Match date: Sunday 24 August 2014
Final Score: Sunderland 1 – 1 Manchester United
Reflection…
The mighty Sunderland AFC took on an under pressure United side live in front of the SKY TV cameras.
Sunderland once again lined-up in a 4-3-3 formation and fielded the following side:
Starting eleven-
• Mannone
• O’Shea
• Vergini
• Brown
• van Aanholt
• Rodwell
• Cattermole
• Larsson
• Wickham
• Buckley
• Fletcher
Subs-
• Pantilimon
• Mavrias
• Roberge
• Altidore
• Gomez
• Jones
• Bridcutt
We started off confidently as we looked to consolidate our positive start to the season. I felt that we controlled the game quite well with some lovely passing moves and the first real attempt at goal. We pressed and pressed, only to – would you believe it – succumb to at counter-attack sucker-punch which saw Valencia reach the byline to cross into the area, which annoyingly resulted in Mata finding the back of the net.
Did I not like that!?
This was a pivotal moment for Sunderland. Would we come out fighting, or would we crumble?
Well, I am happy to report that our response to going behind was that of the former!
Straight back on the offensive, Sunderland remained a constant threat with the impressive van Aanholt and Buckley causing United problems throughout.
The goal came by way of a Seb cross which sweetly found the head of Jack Rodwell who in turn levelled for the lads.
Overall, the game was very much an end-to-end affair with both sides managing to, for the most part, stifle the attempts on goal. We certainly could have won the game, but let’s be happy with the performance and result – two points from two games, unbeaten and looking strong.
As much as I truly feel that we will have a decent season, it is imperative that we increase our goal scoring options before the transfer window closes, as currently neither Fletcher nor Wickham are looking anything like being able to solve that particular problem.
The biggest positive from the game was, for me, the debut of Will Buckley. The lad looks like the genuine tricky winger with the ability to deliver the final ball – a combination of Alan Johnson and Nicky Summerbee!
Here’s hoping anyway!
My Man Of The Match: Lee Cattermole – Another whole-hearted performance by Catts in the heart of the Sunderland side. Gus may have just pulled off a master-stroke when he insisted on keeping him at the club back in the January transfer window last season, when the lad looked odds-on to be leaving for Stoke.
I know it’s early days, but he is certainly showing signs of putting his much publicised disciplinary problems behind him – and this must surely be down to the influence of Gus.
Next up – Birmingham City at the SOL in the Capital One Cup.
Keep The Faith. Always Believe.
Chris
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