Lynden Gooch struggled once again as Jack Ross’s Sunderland edged past Rochdale to seal successive League One wins.
2019 isn’t getting any easier for Lynden Gooch.
Since the turn of the year, the Sunderland winger has produced a grand total of two goals and no assists in 20 League One games. One of those strikes, for what it’s worth, came from the penalty spot.
Yes, it is fair to say Gooch’s form is starting to become a real problem.
Sunderland fans won’t need reminding that a lack of creativity continues to hold the Black Cats back in the third tier of English football and the United States international rather symbolises the perspiration-over-inspiration approach which has characterised the Ross regime.
And Gooch was poor once again as Sunderland secured a smash-and-grab victory away at Rochdale on Tuesday night.
Ross’s side struggled at Spotland, outplayed by their Lancashire opponents, and it is no coincidence that they improved once the 23-year-old was taken out of the firing line just after the hour. Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke secured a 2-1 win that was scarcely deserved.
So where does Ross go from here? Yes, Gooch provides a commendable work ethic on the flanks but his place in the starting XI is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.
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