Match date: Saturday 01 February 2014.
Final Score: Arsenal 4 – 1 Sunderland
Reflection…
Hmm… How can I sum up my opinion of today’s game?!
*Scratches head deep in thought*
Oh, I know – got it… Dreadful, simply dreadful.
I’ve experienced my fair share of crushing disappointments supporting Sunderland over the years, but today’s effort (or lack thereof) comfortably ranks up there with the worst of them.
Each and every positive trait we have become known for under Gus Poyet was baldy lacking today. Passion, commitment, quality, concentration… nowhere to be seen sadly.
The display today was a million miles away from that of a Gus Poyet side for me.
We were toothless, inept and borderline embarrassing to watch at times. I’ve not seen such a ‘roll over and accept it’ attitude to the game on show from a Sunderland side in many a year – particularly in the first-half; we were marginally better in the second. I can accept such a result – they are part-and-parcel of the game, however it was the manner of the defeat which sticks in the throat most of all.
I do expect absolute effort regardless of the final outcome; unfortunately I can’t say that we got that today.
This indeed begs the question…
Why such an inept performance today when we have performed brilliantly against the ‘big boys’ this season?! Personally, the only thing I can put it down to is the players keeping an eye (or even both eyes given today’s showing) on the cup final next weekend; not that I can blame them really as, should they play, it could very well be the biggest day of their footballing career.
However, this should be no valid excuse; but we move on…
Following the cup final, our next three fixtures are Palace (H), Norwich (A) and West Ham (H) – Three games in which we must win in my opinion.
Anyway, there is a lot of Football to played yet, and we must move on from today so as always, I remain truly optimistic for the remainder of the season (I know – this may be one of my failings!)
My Man Of The Match: There was no particular player who bathed in glory, however Giaccherini did make a slight difference when he came on as sub, along with the fact that he provided the only highlight of the game from a Sunderland perspective with his very well taken goal.
Next up – The Capital One Cup Final against City.
With a bit of luck, we will have added to our club history before I write my next ‘reflection’ post!
Chris
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