Match Day Thread Sunderland v Plymouth Argyle - Tuesday 19th January - KO 19:00

Looking back on this, Plymouth wouldn't have had too many complaints if we'd won, they had 3 shots and two went in.

We didn't score enough but we did create imo, MCGeady's chance, Wyke's header, etc.

The full backs were both half hearted when defending especially on the left.

Hume needs work on his final ball but he does get up and back quickly as does O'Nien.

If we'd had those two last night I think it would've been a much different game.

Scowen will come good, once he calms down, and O'Brien is looking determined.

Winchester looked like he couldn't work out what some of our players were doing but I think he's there to stay.

We deserved at least a point out of that game.

 

What surprised me was the number of times that two of our players would go to close one of there's down leaving an easy out ball. it's as if they never talk to each other.
I also agree the earlier comment when attacking and the full back passes to the winger why does the full back stand still and occupy space rather than bombing on past the winger to create options?
If I'm charitable perhaps players are still adjusting to new coaching ideas, or even just being coached, if you believe McGeady

 

I wound down on the maltese falcon the film not the yacht, a very fitting film "The stuff that dreams are made of." . The game on reflection was not the nightmare it appeared at first sight, just so disappointing a result, Plymouth played well and we missed a lot of half chances but did not deserve anything more than a draw tbf. and we need to win games in our position. On the team, I am not sure now that two up front is our best option, One up front and a more supportive mid field as against Port Vale looks a better bet, and AoB for me rather than Wyke, who is a huge stumbling block literally. OaU

 

Would have been a different game altogether had it not been pissing down, obviously same for both teams, Plymouth adapted better. Also, no crowd to back the team and give them a kick up the Jacksy when required. I reckon no crowds at home has a big negative effect on us.

 

I've started to count the days in between games again, which makes a change. With Parkinson I'd stopped doing that. I can see a difference with the team now and it's encouraging even after setbacks like Plymouth.

As Johnson has said, there's no plan B, the players either join the programme or leave the club.

I don't care who has to go tbh. O'Brien has shown that he's willing to 'play the game' and carry out the manager's instructions. Once everyone is doing that it should start to click into gear.

One of the basics of football is to work hard for the entire 90 minutes, if a few aren't doing that it all falls to pieces as it did on Tuesday, particularly at left back. I watched the second goal, over again, and it was shameful he just stood and watched.

He's a much better player than that but he just looks like he's sulking on the pitch ...

... players like that are getting an easy ride because there are no supporters in the ground.

But Johnson is obviously laying the law down, at last.

We now have the money to be able to ship people out which is as important as being able to ship them in.

 

Well said mate. Even one or two not 'at it' spreads through the team.

The second goal was atrocious and McGeady didn't cover himself in glory either.

 

Aye for someone with a lot to say about the standard of his teammates play he's never bothered tracking back since we've had him. Puts a lot of pressure on the LB.

 

Whilst I agree about the pitch - the weather was not bad enough to make our pitch like that if it was looked after properly! Think this is a sad indictment of how badly the club is being run at present. We've seen far more rain on the pitch and it be in much better condition in the past

 

When the stadium was opened, a lot was made of the systems installed to ensure the pitch would be well protected in adverse weather conditions, with state of the art technology, I wonder if these systems ever lived up to the claims, or if its just another sign of falling standards. The surface water was bad enough, but the sight of so many bare patches would seem to point to neglect imo.

 

You may recall that a while ago they forgot to open the drain taps and the pitch was flooded. I think a groundsman was sacked.

I wonder if this time round, there has been cuts in pitch maintenance?

 

I think we are being a bit harsh on individuals and in any case getting rid of everyone is not practical, we still have decent players available, make a tweak here and there is all that is needed atm to get us back on track imo. Looking forward to see haw LJ goes about it, he is so refreshingly honest in his interviews and long may they continue to be so. OaU

 

Yes I remember this as it was a shock at the time.

 

My mate is a Bristol City fan and he said that was his downfall in the end at City. As good as it is to have a manager who says what we all think, players in the Championship didn't like it and that led to him losing the dressing room (apparently - only telling you what he told me so don't shoot the messenger!)

I think it's great at the minute, but it worries me when you start getting prima-donnas who think they're bigger than that - If their influence is sufficient in the dressing room, it could turn sour quickly.

 

I think our dressing room is more stable than it has been for years tbh. fix the pitch and the home form and all will be rosy.

 

Looking like the bindippers might lose at home... it happens to all the best sides?

 

Liverpool lost to Burnley oh dear me never mind

 

Imagine having to bring your keeper up for a corner in the last minute against Burnley man

 

Oh I completely agree. But we’ve got third division players in the third division. A few prima-donnas can upset the apple cart. I like everything Johnson has said, been very impressed and long may it continue. Just need players who won’t throw a hissy fit when he calls them out!

 

How did we do against Burnley last season? SUNDERLAND > Liverpool!!

 

and the best bit is it puts them level with the skunks on points, if Leeds beat them next week they are down among the dead men they will have lost 10 in a row i think as they only drew 2 matches since end of November The northeast side enjoy a huge and passionate following even though they have gone 66 years without a domestic trophy but fans are fed up with the mediocrity.