Several out-of-contract players have been released including Titus Bramble, Matthew Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed and Ben Wilson. Loan players Danny Rose and Kader Mangane have returned to their parent clubs.
SAFC RETAINED LIST AS OF May 2013
Goalkeepers
Simon Mignolet, Keiren Westwood, Jordan Pickford, Joel Dixon
Defenders
Phil Bardsley, Carlos Cuellar, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, David Ferguson, Scott Harrison, Liam Marrs, Connor Oliver, John Egan, Louis Laing, Jordan Watson
Midfielders
Lee Cattermole, Sebastian Larsson, Craig Gardner, Jack Colback, David Vaughan, Alfred N’Diaye, Adam Johnson, James McClean, Ahmed Elmohamady, Stephane Sessegnon, Alejandro Gorrin, Billy Knott, Adam Mitchell, Craig Lynch, George Honeyman
Strikers
Steven Fletcher, Danny Graham, Connor Wickham, Mikael Mandron, Ji Dong-won, Jordan Laidler.
Sunderland agree deal with Lazio to sign Modibo Diakité
Sunderland have agreed a deal with Lazio to sign Modibo Diakité, further evidence of Paolo Di Canio's determination to rebuild.
Sunderland looking to wing it! Fenerbache's Krasic says Black Cats want to sign him
Fenerbache winger Milos Krasic has confirmed Sunderland are interested in signing him.
The Serb, 28, moved to Turkey from Juventus last summer but has struggled to break into the team.
His lack of games means Sunderland may struggle to get a work permit for him as well as meet his high wage demands.
Cabral to join Paolo Di Canio's Sunderland from Basle, says agent
Cabral, a defensive midfielder who can also play at centre-back, has agreed to join Sunderland from Basel on a four-year contract, his agent has told the Swiss newspaper Blick. The 24-year-old, who was born in Cape Verde but represented Switzerland up to Under-21 level, is out of contract in June.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-03 14:49
When it came to selecting Sunderland’s worst signing of the 2012-13 season, supporters had eyes for only one man – Danny Graham.
The Tyneside-born, former Middlesbrough forward was a £5million January transfer window signing from Swansea and proved to be a goalscorer who simply could not score goals for Sunderland.
He was bought by Martin O’Neill, primarily as cover for Steven Fletcher.
That proved not to be a bad move for the former manager, for Fletcher got crocked in March and was not to play for the rest of the season.
Unfortunately for Graham – and, ultimately, for O’Neill – the goalless run the new man had been on before Fletcher was injured, continued after the Scot was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
It was hard not to feel a little sorry for Graham, who often carried the attack on his own up front and was full of willing running and lay-off play in a team which created few chances.
But there was no getting away from the fact that Graham failed to score in any of the unlucky 13 games he played for the Wearsiders last term.
And when it come to that goalless streak, Sunderland fans were in unforgiving mood.
In the Echo’s Survey 2013, the 27-year-old polled almost twice as many votes for Sunderland’s worst signing than all the other signings PUT TOGETHER.
He was streets ahead of Louis Saha in second place and James McFadden in third – those two polling well ahead of the rest of the back but a long, long way behind Graham, who attracted almost two out of every three votes cast.
“A pointless signing and a big wage,” said Philip Fenwick, of Sacriston, of Saha.
While Graeme Anderson, (not the Echo writer!) of Meadow Grove, Sunderland, spoke for many when he described McFadden’s signing as: “A waste of time.”
An oversight saw Adam Johnson excluded from the list of disappointing signings and many respondents to the survey pointed out that he would have been their choice.
It was Graham’s signing, though, which attracted most comments.
Brian Tyson of Silksworth, said: “He should never have been signed.
“It was a statement of a lack of ambition from Martin O’Neill and from Sunderland.
“O’Neill should be made to pay the fee out of any settlement he receives! Di Canio should cut our losses this summer if possible.”
Grant Macdonald, of South Shields, said: “He looks a Championship player – he looks slow and cannot time his jumps.
“Most of his career has been in the Championship and I think that’s his level.”
David Bowden, from Leicestershire, queried: “What was Martin O’Neill thinking about?”
One harsh reader said: “He couldn’t score on a night out, never mind on a pitch.”
But there was a kind word from Chris Jobes. of Boldon Colliery, who said: “I picked Danny Graham for worst signing. but I think he’ll be better after a full pre-season.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-07 8:43
SIMON MIGNOLET is unlikely to pen a new contract at Sunderland, according to the goalkeeper’s agent.
Sunderland have been in talks since March over extending Mignolet’s deal at the Stadium of Light, in a bid to tie down the club’s prize asset, who still has another two years left to run on his Black Cats contract.
But those discussions have now stalled and Sunderland are potentially facing a huge dilemma after Mignolet’s representative, ex-Birmingham City keeper Nico Vaesen, said that he doesn’t expect the Belgian to extend his stay at the club beyond 2015.
Mignolet has always professed his happiness at Sunderland and will make no attempt to orchestrate a move away from the Black Cats, while boss Paolo Di Canio has publicly stressed his determination for the keeper to remain in red and white.
The 24-year-old was also quick to rubbish talk in February that he was looking to join a bigger club to boost his international chances after comments from ex-Belgium international Guy Vandersmissen, who represents the stopper.
But Vaesen also acts as an intermediary for Mignolet and his comments will only fuel speculation surrounding the ex-St Truiden man’s future, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Napoli all circling.
When asked on the status of the contract talks, Vaesen told the Echo: “There is no progress.
“I think it is very unlikely that he will sign a new contract.
“Simon has obviously come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there is a lot of interest in him.
“He is very ambitious and wants to play in the World Cup, in Brazil, next year.
“It was a good thing that Sunderland stayed up and it is a fantastic club where he has had three great years.
“But it is maybe time to step up a level and play for a club competing for a European spot.”
Sunderland remain in a strong position regarding Mignolet and will still hope to keep last season’s outstanding performer on Wearside.
But without a new contract on the table, it increases the likelihood of Sunderland being forced to cash in on Mignolet either this summer or in 12 months time.
The Black Cats would be able to command a huge fee – certainly far in excess of the meagre £6.5million figure mooted over the weekend – for Mignolet and have a ready-made replacement on their books in Keiren Westwood.
Neither is their any move from Mignolet’s camp to fast-track a switch to a club able to boast European football.
Vaesen added: “All teams that are interested in Simon, we direct them to Sunderland.
“He still has a two-year contract there and any interested clubs have to agree a price with Sunderland first.
“That is the way we conduct our business.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-14 14:58
Sunderland look to Scott Parker as midfielder faces Tottenham exit
The 33-year-old suffered an injury plagued season in Andre Villas-Boas' first year in charge of the club - making only 15 league starts.
And the Spurs manager has indicated that it is a priority to replace the England international over the summer.
