Joe Gelhardt is still awaiting his first goal out on loan with Sunderland, but it does appear that the Leeds United youngster did have a decent night in the emphatic win at QPR on Tuesday.
Tony Mowbray’s men ended up winning 3-0 at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. It was former Whites winger Jack Clarke who sealed the victory with two goals during the second-half.
Gelhardt led the line again for the Black Cats. He has not had the easiest start to life on loan with the Championship promotion chasers following his arrival in the January transfer window.
Gelhardt starts again as Sunderland win 3-0
And he is still yet to open his account in front of goal. However, he has received some praise from the local press after his display against QPR.
The 20-year-old hit the crossbar and probably should have scored. But he has been given credit for how hard he worked in the game before coming off during the second-half.
The Sunderland Echo gave his display a 6/10 rating, but noted that he is ‘definitely starting to find his feet’. Meanwhile, the Chronicle went for a 7, and praised the forward for working hard.
The most encouraging view comes from Roker Report. They suggested that Gelhardt had his best game yet for Sunderland. And they described his work off the ball as ‘top-notch’.
Gelhardt has featured in all three league games since his move from Leeds. And that is exactly what the youngster needs after a frustrating time at Elland Road.
He is simply too good to only get a few minutes here and there, regardless of which level that is at. And his situation at Leeds appeared to take some of his confidence away.
He will obviously be a little disappointed that he is still yet to score. But it is fantastic to see that Gelhardt appears to be moving in the right direction again.
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