Colin Randall writes: Gus Poyet welcomes a hugely important win just when one was sorely needed. It was not pretty – see my report at ESPN – http://www.espnfc.com/club/sunderland/366/blog/post/2126481/premier-league-sunderland-hit-reset-on-the-record-books-in-a-3-1-win-over-crystal-palace – but the goals were good and there were some encouraging individual displays …
Dear Colin,
It is a massive three points for us.
It was about winning and about fighting and giving the fans something to enjoy so that they go back from the long trip feeling much better than two weeks ago.
We were asking the players to cross because every time we got to the last player we did not put the ball in the box enough, and the first time we did it you have Fletcher and you have a great chance.
After the goal I think we got better – we had a couple of approaches and we had the shot from Santi [Vergini] who forced a great save from Speroni – and we finished the first half well.
We knew the second half would be different and we were passing it well but then it was the own goal and you think ‘not again’.
It was hard work until we scored the second one – we know if we put Jordi in those positions he would have a great opportunity to score because he has got a lovely left foot.
The last goal came from good pressure with the extra player, from a player with fresh legs – it is simple attacking – but then Fletcher needs to finish it.
I think the positives today are that we scored three goals, the goalkeeper made two or three great saves and it is away from home.
We also needed to show ourselves that we are a better team than what we have been showing, so it was a great confidence boost to everyone and it is going to be a totally different week..
I am sure that people are going to be happy and it is going to be another special day on Sunday against Everton.
Thanks for your support,
Gus Poyet