Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole believes that his team’s recent slump in form has been largely down to the injuries to several first-team players over the last few weeks.
To name just a few, Michael Turner, Titus Bramble and Cattermole himself have all had substantial spells on the sidelines and it was revealed today that No.1 goalkeeper Craig Gordon will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Those over at bigfreebet note how these injuries have coincided with the team slipping from sixth to 15th since the turn of the year, with their last victory back on January 22nd. They have also conceded 10 goals in their last three games and desperately need to stop the rot.
Reflecting on the loss of form, Cattermole said: “We've lost our way a little bit, down to injuries more than anything. There have been injuries everywhere, and it does disrupt teams.”
The Sunderland captain isn’t completely naive though and is aware that the poor run isn’t just down to bad luck with injuries. There has also been a lack of goals since the departure of Darren Bent to Aston Villa and Cattermole admits they miss their main scoring threat.
He continued: “Bent was a big player for the club, but if he wanted to leave you can't stand in the way. But he is a good player and I'm certain he would have done a good job in recent weeks.”
Arguably the most inconvenient thing about Bent leaving the club was that Danny Welbeck - who was in excellent form during the now Villa strikers last few games at the club – got injured straight after the deal went through.
Pundits over at big free bet will agree that this sums up 2011 for Sunderland so far. However, Cattermole believes they can finish strongly and ensure there are no relegation worries in the final few games.
Remaining defiant, the former Wigan man said: “I want to take the club forward, the gaffer gave me the armband, I taken on the responsibility and it's something I am enjoying.”
If nothing else, Cattermole will be hoping for an injury and suspension free run until the end of the current campaign as he looks to have a major impact on the Black Cats turning things around. |
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