Villas-Boas is keen to conclude a deal for Manchester City's Gareth Barry and raise the £4million needed with the sale of Parker.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is looking to overhaul his squad to improve upon last season's 17th place finish and sees the former Newcastle midfielder as his top transfer target this summer.
The Italian earlier this week secured his first three signings as manager, bringing in Valentin Roberge, Cabral and Modibo Diakite.
Young French midfielder El-Hadji Ba has also agreed to join the Black Cats as Di Canio looks to bolster his midfield.
Parker joined Tottenham from West Ham for £5million in 2011 under Harry Redknapp and helped the club finish fourth and reach an F.A. Cup semi-final during his first season.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-14 20:57
SUNDERLAND’S attempts to exploit the Italian market will lead to a follow-up bid for Inter Milan prospect Alfred Duncan next week.
The Black Cats have had a bid of around £5million turned down for the Ghana midfielder, who is regarded as one of the club’s most promising young players. But Italian sources have indicated that new chief scout Valentino Angeloni has posted a ringing endorsement of the youngster and has advised another offer closer to the Italian giants’ £7million asking price.
Sunderland owner Ellis Short has made a significant transfer fund available to Paolo Di Canio and his new-look scouting team this summer, but there is an instruction there to seek value – unless they can raise significant money through sales.
That has prompted the club to entertain potential interest in Stéphane Sessègnon among others, although the signing of players like Duncan would not be dependent on departures.
Short’s demand is that no more players whose value depreciates immediately should be signed on long contracts, but there may be leeway when it comes to younger players like Duncan.
Sunderland’s exhaustive attempts to recruit virtually an entirely new starting XI this summer have no doubt caused supporters’ heads to spin, with almost daily links emerging to players based in Italy and France – the chosen markets of the club’s new recruitment team.
The reality of the situation is that Sunderland have a core group of targets, and many of the other links are merely enquiries made on behalf of the club by former agent Roberto Di Fanti, who is the club’s Director of Football.
As you would expect, Di Fanti is using his extensive contacts to try and secure deals for as many new recruits as possible.
The Journal understands that there may be up to 10 new faces when Sunderland return for pre-season training in July – a remarkably swift turnover given the ponderous pace with which the club conducted business under Martin O’Neill.
In this environment, agents are understandably using Sunderland’s name to promote their clients, and links with Johan Elmander can be placed in that category.
Duncan represents a cast-iron target, however, along with Livorno forward Paulinho and Lazio full-back Luis Pedro Cavanda, who has been earmarked as a replacement for the departing Phil Bardsley.
Di Canio’s stated desire to completely rebuild the squad was voiced with full knowledge that this would be a whirlwind summer for the club, and it has proved to be just that.
Saint-Etienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui is another player that Sunderland have enquired about but at the moment their main area of interest appears to surround 20-year-old Duncan, who has one senior cap for Ghana and spent the second half of last season at Livorno.
Other names linked to the Black Cats include Palermo striker Abel Hernandez and Inter Milan’s Joel Obi – whose agent confirmed Sunderland were one of a number of Premier League clubs monitoring his client.
Another long-term Sunderland target, Mauro Zarate, would be interested in a move to the Black Cats, according to his agent.
Luis Ruzzi said: “Sunderland would be a viable solution because they are a great club and the Premier League is an attractive option.”
The Argentinian striker, currently with Lazio, spent half of the 2007-08 season on loan at Birmingham City.
>>9 >>10 >>11
See this is the IQ level of most/all dirty mags, below 2.
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Anonymous2013-06-16 15:26
The Italian has warned the Black Cats squad they must be ready for pre-season training or they could face fitness problems in September which could hamper their campaign
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has warned his players that they will face a fine if they return to pre-season training more than two kilograms overweight.
The Italian's disciplinary actions at the Stadium of Light, which included fining players, were investigated by the Professional Footballers' Association in May.
Di Canio insists his squad must arrive from their holiday prepared for their pre-season campaign and claims it is normal for Premier League clubs to fine their players.
"Obviously the players have a programme to follow so that they are ready when pre-season begins," Di Canio told The Sun.
"When we start, we will start not that heavy, but there will still be a great deal to do and they have to be ready.
"It's normal in the Premier League, that players get punishment for breaking rules set down by the club.
"Everyone who comes back with more than two kilograms over what their weight should be, we're going to fine them.
"We test them before they go so everyone knows how they finished the season."
Di Canio believes it is vital for players to maintain their fitness throughout the summer and warns that poor conditioning prior to the season will have a negative impact at the start of the campaign.
"When they come back they're going to work three times a day, so it would be crazy to have put too much weight on in a short space of time," he added.
"How can it be possible to come back with seven kilograms extra?
"They have one month off and then one month to work at a high-intensity level and if they do not do that right, then in September, they'll still be heavy.
"You can't work if you've put seven kilograms on your shoulders.
"When I played, I came back with a player who was 10 or 11 kilograms over and he didn't play all season because he had injury problems."
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Anonymous2013-06-16 15:28
There are not enough trees left on the planet to pulp if we were to profile every player linked with Sunderland in these pages.
Three players have been signed. Many more have been scouted, mentioned, spoken to over the past month or so.
The club last week confirmed the appointments of Roberto De Fanti as director of football and chief scout Valentino Angeloni.
Sunderland have already acquired former FC Basel midfielder Cabral, defensive duo Modibo Diakite from Lazio and Valentin Roberge of Maritimo.
But the club are far from finished. This makes a big change form Martin O’Neill procrastinating.
Here we take a look at the players Sunderland are interested in this summer.
ABEL HERNANDEZ
A STRIKER with Palermo, the 22-year-old Uruguayan is desperate to leave Italy, which is a plus. Currently in Brazil for the Confederations Cup, this would be an exciting signing if he does end up on Wearside.
Agent Pablo Betancourt teated: “Abel has admirers in Italy, but also in England.”
JONATHAN BIABIANY
ANOTHER striker, this time with Parma, is a 25-year-old who can also play wide of a lone centre-forward.
Sky Italia, who have been bang on with their Sunderland stories this summer, revealed Di Canio was looking at the Frenchman who enjoys electric pace and has a bit of a temper.
The problems is that he is 50/50 owned by Sampdoria and Parma. This always spells trouble.
LUIS PEDRO CAVANDA
A RIGHT-BACK who would be brought in to replace Phil Bardsley who will be sold next month. Probably.
Another Lazio player, the Belgian is an excellent player who at 21 has years in him.
This is definitely one to watch.
MAURO ZARATE
HAS been linked with Sunderland for over a year now. The Argentine, another Lazio player, is 26 and is a genuine playmaker, but would cost a few bob. He might be worth it.
His agent, Luis Ruzzi, is another tease. He said: “Sunderland? They would be a viable solution because it is a great club and the Premier League is very charming.”
