PVA very impressive, developing into a real player and one we might struggle to keep. The way he beats men is superb and his defensive positioning is vastly improved.
Didn't see anybody having a struggle, we defended well but showed little up front PVA motm by a mile. All good really against a top side especially with their big names on second half.
To be fair mate, he may very well have been told not to exert himself too much. For such an injury prone player, it makes no sense to run himself into the ground and risk pulling something 1 week before season starts, especially when we're so short on numbers.
As good as they were Dortmund that was, it was there reserve team, however after we equalised they brought on all there superstars and got to say defensively was impressed, however in my opinion we had nothing going forward. Usual solid Kone/Kabul, pva played well. Going out on a limb here, I thought Rodwell & O Shea did really well.
It was a friendly at the end of the day so I am not going to get carried away with the result or be harsh because of how we played. 1 thing is for sure, we are far more organised at the back than we were at the start of last season. That is a foundation to build on.
I remember less than a season ago a section of the ground booing him! I think he'll be a very good player! As said, one we may struggle to keep hold of.
I just got back home from the game. Shook hands with Borini as hes was walking to the team bus, he was limping. Hope it wasn't anything too serious as he didnt look injured when he was playing. Should have been 1-2 to us, it was a clear penalty when Watmore went down in the area. Even the Dortmund fans standing around us were surprised when the ref didnt give it. Game of two halves IMO. 1st half was pretty awful. No balance in the team with Rodwell playing RB, Watmore was playing 2 positions to cover for him. Mannone couldnt find a Sunderland player with any of his kicks out, just taking enough time to allow the Dortmund players to get back into position before booting it up the field. Lens didnt seem bothered, hardly ever closed anyone down 2nd half was much better. Robson on at RB allowed Watmore to get forward more, and was our best attacking playing in the 2nd half imo. Pickford's distribution is much better, and should have a crack at the 1st spot - Moyes take note Lens had a better 2nd half, ran around more, made a nuisance of himself and made a couple of good runs. Even Rodwell looked slightly better in the 2nd half. Young players looked good when they came on, didnt look at all overwhelmed, got stuck in and didnt look out of place alongside the senior players. Other players - Borini: Ran his legs off. overall game was good but needs to get himself in goal scoring positions a bit more if he wants to lead the line when Defoe can't play. Kone: Great player, if we sold him for 20 million, we'd need to spend 30 million to get a player as good as he is. Kaboul: Good game, him and Kone are a great center pairing. hope we can keep them both fit all season. O'Shea: not a defensive midfielder, but didnt do anything wrong. Definitely a useful player to have as backup, at least for another (this) season. Asoro: Good player this one, definitely a lot of potential and raw talent. Reckon he might do well if given a crack at the 1st team. Khazri; Did ok, nothing special tonight. In general, a cracking result against a top team. They beat Man U and drew with City so getting a draw is not bad at all. Fans were mixed together in the seated stands, no trouble at all. 5000 (overall) at the game so not a bad turnout Stuck around at the end of the game, there were about 8 Sunderland fans with us (3 of them were Italian), Stewards allowed through the security gate to where the players came out of the stadium to get into the bus. Missed Kone, Khazi, Cattermole who were already in the bus but got a selfie with Watmore and Manonne. Posed with Asoro, but by that time the rain had ****ed up my touch screen so the photo wouldnt take - bastard thing. Shook had with Moyes, but he took off sharpish, probably worried I was going to mention M'Villa Surprised Kaboul when I spoke to him in French, also shook hands with O'Shea and Rodwell. Got thumbs up from most of the other players, except those already in the bus. All of the players who a yound lad (about 8 years old I reckon) asked to sign his shirt did so, even though it was a pissing it down. And a massive thumbs up for those fans who traveled from Sunderland to be there tonight. 3 hour trip by care for me, so about 80 euros for tickets and petrol in all. One bloke I talked to said he spent 1200 quid for a 4 day trip to Austria to see the game! hats off him.
oh, and well played to Gooch who was the only player to come over to the seated area and sign autographs just after the end of the game. Most of the others just went over to the standing area next to the players tunnel.
Not for me I'm afraid, this midfield including Catts would struggle in the Championship, the defence was as you say top class with, imo Kone Kaboul and PVA outstanding, and there were some good players out there, mostly in Yellow unfortunately, Fabio ran himself into the ground for the cause, so overall it was well done against very good opposition. One or two good signings with Defoe and Kirchoff back and it will be looking positive again, M'Villa to sign, and Kone (unless silly money is offered say 20m+), too stay is imperative at this point in time. Onwards and upwards.
Thought we did very well given the team we put out. Showed we needed strengthening. If I was Moyes, I'd be glad that showed through without having to sacrifice the result.
20m is silly money, but who could we get to replace him without spending the same. If Moyes is in control he will know that the current CB positions are what he builds the rest of the team on. I wouldn't accept any price.
