In all honesty when I saw the line up I thought we were being to negative for being at home. Bruce seemed to be to scared of losing rather than going for the win. The first half seemed to be positive which suggests he was right to start with the team he did but what do you guys think? It suggests to me we still need another striker and a LW and I know that these games go against all the form guides and I will not read to much into it.
Agree. Not just about this game but in general. When we go behind, or when teams get a goal back against us, you can see the nerves creep in the team. Its almost like watching England play, the players are capable, but just dont have the belief. Sunderland nerves have kicked in once: Players start making horrible tackles, and get sent off (Bramble, Bardsley, Cattermole, Turner to name a few guilty parties) Our play goes instantly to hoofball, and hoofball only. Players start dropping off their man, and dont press at all. Its just so ****ing predictable and thats the worst part. It seems we can only win a game if we score in the last 30 minutes and hold on, giving the opposition no time to get back in.
It psychological.. i get the impression your team doesn't fully understand the match and try to approach it like just another game. pardew said this week we are trying new methods everyday to show the new boys how big the game is and how much it means. maybe bruce just doesnt put the message across
I think the players understand the importance. In fact, I think they realise this too much, they can't relax and play football how they want. There a constant fear of losing and feeling the fans' wrath that dogs them in every derby. We had a great go from the start, and did well first half. But obviously after half time it was going to be a different game, and Bruce failed to mix our play up at all.
Bruce has not got a plan a never mind b, he is a garbage coach and ruined this team from 2 years ago, championship here come, and the Boro will most likely pass us. What has happened with the home form ? they are a bunch of sissies down there. this season ruined 2 games in, and that mags team was weaker than last season.
Slight exaggeration there, but I agree partly with the season ruined part. Even if we go on a storming run, many fans will focus on todays result. Obviously theres a chance to rescue it at SJP, but that is easier said than done, and Im not optimistic.
Here we are once again. You can trot out all the excuses you want but we were not good enough to beat a very mediocre team at home. This was a very bad day at the office. So what if we were on top for part of the game. We should have gone for it and played to win, not play to avoid defeat.
I was crying out for Colback to be taken off and Gardner to come on at half time..... The subs hardly got into the game,
