Marco Gabbiadini praises Brian Brobbey display but warns Tottenham incident risked second yellow
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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has warned that Brian Brobbey’s “petulant” moment against Tottenham Hotspur risked putting his team in danger - despite praising his overall performance.
Brobbey was heavily involved throughout Sunderland’s win at the Stadium of Light, but one flashpoint drew particular attention. The striker appeared to push Cristian Romero into goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky as the Spurs defender attempted to shield the ball, leading to suggestions he could have been shown a second yellow card.
Reflecting on that incident, Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: “I thought it was a bit petty, actually. A bit petulant from him. I thought he put the team at risk because he could've easily got another yellow for that. It was one of them games where he got a little bit too wound up. I think he might be better getting away from the contact in a way, stepping to the side or trying to get the other side of the defender, so he can't see him and then pop in front of him.”
While critical of that moment, Gabbiadini was still full of praise for Brobbey’s all-action display, which caused constant problems for Spurs’ defence. “Some of the moments in the game were fantastic,” he added. “He was getting really heated and wound up, and I thought [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] Van de Ven didn't know what to do with him at times and didn't defend him very well.”
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Brobbey’s physicality and intensity have quickly made him a handful for Premier League defenders, and a popular figure among Sunderland supporters. Gabbiadini believes that edge is part of what makes him effective, even if it occasionally needs to be controlled.
Romero is now set to miss the remainder of the season through injury. Reports indicate Romero will not feature again at club level this campaign, although hopes remain he could recover in time for the World Cup. It is another setback for Spurs, who remain in the relegation zone and are now facing a tense run-in under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, with injuries continuing to mount at a critical stage of the season.