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Jogging about’… BBC pundit blasts Sunderland man after Norwich City defeatSunderland lost 1-0 away at Norwich City in the Championship today, with Luis Hemir making his first league start since the opening day of the season.
The Black Cats went into this game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea City last time out; a third-straight league defeat for Sunderland.
It was Mike Dodds‘ first game back as interim boss, following the exit of Michael Beale last month, with the gap to the top six standing at eight points at the start of today.
And it was another cagey first half display from Sunderland.
Neither team really impressed, but Sunderland in a new-look 4-3-3 didn’t really cause Norwich any serious trouble, and Hemir received criticism from BBC pundit Gary Bennett.
Hemir made his first start for Sunderland since the opening day of the season.
He lead the line in the first half, but not to great effect, and BBC pundit and former Sunderland favourite Bennett gave his verdict on the 20-year-old, saying on BBC Sport Tyne & Wear:
“He looks lost in the middle of the park.”
Bennett told Hemir:
“Look, just stay on the last centre-back’s shoulder, when we win it, can he make runs down the channel? Can he be an outlet? At the present moment he’s just jogging about. He’s not doing anything.”
Hemir was then hauled off midway through the second half, with a Josh Sargent goal in the 81st minute sealing the home win for Norwich.
It’s certainly been a tough inaugural season in English football for Hemir.
He’s now featured 17 times in the Championship and he’s yet to score in the league, yet many still hold him in high regards, including Dodds.
Hemir may well be the long-term replacement for Ross Stewart at Sunderland, with the Black Cats having lacked an out and out no.9 for the last almost two seasons now.
But Hemir certainly needs to step up sooner rather than later, with Bennett’s criticism certainly shining a light on what is likely fitness issues for Hemir.
Dodds has said on multiple occasions now that Hemir is a great finisher and what not, but he lacks fitness.
It appeared to show today, especially in the first half, although Sunderland weren’t at the races today.