Sunderland's three-game week came to and end with another defeat on the road, this time at Birmingham City, leaving Michael Beale with plenty to ponder ahead of a return to the Stadium of Light.

Beale highlighted the significance of Sunderland's three-game week against Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield Town and Birmingham and how it could kick-start their play-off push. Instead, having taken just three points from a possible nine, Sunderland are now left four points adrift of the top six with several questions to answer.

Sunderland's defeat at St. Andrew's, against former head coach Tony Mowbray, was the latest in a number of struggles away from home this season - that despite the Black Cats taking the lead in the first half .

After forcing a turnover high in up the field, Jack Clarke was able to capitalise by scoring his 15th goal of the season, his 19th goal contribution in total, as Beale's side looked to put what was a disappointing defeat at Huddersfield behind them.

 

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Sunderland were good value for their lead at half-time, which included a strong first half showing from January signing Romaine Mundle on his first start for the club before things turned for Beale's side in the second half. 

Goals from Jordan James and Koji Miyoshi turned the game on its head as Sunderland walked away with an eighth away defeat of the season - a 14th in total. 

There was also a controversial incident involving Beale and full-back Trai Hume after the defender's attempt to shake hands with the head coach following his substitution went unnoticed. 

In the latest We Are Sunderland briefing, Matty Hewitt and Joe Ramage discuss all that and more which is available to view below and via our YouTube channel.

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