HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Michael Beale the head coach / manager of Sunderland during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Sunderland at John Smith's Stadium on February 14, 2024 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
2022 Sunderland signing has gotten worse since Mike Dodds replaced Michael Beale
Sunderland’s winless streak has extended to seven games, leaving them positioned at 12th in the Championship standings.
In their recent Championship match against QPR, Sunderland managed to break their six-game losing streak by securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw. Despite their efforts, they didn’t register any shots on target, relying heavily on goalkeeper Anthony Patterson to keep them competitive.
Following the game, interim manager Mike Dodds lauded Patterson’s outstanding performance, which helped secure his first point since taking over from Michael Beale, who was dismissed by Sunderland last month amidst the team’s ongoing struggle to secure victories.
Beale’s tenure ended with two consecutive losses, which appeared to set a precedent for the subsequent defeats under Dodds’ interim leadership. Despite Dodds’ adjustments to the team’s tactics and lineup, including changes in formation, results have been inconsistent, notably highlighted by a subpar first-half performance in the defeat against Swansea City in February.
Compounding Sunderland’s challenges are injuries to key players, such as Jack Clarke, as well as others like Patrick Roberts and Nazariy Rusyn, whose absence could be prolonged, further complicating Dodds’ task of turning the team’s fortunes around.
