Pete Sixsmith sees another Sunderland draw, but one most of us would have accepted before the game. Jack Rodwell, after his disappointing debut at WBA, powered in a splendid header to equalise after Mata had put United ahead much against the run of play. Mata’s tap-in capping a clinical counter-attack after Connor Wickham ought to have scored at the other end when when played in by a superb Will Buckley pass.
Despite a few nervous moments at the end, it was a thoroughly deserved draw in a game where Sunderland never looked second best. Oh, and Ashley Young proved something about leopards and spots. Here, as usual, is Pete’s instant seven-word verdict. He’ll have more to say about the encouraging signs that were there for all to see …
Sunday August 24 :SAFC (1) 1 Manchester United (1) 1 Happy with the performance – and Gus’s style
Saturday August 16: West Bromwich Albion (1) 2 SAFC (1) 2
Larsson digs us out of a hole
** See how Sixer, and occasional subs, captured last season at
https://safc.blog/2014/05/sixers-sevens-safc-1-swansea-3-after-the-lord-mayors-show/
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We still need further additions to the squad, but we look a better team than last season, need to defend better and as we develop I’m sure the goals will come. Kalou reportedly on his way, Coates as cover at the back. They will both be good additions, but Johnson and Fletcher may have to move on
The goal was really down to Larsson losing Mata on his way from about 22 yards out. He was watching him and trailing Mata all the way until he got to the 6 yard box and then completely lost him. It was very poor If there’s anyone to blame personally then it’s Larsson and not Glue.
The great thing about yesterday was the way that we responded to going behind (and it was completely against the run of play), was that there was no sign of panic. We kept on going and looked solid and unperturbed. Gus commented on the fact that we are mentally tougher than a year ago and the evidence for those comments was compelling in the overall display.
It’s a very good start to get points from both those games and sets this year apart from 12 months ago already. We should be happy and yet we feel that 2 points were dropped. That, in itself lads and lasses is a sure sign of real progress.
Not too bad, not too good. I feel that that the positives outweigh the negatives and we have more points on the board after two games than after seven last season. I am quietly optimistic.
Buckley looked excellent if he can maintain that form , what a bargain .Van Aanholt went missing for their goal but he wasn’t the only one , good player who will take a while to settle , not too long I hope . Gomez , solid , did nothing wrong, the architipal Sunderland midfielder . It’s been an impressive , solid start to the season and with a couple of additions this week I can see us finishing tenth.
I’d like opinions from people who were there on van Aanholt, Buckley and Gomez. Signs of promise? Anonymous? Crap?
Read Pure Poyetry on Buckley, Jake. He looks a winner
Sorry: comments were off by mistake. Back on now