‘Jogging about’… BBC pundit blasts Sunderland man after Norwich City defeat

In today’s Championship match, Sunderland suffered a 1-0 loss on the road against Norwich City, despite Luis Hemir earning his first league start since the season’s first day.

 

Today, Sunderland traveled to Norwich City.

The Black Cats entered this match fresh off of Sunderland’s third straight league loss, a depressing 2-1 loss at home to Swansea City.

 

After Michael Beale left as temporary manager last month, it was Mike Dodds’ first game back in that role. As of this morning, the difference between the teams in the top six was eight points.

 

And Sunderland put on another timid first-half performance.

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.

Gary Bennett said Luis Hemir looked ‘lost’ vs Norwich City

Hemir started for Sunderland for the first time since the season’s first game.

 

He led the line in the first half, but not very successfully. Former Sunderland favorite and BBC pundit Bennett offered his assessment of the 20-year-old on BBC Sport Tyne & Wear, saying:

“In the middle of the park, he seems lost.”

 

Bennett spoke to Hemir:

 

“Look, just keep your eyes on the last center-back’s shoulder. Can he run down the channel when we win it?” Would he be a conduit? He’s merely jogging around right now. He is not acting in any way.

 

Hemir was then substituted out in the middle of the first half, and Norwich won at home thanks to a goal from Josh Sargent in the 81st minute.

Big shoes for Hemir to fill at Sunderland

It’s certainly been a tough inaugural season in English football for Hemir.

Despite the fact that he has only scored once in the league and has been in the Championship 17 times, Dodds and many others still think highly of him.

 

Hemir might be Sunderland’s long-term substitute for Ross Stewart, as the Black Cats have been without a reliable number nine for the past nearly two seasons.

 

However, Bennett’s criticism has exposed Hemir’s apparent fitness concerns, therefore it is imperative that he steps up sooner rather than later.

 

Dodds has stated numerous times that although Hemir is a terrific finisher and other things, he is not fit.

 

Even though Sunderland wasn’t at the races today, it seemed to show, particularly in the first half.