Sunderland's home form worsened at the weekend with their 10th defeat at the Stadium of Light after Duncan Watmore marked his return to Wearside with the only goal of the game in a 1-0 defeat to Millwall.
Interim head coach Mike Dodds labelled Sunderland's display as 'boring' and 'laboured' as supporters were subjected to another below par display in a season which can't end soon enough after an awful run of form in 2024.
It's now just two wins from 11 games in interim charge for Dodds with just seven goals scored as Sunderland's blunt attack, an issue which has plagued them throughout the season, continues to rear its head. Watmore converted with one of his first touches of the ball after coming on as a substitute in a game low on both chances and quality as Neil Harris' side secured their Championship status with a win.
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For Sunderland, it leaves them 13th in the Championship table, the highest they can finish now is 11th which would require back-to-back wins in their final two games over Watford and Sheffield Wednesday coupled with defeats for both Bristol City and Cardiff City - the likelihood now being that Sunderland will conclude the 2023-24 campaign in the bottom half of the league table.
To make matters worse, Sunderland confirmed midfielder Dan Neil has sustained an ankle injury which will rule him out of the final weeks of the season, although Dodds has suggested the 22-year-old should be fit to return in pre-season.
READ MORE:
- Analysis: How Sunderland's miserable 2024 continued against Millwall
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Mike Dodds on Dack, injuries and area of focus after Sunderland's defeat to Millwall
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Callum Styles and the conversation 'that’s got to happen' after Dan Neil injury
Matty Hewitt and Joe Ramage bring you the latest We Are Sunderland briefing where they reflect on another abject display at the Stadium of Light and that injury to Neil and how influential he has been this season. There is also discussion on Barnsley loanee Callum Styles and where he should play in the final two games of the season and the overriding concern at Sunderland's home form since their return to the Championship.
You can watch our latest briefing below or via our YouTube channel.
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