Michael Beale cautioned that Sunderland’s wide player, Patrick Roberts, might be sidelined for an additional month due to a recurrence of a hamstring strain. The unfortunate development occurred when Roberts, who had recently returned from a calf problem, had to be substituted in the 1-0 loss against Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night. Adding to the disappointment, Beale acknowledged responsibility for another free-kick goal conceded, stating, “that’s on me and the staff, we have to find the answers for that.” This setback came after the team had received positive support following two wins and a draw.
It wasn’t a nice night for the Black Cats in south Yorkshire in addition to the Roberts news. After watching his team get destroyed by the team sitting fourth in the Championship table, who gained a spot thanks to their uncommon victory, Beale was disheartened.
He remarked, “It was really disappointing.” “We lost a set-play on the road once more. It’s an area where we must make progress. It has undoubtedly cost the team a lot of money throughout my tenure here.It was largely a midfield tussle in the first half. I felt like they [Huddersfield] were going after us, and sometimes we have to take a stand for ourselves.
“When we find ourselves in the final third, we need to improve our execution with the last pass or shot. In the second half, the game opened up, turning into a back-and-forth contest where we, as the away team, were chasing the match. Both teams had opportunities, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find the back of the net. I’m particularly disappointed because the away game was lost due to a set-play, and that responsibility falls on me and the staff. We must address this issue and find solutions because, especially in away games, teams tend to press, and in the absence of a moment of quality, it’s crucial to stay competitive, especially in those critical moments.”
Additionally, he remarked, “In the second half, we managed to get Paddy [Roberts] down to the byline, and he delivered a cross, but unfortunately, there were three or four players, yet none of them were in the goal-scoring area. We had a significant opportunity with Trai [Hume], a couple of chances from set-plays, and a notable moment where their goalkeeper made a fantastic save, with the help of their defender. We also had a couple of shots from the edge of the box by Jack [Clarke] and Jobe [Bellingham].”
But we’ve moved on from the previous weekend, when we shown incredible quality in the last third, to now, when we’re lacking it. You must guard the awful portions of the game if you are unable to locate it. You have to put your body on the line and go in for rebounds when the ball enters your box.
Anthony Patterson made the initial save that led to Huddersfield’s winning goal, with Matty Pearson following up to score for the hosts. Expressing his frustration, Beale stated, “Patto made the save there, so where are we?” He emphasized the need for greater proactivity in similar situations, pointing out that missed chances in both penalty areas contributed to their losses, particularly conceding goals from set-plays. Beale highlighted the repetition of this issue in previous matches at Middlesbrough and Ipswich, stressing the importance of improvement in that aspect.
Regarding Roberts, Beale added, “It’s the same injury he had earlier in the season. He was sidelined for four or five weeks, so we will have to assess it. It’s disappointing because he has only featured in two and a half games since I’ve been here. He is an important player for us, and his absence will provide an opportunity for someone else.”