This is where Pete Sixsmith captures the glory and shame, hope and despair, excitement and ennui of the Sunderland matchday experience. When, rarely, Pete is absent or delayed, a supersub does it for him and the seven-word verdict is preceded by an asterisk. Pete’s full analysis of the game will appear within a day or two.
Today? After SAFC’s slow and – with the Newcastle defeat – disappointing start to the season, Chelsea came,saw and conquered. A sloppily conceded goal by John Terry was followed by lots of Chelsea possession and threat and Sunderland generally looked a poor second best, amply reinforced by the simplicity of the second, from Sturridge. Ji Dong-won clawed back a late consolation but apart from a two-minute flurry at the end of each half, did we ever really look like claiming a point?
The full Sixer’s Sevens archive – see link below – sums up what all Sunderland supporters feel, from darkest gloom to sublime elation, in the words one who is usually there …
Sept 10 2011 SAFC (0) 1 Chelsea (1) 2 Comical defending hands Chelsea their regulation win
Aug 27 2011 Swansea City (0) 0 SAFC (0) 0 Uninspiring game. Both teams look like strugglers
Aug 23 2011 Carling Cup 2nd Round: Brighton & Hove Albion (0) 1 SAFC (0) 0 Abysmal team selection got what it deserved
Aug 20 2011 SAFC (0) 0 Newcastle United (0) 1 Totally outfought in dismal second half display
Aug 13 2011 Liverpool (1) 1 SAFC (0) 1 Came back well, better side second half
To see Sixer’s Sevens in full, click here. If an asterisk precedes the comment, the words that follow are the work of someone else because Pete is for once absent from the game or his verdict has been delayed …
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SB sent out a defensive team as usual to soak up the inevitable pressure, what happened when he changed to a more aggressive attacking formation……. we scored!!!!! I always believe in giving someone a chance but SB is boiling my blood with his team selection. Also what happened to Gyan? Something is not right at the club and I think we all know what it is!
Surprise,Surprise. Just the same old rubbish dished up yet again, will we never learn. A decent championship team at best kidding everyone it has premiership aspiration. At least if we go down this season, and on this form we will we shall be a big fish in a little pond , exactly where we belong. When oh when will we learn?
At least Ji showed he can score in the Premiership. Is there some comfort to be taken from that? A shame he was only on the field for 10 minutes but he earned his money.