Observed: Defoe’s England glory, Sunderland’s endless gloom


His goals would have kept us up if only Moyes had got us to defend. Can it still happen?

First, heartiest congratulations to Jermain Defoe, for opening the England scoring with a trademark finish against Lithuania. In a wretched season for Sunderland, he has brought rare shafts of bright light. And recalled by Gareth Southgate after 1,465 days in the international wilderness, he ‘rolled back the years to show England what they have missed,’ according to The Guardian‘s Dominic Fifield, with little Bradley Lowery present to complete a heartwarming night. Enjoy the clip, below, while it lasts – and sadly the same can probably be said about Jermain’s sparkling Sunderland career.

Now on to the reason we probably have only 10 games left to enjoy the sight of Jermain in our colours: Pete Sixsmith is a regular in those view-from-the-stands round-ups in The Observer. They like his contributions, he – rightly – likes The Observer so it is a perfect match. But just as relegation for Sunderland will means relegation for Monsieur Salut from his little slot with ESPN, the Observer will not be calling quite so often if at all for the thoughts of a Championship team’s supporter. Here, on Pete’s calculation of what the paper will still want from him this season, is his penultimate offering ‘before we disappear into the Championship for goodness knows how long…….’

Salut! Sunderland challenges David Moyes to prove Sixer wrong. It would make our summers …

The Observer: What’s the mood among fans? One of resigned apathy, unfortunately. We can’t even be bothered to be angry, and that is worrying. We have seen this coming all season and now that it’s almost upon us, we just want it over and done with.

Happy with the manager?
David Moyes has looked a lost man for most of the season. There appears to be a cloud over his head with the question “What on earth am I doing here?” written on it. A large proportion of the support are beginning to wonder the same. As there appears to be no alternative option, though, most fans are just about sticking with him.

Key players Jordan Pickford has again enhanced his reputation as a goalkeeper, Jermain Defoe has enhanced his reputation as a goalscorer and as a man due to his connection with young Bradley Lowery. And John O’Shea has been hardworking in the defence, and dignified throughout.

Weak links? The less said about the rest the better.

“We will finish … “ It’s pretty clear to me and to thousands of others that we will finish 20th.

Predictions:
Top four – Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool; Relegated – Hull, Middlesbrough, Sunderland.

Pete Sixsmith SalutSunderland.com

Jake: shows you the way to go home

2 thoughts on “Observed: Defoe’s England glory, Sunderland’s endless gloom”

  1. But of course if he wishes to be a part of England’s future then he has to move on. Sounds familiar doesn’t it Mr.Bent?
    I know Jermain will go after relegation and sadly I’ll have to wish him well.

  2. Defoe, arguably, gets better as he gets older. Roy Hodgson must deeply regret that he failed to pick him in the last world cup squad?

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