Hands up. I’ve been Roberts most vocal critic the last 12 months or so but he was unplayable today. Final product still a bit meh at times but his all round play was incredible, I’ve never seen him press or put in a defensive shift like that. Rigg working really well him down that right side seem to both be on the same wavelength.
And no need to fume that they’re still here. RLB seems to be the business and them in the background.
Just watched the game. Really enjoyed that, the way we press as a team is a joy to watch. The difference is we also have quality in possession. So many stand outs today, buzzing for Mundle not just getting the goal but the performance. The key is going to be keeping that level up, n potentially going up another level or 2. I think these last 2 performances are the best I've seen from Roberts, hes always been a joy to watch but its the pace he is playing at thats so impressive. Still want him to attack the back post better, still a bit reactive to attacking the back post so hoping hes more positives to get in to the back post Jobe is really impressing me, he has gone up a view levels and is playing like a seasoned pro at the minute, not an 18 yr old. Rigg is rigg - what a talent we have (one of many) Neil just ran the show 1st half but he cant be getting sent off like that - im sure he will learn from it I really liked Mayendas performance today, thought it was actually better than his last one (obviously without the goals). His movement was really good, he stretched the game for us and i love how he presses The back 4 has been class but shout out to Alese who just looks class at the minute We have made 4 signings so far but it feels like so much more. Alese n cirkin are like new signings, roberts looks like a new player, and the youngsters are kicking on Big week ahead to strengthen n keep the momentum going
I think the idea someone is pulling RLB's strings is sidelined now ... ... he won't even acknowledge the supporters, never mind his staff
Roberts has always had class but never been consistent enough - really encouraging start to the season and id love him to get a goal soon He just looks like a player that knows hes better than the championship at the minute, long may that continue I think poveda coming in will help, as he is a serious threat to Roberts (well he isnt if roberts keeps playing like this)
I agree, you can't only count the goals tally ... ... he gave the defenders the runaround today and created gaps for Rigg and Neil as well as the wide players. His confidence will grow and he'll stop passing to teammates so much when he can shoot. I know he wants to be part of a team but the best strikers are often totally selfish.
He also seems to be communicating well with his teammates whsn out of possession Noticed it a lot across the team, they all seem to be talking non stop - passing players on and all doing a job to back each other up
Alese looked a Rolls Royce today mind didn’t break a sweat. Cirkin just isn’t worth mentioning because he’s that good at the minute I’ve came to expect it from him, lost count of how many times he won the ball back. Mundle looked like a player with a point to prove first half as soon as he got the ball he was running at their full back and they hate that. I liked how he was looking up and getting the early balls into the box though, something Clarke never seemed to do. I feel this is a really harsh criticism but I’m seen as the negative bastard so I’ll say it anyway, I dare say Neil has been our “worst” player over the first 3 games whilst not really doing anything wrong other than the daft red card. Largely down to everyone else performing brilliantly which is a credit to them and him being in that new role but I also appreciate that a 6 does the work that goes unnoticed for most of the game. He just seems really quiet compared to his normal self buzzing around winning the ball back which is now Riggs job by the looks of it. Even I, as the most pessimistic of fans, am finding it hard to fault this team. The manager gets it, the fans seem to love it and the players all look they’re enjoying their football again. Brilliant all round.
Cracking post mate Neil was poor 1st game n that red card was silly today but loved him in the 1st half and thought against wed he allowed the others to play. Think you are spot on tho, in the 6 role you often dont stand out. It took rodri ages to get the praise he deserved because he just did everything really well. As you said its just great to feel positive after what happend last season. Sometimes you need a season like that to help refocus and help kick on Its going to be a long hard season but need to enjoy moments like this as a fan - honestly love this team
Credit to the people who stuck with him I suppose, but to be fair when a senior attacker plays almost every game and goes a full season with virtually zero end product I think it's understandable if people wrote him off. Great to have the real Roberts back though I certainly didn't see it coming. I wonder if he might enjoy not being in Clarke's shadow at all and being the main man out wide.
Amazing to think that apart from Browne, that was the same set of players that were available last season. Even ignoring the results, the performances have been exceptional. Just goes to show the value of a manager who knows how to get the best out of what he has and instill into the squad how he wants them to play.
Just back from the match. Best sunderland team perform I've seen ... ever ... organised, committed, talented. Burnley had one long shot on target even when we were down to 10 men. Roberts back to his best and indeed better. Jobe solid and Rigg on another planet. No poor performances ... although Mayenda needs a bit of growing up and has to shoot not pass. Defensively absolute rock.
They're probably reading the same messages I was sent. It seems like there's real trouble at t'mill with players refusing to play, financial issues, Parker threatening to walk, etc. It could all be gossip but is shows just how good we have it at the moment ... ... we seem to be just a happy club with everyone working together. If it's true they won't be able to keep it under wraps for long.