ALFRED DUNCAN
THE Inter Milan Ghanian midfielder is apparently a favourite of Angeloni, which augers well.
He is big, powerful and doesn’t let much get past him.
Sunderland have already had one bid for �5m turned down, but that won’t put them off. He ticks a lot of boxes.
JOSHUA GUILAVOGUI
THIS is another long-term target.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is at Saint Etienne, was named in Ligue 1 team of the season.
Guilavogui has been quoted extensively about his wish to move to England.
ALESSANDRO ROSINA
THE Siena winger is at 29 older than what the new regime would want, but the Benin international is being lined up as a replacement for fellow countryman Stephane Sessegnon. Rosina began his career at Parma before moving on to Torino and then Zenit St Petersburg. He has been in fine form for the Tuscan club by bagging five goals in 25 appearances.
Sunderland could do with some genuine experience.
PAULINHO
THE one player that really excites, but the one transfer that probably definitely won’t happen.
A Brazilian midfielder with poise and skill, he plays for Corinthians and is rated at �17m.
The last bit if why he is likely heading to Tottenham.
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Anonymous2013-06-16 15:29
SAFC stars of the future could hail from Tanzania, thanks to a ground-breaking new partnership.
The club is lending its expertise to the East African nation, with the creation of a football academy programme which will nurture the sporting talent of the country’s youth.
President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Dk Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, met with SAFC chairman Ellis Short and club chief executive Margaret Byrne for a tour of the Stadium of Light and Academy of Light today.
They saw how the club’s facilities could help at the Tanzanian academy, which will be built by global electricity giant Symbion Power.
The president said: “It’s always been my dream to see Tanzania become a major football nation.
“The people of Tanzania love football more than any other sport, but unfortunately we’re not doing so well at it.”
The president said he had been inspired by the budding footballers he saw from the Foundation of Light youth programmes who showed off their pitch skills for the African delegation.
He added: “Seeing the talents of prospective footballers today, I believe this is the way for Tanzania to go.”
During the tour, plans were unveiled for the building of a community football facility in Dar es Saalem, the largest city in Tanzania.
The next phase will see the creation of an elite academy programme and facilities to support Tanzania in the development of young footballers.
SAFC has become one of the most recognised clubs across the African continent in recent seasons,thanks to a number of initiatives such as its links with Invest in Africa and becoming the first football club in the world to form a partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Speaking to the Echo, Margaret Byrne, who will be part of a SAFC delegation who will visit Tanzania next month, said: “Invest in Africa last year catapulted us into certain areas where we were able to form various partnerships and build links in countries as well as with Symbion Power.
“It’s all about people recognising the club and being able to develop players at a young age.
“Ultimately, we would like the whole continent to know about SAFC.”
She added: “It’s been a great privilege to have the president come here to Sunderland.”
Ellis Short said: “We are delighted to welcome Tanzania to the Sunderland family, further enhancing our club’s relationship with the African continent.
“This exciting partnership, combining football and community engagement, will enable us to share our expertise to help Tanzania develop an effective football infrastructure.”
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No Plastic Mags Allowed2013-06-16 15:33
Sunderland target Scott Parker as Black Cats revamp continues under Paolo Di Canio
Parker's Shitcastle connection could be a stumbling block, but the Wearside club are keen on making the midfielder Di Canio's first big-name English signing
Wanted man: Scott Parker is a target for Sunderland
AP
Scott Parker has emerged as a target for Sunderland.
The Wearside club is being re-vamped under manager Paolo Di Canio – and Parker could be his first high-profile English signing.
Di Canio has already secured three players on Bosman transfers and he is determined to bring in more new faces to ensure there is no repeat of last season’s relegation battle.
Central defender Valentin Roberge and midfielders Cabral and Mobido Diakite will arrive at the Stadium of Light next month.
And they are the immediate result of two key appointments by Di Canio.
Roberto De Fanti is the new Director of Football at the club while his fellow Italian Valentino Angeloni has joined Sunderland from Inter Milan as chief scout.
Parker has two years left on his contract at White Hart Lane but, at 32, Tottenham could well listen to offers around the £4million mark. Spurs have good cover in midfield with the likes of Sandro and Moussa Dembele.
Plenty in reserve: Moussa Dembele and Sandro provide Tottenham with enough cover
Getty
And Parker might well relish the chance to play regular first team football if his chances at Tottenham are to be restricted.
The one stumbling block could be Parker’s Newcastle connection.
He played at St James’s Park before moving to West Ham and then Tottenham.
But if Sunderland decide that would not be handicap, Parker could be their midfield general next season.
If Sunderland decide not to pursue their interest, there will be no shortage of clubs willing to take Parker. Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bring his team straight back to the Premier League after relegation in May and would love to have Parker at Loftus Road.
It was Redknapp who signed him for Tottenham during his spell at White Hart Lane and he is a huge fan of Parker’s professionalism and influence.
Liverpool bound: Simon Mignolet is set to join the Anfield club
PA
The problem could be persuading Parker to drop down a division.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will meet Sunderland’s £10m valuation for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Anfield offers ranging from £6.5m to £9m for the Belgian have been rejected. But Kop chief executive Ian Ayre has postponed a scheduled trip to attend a football conference in Brazil to complete the deal.
Mignolet wants to “step up a level" after his crucial role in last season’s relegation battle, while Di Canio is happy with Republic of Ireland keeper Keiren Westwood.
England U19 international Jordan Pickford, 19, will be back-up.
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Anonymous2013-06-16 15:35
Highly-rated Le Havre defender Benjamin Mendy has emerged as the latest name to be linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.
According to FootMercato, Mendy is the subject of interest from Lyon and Marseille but it's believed Sunderland are at the front of the queue.
The position of left-back has been the subject of a lot of conjecture since the end of the season, with Danny Rose returning to Tottenham after his loan spell expired leaving us without a recognised left-back in the squad.
Recent reports suggested that Tigre's Lucas Orban was the player we wanted to fill that position, with his agent claiming we had made an offer and were waiting for the Argentine season to be over before Orban made his decision. However, with Tigre's season having another week left to run and the return to pre-season edging closer, it looks like Sunderland are actively working on other options.
Mendy, who has been referred to as the 'new Evra', turns 19 next month, so could be lined up for a move to the development squad, like his former Le Havre teammate El-Hadji Ba, who recently signed a 3-year-contract with Sunderland. He had also recently been linked with a move to Arsenal and Juventus.
With the club having so many irons in the fire with regards to left-backs, it will be interesting to see whether that means the club is now resigned to losing out on Danny Rose. With such a high turnover of players expected, it seems unlikely that the club will spend so much of their budget on two established left-backs.
SUNDERLAND want AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore, the Echo can reveal.
