adminJamie Carragher has questioned Sunderland’s approach following their return to the Premier League, while predicting that Régis Le Bris’ team could be involved in the relegation battle this season.
The former Liverpool defender has backed Sunderland to go down, with their participation in the Europa League also raising concerns about how they will cope with the demands of domestic and European football.
Sunderland enjoyed an impressive first campaign back in the top flight last season, finishing high enough to secure European football under Le Bris. However, Carragher believes the additional Thursday-to-Sunday schedule could make life considerably more difficult this time around.
The Sky Sports pundit compared Sunderland’s situation with Sheffield United during Chris Wilder’s first Premier League campaign, pointing out that both teams managed to win several closely fought matches despite underlying statistics suggesting they were not far from the relegation zone.
Carragher believes those fine margins can quickly change, particularly when a team is competing in more fixtures and dealing with increased fatigue.
He said Sunderland could discover that matches they narrowly won last season begin turning into defeats, making their European commitments a potential problem in their fight for survival.
Carragher also criticised Sunderland’s game management during their opening fixture against Ipswich Town. With the score tied at 1-1 and the match entering its final stages, he felt Sunderland should have been more cautious and accepted a valuable away point instead of continuing to take risks when playing out from the back.
The former England international described Sunderland’s decision-making as showing a degree of “arrogance”, arguing that there was little reason to expose themselves to danger so late in the game.
According to Carragher, Sunderland should have pushed higher up the pitch once their goalkeeper had possession rather than allowing defenders to drop deep and invite pressure.
He questioned why Sunderland defender Omar Alderete attempted to receive the ball in a dangerous area during the closing moments, particularly with the score level away from home.
Carragher argued that a newly promoted side should value every point, especially in its opening Premier League fixture, rather than taking unnecessary risks in search of a late winner.
He then highlighted the moment that allowed Ipswich to take advantage, praising midfielder Morten Hjulmand for reading the situation quickly and intercepting the pass into midfield.
Carragher noted that Sunderland’s players appeared uncertain about who was responsible for the ball, giving the Ipswich midfielder the opportunity to close them down and win possession.
He also praised Ipswich for remaining disciplined instead of committing too many players forward. The home side maintained their shape, waited for the right opportunity and then attacked quickly once possession was regained.
For Carragher, that contrast in decision-making could prove significant for Sunderland as they attempt to balance Premier League survival with the demands of European competition.
admin
