I think we haven't been playing badly, not getting the balance of decisions and are unlucky to be behind - in fact we've dominated the game. There is every opportunity to win this in the second half - they have nothing we should be worried about (other than our own mistakes).
Good play by Spurs, compact, strong, closing down well, good invention and chances made. Shame about the goal. If we keep up our first half performance I expect a win.
****ing nonsense. This is where it all comes to ****. Sunderland were prepared to play an open game but trying to play 2 strikers against them and get the 2 to alternate in dropping off didn't help us in converting chances and still left us open in midfield and at the back. Now we're approaching a second half where Sunderland can kill the game off playing deep and narrow yet we can't make any attacking subs other than like for likes because we've already played our trump of having 2 strikers on the pitch and the only other option would be to go for a less attacking formation with Dempsey. Dawson hoofing the ball out for throws to Sunderland isn't going to break them down so hopefully Vertonghen will come on and we'll need a bit of luck to get a goal to put us back in it.
Should take Walker off, switch Naughton and bring on Verts. I feel sorry for Ade, tried just a little too hard, a sign of someone lacking confidence, first touch goes tits-up. Dembele hasn't regained his form since that injury, perhaps bring on Scotty a push Sandro up a bit. Martin O'Neil talk at half time 'Just keep giving them corners, they will never score so our lead will be safe'.
The ref is pretty bloody awful but is being pretty equal. Defoe should be in the book, as should their right full back.
If Assou-Ekotto is back soon then it might be an idea to 'rest' Walker and play Naughton is his proper position.
Bring on Verts at left back and Scotty in Midfield. Will stretch the Sunderland defence more. Jan will get into more advanced positions to overlap Bale. Dembélé will be able to support Ade and Defoe. We can turn this around. The Black Cats confidence is frail.
Surprised by the negative comments, I have seen a good performance by Spurs, winning the midfield but just not getting the rub to put the ball in the net. **** you guys are hard to please. This IS away in the North East!
That's what I suggested on the Spurs feed on Facebook. Walker gets picked because there's no-one to challenge him - that's all. If we still had Corluka, Walker would have been warming the bench for half this season.
