Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Real Betis FC - Saturday 2nd August 2025 - KO 15:00

We as fans seem to expect a bit to much on a pre_season run.
I hope patience remains and we move on quickly.

 

A decent enough work out I suppose. Not the greatest of pre-season games, but Betis are a good side and a reasonable test of what we will face in the season I suppose.

Xhaka doing Xhaka things. Just an elite footballer. Reinaldo looks like he has been coached by Atletico to be a natural defender. His positional play was 100% all the time. Quality. Sadiki looked really good as well. He has a rawness in possession but his overall presence is excellent.

Something not clicking for me across the forward line yet. I think we have two wingers whose natural inclination is to come inside. I dont mind that so much. But then you need options to play into even. Even just a wall pass to miss a CB out. When they do stay wider we seem to be more threatening but arent getting runners into the box enough. That can come, and will be excited to see what Giui can be bring. I just think we are missing a bit of glue behind Mayenda right now. Shame Rigg is injured, he may well be the one to bring that.

Surprised more subs not seen, given the pace we played at. Telling I suspect.

 

Bob says relax

 

Lots to like about today but some fundamental issues remain. We continue to compromise ourselves by flipping shape with and without the ball. It has knock on effects on our squad build too. Four expensive players got game time today but there’s only two natural spots for them in the middle of the park. The odd ones out got left in awkward spaces as a consequence. Lack of wide players is a problem - particularly if we are intent on ignoring ones who are on the books. We’re well on track for a huge but slightly confused squad with exceptional talents not quite able to maximise them in my view. I’m preparing for square pegs in round holes. Maybe we’re gonna spend so much money that it doesn’t matter. However, these things always tend to matter eventually. Work to do to bring clarity.

 

He’s the only one that hasn’t been rested out of him, Sadiki and Diarra. This will have just been his turn.

 

Stating the blindingly obvious but a commanding center back and a striker and I think we are fine.. sone of our football was good.. but as I keep saying, nothing should be read into a score line in a preseason game…

 

He oozes quality. He looked so relaxed even when players were snapping at his heels.

 

Keeper very composed.
Talbi I like a lot even if didn’t impact can see the player
Sadiki will be first 11 by Christmas
Stadium looking great

Xhaka though. My god he’s a ****ing Bentley of a lad. Everything just so immaculate left foot like a pitching wedge.

Thought there CB Natan was really impressive reading game

 

was that the number 4, i thought he had a great game

 

Effortless and a lefty. Wonder if he fancies Wearside

They had him on loan last season and made it permanent for 8m. Looks a steal and shows what can be found

 

Met David Bruce before the game, milling round the west stand, what a guy

 

Hope RLB mixes it a bit up front next two friendlies we have some talented lads up there now just needs the right blend Not quite clicking yet Maybe a couple more jigsaw pieces needed

 

I really don’t agree

Diarra played today where he played all last year for Strasbourg

it’s exactly why I said he’d be Riggs replacement

our shape is football these days if you watch Betis out of possession Isco played alongside the striker in a. 442

 

I’m less worried about the lack of goals, it’s just a learning game.

Was some lovely interchanges just need to play together a bit and learn and time runs etc.

You can see how and where we will cause folk issues, just not formed yet.

We going through massive changes it is naive to expect anything like cohesion yet

 

I enjoyed that . . . . Betis played virtually the same way as we did, they got the break and we didn't.
It was sort of half-hearted, like a pre-season friendly, but it was a good exercise.
Most importantly for me, I deliberately looked & listened, and there was not a hint of disappointment/panic/negativity inside or coming away from the ground

 

Was out mentioned about seelt? Would be gutted if he’s had a set back

 

Enjoyed the game, very pleasing on the eye at times showing much faster passing and positioning. The keeper looked composed, Reinildo had a great start and we have our new on field leader and captain, everything Xhaka did seemed easy, truly an elite performer, we're on our way.

 

Not seen anything yet half hoping it’s a loan as it’s good for him and means we’re signing defenders

 

He did ok and it’s only judging him on today but if we do judge today (and Le Fee Tuesday) we do need to look like we’ll kill off half chances while on top so need a more attacking option.

 

See a lot of potential In that front three but don’t see enough goals im it right now. Love Mayenda but don’t think he’s ready to have all that pressure. Sadiki looks a player mind. Centre half needed for next week