One Sunderland star has been hailed as ‘excellent’ despite a drab draw against QPR yesterday.
Sunderland brought their run of six defeats in the trot to an end against QPR this weekend, but in underwhelming fashion.
The Black Cats had picked up zero points since beating Plymouth Argyle last month, while they had managed to score only four goals in the process.
They now remain without a win in seven matches, but finally picked up a point on home soil.
It was far from pleasing for Sunderland fans though, who were desperate to pick up a victory over a team battling relegation.
The Wearside outfit certainly didn’t come out the better side either, failing to pick up a single shot on target at the Stadium of Light.
The players were once again criticised for their toothless performances against the London club, but one man who came out under praise was Anthony Patterson.
The 23-year-old bagged his ninth clean sheet of the campaign yesterday, pulling off an ‘unbelievable‘ save late on to ensure Sunderland didn’t fall to defeat once again.
Patterson received high praise from Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith too, who wrote: “Made three excellent saves to prevent his side falling to a seventh defeat, particularly from Andersen in the first half and then from Willock late on.
“By far Sunderland’s player of the match, which tells its story. 8.”
QPR had five shots on target yesterday and Patterson pulled off five saves in response.
The goalkeeper had 37 touches and completed 96% of his passes – which is impressive considering the criticism he has had for his distribution.
Patterson’s save at the end to deny Chris Willock definitely proved to be the difference and it certainly isn’t the first time the Sunderland academy product has earned his team points.
Could Anthony Patterson join Liverpool?
Anthony Patterson has been criticised at times this term, but there is no denying he is one of the best goalkeepers we have had in a while.
The likes of Jason Steele and Lee Camp couldn’t lace his boots, and it makes it all that bit better because he is so young – for a goalkeeper, anyway.
The shot-stopper has beenlinked with a move to Anfield though, with the Reds eager to bring him in as back-up.
It would surely be hard for Patterson to turn a club like Liverpool down, but the Premier League giants are currently undergoing a huge overhaul which sees Michael Edwards return, while Jurgen Klopp departs.
Sunderland can hope that the new regime won’t hold as much interest in Patterson, but that isn’t to mean he wouldn’t be turning heads elsewhere.