Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has hailed the form of winger Jack Clarke following their 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last night.
The 22-year-old was the subject of intense interest from Premier League outfit Burnley during the summer, with the Clarets launching a series of bids which eventually totalled over £10 million. The Wearside club were steadfast in their view that the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster would remain at the Stadium of Light and Vincent Kompany reluctantly ended his interest.
It’s a decision which has proved to be key to Sunderland’s season so far, with Clarke hitting a brace last night to take his season tally up to seven and put him in the outright lead in the Championship’s top goalscorers list.
After a tricky start, the Black Cats have become one of the form teams in the division in recent weeks, winning four of their last five fixtures. The only blip on their record was last week’s defeat against Cardiff City, although Mowbray will consider his team unlucky to have not got anything from the game.
Patrick Roberts was restored to the starting lineup for the first time since suffering an injury last month, but it was once again the form of Clarke which caught the eye. Speaking after the game, Mowbray hailed the former England under-20 international’s performance and his ‘miraculous’ turnaround from when he first saw him play during his time as Blackburn Rovers manager. Via Chronicle Live, the 59-year-old said;
“He’s doing alright. I don’t want to say he’s flying, I need to keep his feet on the ground and keep him working hard! He’s an amazing footballer, he’s really positive, really confident at the moment.
“When I think back to being manager of Blackburn Rovers two-and-a-half years ago and Jack Clarke playing for Tottenham U23s and not getting a kick against our young team, something miraculous has happened to Jack and he is now playing with confidence and belief in himself. At times he is unplayable, you don’t know whether he is going down the outside or whether he is cutting inside to bend it in like he did for the first goal.
“He scored the penalty as well, but he was a constant threat and has been all season to every team.”
Sunderland moved up to fourth – temporarily at least – as a result of last night’s win at Hillsborough and will be hoping for another three points on Wednesday night when they host Watford.
Writer’s View
Jack Clarke’s performances last season showed glimpses that he could become something special, but last night’s brace saw him move just two goals behind the nine strikes he hit in the Championship during the previous campaign. He appears to have taken the mantle from Amad Diallo – who returned to Manchester United in the summer following his successful season-long loan.
Mowbray’s only worry that his electric form may see Premier League clubs come knocking again in January, but he is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026 and his valuation is continuing to soar.
After last season’s play-off heartbreak, Sunderland are targeting a promotion push once again and the tricky winger will prove pivotal to their chances.
Where are Jack Clarke’s 7 goals ? 1 v Southampton, 1 v QPR, 2 v Blackburn R., 2 v Shef Wed. When did he score the 7th?
1 v Preston