Sunderland (A) - Post Match

[Rowan]

I think he believes that is what is happened, just that his perception and what actually happened are not the same.

According to the BBC we committed 10 foul. Lucas was booked so I'm guessing that he committed at least one of them. Unlikely to have been booked for a first foul so it more likely that at least two were his. So he committed at least 20% of our out field transgressions. Anyone know exactly how many of the 10 were his? Also, out of sheer interest, what proportion of freekicks did he concede to fair challenges?

[Vermilion]

Durham waxed lyrical about Henderson yesterday, saying how he bust a gut to get into the box for Suarez's last goal, taking TWO defenders with him and leaving Suarez with all the space he needed.

Says he does a lot of that, and it go's unnoticed, he was not saying he's a top top player, but maybe one that every side needs, a workaholic on the pitch and an engine to match.

Is Durham right ?

Think he could be. ( and lots of subtle improvements he can make to his game yet imo given his age, not ones that will make him a world beater, but ones that will improve his overall play).

[SB]

Yes but we have several match winners and the makings of league winning side with some of the younger players.

I do hope we get into the CL and we convince Suarez to stay. Watching him against Sunderland reminds me of how important he is to our team and the change it brings about in the opposition's mentality.

The key to us succeeding as our squad stands right now has to be keeping our stars fit & suspension free. Any serious injuries could potentially ruin our chances. Sorry if that sounds melodramatic but it's true.

[SB]

Durham waxed lyrical about Henderson yesterday, saying how he bust a gut to get into the box for Suarez's last goal, taking TWO defenders with him and leaving Suarez with all the space he needed.

Says he does a lot of that, and it go's unnoticed, he was not saying he's a top top player, but maybe one that every side needs, a workaholic on the pitch and an engine to match.

Is Durham right ?

Think he could be. ( and lots of subtle improvemnets he can make to his game yet imo, not ones that will make his a world beater, but ones that will improve his overall play).

Yes I do.

[RedReet]

According to the BBC we committed 10 foul. Lucas was booked so I'm guessing that he committed at least one of them. Unlikely to have been booked for a first foul so it more likely that at least two were his. So he committed at least 20% of our out field transgressions. Anyone know exactly how many of the 10 were his? Also, out of sheer interest, what proportion of freekicks did he concede to fair challenges?

The referee gave a free kick on the edge of the box against him when Sunderland hit the bar. It was never a free kick as he clearly kicked the ball.

The booking was for a cynical challenge, which although it was a free kick, the yellow seemed harsh as it didn't look an intentional foul.

Can't remember any other fouls.

[dom9]

Do we reckon Sunderland have enough in them to beat the Mancs on Saturday?

[dww]

Do we reckon Sunderland have enough in them to beat the Mancs on Saturday?

Probably not. Unless Borini is fit and gives them some cutting edge. They have been so careless at the back all season and looked unlikely to score much against us. Obviously the new manager might improve things but I think it is a good time to have that game for Moyes.

[Lee]

Has Borini played for them yet or is he injured then?

[RedReet]

Probably not. Unless Borini is fit and gives them some cutting edge. They have been so careless at the back all season and looked unlikely to score much against us. Obviously the new manager might improve things but I think it is a good time to have that game for Moyes.

I think any team has a chance against United ATM and if Sunderland start like they did against us, could surprise him. United defenders son't like players running at them at all and that Italian boy who scored against us could well pose plenty of problems.

Has Borini played for them yet or is he injured then?

Played once I think and made litte impression.

One start actually against WBA and hauled off after 58 minutes without even a shot. Came on as a sub against Arsenal too.

[BigChief]

And you'd be wrong.

Probably. Didn't notice Lucas much at all to be honest, which could be construed as a good thing (i.e. quietly effective). Other than the fouls of course.

Sunderland are desperate for their next point(s). I reckon they'll fight tooth and nail to get at least one against a poor manure side. But I can see RAR doing an SAS on their behinds too. Will be an interesting match.

[Norbs]

I suspect that it will be badly suited to better teams using similar tactics to Sunderland but could work well in other situations against good teams. In general though I think a back 3/5 tends to mean you lack a player in a midfield area for little benefit unless the opposition is looking to use wingers or two strikers.

All three of our centre backs made forays in to the final third during open play, they all supported the midfield. I think this is a reactive formation based on who's available but I also think the 4 centre backs we have on the books are all very good with the ball, even Skrtel.

[dww]

All three of our centre backs made forays in to the final third during open play, they all supported the midfield. I think this is a reactive formation based on who's available but I also think the 4 centre backs we have on the books are all very good with the ball, even Skrtel.

I don't think it has to be a reactive formation - although with Gerrard and Lucas as deep and withdrawn it has been for us. The fact that it often does become that is part of why I think we would struggle against good team with it - there is a real tendency to get a bit Moyes-esque when playing with a back 4.

I think that the CBs turning up in the final third is mis-leading in terms of what formations offer mean. The CBs will naturally be better at coming from deep to the ball and not moving and manipulating it in midfield.