Sunderland boss, Sam Allardyce has admitted that Jack Rodwell deserved a chance in the match against West Bromwich Albion in the English Premiership League. Rodwell played well in all three previous matches for the club prior to the West Brom game but was an unused substitute in the match.
The 25-year old midfielder was dropped for Lee Cattermole who returned as captain of the team despite being missing in action for some time. Allardyce said he faced a tough decision and agreed it would have been disappointing for the young player.
“It was a very tough decision. Jack’s had his best run of performances probably since he joined the club but, for me, Catts just provided that energy that drives on the rest of the team. It was the first time I’ve taken a player out of the side who didn’t deserved to be out the side,” Sam told reporters.
Sam Allardyce continued: “Normally it’s because the performances have dropped or the stats have dropped (that a player would lose his place in the side) but Jack’s performances and his stats have been improving regularly but I just thought Catts was the right man. On his performance on Saturday, I think everybody would say he picked the right team and the right tactics, but unfortunately we just didn’t get the right result.”
The game played Saturday at the Stadium of Light ended in a disappointing goal less draw, especially as the game was a home match. The game leaves Sunderland within the relegation zone, having played 31 matches and garnered just 27 points. Sunderland have a game in hand but still trail Norwich City, in 17th position, by four points. The team currently in 18th position would host in-form Leicester City on Sunday at the Stadium of Light.