Match Day Thread Hull City v Sunderland

I think it proved that Sunderland are probably going to have a much tougher season than we are. Thought they were ****e, but our lads looked up for it. Need some depth to that bench if at all possible

 

Thought Palmer was excellent second half.

 

Lots to like tonight. That starting defence looked good both defending and using the ball. Kamara was really up for it and took his (second) chance very well. Kyle Joseph looks a much better target man when we, you know, pass to him. Ndaya looked very positive and worked hard to get back and support Giles, and Crooks helped cover up for the lack of a proper no. 6 (surprised no-one's mentioned that we need to sign one). All these transfer rumours about Akintala which seem quite solid make me wonder though if Kamara may be the next one to shore up the bank balance.

 

Oh, and forgot to mention McCarthy, looks like someone who will be a regular part of the bench this season.

 

Is that the conversation you would like to have

 

He obviously drifts in and out, there's a question mark over consistency but he can make stuff happen. Linked up with Ndala really well when they were both on the pitch.

 

I thought he improved in the second half but still looked a yard behind the rest of the team. I think if Crooks and Slater were playing higher and supporting Joseph in the press, we could’ve punished Sunderland even more.

 

I'm joking. I was obviously making a wider point. If Palmer played better, it kind of serves my point, that Sergej sticks with players and hopefully allows them to come good.

 

Yeah, I said it in support of your point.

Just hope we see it on a more regular basis.

 

I would love it if McCarthy could be our Archie Gray. Might be too optimistic but Gray went straight from the academy to playing 50+ games in all competitions in his first ever season of professional football. If McCarthy makes even half that many, it will be good for his development.

 

Loved that. Great all round performance. Well done lads.

Kamara is forgiven

 

I don't think they were sh!te as such,they looked as if they haven't begun to gel yet...Even if and when they do,they're on a hiding week in/week out.As GLP(I think it was him) said earlier on...The gulf is HUGE and it will require a miracle to stay up!!

They'd develop into a very decent Championship side with some of their nifty footwork but Premier League,they're avving a laff..

 

He looked a cut above when he came on tonight. That recovery tackle he made was mint and that little mazy run he went on was mint too

 

Ah fkn hell....completely forgot about this friendly! been in garden doing loads of bastard jobs....sounds brill can't wait to watch highlights!!

 

I genuinely enjoyed that more than 99% of our league games over the past few years. For the first time in a while, I’m actually feeling optimistic about the season ahead. The manager seems to understand what it takes to win and knows how to adapt tactically to get the best out of the squad. We press with real intent and look much more solid at the back. I’d go as far as to say that a back five of Pandur, Drameh, Ajayi, Hughes, and Giles is easily top-six quality.

Midfield remains the obvious area of concern. I like Crooks, but I’m not convinced he’s a natural six. McCarthy, on the other hand, looks a real prospect, he should absolutely be in and around the squad this season.

Joseph’s hold-up play, particularly in the second half, was outstanding. Ndala looks like a real livewire and someone who’ll get us off our seats. Him, along with Belloumi, Millar, and Kamara (who I thought had a good game), gives us some really exciting options out wide.

If we can bring in two or three quality additions to improve the starting XI and continue to trust the youngsters, there’s no reason we can’t have a strong season.

 

Sergei has given them all a right kick in the Balkans.

We're gonna win the league.

 

That was probably the best atmosphere at a home game in the last 12 months, even with only 6.5k in thoroughly enjoyed that!

 

It’s took him less time to win a home for about a year, long may it continue

 

I love him

 

when was the last time we beat a Premier League club