Fan Letters: “Sunderland Paid The Price After A Gritty Fightback”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa scores their 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on April 19, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) | Aston Villa FC via Getty Images Want to have your say on all things Sunderland? Drop us a line and we’ll publish your views!

RokerReport@yahoo. co. uk Dear Roker Report, I can only assume Dan Ballard was deemed unfit to play a whole match, otherwise it was a costly error not to have started him — we never looked remotely secure at the back at any stage of the game and ultimately paid the price after a gritty fightback.

Ollie Watkins was having a field day and proved far too elusive for Luke O’Nien, who despite his willing and boundless energy was unable to justify his inclusion and in my humble opinion hardly comes close to being regarded as a Premier League-standard central defender. It’s of little use keeping trying to defend the indefensible. We would’ve been far better off with Trai Hume at right back and Nordi Mukiele or Lutsharel Geertruida at centre half.

I can only hope that it’s a lesson learned and we can resume defensive soundness against Nottingham Forest. Incidentally, I’m not suggesting O’Nien takes the whole blame (Reinildo was also having a shocker). Arthur Gray Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Arthur.