'It's the basics' – Karen Carney delivers scathing Sunderland verdict as she questions standards after Lech Poznań draw

Karen Carney criticised Sunderland’s standards after their 1-1 draw at Lech Poznań, questioning their defending and failure to convert chances.

The former England international said the performance had frustrated her because Sunderland were capable of better, despite collecting seven points from three Europa League fixtures.

Standards questioned

Carney said: “I probably am frustrated with Sunderland, because I see how good they are, and I see how amazing their fans are, and they're bottom of the table in the Premier League at the moment, and even that chance there where Roefs had made that double save. Last season, that wouldn't happen from a throw-in.

“Those basics have been letting them down over the last couple of weeks, so I'm probably really critical of them, because I know that they can, we all know they can do a lot better at the moment. They're not delivering the standards that we saw that got them success last season, and it's the basics, and that's where I get a little bit frustrated, because they're a lot better than that, and I think the fans will be frustrated with that tonight.”

Roefs left exposed

Discussing the chance that forced Robin Roefs into a double save after Poznań’s equaliser, rather than the goal itself, Carney questioned Sunderland’s defending: “I mean, I was frustrated, because how can you have a throw-in in the defensive part of the pitch, and then get it off the pitch? I can't understand it.

“From a throw-in where they were, and then to drive all the way out the pitch and have this chance, and you're right, Roos had an electric double save to make from them. But again, too easy, flick on; how can you have that flick on in the box? And then the reaction there, the goalkeeper is furious with his defenders. Where it came from, this free flick, this cannot happen.

Sunderland face Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday before travelling to Coventry City. Two successive home Europa League fixtures also offer opportunities to build on their unbeaten start to the European campaign.

The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored by Amari Plastics. Covering all of North East England and Cumbria, Amari Plastics launched in 1975 and has built a reputation as the region's leading plastic distributor. During this time, we’ve established strong working relationships with businesses in three main market sectors: sign, display & large format printing, building & construction and industrial & engineering.

Your next Sunderland read: Exclusive: Kevin Phillips throws support behind 'brilliant' Regis Le Bris amid recent Sunderland form dip