Do we feel like winners? In the first Denis Smith season,the couple of Reidy seasons,the Keane season.....it felt like we were winners, that nothing could stop us. It feels to me like Leeds are the winners this year.....and that's before the match tonight!.....but I don't feel the same about Sheff U or Burnley. I know we've had a great year,and I'm loving the football we're playing,and we're right in the mix, but it feels fragile....which I'm aware could just be a hangover from Saturday,but I don't think so. The posts on the transfer window thread appear to be getting ever more desperate,which,I think reflects our collective apprehension,together with the contract situation with some of our players. Is my general mood shared amongst you lot....or do I need a kick up the arse?
Not like this, I hope please log in to view this image There will always be apprehension, but this management team takes an awful lot of that away because most (not all) can see why we're doing it this way, it seems to be being built on solid foundations and it's exciting . . . . really exciting To some, it's not as important as it used to be to be in the 'even more corrupt' Premier League 'cos we're enjoying what we're seeing at this level, too.
I think you're right, Leeds are the best I have seen against us this season and as you say we are fragile. Will be interesting to see if any team has ever finished in the automatic spots having conceded the most goals in the final minutes of games. We are so close to being the best team in the league imo, but a lack of consistency and the inability to take our chances in games is costing points. That's likely related to the youthful team we are playing. But there's a long way to go and we are still right amongst it. Fix those issues and we will go up automatically.
It doesn't feel fragile to me and the people I was with on Saturday, in fact the general view is that we're becoming stronger. I'd say there are three different 'moods' tbh. First, people who go to as many, or more, away games as home. Secondly, those who almost only go to home games. Thirdly, those who can't go and watch the games on TV. The first is much more positive and think we'll really pick up when the new players, and injured, bed in and give us strength on the bench. The second see teams come to the SOL, park the bus and launch long balls over the full backs, they don't seem as positive. The third don't see how the players run all game off the ball, even if we don't play well, and how strong the bond is with the fans. That's how I feel but could be totally wrong.
I'm in the second group there, a 1 goal lead never seems enough which is where I agree with the fragility of the team. But we play some superb football, I'm amazed nobody has been on the end of a proper hammering yet.
It feels fragile, not because of Saturdays result imo but more that we had been kicked in the nuts, figuratively speaking, for so long, that it’s kind of hard wired into us that we expect something to go wrong.
I dont fear any team in the league, to me that makes us winners. Yes we have the odd disappointment on the way, that comes with having a young team learning and developing as they go imo. We also at times play some beautiful football, i have said a few times and I stand by it, one game it will click and we will absolutely hammer someone, until that time i will take 1-0 wins and the odd draw as long as we keep going. We are 4th at this stands, with a hell of a chance to go up automatically, there's a long way to go and those teams around us are not pulling away or showing anything really different to us
You have a point but surely everyone can see that this Sunderland under KLD is not like that anymore, we're growing as a club and getting stronger. Its time for a leap of faith
I can see what you mean,but,in the seasons I've mentioned,a below par performance didn't seem to matter...we were still on course. I see a fragility in this side,which has sort of crept up on us the nearer we get to the business end of the season. I'm generally an optimist,and am a huge fan of the KLD,KS regime. I've no doubt the future is bright, but I'm starting to expect another season in this division next year.
I can't agree with you on that point mate. I reckon we're going up and in the top 2, don't ask me to explain it cos I can't I just have this belief (if you want to call it that) that we'll do it. There's only 1 other time I've had this feeling and it was a game against the mags in the middle of the 6 in a row run - I just knew they wouldn't beat us
Before every game I look at our team (and the subs) and I think ‘we can’t lose, this team is brilliant in every position with some fabulous talent’ I can’t understand how we haven’t given a few teams a hammering. When we start playing, sometimes we’re incredible to watch but other times so frustrating, passing sideways and slow play letting the opposition set up their defence. I remember when Gabbiadini joined and I expected him to score every time he got the ball. I was there when he scored 2 for a few games in a row. Similarly Quinn and Philips. Will we suddenly just ‘click’ and have a big winning run…… it’s possible.
Another way to look at this is, ‘how many clubs doesn’t it go wrong for’ … … how many clubs have gone up and back down, how many never have a prayer of the PL, how many clubs have have won the PL title and FA Cup in the last ten years. If Newcastle don’t win something quick it’ll be 70 years since they last won a proper trophy … … Clubs like Bolton were giants, at one time, looking lost now. Sunderland have had promotions, Wembley appearances and a decade in the PL, much more than many clubs. This ‘typical Sunderland’ stuff gets a bit boring tbh.
Sorry, I should’ve been clearer. Relatively speaking Sunderland have been a successful club. Not as successful as some but successful all the same. The kicked in the nuts was referring to our very recent history where one thing after another led to us spending four years in a league that we should have been nowhere near given our size. Where off the field issues led to us not being looked upon favourably as a team players wanted to sign for. And some of the players we did sign were either mercenaries, useless or both. It’s that feeling which is difficult to shake off. Like you, I don’t buy into this typical Sunderland narrative either. I think it’s just recent history has taught us to think the worst.
Hard to argue with only 4 defeats with over half a season gone that we could not be regarded as winners. As for Sheffield Utd and Burnley..not fazed by them at all.. They will drop points for sure..we just need to to take advantage.. ( which I know we didn't do on Saturday) ... With some of players coming back from injury especially in those key positions, and hopefully a solid signing during this window... RLB will have the options he hasn't had for a few now.
hmm... we had our 'bad run' but picked up more injuries so it is taking a wee while to get back to the early season form which was totally not expected, by me anyway, i was expecting a very slow start. isidor is firing but i think he could do better, he will still be loved if he only scores in every three games and just calms down...i have seen a few come here and 'overwork' themselves trying to make an impact and i believe he is doing just that currently. so winners or not...i think we are, firstly compared to second half of last season we are much better and secondly we have a regime in control now that know exactly what they want and are showing signs that they want to motor on this season, now i know we should not live in the past but this club recently has been to the worst ever league position and had to fight back up and i think we are on our way.