The young American has developed into a goal machine since his switch to Dutch football two seasons ago.
And head coach Paolo Di Canio believes the 23-year-old can improve even further and be a major success in the Premier League second time around.
Altidore, a teenage prodigy in his home country, was raw, by his own admission, when he played out an unremarkable loan spell at Hull City in the 2009-10 season on loan from Spanish side Villarreal.
But last season he smashed Clint Dempsey’s single-campaign goals record for an American player in Europe, (23, which Dempsey set the previous season at Fulham), when he scored 31 goals for AZ.
It was the second goal-laden season in a row for the bustling 6ft 1in forward, who scored 17 in his debut season with the Dutch side.
The maturing front-man perfectly fits the template that Ellis Short and Di Canio are seeking for Sunderland’s future – young, strong, powerful players but with scope for improvement.
Sunderland looked at him last summer but, one year on, Altidore is ear-marked as one of their chief targets of the close-season.
The Black Cats will hope to buy him for a reasonable fee.
Although Villarreal signed the then 18-year-old prospect for a hefty £7m in 2008, he is expected to cost less than that to buy this summer – despite his recent goalscoring record.
Short would hope to get his man for as little as £5m as AZ look to cash in.
But half a dozen Premier League clubs are also interested in the American forward, who has scored in each of his last four appearances for the USA.
That might drive the price up much higher, but Altidore is one of Sunderland’s top targets for the summer and they will fight all the way to land him.
He would be the first American that Missouri-born Short has bought in his time at the helm at Sunderland and would only enhance interest in the Wearsiders in the States.
A shared nationality might just benefit Sunderland in negotiations but a surprise pull for Altidore could be the presence of Di Canio at the Stadium of Light.
Altidore credits much of the improvement in his game to the presence of fractious AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek, whose no-nonsense hard-line methods he believes have brought the best out of him.
The chance to work with Di Canio, who is similarly as dedicated and outspoken, might well appeal to the level-headed striker who is ambitious to make the very most of his talents.
Altidore suffered from inconsistency earlier in his career which have led to goal droughts – he scored only one goal while on loan to Hull.
But he is developing into a technically-gifted player who can score goals of all descriptions and works hard for the team.
If he moved to the Stadium of Light this summer, he could expect to be one of the club’s first choice strikers next season.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-21 14:39
Sunderland have rekindled their interest in US international striker Jozy Altidore.
The Black Cats were tracking the frontman last summer and did not follow up their interest – but are now ready to launch a concerted effort to bring him to Wearside.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is desperate to bring in more firepower ahead of the new season.
Altidore is his top target after scoring 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch League last season – a record for an American playing in Europe.
The 23-year-old started his career with MLS side New York Red Bulls before making a £7m move to Spanish side Villarreal in 2008.
However, he made only a handful of appearances in his three years with the La Liga outfit and spent most of his time out on loan. His loan spells included a season in the Premier League with Hull City in 2009-10.
However, he scored just once in 28 top-flight outings as the Tigers were relegated.
Sunderland fans will remember Altidore being sent off for headbutting Alan Hutton at the KC Stadium.
Altidore's career took off when he left Villarreal for Alkmaar in 2011 and he scored 17 goals in his first season in Holland before almost doubling that total last term.
Now Di Canio wants to hand him a second chance in the Premier League.
Sunderland have switched tack in the transfer market and their all-Italian player recruitment team of director of football Roberto De Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni are concentrating on sourcing young talent with room for improvement – and Altidore fits that description.
Altidore cost Villarreal around £7m five years ago but Alkmaar picked him up for a knockdown fee of £1.5m.
Alkmaar will expect a healthy profit if he moves on and, while the Werasiders will be keen to avoid over-paying, they are aware Altidore's goal record means there are a number of Premier League sides weighing up a move for the 60-times-capped international.
Sunderland are also on the trail of Argentinian left-back Lucas Orban, who plays for Buenos Aires side Tigre.
The player's agent Filippo Colasanto claims the Wearsiders have enquired about the 24-year-old, but says there has also been interest from Spain.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-21 14:39
Simon Mignolet's proposed transfer to Liverpool has taken a significant step forward after the Reds agreed a fee in excess of £11million
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-21 14:40
We reported yesterday that Udinese rejected an £8m bid from an unnamed Premier League club for Vydra, who was irrepressible while on loan at Watford last season.
The 21-year-old Czech international has previously expressed his desire to have a crack at the Premier League, having suffered play-off final heartache at Wembley.
Vydra's agent confirmed that Sunderland are interested in a loan option.
"It is correct that Sunderland are interested, but they are interested in a loan at the moment," Ondrej Chovanec told The Journal.
Paolo Di Canio is considering a loan option for Matej Vydra
It is correct that Sunderland are interested, but they are interested in a loan at the moment
Matej Vydra's agent
"They don't want to spend that money at the moment.
"Of course it is very interesting. I know Di Canio from when he was a player because I was the agent of Tomas Repka, who also played for West Ham."
Vydra helped himself to 22 goals in the Championship last term.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-21 14:41
Sunderland want Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone to replace Liverpool-bound Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool are close to signing Mignolet, 24, after tabling a bid of £8m for the Belgium international.
Former Italy Under-21 keeper Mannone, 25, accepts he will never be a first-team regular at Arsenal having played just 15 times in seven years at the Emirates.
One in, one out? Sunderland could move for Vito Mannone if Simon Mignolet leaves for Liverpool
Mignolet is set to replace Pepe Reina at Liverpool but the Spaniard claimed on Thursday that it is not certain that he will leave Anfield for his old club Barcelona.
‘In principle my plan is to continue with Liverpool,’ said Reina. ‘I have three years left on my contract and I want to fulfil that and even go further.’
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-23 18:27
Sunderland are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Jereon Zoet.
Zoet has spent the last two seasons on loan at Eredivisie rivals RKC Waalwijk and has been watched by Sunderland whilst playing for Holland Under-21s in the European Under-21 Championship in Israel.
Holland qualified from the group stage only to be knocked out by Italy in the semi-finals last week.
The highly rated keeper was also linked with Fulham last summer but PSV were said to have rejected their offer.
Paolo Di Canio's pursuit of Zoet is bound to raise question marks over Simon Mignolet's future at the club.
The Black Cats' current number one is reportedly being chased by Liverpool.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-23 18:28
In a surprise move Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio is aiming to sign AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore this summer, according to the Sun.
The USA international will be best known to Premier League fans for the season Altidore spent at Hull City in 2009/10.
However, the forward could not establish himself in England managing just two goals in 30 matches for the Tigers, making Di Canio’s decision all the more of a gamble.
In between Hull and the Eredivisie the American has spent time at Villarreal and Bursaspor, although failed to establish himself at either before heading to Alkmaar.
