Lack of goals in last run of games 'embarrassing' for Black Cats

NOW, we must all hope that Sunderland are able to flick a switch and everything will be fine in the Championship play-offs.

- By CLIVE YOULTON

The defeat against QPR was extremely worrying against a team who had nothing to play for other than professional pride.

Fair enough, Oxford United were desperate for points when they beat the Black Cats in the previous outing but there's no excuses for not being able to beat Rangers. Especially as the Sunderland players were supposedly in “play-off mode”. One goal scored in their last six matches - five defeats and a draw - is frankly quite embarrassing going into the game against Coventry City.

Four goals scored in their last 10. Strikers not scoring - for example Wilson Isidor has gone 13 matches without finding the net. And still a defence that's conceding poor goals.