Joe Gelhardt and Sunderland suffered a 5-1 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon at the Stadium of Light and the Sunderland Echo have criticised the on-loan Leeds United striker – handing him 4/10 as his poor run of form continues.
Gelhardt, 20, joined Sunderland after Leeds decided the England U21 star needed more game time. It came after Leeds splashed a club-record fee to bring in Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim, pushing Gelhardt down the pecking order.
A move to Sunderland was seen as a good deal all round. Gelhardt would be joining a side where he would start most games – with Ross Stewart injured. The chance to play regularly for a massive club – alongside the likes of Jack Clarke.
But it has not gone to plan as of yet. Seven appearances, and just one goal for Tony Mowbray’s side. The Leeds man was hooked at half-time on Saturday as Sunderland’s home fans were forced to endure a dismal display against Stoke.
Stoke ran out 5-1 winners, with experienced ex-Newcastle man Dwight Gayle netting twice. The Sunderland Echo gave their take on Gelhardt’s display, handing him a 4/10 rating – stating it was no surprise to see him hooked at the break.
“Started brightly. Got into one excellent position in the box, denied by a good block in the Stoke defence. Struggled to hold the ball up thereafter as Sunderland laboured – and was no great surprise when he was withdrawn at the break.”
On-loan Leeds striker Gelhardt criticised as Sunderland suffer 5-1 defeat
Gelhardt has proven he can do it in the Premier League. Some moments of genius – his goal against Norwich after a superb flick on to Raphinha, his assist at Brighton, his penalty win against Wolves. But, his future at Leeds is in doubt.
Going into January, you would have suggested that he was a player that Leeds simply could not let go. But, with Rutter now on board, and Gelhardt struggling for momentum in the Championship – where does he go from this point?
