Harsh on Hendo who I thought was fantastic. Isn't that what he played for Sunderland and why we bought him? That should be his role from here on out, get it keep it moving and make some runs forward when you can, he has the tekkers and I think we finally have found where to best utilize him. As sloppy as it was and as tactically all over the place as it was, our kids won 5-3 and before the game many ( here, pundits, everywhere) where banking on us taking things too lightly and we were going to get embarrased. I think the kids not only stepped up to the plate to show their worth but it should give a little boot to the senior players that these kids could very well be called upon if their form gets too low. I think the first one could be Enrique with Johnson out there and Kelly/Wisdom at RB. Another thing that I was highly impressed with was the spirit and the will to come back from behind after being ahead.
We've come back from losing positions in the last two games - shows the spirit and character of the lads. Last season, we would have folded. Hopefully we won't fall behind too often in the future but I have a bit more faith and confidence that all is not lost until the final whistle.
Sunderland yes but didn't win the game. Won the game this time around. With Rafa you always had that faith that we could turn it around somehow. Granted we had some top players back then as well.
In my opinion, Henderson, Sahin and Lucas would make a wonderful midfield three, as all three are different. Lucas is a blocker and posession winner, Sahin sees things not many do and Henderson is a ''runner'' he's got terrific stamina levels.
No but normally we would have conceded another goal whilst not looking remotely likely to scoring ourselves until the last 3 minutes of the match. But we fought back, dominated the game and created chances.
I just hope it is the turnaround. If we can beat United and if we can fix our age old problem of beating the "lesser" teams then we could make a serious run and get some much needed points. We have just gone through our toughest spell with only Tottenham, Everton, Chelsea, and Newkie spread out through the schedule. We could make a good run but would have to clean up the defense a lot and of course score.
Yeah it wasn't the easiest start to the season. But once we get the first win, I'm sure the players will become more confident and we can get a run going
I thought Henderson was pretty good. Coates looked too eager with every challenge. Wisdom looked solid. Enrique was caught out a few times. Assadi was bordering on average as was Pacheco, Suso and Sahin. I think that all you need to think is that our senior players who came on: Shelvey (loaned out last season and nowhere near the 1st team), Sterling (a 17 year old) and Borini (Someone who probably has about 100 senior caps) saved us!
I was quite impressed with Henderson for once. Like Carroll, he has been struggling to live up to the price tag. We bought him for the value of a finished article player. He isn't, and its difficult to look away from the price. However more games like that and i'll be happy. Still young.
Henderson was second best player on the pitch behind Shelvs when he came on. Fantastic Allen deputy or rotation option. Starting to develop a very similar style to Joey.
I think Henderson was good on Thursday and good again today. He is clearly working very hard and progressing well. I looked like a much maturer player compared to last season. His passing, movement, commitment and energy shone through well. With Shelvey likely to have three matches, he has a good chance to get a run of league games.
