Match date: Saturday 4 October 2014
Final score: Sunderland AFC 3 – 1 Stoke City
Reflection…
Sunderland finally managed to secure their illusive first win of the season, and bring to an end a frustrating run of five draws and one defeat thus far in the 2014-15 season.
Phew! That’s a huge relief!
Anyway, the lads took to the pitch at the SOL and lined up as follows:
Starting eleven-
• Mannone (gk)
• Jones
• van Aanholt
• Vergini
• O’Shea (c)
• Cattermole
• Larsson
• Gomez
• Buckley
• Wickham
• Fletcher
Subs:
• Pantilimon (gk)
• Bridcutt
• Brown
• Rodwell
• Johnson
• Altidore
• Mavrias
Before the game, I had a good feeling about getting the right result. Thankfully my pre-match optimism was justified as Sunderland looked lively from the start, and with only four minutes on the clock took lead through a simple, yet well worked goal courtesy of Connor Wickham.
The perfect start if you will!
Sunderland continued to press, but were caught out on the counter-attack against the run of play and conceded the equalizer.
Oh no, I hear you say..!? Would Sunderland lose their confidence and fall apart?
There was no need for panic.
Sunderland were enjoying the better of the possession, however this did not prevent Stoke putting Vito’s gloves to good use, forcing a couple of fairly simple, but vital saves from our Italian stopper. Even following Stoke’s equalizer, I genuinely could not see how we could lose the game. We continued to press and were duly rewarded for our endeavour courtesy of two goals from the ever eager-looking Fletcher.
Was a 3 – 1 final score flattering to Sunderland? Personally, and this is my head talking and not my heart, I feel that we fully deserved the three points. We were without a doubt the better side, we wanted it more, and today we got our just deserts. Sunderland had good performances all over the pitch with Cattermole, Buckley, Larsson, Van Aanholt, Fletcher, Gomez, Jones, and Vergini catching the eye in particular.
I thought Connor Wickham played really well today also, and he capped his performance not just with his goal, but his long solo run into the box for Fletcher’s goal – class.
So, thanks to the much desired win, Wearside can go into the international break with the ability to sleep a little easier at night – This win was a long time coming. They say that a successful league campaign is either made or broken on the strength of home form, and what with our next four home fixtures against Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, today’s victory arrived at just the right time. I am happy to report that we look like a genuinely competitive side, and we do, contrary to popular belief (!), have goals in us.
If I had to sum up my thoughts in one word, then that word would have to be: “progress”.
Bring on the next one!
My Man Of The Match: Steven Fletcher – From what I have witnessed of Fletcher this season, I have been far from impressed with his efforts, however, today he returned to the starting eleven and played like a champ. He looked fitter and hungrier than I have seen him for a long time, and he took his brace with confidence and style.
He also led the line very well, and even managed a sweet right-foot (!) cross at the by-line for Wickham’s goal!
We need to see more of this particular version of Steven Fletcher however – Steven, it’s over to you, fella…
Next up – Southampton in the Premier League at the St. Mary’s.
Keep The Faith. Always Believe.
Chris
