Martin O’Neill voices praise for the team’s effort at Spurs, thinks we might have snatched something and rues our inability to score. He is right on all counts; we just weren’t quite good enough to maike promising spells matter …
Dear Colin,
We put a big, big effort into the game, I thought, before they scored and certainly in the last 25 minutes of the match.
Tottenham are a very fine side. Overall I’m disappointed that we didn’t get something from the game, particularly as it looked as though the storm had been calmed.
I thought the way we played was very encouraging. I said that to the players in the dressing room. I cannot fault them in terms of effort.
We’ve got to learn a few things, particularly how to get goals. It’s a difficult business scoring goals, but it’s not as difficult as we sometimes make it out to be and we need to get people into the penalty box.
We try our best to do that, but overall in terms of effort I can’t fault the players.
There were moments in the game where I thought we were able to contest things; breaking them down was a little bit more difficult, even so, we can learn from this.
The fans were extraordinary.
To have 1,800 travel today, a week before Christmas, is magnificent.
On behalf of the team I’d like to say thank you very much for that. It’s always appreciated.
All the best,
Martin O’Neill
Good post Eric. The lack of goals remains the fundamental problem and it’s a damning indictment of Bruce’s management that we are so shot shy. Wickham and Ji were supposed to be for the future and have been thrown in at the deep end. At this point I see very little to suggest either of them have what it takes to terrorize defences.
Even though Wickham is a big lad he’s very young and doesn’t have the power to trouble experienced PL centre halves.
Jordan Rhodes knows where the goal is and hits it. It doesn’t have to be a 20 goal a season man that he brings in, just someone who can get 8-10 over the course of the season. These players are out there.
Sixer/Colin/Sobs – nice to meet you all in the Irish Club. I thought we played some good stuff today but, as per, no cutting edge. Someone who knows where the goal is is an absolute must in January, Suggest we send Bendtner back to the Emirates. Jordan Rhodes anyone?
Martin best of luck for the future, as a Spurs supporter i had hoped if Harry left you could have been our next Gaffer. I was not aware you were a Black Cat but i am sure you will by the end of the season guide Sunderland to mid-table and playing formidable football. From what i have seen today you have the basis of a good team, i am in no doubt you will instill a winning mentality in a very short time. Best Wishes from a Yid.
Rome (or Sunderland) wasn’t built – or rebuilt – in a day. There were some real signs of promise there today. But just one request of Martin O’Neill: Please don’t get into the habit of saying you’re disappointed. That really brings back bad memories.
Onward and upward.