Yet in the Netherlands Altidore has flourished and shown examples of the talent Hull thought he would have, scoring 38 league goals in two seasons.
Although still only 23-years-old the striker has earned an impressive 55 caps for his country to date and netted 13 times.
If Di Canio does secure the services of the American it will further show the Italian’s intentions at Sunderland as he continues to overhaul the squad.
Defenders’ Titus Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon were not given new contracts at the Stadium of Light this summer, whilst Modibo Diakite of Lazio, FC Basel’s Cabral and Valentin Roberge from Maritimo have all joined on free transfers and David Moberg Karlsson has signed from Goteborg.
Altidore is likely to set the Black Cats back £5m however due to his success at Alkmaar, but Di Canio is willing to pay that as he is keen for the forward to partner Steven Fletcher up front.
Sunderland will face competition from Lazio, PSV Eindhoven and Schalke for the American’s signature though.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-23 18:29
LEE Cattermole’s future at Sunderland is the subject of scrutiny in several Sunday newspapers.
The Sunday Sun leads the way with the suggestion that the skipper’s injury record could persuade Paolo Di Canio to cash in on the 25-year-old as he looks to rebuild.
The paper says that alert Hull City boss Steve Bruce, who originally made Cattermole Black Cats captain when he was boss at the Stadium of Light.
The Sun on Sunday though reports that Stoke City boss Mark Hughes could also be interested in the former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder.
The Sun on Sunday speculates the combative midfielder could be available for around £4m.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-23 18:30
SUNDERLAND’S prospects of signing Danny Rose are set to be dashed according to the Sunday People, which predicts the England Under 21 man will be promoted to first-choice left-back at White Hart Lane.
The paper says that Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s much-trailed move to Turkish club Fenerbahce is on the verge of completion.
And it claims Spurs’ boss Andre Villas-Boas has decided that once the Cameroon international departs, Rose will be given the chance to prove himself in the first-team next season.
That remains to be seen of course.
The Echo understands that Spurs have been exploring the possibility of recruiting another top left-back from Italy, which could still leave the door open to Rose leaving on a loan again in the summer, or even on a permanent.
Rose suggested at the end of a season-long loan at Sunderland – where he got regular first-team Premier League football for the first time – that he would consider a permanent move to the Stadium of Light.
However if Spurs boss AVB does offer him regular first-team football at White Hart Lane, there’s no doubt the former Leeds United defender would prefer to stay with the Londoners.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-23 18:31
SUNDERLAND are in the process of making a genuine bid to sign John Guidetti after TWO years of being linked with the Manchester City striker, writes Graeme Anderson.
The Black Cats were first said to be interested in the Swedish goalscoring sensation in the summer of 2011, when they were exploring the possibility of a loan move which never came off.
But with Guidetti being represented by Roberto De Fanti, a long-time associate of Ellis Short, rumours of a possible move have never been too far away,
De Fanti has now moved on to become Sunderland’s director of football, but interest in Guidetti remains.
And the Echo understands that tentative talks have been opened about the prospect of the 21-year-old moving to the Stadium of Light.
A mystery virus ruined the full Swedish international’s 2012-13 season, and he did not play a single game last campaign.
But before being laid low, he had earned himself a reputation as one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
He was snapped up by City at the age of only 16 and rapidly established himself as a prolific striker at youth level before scoring a hat-trick on his reserve-team debut against Burnley.
But it was on loan spells where he really made his name, in particular at Feyenoord in the 2011-12 season when he scored 20 goals in 23 games for the Dutch side, to suggest a place in Manchester City’s first-team might not be too far away.
Now the youngster finds himself in limbo with the arrival in Eastlands of new manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Previous City boss Roberto Mancini had been a big fan of Guidetti’s potential.
But, with the Swede having been out for a year and Pellegrini arriving under pressure to take City up another level, the Chilean manager might be prepared to cut his losses on the young striker, or at the very least send him on season-long loan.
Either of those options would appeal to Sunderland, who hope De Fanti’s presence at the Stadium of Light will induce Guidetti to decide that if he is allowed to leave Eastlands this summer – temporarily or permanently – the Stadium of Light will be his destination of choice.
And behind the scenes, the signs are promising that the move might finally be set to happen this summer.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-23 18:32
SUNDERLAND cast-off Titus Bramble has been invited to train with Ipswich Town raising the prospect he could rejoin his former club.
The 31-year-old’s contract at Sunderland has not been renewed and the centre-half becomes a free agent next month.
He has offers under consideration from Major League Soccer in America but is keeping his options open as he looks to get himself ready for next season.
Bramble has been troubled by knee problems in recent seasons which have restricted his ability to train.
But he is not ready yet to hang up his boots
The Blues, managed by former Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy, would love to interest in him in a move back to Portman Road where his career first began back in 1987.
But wages could be an issue and Ipswich might well want to offer him a ‘pay-as-you-play’ deal, given Bramble’s previous injury concerns.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-24 17:51
Sunderland could be ready to cash in on Stephane Sessegnon and and Lee Cattermole as manager Paolo Di Canio radically overhauls his squad.
Sportsmail understands the pair have been told to find new clubs this summer as Di Canio shows his ruthless streak.
Likewise, Phil Bardsley, who is still waiting to hear whether he has to pay a two-week fine for being photographed laying on a casino floor covered in £50 notes, is also free to leave.
If the price is right: Sessegnon could soon be departing the Stadium of Light
But the decision to let Sessegnon and Cattermole go will cause the biggest stir.
The Black Cats are not actively looking for buyers for 29-year-old Benin international Sessegnon, but Sportsmail understands there is a growing pragmatism on Wearside which dictates that every player has his price.
As a result, the club would have to seriously consider any sizeable bid which came in for any member of their squad, and Sessegnon is one of their most valuable assets and has been linked with a series of potential suitors in recent weeks.
The former Paris St Germain man has been a big hit with fans on Wearside since making his £6million switch to the Stadium of Light in January 2011.
At his best, he has terrorised defences, although perhaps not scored the number of goals he might have.
However, inconsistency has been a problem for a player who, despite speculation that he could leave the club last summer, signed a three-year contract extension in August.
There is a feeling on Wearside that Sessegnon has had his head turned by rumours of big-money moves during his time at Sunderland, and he has been linked with Marseille and Chinese sides Tianjin Teda and Shanghai Shenhua already this summer.
Di Canio saw Sessegnon score twice in successive games at the start of his reign, the opener in the 3-0 derby victory at Newcastle and a priceless winner against Everton six days later.
However, he missed the final three games of the campaign through suspension after being rather harshly sent off in a 6-1 defeat at Aston Villa on April 29, a decision the club appealed unsuccessfully.
The new manager is in the process of radically reshaping the playing staff he inherited from predecessor Martin O'Neill, and with owner and chairman Ellis Short determined to get value for money, a different approach has been adopted.
