Marco Gabbiadini
Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini has highlighted the need for his former club to enhance their set-piece strategies as they aim to secure a European spot in the Premier League. Despite a commendable season under Regis Le Bris, Sunderland’s effectiveness from set-pieces has diminished, impacting their push for a top-seven finish. Currently sitting 12th in the table, the Black Cats are just four points away from the coveted European places ahead of their crucial clash with Manchester United.
Marco Gabbiadini said: “Sunderland’s corners have never been among the best and they have always struggled to put a good ball in. That’s an area that you could argue they need to do better in. I think Regis le Bris is right in that teams do evolve through a season and other teams do their homework. They have worked out what Sunderland were doing early doors from set-pieces and you have always got to stay ahead of the game. It’s like long-throws. Less teams are doing them now because teams have worked out how to defend them. You’ve got to find that extra one per cent all the time.”
Sunderland’s initial success in capitalizing on set-pieces was a significant factor in their strong start to the season. However, as the campaign progressed, opposing teams adapted, reducing Sunderland’s effectiveness from corner-kicks, throw-ins, and free-kicks. Gabbiadini, a former striker known for his goal-scoring prowess, emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the competition by continuously evolving set-piece tactics.
The Black Cats’ current standing in the Premier League table reflects their overall positive performance, yet the decline in set-piece productivity serves as a critical area for improvement. As they prepare for a decisive match against Manchester United, Sunderland will need to rediscover their early-season form in set-pieces to maintain their European ambitions.
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