http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/9639953.Black_Cats__reality_check/? HAVING watched his side beaten 4-0 at Everton, Martin O'Neill admitted yesterday's result at Goodison Park was a reality check for his Sunderland squad. The Black Cats suffered their joint heaviest defeat since the Northern Irishman was appointed last December having lost by the same scoreline at West Bromwich Albion in February. There is no denying Sunderland have made giant strides since O'Neill took over, but despite lifting his side into a position to emulate last season's top-ten finish, he can't work miracles. Yesterday's defeat means the Wearsiders have now gone 18 games without a win over the Toffees and O'Neill admitted: "We were well beaten in the end. Everton were physically stronger and deserved to win. "The goals came very, very quickly and they were great goals from their viewpoint but we looked a little bit tired, I must admit. "I've got nothing but great regard for the team. We were out-muscled by a strong Everton side, who were able to make some changes to their team." O'Neill has guided the Black Cats to nine Premier League wins since he took over, but having watched his side exit to FA Cup and suffer heavy defeat against David Moyes' side, the Black Cats boss admits there is still plenty room for improvement. He said: "We've got lots to do, lots to learn. But it's been a big effort from the lads in the last three or four months. "Absolutely (It was a reality check). I don't need to be beaten by Everton to know that, believe it or not. I don't think I'd be fooled. "We've got lots of work to do. It's a big learning curve particularly for some of the younger lads, who have very, very limited experience in this division. It's a tough old league. "You look at some of the Everton squad who've been around and are very, very good players. That's why they're contesting a semi-final. They're in decent form and they've got their players available, so well done them." Sunderland were without Nicklas Bendtner for the trip to Merseyside, but given the fact the teams went in level at half time, O'Neill insists the defeat had nothing to do with the Danish striker's absence. "I don't think you can talk about losing one particular player. That's something we hope to be able to change in the not-too distant future. The loss of one or two players shouldn't affect us that much as it did. "There wasn't much in at half-time. I thought we were in with a chance. "The first goal was very important and from where I was I thought it was a foul on Jack Colback. That said, if the game had been decided on that I might have had something to complain about. "Everton were stronger, played very well, and there was some great finishing by them. We could have done better."
Truth be, i knew little of him, and coming from the SPL did little to inspire..But he seems to made his mark, and in hindsight would have been a good buy... It is the area of the team we are lacking most.... But Everton are still a better all round squad,
I think we are just a striker short of being a very good team. People are saying we lack depth but I don't think we do in defence and midfield. Our cm's are all pretty similar though so we could do with something different. ...........................Mig.......................... Bardsley.....Oshea.....Brown......Richardson larsson....siguurdsen..catts...........McClean .............Fletcher...(European striker)......... Not dramatically different. Cm with a bit of class and two new strikers. Think Gyan and Sess will be sold. Fletcher would be a cracking buy imo and could work with any type of forward.
After where we were in December...Everton could have won by 14 goals and my opinion on MoN would remain the same. The guy will make us better, he will take us forward, lets wait and see in the next three transfer windows, when he has his own team, where we are and how far we have come under him. I have full confidence in this guy. The season was over for us after the Everton replay...
he is in the scottish league and doing really well he is captain of dundee and every time i have seen him play he is taring up the team and he is top scorer in there league i saw him play celtic and rangers two or three times this season and he has ripped up there defences and they seem to have no answer if we were to take a risk on an unknown quantiy i whould much rather have him then outhers
If Sess is sold, it should be to PSG and not an English club. If Sess wants to go home to Paris, then fair enough otherwise Short and MON should dig their heels in (unless a 25 million bid or more is made from a top 4 club). Even if Sess is not sold, we should be after another playing who can play a similar role, as competition and/or back up. We will need 2 strikers if we do not keep hold of Bendtner and Gyan moves on. If we sell Gyan, not less than 15 million if to one of the Middle East clubs.
Can not see a progressive team with Richardson at left back, we need a proper L/B not someone who plays 1decent game in 10.
are we not jon stead fans?? i love him personaly i whould deffo have him in our teams he scoring record is second to none and he teamwork is amazing infact i think he could be our captain [NSFW] jokes [/NSFW]
Did anyone see yesterday that when he scored the own goal a Coventry fan was waving his crutches in the air? Not only a prolific scorer but miracle worker as well I personally witness's one of his miracles when he scored for us against Southend
