Sunderland have provided the Championship with excellent attacking, quick football so far this season, and their wingers have been a key asset to Regis Le Bris.
Early in the 2024–25 season, the Black Cats have surprised everyone by going undefeated and finishing in the top two of the standings after six games.
Many accolades have been bestowed upon individuals such as Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and, most unexpectedly, Eliezer Mayenda. But Patrick Roberts’s contributions off the right wing have been critical to Sunderland’s chances of winning promotion.
Since moving to the northeast on a permanent contract in January 2022, the 27-year-old has been nothing short of fantastic. He has emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous wingers. He came from Manchester City.
Le Bris must hope that Roberts stays fit
There will be worries about Roberts’ health if he performs, but it will only benefit the fans at the Stadium of Light.
The winger suffered from injuries in the second half of the 2023–24 season, making it difficult for him to get any momentum as Sunderland finished 16th in the standings.
However, Roberts’ season has started very differently this year. In just six games, he has already surpassed his previous record with a goal and two assists.
However, concerns regarding his fitness will exist, especially given his apparent inconsistency from the previous season. Due to a calf issue, he missed four games in the beginning of 2024. Three games after his comeback, he missed an additional six due to a thigh ailment.
He came back to the bench to face Cardiff City. He was had to wait until the Black Cats versus Blackburn Rovers game at the Stadium of Light to return to the field, though, as he was unable to enter the pitch.
Sunderland will be in a great position to continue their campaign for promotion if Le Bris can keep Roberts out of the treatment area. If not, the French manager might have to deal with a fresh problem in the upcoming months.
| Patrick Roberts Sunderland AFC Championship Stats (TransferMarkt) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2021/22 | League One | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | Championship | 42 | 5 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | Championship | 32 | – | 2 |
| 2024/25* | Championship | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| *Stats correct as of 24/09/2024 | ||||
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