball at the moment…our attacking options are so limited.”
In their last eight matches Sunderland have only scored four goals, even worse when you take into account these last eight games have included Port Vale and Oxford amongst their opponents.
Marco Gabbiadini stating: “It is hard for the manager…you look at the bench, you look for inspiration from the people sat behind you. We have got four young lads on there who have not played a Premier League minute. We have got massive injury issues, a small squad, so many key players missing that it had an effect.”
Sunderland got a very lucky 1-0 win against Leeds but in the other five of their last six Premier League matches it has been only one point from a possible 15 and only two goals scored in those five PL games.
Marco Gabbiadini adding: “In isolation, you would say the Brighton defeat wasn’t too bad, there’s stuff to build on, positive performance. But when it’s your third defeat at home on the bounce, you are going to look at it in a different light.”
(Photo above, Seagulls flying (at a safe distance…) above the Stadium of Light during that Brighton match)
The truth is that this isn’t only a recent thing, the last twenty matches in all competitions, only twice have Sunderland scored two or more goals. Only Wolves and Forest have scored less Premier League goals and in all games in all competitions, Sunderland have scored 33 goals in 34 matches, whilst having been knocked out of the cups by League One clubs (rock bottom of the third tier) Port Vale and Huddersfield.
Here’s hoping Marco Gabbiadini and the rest of the Sunderland fans are even more depressed after Sunday’s game at St James’ Park.