Ashley Williams on Match of the day: “Really impressive. They're (Sunderland) away from home, they've just been promoted, it's these types of performances they need you can see them all springing out, getting up to the ball, doing the dirty work, the work that normally doesn't get highlighted. We showed 10 players back in the box there, defending the goal at all costs, getting themselves behind the ball. Here we see the shape of 4-3-3, but very deep; their priority is not to concede. They work within that shape, they get pressure on the ball all the time, even when the cross does come in. Alderete, great block there, hits his heel. I like this one because look at the desire and the work rate to stop the break because they can be punished on the break. Now you've got Xhaka, who I think is a really clever signing, he's going to be a big player for them with his experience, just calmly slows it down, a bit of composure. This is Talbi with an attacking winger doing the work of a full-back, which you love to see. This is really late on in the game, Palace are pushing for a goal, and as I said, away from home. When this ball goes up in the air, every single Sunderland player is back in the box, doing what they need to do to make sure that they keep a clean sheet.”
Too early to say about Brobbey for me He will need game time and more fitness training. That being said, he looks as if he can play, back to goal, hold thr ball up and then lay off. Something that is not Mayenda's or Isador forte.
Nordi Mukiele believes his knowledge of Jean-Philippe Mateta proved invaluable as Sunderland battled their way to a hard-earned point at Selhurst Park. The summer signing was handed the task of keeping Palace’s main striker quiet, and after a tense 90 minutes, the French defender emerged with the satisfaction of having done his job. “I knew him already before because he was playing in Germany also, and we were on the national team together, so I know him, I know how he plays,” Mukiele explained. The Frenchman continued after the game: “I didn't see every game from Palace from before, but I just saw some games, and I knew which type of player he is, what he likes and what he doesn't like. So, yeah, I think I did a good job because he didn't score. It helped knowing a little bit about his movement. And everyone knows that he's a good striker, and, yeah, today I just saw that I'm also a good defender.”
I think that was needed yesterday. IMO Mayenda is better at that than Wilson. Wilson is great at running in from the wide area. Has also massively improved his heading from last season. I just think we get more in the final in game like yesterday’s with Mayenda. That said, I didn’t know that before kick off and also would’ve started Wilson!! So it’s an easy game with hindsight
Haven’t really read the thread so apologies if this has been mentioned/discussed but I’m enjoying and impressed by a lot of our set pieces. There’s been a few fairly innovative routines that haven’t quite come off (fine margins) but would have been effective if they had. Yesterday there was a short corner routine that, if Talbi’s touch had been better (generally it’s fairly immaculate in my opinion) then Xhaka would have had a clear shooting opportunity from about 8-10 yards out. Also the one with Sadiki slipped down the side when he shanked the shot (after a really good first touch). Even the movement and delivery for the more simple routines that saw Alderete being the target beyond the back post (presumably with the intention that he heads back across goal) was well planned and performed. Goals could be relatively hard to come by so it’s pleasing to see that we’re looking to gain every advantage we can.
Obviously I am watching more Premiership games this season. What sticks out is often how boring the games are. Defences are on top and the midfield pass the ball around probing for non-existent openings. Goal chances are few and far between and you have to take them. Eg Burnley, we had a couple of 1st half chances but didn't take them. O and long throws are making a comeback
Aye the long throw. Football is much a slave to fashion as any young lass staring into a posh shop window. Barely a year ago virtually no team was using a long throw, now they all do it. The same applies to other things at different times, insistence on playing five a side in your own box, no man left up at corners to keep a few oppo players back, etc. They all come and go!
Proud of the Lads yesterday. Not about this game but have you noticed how badly Sheffield Utd are doing. 5 games played and lost, goal difference -11 and rock bottom of the table. They played quite well in the play off final. What a difference between the two clubs now.
I found the opposite while watching it in person mind, the quality just looks levels above and even though the game can look boring you’re on edge constantly as one quality pass can open it up
BBC website describes the match as both drab and scrappy. Personally I found it absorbing. Was it really that bad for neutrals or are they just judging it by the lack of goals?
I watched the Ipswich/Sheffield game and if we think the observations on our game were slightly of the mark, you didn't hear good old Don and company, sounded like they were reading a script written the day before and only stopped bigging up Sheffield after they went 4 down.
I think in terms of a neutral, it wouldn’t have been a good watch. The XG of both sides were pretty low and both teams in the final third lacked cutting edge. As a Sunderland fan though, it was entertaining. Just seeing us keep Mateta - one of the best strikers outside of the champions league teams - very very quiet. Yesterday was the biggest proof to me that we deserve to be here. Palace are no joke and getting a clean sheet down there is excellent.
