10 games in...what do we think?

[Southern A]

Trying to be as objective and balanced as possible. And whilst some of the later numbers below seem a bit "negative", I want to up front say this is my favourite Sunderland side EVER.

1. I think we deserve to be in and around the playoffs
2. I think we are brilliant to watch
3. I really like our strategy and approach
4. Tony Mowbray is showing himself to be tactically brilliant rather than just a good man manager as some might have thought.
5. Luke O'Nien the surprise of the season for me. I was disappointed when he started the first game, and when we let Batth go. I am now genuinely seeing him as one of the best ball playing centre backs in the division.
6. Jobe has completely blown me away with how good he is versus what I was expecting. I feel like he needs a rest. Aouchiche also looks incredibly mature and adept and I would have absolutely no qualms him starting personally. I think if he got a run of games he could very quickly become our best player. Big statement that but he just looks a level above.
7. Jury is still out on the other incoming transfers but encouraging signs. Its hard to judge the likes of Rusyn, Hemir, Seelt, Triantis etc until they play. But I do like that we've been able to give them a few months to settle
8. I've been a little disappointed at how little the new guys have been trusted off the bench in games when we are in control. That's the pettiest of gripes seeing we won those games. I just think we will need to throw them in at some point and the more minutes they get now, the better.
9. I still think we will tail off at times this season and whilst we will stay top half, will be battling to get into the playoffs like we were last season. Hopefully we make it again, and win! (that said, I definitely don't think its beyond us to go up automatically - I just think 6th again represents a good season)
10. We are definitely light in midfield still and I worry if we get another injury. I think we are lucky we have played arguably the worst two sides in the division in the last 2 games without Ekwah.

All in all, I am absolutely delighted by the start to the season. Especially considering the first two games, and also the meltdown on transfer deadline-eve

What a time to be a fan of this club.

 

[TopCat.]

from a bad start to the season i think we all knew it was just a 'blip' and that the wins would follow, the good thing (to me) was the lack of negativity, at least on this site, can't say about any others.

pretty sure plenty got a wee bit jittery in the transfer window but many expected most of it, our team had been playing good football and were attracting interest, would have been shocked if there were no rumours...couple of good players were allowed to leave with gooch being the 'shock' of the window and this time i know they all went with the best wishes of the fans even if one was 'unwanted'.

so, as it stands now we are nicely in 4th and have not had a bad game (hoping i am not putting a jinx on saturday, i remember last season too well) although a couple have not been at our best.

still some of the new lads to see 'properly' but those that have had starts and been able to get used to the squad have been very good, those that we have seen little of have certainly looked like they will fit in and do well when they get a chance...hard to fit them in with the current team playing well but even when picked for the U23's to give them game time they do not let the club down, really looking forward to watching these lads grow with the club, while there could be criticisms for some there are not enough to warrant mentioning in full, i always expected mistakes as the lads learn their trade but they are learning and that is the main thing.

hard to call them the 'old hands' really but they have carried on where they left off last season, clarke, roberts, pritchard and also those like dan neil who we tend to forget that he himself is still a young lad...each and every one has played his part so i feel the first quarter (nearly) has shown that we are in for another good football season, expect some 'blips' of course but overall i am sure we will be happy at the end of the season and i think we will enjoy another play-off battle at the very least.

Happy with where we are. It's a long old season and a lot can change. This time last season we were 5th with 15pts, Reading were 3rd, QPR were 6th and Coventry were bottom.

FWIW I believe we have a strong squad with players such as Clarke, Ballard, Neil & Ekwah who are noticeably better than last year. Jury is out on the likes of Hemir, Pembele, Mayenda, Burstow etc but in Aouchiche we look to have a player who is absolutely ready for this level. Getting/keeping at least one of Pritch/Dack fit is essential as we missed them both last night and whilst I'm dubious as to how much of an influence he can have in this team, we could have done with Corry Evans in the middle of the park at stages of the game yesterday,

I think we will be in the play off mix, if we can get one of our strikers scoring then we have a chance of top 2. I think we'll know more about this team by the end of October

 

[samwise_new]

some good views in here i think, good to see people are not getting carried away and thinking we will 'walk the league', that does not say i don't think these lads are capable.

they have all adapted well to the 'must find other ways to score' from last season but they need to mix that with good service to the front man/men, i am sure it will come.

i would say leicester currently (as expected) are setting the pace but the title is theirs to lose imho but they should have plenty to cover injuries...let's see where everyone is after the next ten games although i think once we hit top gear there won't be many that will match us.

 

[Southern A]

Away from Sunderland - I've just noticed Cheltenham town in League One haven't scored in the league yet this season. That's insane.

P10 W0 D1 L9 F0 A19 PTS 1

 

[Monkey69]

I think we possibly have one of if not the best squad in the league, best first 11 is probably Leicester but only just. We are closing in on averaging 2 points a game after 3 defeats in 10 and I think if we hold our nerve then the top 2 is not out of sight. Every team will have a bit of a wobble but ours may well have been the first 2 games as we don't seem to let negatives get under the skin like they used to.
Not seen anything from any of our opponents yet that has me worried but have watched a bit of Leicester and they do look dangerous, Ipswich for me did not look great against us and I have watched them since and they do not impress me but they do keep getting results so what do I know.
All in all we have started well but have dropped points in a couple of games where we really should have won (if I am being hyper critical) but we are most definitely one of the best teams to watch and one of the top 3 or 4 teams in the league.
as a prediction I believe we can achieve automatics and I think it may well come down to the twelfth man and the confidence that we as fans give this young vibrant squad.

