Yes I know, I did in response to the 'we were dire' quote. No we weren't and IMO Catts for one had one of his best games for us, how is that dire?
I think most had a good game, by recent standards anyway. Bit more pressing, bit of striker's instinct and more pressure on Howard I think more mistakes would have be made made. But don't Everton don't make unforced mistakes. Every time Howard was forced to make a save he spilled it. The Bottle to take more shots on goal from the edge of the area and a sharp striker to clean up could tipped an even game in our favour.
I'll give you my view of the match. Take it for what it is worth. So I was sat right at the very front. The one big thing I noticed was how predictable you were. Everything went down your right hand side. Alonso was in acres of space quite a few times and yet nobody ever passed it to him. This was a poor Everton side. Purely based on the fact you guys got into them very quickly. You gave them very little time to do anything and it unsettled him. I doubt Lukaku will have such a tough game again this season. Off the ball you were organised. On it you seemed clueless. Devoid of creativity (apart from Johno) Your loan players look disinterested (apart from Alonso who just never seems to get the ball!) Connor Whickham has a fantastic first touch. After that, he might as well pass it to me! The own goal was unfortunate. However they keep happening to you. Suggests poor defensive positioning rather than bad luck to be honest. At the end of the game, Bardsley looked distraught. He may have had issues in the past but he well and truly cares about Sunderland. Stick with Gus. He might be somewhat clueless at the moment but give him time. Let him bring in his own players and see what happens. Stability does not always equate to success (look at our screw up, up the road) and I genuinely do not believe you will go up first time around however you will run away with the league in the 2nd time of asking. I genuinely believe 4-3-3 is your best bet. Mannone Bardsley O'Shea Brown Alonso Cattermole Colback Ki Johno Giacc Borini Might not be amazing but it makes use of your obvious attacking pace/flair. Also, where on Earth is Cabral? He is a CL level player and is nowhere to be seen. Seems odd. Anyhoo, this is my opinion. Not worth that much I guess but it is how I see it.
Cabral has left & I would have Borini on the wing with Altidore up front but thats me tho. the rest of it is spot on.
