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Sunderland’s Biggest Play-Off Hurdle? Goal Drought and Full-Back Woes Raise Alarm Ahead of Promotion Push
Sunderland’s attacking frailties have come under the spotlight as the Championship play-offs draw near, with just two league games remaining to build momentum. Their most recent outing, a 1-0 home loss to Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday, marked the latest in a series of low-scoring performances that have left fans and pundits concerned.
Since the March international break, the Black Cats have found the net just three times in six matches—a dry spell that has sparked debate over their readiness for the promotion crunch.
In a post-match analysis on *On The Whistle*, *The Echo*’s chief Sunderland writer Phil Smith shared a cautiously optimistic outlook, while highlighting key tactical and personnel issues currently stalling the team’s attacking rhythm.
“I think things will naturally improve once the regular starters return for the play-offs,” Smith said. “There’s a precedent—Southampton last year rotated near the end, then reassembled their first-choice lineup for the final games and found their form. Sunderland could follow a similar path.”
However, Smith flagged the forward line and full-back roles as Sunderland’s two biggest vulnerabilities. The absence of Romaine Mundle, who was a consistent threat before injury, has left a noticeable void in the final third.
Beyond that, the lack of natural full-backs has also hurt Sunderland’s attacking width and fluidity. Alan Browne and Joe Anderson have filled in admirably out of position, but Smith noted they lack the natural instincts to stretch defenses and deliver quality balls from wide areas—something the team sorely needs when facing deep defensive lines.
“With Browne and Anderson—both playing out of position—you lose that drive and overlap that opens up teams who sit deep,” Smith explained. “When you’re facing a low block, your full-backs become your main source of width and creativity. Without specialist players in those roles, it becomes a real issue.”
Smith highlighted the importance of getting both Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin back for the play-offs, describing the latter as “vital” due to his ability to attack the byline and contribute offensively—qualities Sunderland’s stand-in defenders can’t consistently offer.
He also touched on struggling striker Eliezer Mayenda Isidor, noting a lack of confidence in the young forward’s recent performances. “That’s something we need to see change quickly. Sunderland haven’t looked convincing up front for some time, and it’s a problem that can’t be ignored heading into the post-season.”
Despite the concerns, Smith is optimistic that a return to a more familiar and fit starting XI will bring back much-needed cohesion and sharpness. With two games remaining before the play-offs begin, there is still time for Le Bris and his squad to rediscover their spark.
Whether that happens or not, one thing is clear: If Sunderland are to mount a serious challenge for Premier League promotion, solving their offensive issues and getting key players fit again must be their top priority.
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