Short invested heavily in Scotland striker Steven Fletcher and England winger Adam Johnson last summer, but this time around, has sanctioned to date a series of moves for lower-profile players with potential.
But his decision to accept Liverpool's bid for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, arguably the club's most effective performer last season, is an indication that no member of the current squad is untouchable, and that could leave him with a big decision to make should a club put money on the table for Sessegnon or, for that matter, anybody else, although that is yet to happen.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-06-27 10:30
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has secured a deal for Le Havre defender Benjamin Mendy.
Arsenal had offered £2.5million for the youngster, but French Ligue 2 club Le Havre wanted double the Gunners' bid.
The 18-year-old left-back will become the latest young recruit for the Sunderland boss, as he looks to alternative to Tottenham full-back Danny Rose, who spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light.
Gunners bound? Le Havre's Benjamin Mendy (right) could be on his way to Arsenal
Gunners bound? Le Havre's Benjamin Mendy (right) could be on his way to Arsenal
England Under 21 Rose remains Di Canio’s number one target but he is unlikely to be allowed to leave White Hart Lane permanently. Argentina left-back Lucas Orban is also on the Sunderland list.
The Wearside club have been busy in the transfer market since the end of the season and Di Canio has added 20-year-old midfielder El-Hadji Ba, along with 19-year-old strikers Duncan Watmore and David Moberg Karlsson.
Earlier this week Le Havre confirmed they were in negotiations with an unnamed Premier League side for the signature of Mendy, with Arsenal and Cardiff also linked to the teenager.
Now Sunderland appear to have won the race for the signature of the France Under-19 international, who made 48 appearances for Le Havre since making his first-team debut two years ago.
As well as Sunderland and Arsene Wenger's men, Juventus, Lyon and Cardiff were keeping tabs on developments surrounding Mendy.
Mendy has turned out for France at every age group up to his current role for the U19 squad, and was first linked with a move to Arsenal when he signed a contract at Le Havre in 2011.
Busy man: Paolo Di Canio is overhauling Sunderland's squad
Busy man: Paolo Di Canio is overhauling Sunderland's squad
Transfer target: Di Canio also wants to recruit Tottenham's Danny Rose
Transfer target: Di Canio also wants to recruit Tottenham's Danny Rose
Le Havre president Jean-Pierre Louvel told Radio Monte Carlo: 'We have reached agreement with Sunderland for the transfer of Mendy.
'It's now up to him to reach an agreement with them. We are okay.
'We were close to an agreement with Lyon, it has not happened but you never know,' he said.
'Right now, the only club we are in agreement with is Sunderland and it is now up to Benjamin Mendy to make his choice.'
Ahmed Elmohamady
Steve Bruce
Reunited: Hull City are close to agreeing a move for Sunderland and Egypt winger Ahmed Elmohamady
Meanwhile, Egypt international winger Ahmed Elmohamady's proposed move to Hull is close to being completed.
The 25-year-old midfielder spent all but a few weeks of last season on loan at the KC Stadium as Steve Bruce, the man who had initially brought him to England during his time in charge at the Stadium of Light, handed him another chance to prove himself.
Elmohamady made a total of 41 appearances and scored three goals as the Tigers secured their return to the Barclays Premier League, and Bruce is keen to tie up a permanent deal.
The former ENPPI player cost the Black Cats £2million in June 2011 after a successful loan spell, and they would hope to recoup a similar amount on his departure.
Confirmed: Modibo Diakite of Lazio will join up with Sunderland on July 1
Confirmed: Modibo Diakite of Lazio will join up with Sunderland on July 1
That would further boost a transfer kitty which received a £9million windfall earlier this week, the first and main instalment of the fee for keeper Simon Mignolet's switch to Liverpool.
Di Canio has promised to re-invest that cash to ensure Sunderland do not face the another fight for Barclays Premier League survival next season after finishing in 17th place at the end of the last campaign.
Maritimo defender Valentin Roberge, Basle midfielder Cabral and Lazio's Modibo Diakite will all join the club on July 1, while youngsters Duncan Watmore and David Moberg Karlsson are already on board.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-03 17:57
ve confirmed the arrival of Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone. The 25-year-old Italian has moved to the Stadium of Light for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £2m, and has signed a two-year contract.
He is expected to provide the back-up to Republic of Ireland international Keiren Westwood following Simon Mignolet's £9m switch to Liverpool.
Mannone follows Valentin Roberge, Modibo Diakite, Cabral, David Moberg Karlsson and Duncan Watmore into the club with the Black Cats' summer recruitment drive showing little sign of abating.
The Italian arrived at Arsenal as a 17-year-old from Atalanta and made 26 senior appearances for the club, including four in the Champions League last season.
A former Italy Under-21 international, Mannone has also had loan spells at Barnsley and Hull.
New manager Paolo Di Canio is making a concerted effort to substantially rebuild the squad he inherited from Martin O'Neill this summer and there will be further arrivals before the season gets under way.
The Le Havre full-back Benjamin Mendy is expected to complete his move to Wearside later this week with club-mate El-Hadji Ba and Velez Sarsfield defender Gino Peruzzi also closing in on moves.
Di Canio has now turned his attention to the striking department, although there is still a significant amount of work to be done.
Sunderland have seen their initial bid for AZ Alkmaar frontman Jozy Altidore rejected, and they have been left in little doubt that they will have to come up with a significantly bigger offer if they are to succeed.
But having formally registered their interest, the Wearsiders are regarding the rejection as the first salvo in the battle to land a player identified some time ago as the man to freshen up their attacking options.
Altidore, who made 28 Premier League appearances on loan at Hull from Villarreal during the 2009-10 season, scored 23 goals for AZ last season to attract the attention of a series of potential suitors.
However, Sunderland have struck the initial blow and will hope to follow it up after their lack of depth in attack was exposed at the end of last season.
Steven Fletcher's ankle surgery, which ruled him out of the final eight games, emphasised the club's relative paucity up front.
O'Neill invested £5m in Swansea's Danny Graham in an effort to address the problem, but he failed to score a single goal in 13 appearances at the end of the campaign.
Stephane Sessegnon's future on Wearside remains uncertain amid speculation the club could cash in on him this summer, while Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won are yet to prove they can do the job on a sustained basis.
Meanwhile, reports in Greece have claimed Sunderland have reached agreement with Panathinaikos for the transfer of midfielder Charalampos Mavrias in a deal which could eventually amount to €4m.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-12 8:37
JOZY ALTIDORE cannot wait to pull on a Sunderland shirt for the first time.
The 23-year-old United States striker signed a four-year deal with the Black Cats last night as he completed his move from AZ Alkmaar for an undisclosed fee.
He will now join up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp in Italy and is already looking forward to the start of the season.
