Sunderland's failure to get Will Grigg firing on all cylinders has been a major factor in missing out on promotion, according to Chris Powell.
The former Charlton star was appearing on Sky Sports alongside Black Cats legend Mickey Gray during their coverage of the League One play-off final.
And while the ex-Southend boss was delighted to see his former side win promotion thanks to Patrick Bauer's late winner, Powell also gave his verdict on Jack Ross' men.
And he pointed to too many draws and a lack of goals from their £3m January signing Grigg as important factors behind their failure to make the automatic spots in League One.
“One of the issues for Sunderland has been Will Grigg," Powell said. "They thought they were signing a talented goalscorer but it never worked in the way Jack Ross and Sunderland would have liked.
“He’s a solid player and a quality finisher but he has only got four (league) goals since January. Everyone expected him to be the talisman and the catalyst for them finishing in the top two.
“The pressure is really on them now and it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
“You have to be a pessimist in regards to Sunderland. Those draws have made them fail to get in the top two.
“They didn’t really go for it in the play-off final. They got given a goal which is great but they didn’t build on that."
