Sunderland responded emphatically after a lackluster goalless draw against Swansea City by securing an impressive 3-1 victory at home against Birmingham City in the last match. Jobe Bellingham grabbed the spotlight by scoring against his former childhood club, contributing to the Black Cats’ three-point gain.
Following this triumph, Tony Mowbray’s team now occupies the final playoff position in the current Championship standings. They cling to sixth place based on goal difference, with West Brom and Hull City closely pursuing them.
Despite their success in the second tier, Sunderland has managed without a clinical striker, with center-back Daniel Ballard even outscoring the primary strikers. The trio of attackers—Nazariy Rusyn, Mason Burstow, and Luis Semedo—has struggled to find the net, registering zero goals among them while squandering chances.
In response to this, Mowbray may introduce U21 striker Harry Gardiner into the first-team lineup. The 20-year-old has been knocking on the door for a senior opportunity, showcasing consistent goal-scoring performances for the Black Cats at the youth level.
Gardiner’s impressive season statistics include five goals from eight games, with a notable three-game scoring streak. Recognized for his outstanding contributions at the U21 level, Gardiner was even nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month for September. The loan experience at non-league South Shields has further developed the young attacker, making him a compelling option for Mowbray.
Harry Gardiner does it again 🫡
🍿 Full match highlights from Friday’s comeback: https://t.co/yEgJM8q2ab#SAFC | #PL2 pic.twitter.com/ntZAhFXkIE
— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) November 5, 2023
The collective effort of the team has been crucial for Sunderland this season, with goals distributed across the squad rather than relying on a prolific forward. However, concerns may arise if the current strikers—Rusyn, Burstow, and Semedo—continue to underperform. The overall performances of the first-team strikers, including Burstow’s struggles in aerial duels, raise doubts.
As Mowbray evaluates his options, there is growing speculation about Gardiner’s potential inclusion in the first-team setup. The manager might be inclined to test the 20-year-old in Championship matches, particularly if the existing strikers fail to deliver consistent results.