 

[flandersmackem]

Ipswich have a very tight squad that is running on sheer momentum. I actually think they will take some stopping

 

[cumbrianmackem]

Ipswich have a very tight squad that is running on sheer momentum. I actually think they will take some stopping

Heard somewhere Ipswich have won their last 16 or so home games and have scored at least twice in every game whilst doing so.
They definitely have momentum but don’t know if their squad is big enough

 

[FellTop]

Might be interesting to see how things look after the Jan window.

Will we be able to keep everyone? Will Leicester get raided?

Will Amad come back? Will Southampton spend big?

I woukd like to think we have a bit of wriggle room if we are top 6 at Christmas to do a bit of smart business. Might be the difference.

 

[Bank of England 2]

Good start, few defeats in which we probably should have won never mind just taken something.

Looking a very strong squad, strength in depth as good as any team if not better

10 games in look very capable of playoff spot & not just sneaking in last day, yes we won last night, but we need to sort home form 2 hoke defeats already, see previous comment should have won, young players hopefully will learn if we do we can push for top 2

Massive month, first game won, end of October we will be in a position to assess if were going to push for top two or realistically be playoff side....might not be in top two...but ive a feeling end of month we will have seen enough to push for top two... especially as these young lads should only get better...the potential is unreal, singling out Jobe, looked bit raw at first, especially Blackburn in that midfield role, same role now & hes bossing, unreal lads just turned 18 both talent & physically...hes going to be a top player. Dan Neil too...laugh hes the older head in there...just hes doing a great job controlling the middle

Spot on. Just look at the ones who didn't start yesterday for one reason or another:
Pembele, Cirkin, Seelt, Triantis, Alese
Ekwah, Pritchard, Dack, Rigg, Evans (remember him?)
Benette, Rusyn, Hemir, Mayenda, Aochiche

Apologies if I missed anyone out, but that is frighteningly good.

 

[ned_werby]

The only thing that worries me slightly is our 6 wins are against sides currently 24,23,22,21,20 and 10th, our 3 defeats 2,3 and 8th.

and us beating them has contributed to their position(s)

 

[TonyG]

Happy
I'm happy because it feels great to be be looking forward to matches again, this is my first season ticket and it feels like a pivotal season already.

Excited
I'm excited because our core players are bedded in, confident and playing great sometimes you just don't know what trick is going to come next, I swear I saw a little back heel in the box that didn't come off but the audacity !

Patient
I'm patient with this team because they have bags of talent and the confidence to try and pull some seriously skilful things off, I know if we lose the ball we'll nip at team's heels to retrieve possession and get back to doing crazy skill stuff.

We were even talking about next years season tickets such is the feeling amongst me and the family

 

[rowley]

2 pts a game after 10 games is good going, I'd say.

I see Leicester winning it clearly, and I don't think we'll have enough to finish second. Just think that a 20 goal striker on top of what we have is what we need for that. Maybe Rusyn.

But top 6 will be a cracking effort. I see us improving, and you never know.

 

[Daz]

Over the moon with the start and see no reason at all why we can’t challenge for automatic promotion.

I agree with many who think Leicester will go up mind. But it’s a bloody long season and anything can happen

 

[The Professor]

Interesting point that.

Think we have started well and playing great stuff. Still need to be more aggressive at home IMO. Also, the depth at CM is a worry. I feel the same players have played high intensity ever minute and last night a few of them were feeling it, making reference to having a knock, limping, shaking their leg to try and run it off. We do have a couple who should be back soon and that will be welcome.

Definitely need a number 9 to score. Could be the difference that and give us that dimension. Think we will run the play offs close again. Top 2 out of reach, just my opinion.

I was more worried start of season over strength in depth at DM, looked like we only had Neil & Ekwah, but Jobes performances since hes gone next to Neil have been outstanding for his age, baring first 30 mins at Blackburn.

So i think we have 3 quality players who can play in that 2, Matette as 4th choice. Its difficult to add another & get enough minutes in there for the first 3? Although only Neil is maybe suited with the deeper role at the moment

 

[Jarca]

I was more worried start of season over strength in depth at DM, looked like we only had Neil & Ekwah, but Jobes performances since hes gone next to Neil have been outstanding for his age, baring first 30 mins at Blackburn.

So i think we have 3 quality players who can play in that 2, Matette as 4th choice. Its difficult to add another & get enough minutes in there for the first 3? Although only Neil is maybe suited with the deeper role at the moment

Still think we may bring another in during the January window

 

[Lucky19672]

Said last season that we'd be in the playoffs and win them. Not too far off.

This season, don't bother with the Wembley hotels. We'll finish second to Leicester.

 

[Yorkie]

Yep I think we'll finish 2nd as well. Who else has got a more talented and strong squad with a manager who can bring the best out of them?

Ipswich? Pah!! They may scrape the playoffs.

 

[Gil T Azell]

Automatic promotion = doddle.

 

[TopCat.]

Ipswich have a very tight squad that is running on sheer momentum. I actually think they will take some stopping

They'll have a bump like everyone else. It's how quickly you react and get back to winning ways

 

[Robertson]

A lot of great points on here and nice thread, Samwise.

If 4th place after 10 games was offered, I’d have gladly accepted it. Our summer recruitment looked very good and it’s being vindicated by how well we’re doing. The overall makeup of the squad, talented but inexperienced, suggested that we would start relatively slowly and get better as the season goes on. If what we’ve seen so far is the team just getting going, then we might be seeing the start of something special.

A bit more help in midfield would be the cherry on the cake. There’s a lot being carried on the shoulders of Neil, Ekwah and Jobe.