Sunderland post match thread

[Bluemoon dan]

Very much a work in progress but overall I thought it was encouraging. Stones looks every penny like a £50 million player. Very interesting to see the flexibility of the full-backs, they were all over the place (in a good way).

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

Clichy was outstanding today, and he and Sagna had the most to do in terms of movement and positioning compared to Pellegrini's system. A lot of misplaced passes from a number of players, but I'd attribute that to rust. When we get that right, this will be quick and fluid. We kept at it and showed some heart. Thought Stones looked quite confident. Silva looked a bit tired and "off" but once again was knocked down several times before he ever got a call. If that's the worst we play this season, we'll be a force.

 

[colombia-mcfc]

Jeez the English media are really unbelievable. Some of them are saying that this game shows that Pep is overrated as he hasn't been tested before. They've forgotten that he lost his first game as Barcelona manager to numancia. Some people need to get a grip, it will be months before you see Peps full influence on this team. It takes time.

 

[NanaToure42]

The TV half time analysis was interesting. They had never seen the two fullbacks essentially move together into midfield. I really like that idea, but to me Sagna doesn't look comfortable doing it, whereas Clichy does.

Agreed. I'm hoping it's because Clichy didn't go to France, while Bac played in every match to the final. He hasn't had as much time to learn it. I think Sagna is capable, just taking some time to adjust to something he's never done before.

 

[bondsman]

People's expectations are so high today was always going to fall a it short. Need a few more recruits for me but sane Vinnie and gundogan will make huge difference.

 

[WEMBLEY76]

Quite pleased with that,Sterling did very well and looked confident.Stones is so elegant on the ball,and you can see the start of the pep style developing.

 

[Neville Kneville]

So basically:

We were shit.

Aguero, Stones and Navas bailed us out

We stole the 2 points.

On to Tuesday, hopefully things will improve.

@Neville Kneville were you as happy with our overpriced centre half as I was?

I thought he did really well. Not able to fully assess his defensive game due to the incredible difference in the way the whole team played, was looking at so many things & will have to watch it again. Thought Kolarov was outstanding for most of the game. Fair play to him.

Most organised I've seen us since Bob's title year. Silva & DeBruyne stopping counter attacks, Silva blocking people at corner kicks ! Clichy & Sagna taking turns to occupy centre mid. Sterling back to his Liverpool days.

Serge's impression of Bony with malaria was my only disappointment.

 

[richards30]

So yaya looks like he's out as well? Not even on the bench!! We could yet see a busy next couple of weeks!

 

[Dicko69]

I thought Silva was good, but after he went off kdb came into the game more. I struggle to see both in our best 11. I love them both, but think it's an either or situation. Would love pep to get them both firing in the same team but I can't see it. Interesting to see when gudongen is in the team alongside dinho what pep will do, Silva advanced, kdb on the left instead of nolito?

 

[mat]

We will get there. Happy with the points and great to see such a passionate manager on the touchline.