Diarra chip an 'unusual choice' - Gabbiadini

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says he "felt a bit sorry" for Habib Diarra after his attempted chip over Emi Martinez was saved with the score at 3-3 in Sunday's defeat by Aston Villa.

After being played clean through on goal by Enzo Le Fe, Diarra tried to scoop the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper but was thwarted and just 36 seconds later Tammy Abraham scored a stoppage time winner for the hosts.

Wayne Rooney described the effort as "absolutely the wrong decision", while some have pointed to teammate Chemsdine Talbi who was waiting alongside him for a tap-in if the ball was squared.

"I felt a bit sorry for him," said Gabbiadini.

"I heard a lot of comments from people saying he should have passed it to Talbi. Talbi was nowhere near him until the last second. He had to make the decision of what he was going to do and Talbi made up the ground.

"I don't think he saw Talbi, he was so clear. For me usually what you try and do there is play it through the legs if you can and keep it low. If you bring the goalkeeper's arms into it then they are covering more of that space. Martinez is a top goalkeeper.

"He could have chipped it over Martinez and it still not go over the line because he was so far out still. He could have had another touch. Play it through his legs, play it at his feet. You've got a chance of it rebounding to you.

"If you play it at the goalkeeper's hands at that pace they gobble the ball up.

"It was an unusual choice for somebody who is not experienced with one-on-ones. It was a great opportunity after a great pass from Le Fe. He will be disappointed but next time it might be different.