Altidore said: “I’m excited. Anybody who knows anything about football knows that the Premier League, when you look at everything as a full package, is the biggest league in the world.
“I’m thrilled to be here and I’m looking forward to getting adjusted as quickly as possible.
“It’s a fantastic club, everyone here is so welcoming and I’m really excited about this season.
“It has everything here, all the combinations to be a big club, so I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
Sunderland launch their campaign at home to Fulham and Altidore is desperate to run out in front of 40,000 Wearsiders for the first time.
He added: “It’s great, it’s part of taking that next step as a player.
“To be able to play in front of a stadium like that is going to be really exciting — I hope they like what I do on the pitch.
“Everybody, I’m sure, is excited to get the season off to a good start and I’m no different.
“I can’t wait to meet the guys, meet the coaching staff and get acclimatised as soon as possible.
“I’m just going to give everything I can to the team, that’s the biggest thing, to get the respect of your team-mates and when you do that, I think everything will fall into place.
“I’ll just give my all for the club. I really appreciate the club making the investment in me as a player and I want to give that back.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-12 8:38
Paolo Di Canio is on the brink of landing top transfer target Emanuele Giaccherini after Juventus' recent spending spree forced them to accept a Sunderland bid of just under £7million.
Recent reports suggested Sunderland may have to bid around £8.5million for a versatile winger who struggles for a place at Juventus but was in Italy's starting X1 on the right flank at the Confederations Cup.
But Juve sporting director Beppe Marotta has sanctioned a £6.8million deal after taking stock of a summer of investment aimed at equipping the Serie A title-winners for a tilt at the Champions League next summer.
Incoming: Sunderland are on the brink of signing the versatile Juventus and Italy winger Emanuele Giaccherini for £6.8million
Cut price: Sunderland will sign Giaccherini for about £1.5million less than originally expected as Juventus recoup some money for a spending spree of their own
Apart from luring Carlos Tevez from Manchester City to partner Fernando Llorente up front, they are in the process of completing a £13million move for Torino's Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna.
They have to recoup some of their outlay and have reluctantly accepted Sunderland's offer for a player who can operate anywhere across midfield but has made the outside-right position his own for the national team.
As Sunderland boss Di Canio closed in on his most significant capture so far, Giaccherini's agent backtracked after initially suggesting he had no intention of quitting Juve.
'If an interesting offer comes in, then, of course, we will consider it,' said Furio Valcareggi.
'We have to plan for the future, particularly with the World Cup finals just 12 months away, and if Emanuele is not going to be starting for Juve, then maybe we should look for a situation where he is playing every week.'
'If an interesting offer comes in, then, of course, we will consider it,' said Furio Valcareggi. 'We have to plan for the future, particularly with the World Cup finals just 12 months away, and if Emanuele is not going to be starting for Juve, then maybe we should look for a situation where he is playing every week.'
Bound for Wearside: Sunderland are on the verge of signing Velez Sarsfield full-back Gino Peruzzi
Close: 21-year-old Peruzzi will head to England tomorrow to complete the move after a fee was agreed
Meanwhile, Velez Sarsfield full-back Peruzzi will head for England tomorrow with a view to completing his move to Sunderland.
The Argentinian club has confirmed on its official website, www.velezsarsfield.com.ar that they have finally agreed a deal with the Black Cats for the 21-year-old's signature.
A statement said: 'Velez Sarsfield and Sunderland Association Football Club have reached an agreement to transfer the player Gino Peruzzi.'
Velez say the player and two club officials will head for the Stadium of Light tomorrow in a bid to finalise the transfer.
The news will come as a major boost to Di Canio after it appeared that the proposed deal had stalled earlier this week.
Velez vice-president Julio Baldomar claimed that Peruzzi had rejected the personal terms offered by the Black Cats, although fresh discussions appear to have solved whatever problem there was.
Another buy: Sunderland welcomed Frenchman El Hadji Ba to the club too
Sunderland missed out on highly-rated Le Havre teenager Benjamin Mendy when he opted to instead join Marseille, but the signing of Peruzzi has ticked another of the manager's boxes.
The north-east club also confirmed the capture of El-Hadji Ba, formerly of Le Havre, on Wednesday.
Ba, 20, became Di Canio's seventh summer acquisition when the midfielder agreed a three-year contract with the Black Cats after his deal at Le Havre run out last month.
He made 13 league appearances for the French club last season, scoring once.
Spree: Jozy Altidore is one of seven signings already made by Paolo Di Canio this summer
The Frenchman is the latest addition to a growing list of summer signings at the Stadium of Light which was boosted further on Tuesday when United States international striker Jozy Altidore completed his move from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.
He joins Valentin Roberge, Modibo Diakite, Cabral, Altidore, David Moberg Karlsson and Duncan Watmore in the Sunderland squad for the new season.
While attacking options have been a major focus for Di Canio, the full-back berths have been high on his wishlist too with left-back Danny Rose having returned to parent club Tottenham after a successful loan spell and Phil Bardsley now seemingly surplus to requirements.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-12 8:41
Stephane Sessegnon Scores Five As Sunderland Win Friendly 13-1 In Italy
Stephane Sessegnon scored five goals as Sunderland ran out 13-1 winners in a behind closed doors friendly during their pre-season training camp in Italy.
Goals from Ji Dong-Won, Seb Larsson, Valentin Roberge, Jozy Altidore, Danny Graham, Mikael Mandron and two from David Moberg Karlsson completed the rout against a local Select XI.
Three of Paolo Di Canio's new signings - Vito Mannone, Roberge and Cabral - started the game, but it was Sessegnon who dominated the game from the first whistle.
He put Sunderland ahead after two minutes, and he had his hat-trick with 20 minutes played.
He blasted home from Adam Johnson's deflected shot after 24 minutes, and by the half hour mark Sessegnon had his fifth, rounding the keeper to slot home.
Ji and Larsson completed the first half scoring, with Paolo Di Canio's men leading 7-0 at half time.
Di Canio made seven changes at the break, with debutantes El Hadji Ba, Altidore and Moberg Karlsson among the replacements.
And it took Moberg Karlsson just four minutes to make it 8-0, with a powerful strike from just outside the box. Altidore almost made it nine moments later, but his shot was blocked.
Roberge did make it 9-0 just before the hour mark, after Moberg Karlsson's corner caused problems.
Altidore opened his account for his new club after 65 minutes, shooting on the turn to bring up double figures for Paolo Di Canio's side.
The Select XI got one back from the penalty spot after a player went down under substitute keeper Keiren Westwood's challenge, but Sunderland hit back instantly when Altidore played in Danny Graham to score his first goal for the club.
With ten minutes to go Mandron made it 12-1 having replaced Larsson after 70 minutes, before Moberg Karlsson's second completed the scoring.
