e-Football Report - Fulham 1 – 4 Sunderland

Article by Ben Mummery

Four Goals, a Hat-Trick, an Away Win, and Three Points – Not a Bad Afternoon!

All things said and done, it’s fair to say Sunderland fans had a pretty good afternoon on Saturday! The Red and White Army travelled to West London in force, hoping to cheer the lads on to three much needed points, as the feeling mounted that this away tie was probably the crucial make or break game of the season. Cut adrift at the bottom of the table on only fourteen points, the Black Cats went to Fulham buoyed on the back of a fantastic cup win against Manchester United in mid-week, but knowing that any further failure to pick up points against the other teams involved in the relegation battle would almost certainly result in facing the drop.

Sunderland’s recent form has been steadily on the rise, and has been fuelled by a new ethos of high quality possession football, instilled in the players by Gus Poyet. There have been fixtures of late, where Sunderland have played exceptionally well, but been unable to win a game. The Norwich and Aston Villa games for example, Sunderland were able to maintain the massive majority of possession, but lacked the ability to find a goal. Having seen massive improvement in the quality of general play, the Sunderland fans have had a feeling for some time now that this result had been coming, and come it did!

There were a number of things for the Sunderland fans to cheer about following the final whistle, an away win, three sorely needed points, a return to winning ways, two wins in succession, however one of the more unexpected points was Adam Johnson’s incredible return to form. The former Man City man has been in a slump that has seen him peak and trough since the beginning of the season, and can be the most frustrating player to watch at times, especially given his undoubted ability. The manager has made no secret, as well the fans know, that if Sunderland are to survive, they need all their top players playing at their best, and this was certainly Johnson at his best. His sublime hat-trick made a tally of four goals inside of a week, while his work both on and off the ball proved he is hitting the sort of form Gus Poyet needs to see from him. He must now go on to string performances together, as a key player such as he is, could be instrumental in Sunderland’s bid to remain in the top flight.

Sunderland’s survival is going to be based on them winning, no other way. They no longer have the luxury of time on their side, and cannot afford to take the approach of targeting certain games for points. Every game is now a potential source of points, the Black Cats have wins against some of the top sides in the league with victories over Man City, Chelsea, United, and Everton, so there should be no fear factor involved in facing any side. They’ve also proven they can travel, and pick up points, as well as grind out a win at home. A string of wins could potentially save their season, and one gets the feeling that with their current streak of form, now is the time to get some of those points they require. With football of the calibre shown on Saturday, there is definitely hope that the quality is there to do so, however there is still a need to strengthen in January, and with the apparent “imminent arrival” of new players from South America and the championship, there is also hope that the lack of attacking creativity is being addressed.

In all, a good day to be a Sunderland fan, and a much needed boost in confidence for the side, who must now prove their worth – one win and three points isn’t enough, and consistency is the key if Sunderland are to keep their top flight status. More of the same please lads!!

Sunderland Player Ratings – Fulham Sat. 8th January

Vito Mannone - 7

Another composed performance from the Italian, who is developing into a fine replacement for Mignolet. Some decent saves, once particularly in the second half to deny Steven Sidwell. Could have done better for Fulham’s goal.

Phil Bardsley – 6

Not the Manchester man’s busiest afternoon in truth, with much of Fulham’s forward play coming through the middle of the park. A stupid booking for kicking the ball away cost him points, as his fine effort on goal from distance would have earned him a 7.

Marco Alonso – 6

As with Bardsley, lost a point for being very much to blame for Fulham’s only goal. Steven Sidwell was gifted a free header as he lost his marker, and the Spaniard should have done better. This will come with premier league experience, and let’s hope he has plenty of that next season!

Good on the ball, and can find a cross into the box.

Wes Brown – 7

Another solid display from Brown, who loves to pick the ball up from deep and drive out of defence. He’s like a magnet in the box, the ball just find’s it’s way to his foot. Did almost gift Berbatov an opener, but the striker’s touch let him down. He needs to stay fit and in this form.

John O’Shea – 7

As with Brown, the skipper worked his socks off in defence, and cut out Fulham’s play through the middle. Could have done a bit better for Fulham’s goal, but in all, a composed and solid performance.

Ki Sung Yeung – 8

Sunderland’s most consistent performer yet again proved his worth. Excellent in defence, and a reliable source of forward momentum. His weighted pass for Johnson’s second goal was nothing short of world class, and his finish on a training ground free kick was well taken.
Sunderland should work extremely hard to keep him on a permanent deal.

Lee Cattermole – 6

A relatively quiet afternoon for Cattermole, he did very little wrong in the game, and maintained his calm, composed status in the middle of the park. One silly tackle on Scott Parker could have cost him a booking, but he escaped with a telling-off.

Jack Colback – 6

As with Cattermole, Colback did very little wrong, but remained devoid of any go-forward in his play. A player with a massive amount of ability, many feel he’s too conservative in his play and would like to see him look up and find a killer ball. Not a bad day’s work for him though, despite another yellow card.

Fabio Borini – 6

A good chance early on, from which he could have scored, but a good run was just not enough to get his boot on the end of Johnson’s looped in ball. Quiet for much of the remainder of the game.

Adam Johnson - 10

A magnificent performance from Johnson, he couldn’t have done anymore. A superb free kick, cleverly won, a fine run for as good a counter attacking goal as you’ll see, and a well struck penalty capped off his hat-trick. Superb on the ball, and worked hard in defence, Sunderland need him in this sparkling form.

Steven Fletcher - 6

Still smacks of a player who needs to score more. Well marked throughout, but this is the premier league, and he needs to offer more in the way of runs between the lines, as well as a target to hit in the box. Not a bad performance, could have opened the scoring early doors with a well worked training ground move, but missed at the back stick.

SUBS

Jozy Altidore – 6

Replaced Fletcher, and caused a nuisance to the Fulham defence. Won a penalty with a clever piece of play, but we still need to see him offer much more of a goal threat.

Seb Larsson – 6

A good surge towards goal, but looked to have been told to come on and sure up a more defensive position to see the game out.

Ondrej Celustka – 5

Not on long enough to really make much of an impact.

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