My thoughts. We didn't play as well as we did against Villa (still say with 11 men we win it comfortably), but still put in a good performance all the same. We were under the cosh at times in the second half, but showed a lot of resilience and character. Defensively, we were immense at times, though did give ourselves a couple of hairy moments, but overall we were pretty comfortable defensively. Yes, they had some good chances as the game worse on, but we were never overly stretched or desperate. And on the other hand, we always looked dangerous on the break and capable of adding another one. Gertrude's little dancing run into the box was unlucky not to settle things, just a little bit more composure with the shot and it would have been 2-0. Isadore worked his socks off up top, Sadiki impressive again, Talbi put in a shift, likewise Rigg. It wasn't just backs to the wall defending, we looked to play our way out and counter when we could. Alderete and Mukiele were superb, Hume again looked top class, Gertrude looked good when he came on, only Masuaku looked a bit suspect, which I'm putting down to rustiness. Roefs was superb today, making some big saves, but his composure was the big thing for me. It gave the defensive unit confidence and stopped us getting desperate and stretched when forest put us under pressure. The same goes for Xhaka organising the midfield. Both helped us keep our shape and composure as Forest chucked more at us and made changes and it helped us see the game out. RLB got his substitutions spot on, made at the right time and right tactically. He definitely outsmarted Postecoglou, the limit of his tactics and subs was to basically chuck on more forwards and wingers when chasing the game. There didn't seem to be much in the way of a game plan or targeting a player to isolate. Overall I'm bloody happy right now. A massively impressive return from the opening games and we don't look out of place at all.
Wow what can I say about that keeper couldn’t have been far off man of the match some big performances out there.loved every minute. When Reg took Le Fee off I thought fck me he’s gona try and defend this and he bloody well did like Rauks drift at times but to a man they stood firm COME ON
@SkySports_Keith ⬛ Said this last week, and today reinforces it. The organisation and resilience is there for all to see. Sunderland are a team. They will get a lot of points this season, particularly at home. Very streetwise, and a team built around Granit Xhaka. Impressive win tonight. #SAFC
'I did not feel like Forest were going to score' Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "What an evening. We showed mentality, we showed we give everything on the pitch and with this mentality I think we can achieve a lot." On how the defence stood tall in the second-half: "To be honest with you I didn't really feel like they were going to score even if we played on one hour more. So many balls came in the box and the guys fought for every ball and did so well." On what it has been like since joining Sunderland: "I am really happy with the start from us as a team but also from me. I am happy to help the team." On if he realised how big the club was before he joined: "I did know it was a club with a big history and I was told before that the fans would be really great in home games but even in away games they show massive support. We are really happy with that and they pushed us to the win today." On no promoted team with this amount of points at this stage of the season ever being relegated: "There is a really long way to go, we are just a few games in but we have to celebrate every good moment and move on to the next one."
Postecoglou looked like someone had told him his wife had just ran off with the milkman and ran over his budgie when doing it. And then that his dog had pissed on his shoes. Looked like he wanted to be anywhere else than give the post match interview.
He single handle destroys the opposition press at times .What a great thing to have. It makes them drop back.
He looked completely calm on the pitch at full time, no evidence whatsoever he'd been going through it. He's an impressively grounded character, it's great for the team to help them stay focused and not get carried away. Top bloke all round.
Of the stand ins/ subs I thought we missed Diarra’s physicality tonight without Rigg playing badly. Ballard quality though did he lose Wood? Masuaku has some left peg on him but weakens us, Reinildo is a world ahead of him and is a miss. Traore had a couple of good bits but made a couple of bad judgements when we needed to be solid so there’s a bit of improvement to be made with depth. Brobbey’s strength is a good addition though and helped I thought. Geertruida seems a good addition.
Liverpool v palace Brentford v Man U City v Burnley Chelsea V Brighton Spuds v wolves Trees V SAFC -_- coz joy
