As with most of you I agree we're playing dull defensive footy at the moment. There is a positive view as to how we are right now and this is how I see it. Often, in the past we've had decent enough players but certainly not world beaters. We have also had a mix of managers. One thing about SAFC is that quite often we get the lads playing well above themselves and getting results at games where we shouldn't really get anything ( I know...I'm coming to it) When we've been playing with the likes of Caldwell or Nosworthy (for example) the lads would sometimes play out of their socks (Kev Ball is a good example) and we would end up getting promoted and then relegated soon after as the lads couldn't sustain such a high level of performance. What we have now is the opposite where we have some really good players who are not performing, we all know who they are, yet we are still not doing too badly although we have more points than we deserve. Just imagine how much better we will be doing once our better players start playing as we all know they are capable of playing (form is temporary etc.) Put another way, we are doing ok yet we are capable of playing so much better as opposed to before where we were playing 'above' ourselves. Last season we played really well when Marty took over and then faded with the same players. We are still in a bit of a slump but we surely can only improve. ALL of Marty's signings this summer have been good ones and we have a strong team. The 3 main culprits are all class acts. They can only improve and once they do just watch us go. Look at the team on paper (yes, I know) we have the ingredients for fast attacks via 2 skilfull wingers but at this moment it isn't working. It will. As for anyone doubting MON...are you mags by any chance?
I'll have that Charley. Obviously, I'm ****ed off at the minute, but I fancy a decent show tomorrow backed up by a victory over Villa on Sat
I am happy to name the players: Sessegnon, Johnson and McClean need a bit size 14 up the backside. McClean I have the most sympathy for as he has not been playing EPL football for very long, teams have worked him out and is still quite young. The other 2 have no excuses. The front 4 of Johnson, McClean, Sess and Fletcher should be terrifying defenses. I can't help think we need a player to link the front 4 and back 5 (catts in front of the back 4). I think we are a player missing. I we really want to push on MON might have to make a big signing in Jan.
Spot on Vegas, Hopefully we will see Gardner pushed forward immediately now Bardo is back, giving us a few games before the window to see whether an extra body is needed. My feeling is that Gardner could be perfect for the role, although I do worry about his natural preference to look for a shot whenever he is advanced.
As opposed to nee shots? Could double our shots on target in one game for the whole season.... Shot ya ****er, shoot, their g/k will never expect it from a sunderland player.
Ha aye, probs more accurate mind... Mate, don't get me wrong I'm all for a player having a dig, especially one like CG who has a cracking strike on him, it's the moments when he turns into danger with the ball at his feet looking for a shot rather than pushing it out wide or into space that I mean. I like the lad, overall, and think he could easily make the role his with some good decision making.
Nice post CF. Pleased we have some optimism coming thru. I think most of us are still fairly positive but as you say bloody crap defensive football. This will also take the fans away.
No-one at Highbury bitched about the "1-0 to the Arsenal" glory days. Mind you, they did have Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, come to think of it...
Agree on what everyone has said about Gardner, if he could learn the decision making so instead of shooting he pushes the ball wide then makes a late Frank Lampard like run into the box and scores, then he would be a real asset in the middle of the park. Gardner has all the ability he just needs to learn the decision making.
