Sunderland players slammed ‘not good enough’ by Phillips as Johnson fumes
Kevin Phillips has insisted Sunderland “need to cut out” individual defensive errors if they’re to realise promotion this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said “it is not good enough” for Lee Johnson’s side to concede seven goals in three games.
The Black Cats’ promotion hopes suffered another blow on Saturday after a 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley.
The away side will be disappointed not to have taken three points from the League One clash having been a goal and a man to the good after 83 minutes.
The result comes after a 3-1 loss to Lincoln City laden with individual errors on Tuesday night.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo (15 January), Johnson bemoaned the “individual errors” costing his side.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of individual performances this week: “It’s always difficult.
“I’m very reluctant to point out individuals because there is always two or three mistakes that lead to a goal. No matter what league or what team you are in, that’s the case.
“Someone has to take the criticism and Tom Flanagan’s performance was highlighted in midweek because of the nature of the result. I’m not going to criticise him. He’s been brilliant for the most part this season alongside [Callum] Doyle and Bailey [Wright].
“They are going through a tough time right now. It’s time to learn from it. The sign of a good player is when you rectify mistakes.
“Individual errors need to be cut out. To concede seven goals in your last three games isn’t good enough for a promotion-chasing side.”
In other news, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hull City are in a battle to sign a Burnley star.