Now I'm not having a pop or nothing else, just asking opinion of you guys who went. On match of the day they mentioned the Argentina squad player just before the start and that was the last time he was mentioned, don't think I saw him touch the ball. So early opinions from you guys at pitch side please
Some good touches, looks a bit light weight to me but first game in the big league we can expect that. Definitely prepared to give him a chance, especially if he scores the winner against Burnley next week.
I thought his movement was good, some nice touches, needs time to adapt to the pace of the premiership, and tbf it moved at a canny lick that match yesterday against a top quality spurs side
Clearly doesn't know our system yet, defensively weak. Looks like he can beat a man, needs to adapt to our refs letting stuff go that he would get free kicks for in Italy. Early days, plenty of room for improvement but giacc' should be starting before him as he looks awesome, his through ball for PVA for the Buckley chance was one of the best passes I've ever seen a Sunderland player make.
I thought it was a debut that showed plenty, in atough game when we were always going to be short of the ball. Gotta agree with Tony, Giacc must start, I actually think he would have had he not done 180 mins in a week for Italy. Gomez, he also has to start, Seb has been solid and tidy with no influence, Jordi has vision and is such a lovely passer, he should sit in the role Seb has to date. Nice to have options.
Totally agree with this, Alvares in particular showed plenty in a very difficult game. His first touch is class, he has pace and skill and the next handful of games are ideal for him to settle into the EPL and our style of play. I can see Whickham getting some decent service now with the likes of Jonno, Alvares, Gomes and Giacc supplying him.
Dunno about the pace bit, but certainly the rest! He did look a little taken aback with the physicality but he's a big lad and that will come over a few weeks, standard for a newcomer to this league really. He's got something for sure, he'll probably find a bit more space against Burnley, and even Stoke now he'll get to see the ball a bit more, looks a definite player though.
I think alverez and Gomez will come into there own in our home games against the sides that park the bus. We have better attacking options to unpick those defences.
I agree, I couldn't be more impressed with Gomez. When we ignore the fact he is a free transfer from Wigan and not a Hollywood signing, the facts are he immediately has an influence every time he gets on. He richly deserves a start, Seb out for him, Giacc down the left and Alvarez on the bench for me at Burnley. Alvarez, whilst finding his feet, can be a weapon off the bench.
Seb deserves his place for me. Gomez should replace Rodwell I think. Rod is a long way short of being up to speed so should be working hard in training and getting minutes off the bench rather than starting. Giacch deserves to play but I'm not sure where Gus will play him. Team v Burnley will be very interesting.
Could be right, but Rodders will only get match sharp playing, he covered a lot of ground yesterday for sure. I just think Seb, he's done nowt wrong at all, but he doesn't really give anything either. Or hasn't, season to date.
Not to be overlooked is the fact that Alvarez was the only player on the pitch with a 100% successful pass rate! http://thepremierleagueowl.com/sunderland-vs-tottenham-individual-player-statistics-2/
I'm doing my stat analysis on his debut. He did very well, pace of the game was a problem but we all knew it would be a problem as he adapts.
I got verbally attacked by my mates on the way home for saying I'd drop Larsson while Rodwell gets match fit. They couldn't understand it was nowt against Larsson but our best midfielder needs games to get up to speed and in the mean time we need a bit more creativity in the middle. They get so protective of players and can't grasp that it's about getting the system right. They need to understand it's a squad game and we have a much stronger squad, everybody has a part to play and it's what's right for the team, not individual players. Seb's done great but we're lacking something at the moment and I think Gomez should step in for a while. The joy of decent options.
The lad next. To me said "he'll never make a premier league player" (after about 20 minutes) to which I responded "how much have you seen him? Did you watch him last season?" He said "no just today" to which I sat and explained the differences between Italy and England and he sharp shut up when I explained I'd been watching sunderland longer than he's been alive... Then his mam said "about time someone put him in his place!"
Grete post fella, of the starters yes, worth noting Giacc came on and gave another half hour of 100% pass accuracy too.
