3 absolutely shocking performances in the space of no time I wonder if this will make up MoN's mind that we need more than just a couple of signings in the summer. MoN will not stand for it and will certainly want to stamp his authority on the team. He is going a great job with this bunch but end of the day its Steve Bruce's team
Exactly, its what I've been saying. Its the same team that was 17th/18th ONLY 4 months ago. MON has had a brilliant effect, but we have to remember that these players were 17th/18th for a reason, they are not good. When MON stamps his authority during pre-season we will finally see a good team. I can't wait for Sunderland to have 2 wingers, 1 on the right and 1 on the left. We all know this is what MON prefers. Last time we had that was Summerbee / Johnston? I can also Catts leaving, with Colback in CM and a new player coming in. Maybe an experienced player with flair (or perhaps Riveros??)
It amuses me that when Bruce was manager Bruce was the problem but the TEAM we're world beaters, but now that Bruce is gone suddenly the TEAM aren't good enough. I just wonder what the next excuse will be if MON's signings dont pan out, will it be the team or the manager I wonder?
Shocking performances happen to all teams Man U/Man City/Arsenal in Europe toon v Man U Us vs Man Cty Chelsea Vs Us last season. The run that we were on just couldnt last, mind you Newcastles form has, but they have had a few dire perormances, we hadnt been beaten by 1 goal until WBA, so it is a shock to the system. All I am saying is **** happens to every team, and it always will, its no ones fault, just happens.
It's a reality check........... Sure it's Bruce's old team, and MoN has done well with them, but he will also keep some of Bruce's old team, as they are noy all ****e because of a few defeats... He will sort out who he wants to keep, and who will be gone.
I think it all caught up with the players last night and they couldnt find that little bit extra. Everton did a great job of spoiling and changed the atmosphere and course of the game. Larrson looks like he's ready for his summer hols now, I know no one rates Elmo but id rest Seb at the weekend and give a elm a chance. I've said from the start McClean will blow hot and cold, one week like Bale the next like Kevin Kilbane. Top priority is still a new strikers, all other dealings should wait till its known whats left in the kitty. I think a few will leave and a few will come in but it won't be anything like Bruces ridiculous merrygoround.
No sure if this is the right thread to comment on but I too think MON didn't have a game plan last night. 10 minutes into the game I said to the father-in-law who I go to the games with - We won't win this game tonight. Everton settled really quickly and grew in confidence and it clearly showed. It was like we were to concerned with stopping Everton playing than imposing our game on them. No-one turned up for us on the night and that was there for all to see. Even MON stated it after. But I still think we didn't have a plan and that's a shame. Jelavic was by far the best player on the park. Yes he was faking injuries left right and centre but I'd swap him for Bendy any day of the week. Quality Player, what a target man he's going to be for them. To summaries - I'm gutted because I think we could have beaten Liverpool and had at least 3 games away in Europe next season. Do I think that would have been to much to soon? Yes... But I'd have still gone away regardless of our situation. Everton were by far the better team and I really do wish them luck because they played well. If in 5 years time we have the players they have and our club is run like them I will be more than happy being a Sunderland fan.
With the small attendances and little noise coming from the SOL, you would think its a boycott all year round anyway.
I'm not sure where you amusement is coming from. Perhaps your true sense of amusement for today is coming from relief that a resurgent Sunderland were finally knocked out of the cup? When Bruce was in charge the manager and the team were crap. Thats is why we were 4th from bottom having fewer points than games played and that is why Bruce was shown the door, to prevent an obvious relegation struggle. When Martin O'Neill came in his task was purely and simply a rescue mission. I tended to think that we would struggle to survive even WITH Martin O'Neill as the manager due to the squad that Bruce assembled. I personally think this squad in the right hands is a 12-14th place squad and in the wrong hands is a relegation squad and if we achieve anything better than 12th-14th, it will be down to Martin O'Neills ability to inspire those players. Most average players don't appear to like working to hard for their money and as the effect of a new manager wears off, those players that were once inspired return to their general standard. I don't think Bendtner is the answer, I don't think Gardner is the answer. For all of his dead ball brilliance, I don't think Larsson is the answer. I believe McClean to be very over-hyped and loses possesion of the ball far to often for a premier league team, something which he needs to work on, although to be fair to Bruce, it was Pop Robson who found him and not Bruce. I'm looking forward to the summer along with a minor shuffle within the significant positions of the team. Strikers and central midfielders.
