Sunderland Not Convincing, But We’ll Take That Too!

Article by Ben Mummery

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A far from world class display from Sunderland at home against Tottenham was enough to steal a point on Saturday, but it took more than just a hint of good fortune!

Ask any Sunderland fan in the world, and they’ll all tell you the same – We don’t get any luck. Ever. EVER!

Well, that was far from the case on Saturday, as fortune seemed to favour the Black Cats in their home tie against Spurs.

After Adebayor’s powerful early shot was palmed away by Vito Mannone, our back four were caught napping as Nacer Chadli skillfully pounced with a decent finish to place the ball away.

Moments later, fortune favoured the bold, as Adam Johnson went on a mazy run past one, past two, only to get a shot away, deflected, hitting Danny Rose’s outstretched shin, and defeating the baffled Hugo Lloris at his far post.

Many have been crying out for Johnson to dip his shoulder and run at players more, and he’s showing that he can still reap havoc when he does so, but he must back himself a little more and be willing to take these runs on.

In a game that looked scrappy at times, especially in front of goal, Spurs seems to make the most of their time with possession, which outgunned ours considerably. Following a thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, Pochettino’s men looked fresh, crisp, and more like threatening the Sunderland goal throughout.

A failed clearance following a Chadli cross saw Eriksen (who enjoyed a fine performance), poke the visitors ahead for a deserved lead.

Sunderland threatened later into the second half, the introduction of Giacherrini on the 65 minute mark looked to give us some good forward momentum. The little Italian looks very comfortable in possession and runs at defenders well. He made a real case to start next week, but oddly enough, we’re not sure the he isn’t a great impact sub, as he looks electric on the counter attack late in games when defender’s legs are tiring – a tough one for Gus!

When Jordi Gomez fired in a free kick from the left hand side of goal, Wes Brown got a heel to the ball, which left the hapless Harry Kane unable to help but parry the ball into his own net past the helpless Lloris.

A lucky break for Sunderland, and not really deserved up to that point, however in their credit, Poyet’s men continued to press late into the game and could have won it had Will Buckley not fired high over the cross bar.

Fair to say that Spurs dominated throughout, Sunderland a lot happier with the point that they. Gus Poyet’s post match comments that they were the best side we’ve faced so far this term were probably about right, however Sunderland looked pedestrian at times, and spent vast amounts of the game with no possession, something Poyet will want to put right.

In all – another hard game out of the way without defeat, with our next game away to newly promoted Burnley, Sunderland will have to improve a lot if they are to find their first league win of the season.

Player Ratings:

Vito Mannone – 7

Did nothing wrong really, not at fault for either goal. Still looks like the main man between the sticks.

Santiago Virgini – 5

Looked a little lost at times, however this was his first real test against proper quality this season. Needs to concentrate more for me.

John O’Shea – 4

Awful performance from the skipper, and was lucky we didn’t concede goals from his numerous mistakes. Adebayor had him on toast, and proved a real handful for the Irishman throughout.

Wes Brown – 6

Solid, nothing special. Saved O’Shea’s skin on more than one occasion.

Patrick van Aanholt – 6

Looks great on the ball, but still looks like a real “European” full back, IE doesn’t seem keen on his defensive duties at times. Fans are really happy about his attacking prowess and the opportunities he creates down the left.

Lee Cattermole – 6

Solid, once again, although Spur’s midfield did overwhelm him a little at times, had too much to do on his own due to a poor game from;

Jack Rodwell – 5

Absent for the majority. His first poor game in a Sunderland shirt.

Seb Larrson – 5

A very generic performance from the Swede. Looked unspectacular, and gave the ball away several times. Has had a decent start to the season, but looked away with the fairies on Saturday.

Ricky Alvarez – 6

Looked decent at times, and you can see the class the lad clearly has, however this was a little “wake up” call to him - you’re playing in the Premier League now son!

A little off the pace at times, but showed some promise.

Adam Johnson – 7

Decent performance from the winger, backed himself for his goal and his gamble paid off. We need this week in-week out however, hopefully this showing was no flash in the pan.

Connor Wickham – 6

Fair to say the big forward struggled to get into the opposition half for much of the game, so it’s hard to give him a high score as he had so little impact, even if not strictly his fault.

Looked to be direct in the second half and held the ball up well at times.

Emanuele Giaccerini – 7

Great impact sub, once again. Ran at the spurs defence, and looked a threat on the break.

Jordi Gomez – 7

Replaced Rodwell effectively, looked a threat throughout his time on the pitch.

There’s a lot more to this lad that meets the eye!

Will Buckley – 6

Lost a point because he could have won it late on, what looked like a mix up with Wickham saw the winger blaze over the bar when it looked easier to hit the target.

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