Alious
TalkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham has delivered a scathing assessment of Sunderland after their 3–0 loss to Manchester City, insisting the club must take a “long, hard look” at themselves following what he described as a terrible performance. Durham argued that it wasn’t the defeat itself that should concern Sunderland, but how they played at the Etihad.
Régis Le Bris’ side were second-best from the opening whistle, allowing City to take firm control with two rapid goals in the first half before Phil Foden wrapped things up late on. The frustration deepened when Luke O’Nien was shown a red card shortly after coming off the bench — a moment Durham called “stupid” and “unnecessary.” His dismissal means he will miss Sunday’s enormous Wear–Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light.
Despite the backlash from pundits, Sunderland still find themselves in an impressive position. They remain 8th in the Premier League, only three points shy of the top four after a strong first half of the season.
Speaking on talkSPORT (6 December, 17:21), Durham pulled no punches:
“Sunderland were poor. O’Nien’s foul was horrible and unnecessary, and now he’s out for the derby with Newcastle. They were really bad. There’s no shame in losing to Manchester City, but there is some shame in the manner of the defeat.”
With attention shifting quickly to the upcoming derby, Sunderland are looking for a strong response in front of their home fans.
Injury Update from Régis Le Bris:
Le Bris confirmed that midfielder Habib Diarra is very unlikely to feature in the derby, admitting the match will come “too soon” for the 21-year-old as he continues his comeback from groin surgery. Although Diarra has made encouraging progress, the timeline works against him.
There was better news elsewhere:
Reinildo is expected to be fit after missing the Man City match with a groin issue.
Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki are both available after avoiding bookings at the Etihad. Le Bris substituted them late on to protect them for the high-stakes clash with Newcastle.
Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra came on instead, while Dan Neil was left out to maintain attacking momentum with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield.
Le Bris explained: “We wanted to stay in the game and try to cause something with more attacking options. It didn’t work, but we tried.”
The stage is now set for a derby that arrives at a pivotal moment in Sunderland’s season — and one they can’t afford to approach with another “really bad” display.
Alious
