Adrian Durham criticised Sunderland's display against Manchester City and says questions must be asked

TalkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham says Sunderland must take a hard look at themselves following their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, describing the performance as “really bad” and suggesting the nature of the display – rather than the result itself – should spark discussion inside the club.

Régis Le Bris’ side struggled to contain City, conceding two quickfire goals in the first half before Phil Foden sealed the result late on. O’Nien’s dismissal added further frustration, with the defender now suspended for the Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

However, despite criticism and the setback at the Etihad, Sunderland remain in an exceptionally strong position. Le Bris’ men sit 8th in the Premier League, just three points from the top four and the Champions League qualification places after an impressive first half of the campaign.

Speaking live on air on talkSPORT (6 December, 17:21), Durham said: “Sunderland were poor. They had Luke O’Nien sent off for a stupid, horrible foul, moments after coming on as a sub, so he is out for the derby with Newcastle next week. They were really bad, Sunderland. No shame in losing at City, but a bit of shame in losing the way they did.”

Attention now turns to Newcastle, with the derby arriving at a crucial stage of the season and Sunderland looking to respond on home turf.

Régis Le Bris offers injury update

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, with the head coach admitting the fixture against Newcastle United will likely come too soon for the 21-year-old.

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Diarra has been stepping up his recovery following groin surgery earlier this season and had been in a race to return in time for the derby. While progress has been positive, Le Bris believes the timing will work against him. The Frenchman did, however, offer encouragement elsewhere, revealing that Reinildo is expected to return after sitting out the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue. "For Rei, it could be okay but for Habib, it would be too short, I think," Le Bris said.

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Sunderland will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available for the derby after both avoided a booking at the Etihad. Le Bris moved to withdraw the pair late on, protecting them for Sunday’s clash, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra introduced instead.

Le Bris later explained his decision not to turn to Dan Neil was to keep attacking momentum, with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield. "Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something," he said. "I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried."

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