Key Sunderland issue has become obvious after Watford, and Kristjaan Speakman must accept the blame.

Kristjaan Speakman must assume responsibility after a major issue emerged following Sunderland’s defeat.

Sunderland’s second defeat of the season came against Watford.

Regis Le Bris’ side has suffered two consecutive away defeats, including a 2-1 setback to Watford. Key players have not lived up to expectations.

Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham has put in numerous amazing performances so far in the 2024/25 Championship season, but was woefully off the pace in the defeat against Watford, as did fellow midfielder Chris Rigg.

Sunderland fans are used to captain Dan Neil being in the shadow of his midfield counterparts in terms of quality. However, Bellingham and Rigg’s poor performance on the road was out of character.

After a terrible judgment to give away a reckless foul in the area, which resulted in a penalty converted by Watford, Le Bris may take action against the midfielder. However, one major concern is preventing this from occurring.

Sunderland suffers greatly from a lack of midfield depth.

While Sunderland did not need to recruit much this summer, several areas were in desperate need of bolstering.

The signing of Alan Browne has improved the center-of-the-park options. However, due to his and Salis Abdul Samed’s current fitness issues, Le bris lacks obvious alternative midfielders. Kris should have brought in more recruits.

In most instances, Neil’s current form would prompt the French manager to take dramatic measures and give him time on the bench to recover, but the lack of depth simply does not allow him to do so.

Sunderland’s ranks will need to back Dan Neil to end their bad run.

While Neil has been far from a liability in this side, with him still playing an important part while adjusting to the role of team captain, he has reached a point in his season where he will undoubtedly benefit from help.

There is little question that giving away a penalty while the Watford forward posed no serious danger to goal was a foolish mistake on his part, and Neil simply put that moment behind him.

He has rightfully been praised for coming out after the game and apologizing for his choice rather than running away from it, but what counts is whether it will influence him on the field, and Le Bris and his staff must do everything possible to ensure that he does not put that past himself.

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