45 mins gone. Can go either way in the 2nd half as neither team are really dominating. We've had maybe more chances...well half chances. Best news so far is we've defended all corners and set pieces fairly well..apart from maybe last corner.
Thats probably correct but Id just call it a 4231 with Granero just in front of the 2 as it makes it easier to understand.
Pretty much this if you switch it to 4-1-2-2-1. There is no doubt that Mbia plays the holding role between the centrebacks and Diakite-Granero. Really like this set up, it makes us a lot more solid and always an out to pass to. Can't fault anyone this first half, even Bosingwas decission making has improved.
Work rate is definetely up....players making sure Sunderland dont have much time. Passing is poor....guess thats a lack of confidence. I say we have been the better team and Sunderland havent looked threatening.....really need to score though, as I can see them getting some flukey goal at some point.....like from a freekick.
Been watching on Rojadirecta - quite good and my anti-virus software isn't complaining about the site as it does some. Think we had the best of the half although Fletcher probably came closest of all. Good save by Cesar. Hill was fortunate when he headed down to Sessignon in our box
need to step up a bit defending to deep and when m`bia and diakite make those long runs we need them to be getting around their penalty area and causing trouble and making them defend. when they break out they only get to half way line and Sunderland can soak up the pressure.. bar that very good performance.
Good effort and application but if we don't score it'll be all for nought. Same old story. Harry has his work cut out to get us playing in the final third. 0-0 at half time in two away games since the departure of MH. Says something doesn't it?
Can't remember being so nervous watching a game in November! This somehow seems a game we got to win. It is very winnable and winning it could turn our season around. Mackie and Adel missed huge chances, we got to take one soon.
Solid, but a bit narrow as Pirate says. Sunderland look shy of ideas, crowd restless already - are we their Southampton?
Defence still letting people through. Sunderland have worst attacking line and they're getting through on goal. Our passing is still letting us down terribly at times. Great work by Cesar. Agree Granero needs to push up. Front line needs to do much better.
I see our formation as you describe it Norway. M'bia has scared me a couple of times nearly losing the ball in very dangerous positions but recovered very well, and hit a perfect ball to Mackie in one recovery. Adel has looked world class on a couple of occasions.
