Poyet: We still believe Published: 05 April, 2014 by Stuart Vose Boss laying plans ahead of return to former club. Gus Poyet says his side can still string together a run of form if they maintain their current effort levels as the Black Cats head into the final eight games of the season. Sunderland’s run-in continues with a trip to Spurs on Monday night following a home defeat to West Ham in which the hosts were on top for long spells. We still believe and that’s the most important thing - Gus Poyet Having had time to reflect on the 2-1 reverse, Poyet highlighted his players’ desire and says that battling mentality will be key during the final run-in as he prepares at the Academy of Light. “I think we played better than in previous games; we had more pressure, more chances,” the Uruguayan told safc.com. “I didn’t see the team nervous or worried about passing the ball and taking risks, having shots – sometimes maybe too quick. “We gave 100% commitment and desire non-stop until the end of the game. “If we keep getting that we will have no regrets and a great chance to stay up.” Sunderland’s last eight games are equally split between home and away fixtures, with Monday’s assignment in London first up. The Black Cats have two games in hand on some of the teams around them and sit four points back from 17th-placed West Bromwich Albion. I think we’ve had two games during the time I’ve been here where we’ve had that little bit of luck. I’m still waiting for those two or three in a row which make things go the other way - Poyet hoping for rub of the green The Uruguayan feels his side are close to putting a run together and is hoping to receive a little more of the rub of the green in things to come. “I know it’s difficult and I’m not going to lie to the fans, it’s getting more and more so,” he explained. “People will ask, ‘why are you going to win three or four now when you didn’t do that in your last [eight] games? “Fair enough – but why not? I know it’s been difficult, but at the same we know the difference for the last three or four games – apart from a bad one [against Norwich] – has been an action, something of quality or a deflected shot. “I think we’ve had two games during the time I’ve been here where we’ve had that little bit of luck. I’m still waiting for those two or three in a row which make things go the other way.” After Monday night’s encounter with Spurs, Sunderland’s schedule brings three games against top-six teams in Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea before Cardiff visit Wearside on April 27. But Poyet feels there’s huge potential in the games against the big guns, saying that one big result could have a seismic impact – starting on Monday. “It would change everything,” he said. “As I’ve said, I want to see us giving everything. “Apart from a bad first half at Arsenal and an even worse 35 minutes at Norwich, in the rest of the games we have always done our best and have been very close to making a big impact. “We still believe and that’s the most important thing.”
where did he get 35 mins at norwich from it was ****ing terrible for 94 mins ,he knows that as we do who went, it was awfull
Emmanuel Adebayor is back in contention for Tottenham's clash with Premier League strugglers Sunderland on Monday, although Roberto Soldado and Jan Vertonghen are out. The Togolese striker has missed the last three matches with a gashed heel and hamstring problem, while Vlad Chiriches and Paulinho are also back in contention. Soldado and Vertonghen are unavailable after sustaining injuries in last weekend's defeat at Liverpool, while Kyle Walker, Erik Lamela and Etienne Capoue remain absent. Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has no fresh injury concerns. The Uruguayan's biggest problem will be to find the best XI to attempt to return from White Hart Lane with something to show for their efforts, after admitting he may have made a mistake in starting Monday's 2-1 home defeat by West Ham with leading scorer Adam Johnson sitting on the bench. Striker Steven Fletcher is yet to be ruled out for the season with an ankle injury, but he remains some way from fitness, while keeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) is still missing.
Johnson and Borini up front, Ki, Catts and Bridcutt midfield and a back five with three center halves (if we can find three) and two wing backs. Come on.
Lee Mason is the ref tonight & he was the **** that didn't give us that pen against Spurs in December. We will get **** all from this **** tonight lads.
Sherwood to be given the boot at the end of the season. News badly timed for them just before a game. Great news for us
I predict if you get something tonight you'll stay up. With Norwich pulling the stunt they have and Fulham getting 3 points at the weekend I think it'll be WBA, Norwich and Cardiff for the drop. But you really need to stop the rot tonight.
Lord knows what the team sheet will be this time. Probably bring the free kick specialist Mr Semaphore Larsson back.
Tottenham Starting XI: Lloris; Naughton, Chiriches, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon, Chadli, Paulinho, Eriksen; Adebayor, Kane Subs: Friedel, Fryers, Veljkovic, Bentaleb, Sandro, Sigurdsson, Townsend Sunderland Starting XI: Mannone, Bardsley, Alonso, Brown (c), Cuellar, Vergini, Ki, Bridcutt, Cattermole, Johnson, Borini Subs: Larsson, Gardner, Wickham, Colback, O'Shea, Scocco, Ustari
Wow. We all know how sh@t oshea has been but didnt think he would drop him. Looking at spurs team there is nothing there to be worried about. There for the taking this.
Might have a chance with Johnson starting, he always looks a threat when he comes on. That Vergini looks absolute pants to me though?
He looked clueless against Liverpool. Saying that, you were a trifle unfortunate not to get something out of the game.