Juventus have bowed to the wishes of Emanuele Giaccherini in agreeing a fee for the midfielder with Sunderland.
It was revealed on Thursday that the Black Cats had seen an offer for the Italy international accepted.
Juventus are reluctant sellers, as they prepare to part with a 28-year-old winger in his prime, but accept that he wants to find regular first-team football.
They cannot guarantee him that in Turin and have reluctantly sanctioned a sale to Sunderland.
Juve's general manager Giuseppe Marotta said: "In Giaccherini's transfer to Sunderland, the will of the player had priority over the club's.
"Emanuele evaluated, not only the economic aspects but also the standing he will have at Sunderland, and it was a challenge he decided to accept. We have gone along with his wishes."
Meanwhile, Marotta has revealed that Juventus have dropped their interest in Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic - who continues to be linked with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
He added: "We have given up on Jovetic because with (Carlos) Tevez and (Fernando) Llorente we are satisfied with our attack.
"Jovetic was one of several targets but now he has become unattainable - not because we can't take him, but because we are proud of Tevez's arrival and think we have completed our attack."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-13 9:51
It was revealed on Thursday that the Black Cats had seen an offer for the Italy international accepted.
Juventus are reluctant sellers, as they prepare to part with a 28-year-old winger in his prime, but accept that he wants to find regular first-team football.
They cannot guarantee him that in Turin and have reluctantly sanctioned a sale to Sunderland.
Juve's general manager Giuseppe Marotta said: "In Giaccherini's transfer to Sunderland, the will of the player had priority over the club's.
"Emanuele evaluated, not only the economic aspects but also the standing he will have at Sunderland, and it was a challenge he decided to accept. We have gone along with his wishes."
Meanwhile, Marotta has revealed that Juventus have dropped their interest in Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic - who continues to be linked with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
He added: "We have given up on Jovetic because with (Carlos) Tevez and (Fernando) Llorente we are satisfied with our attack.
"Jovetic was one of several targets but now he has become unattainable - not because we can't take him, but because we are proud of Tevez's arrival and think we have completed our attack."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-13 9:52
SUNDERLAND’S interest in Matej Vydra has been put on ice, with Italian outfit Udinese taking a patient approach on offers for the Czech striker.
The Black Cats were one of a number of Premier League clubs to have made an enquiry for Vydra earlier in the summer after the 21-year-old netted 20 goals during a loan spell with Watford last season.
Swansea, West Brom and West Ham have also been interested in a season-long loan for Vydra, whose agent travelled to England last week in an attempt to secure his client a move to the top flight.
But it is understood that there have been no further developments regarding Vydra’s potential move to Sunderland, who have now boosted their attacking options with the £6million capture of American international Jozy Altidore from AZ Alkmaar.
Vydra has returned to pre-season training with Udinese, who remain prepared to sell the frontman if their £8m asking price is met.
But, with another seven weeks to run of the transfer window, Udinese are in no rush to make a decision on Vydra and are likely to wait until next month to see if they can cash in on him before considering whether to sanction a second successive loan exit.
Vydra is one of a number of strikers Sunderland have been considering this summer in addition to their prime target Altidore.
Manchester City’s John Guidetti remains an option, while Sunderland were also linked with Juventus’s Italian international Alessandro Matri this week after the negotiations between the two clubs which have seen midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini lie on the verge of a move to the Stadium of Light.
Reports in Italy yesterday credited Sunderland with an interest in Catania’s Argentine striker Maxi Lopez too.
But Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio wanted a five-man senior strike force to choose from next season and he has now reached that tally, six if Ji Dong-won is included, alongside Steven Fletcher, Stephane Sessegnon, Danny Graham, Connor Wickham and Altidore.
Ji found the net after playing the opening 45 minutes in Wednesday’s behind-closed-doors game against a local select XI at Sunderland’s pre-season training camp, in Italy.
But despite reports in Germany this week that Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Ji has faded, the South Korean is still expected to be offloaded by Sunderland this summer.
Ji has just a year remaining on his Sunderland contract and the Black Cats are ready to cash in on the 22-year-old’s high stock in the Bundesliga after his successful loan spell at Augsburg last season.
Room could be made in Sunderland’s attack though, if the club receive a tempting bid for Sessegnon, Wickham or Graham.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 16:46
Sunderland have completed the signing of Italy midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini from Juventus.
The Black Cats confirmed this afternoon that Giaccherini's switch from the Serie A champions had been completed with the 28-year-old having put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
Juve have announced the fee was £6.5 million for a player who has won 14 international caps and featured at Euro 2012 last summer.
He was also a part of Italy's Confederations Cup campaign last month.
Giaccherini joined Juventus from Cesena in August 2011, and went on to win back-to-back Scudetti.
The attack-minded midfield man, who can play in the centre or out wide, made 40 league appearances for the Turin club, scoring four goals.
During his time with Cesena, he had loan spells with Forli, Bellaria Igea and Pavia.
He is the ninth player to be recruited in a busy summer for Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio, the Italian appointed in March as successor to the sacked Martin O'Neill.
After keeping the Black Cats in the Barclays Premier League - they finished 17th - Di Canio has embarked upon a major overhaul of his squad, with Valentin Roberge, Modibo Diakite, Cabral, Vito Mannone, Jozy Altidore, Duncan Watmore, David Moberg Karlsson and El-Hadji Ba all being brought in prior to Giaccherini's arrival.
It is expected that more new signings will follow, while Simon Mignolet, Titus Bramble, Matt Kilgallon and Ahmed Elmohamady are among those to have left the Wearside club.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 16:50
Sunderland sign £6.5m Emanuele Giaccherini from Juventus
Sunderland have signed Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini from Juventus for £6.5m.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who has made 14 appearances for Italy, has agreed a four-year contract.
He played at Euro 2012 and this summer's Confederations Cup, when he scored in a 4-2 defeat by Brazil.
Giaccherini signed for Juventus in August 2011 and made 40 appearances in helping the Turin club to back-to-back Serie A titles.
After starting his career at Cesena, he had loan spells at Forli, Bellaria and Pavia before joining Juventus.
Giaccherini has also scored the fastest ever goal in the history of Italy's national side, netting after 19 seconds in a friendly against Haiti in June.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has already signed El Hadji Ba, Jozy Altidore, David Moberg Karlsson, Cabral, Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge and Vito Mannone this summer.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 16:51
Sunderland striker Danny Graham is on his way to Hull to negotiate a season-long loan at the KC Stadium.
Hull boss Steve Bruce has targeted the former Swansea striker after the collapse of Charlie Austin’s move from Burnley last week.
Graham, who failed to score in 13 games for Sunderland after a £5million move from South Wales last season, has returned from Paolo Di Canio’s training camp in Italy and he has been withdrawn from the Sunderland squad due to fly out to Hong Kong. He is expected to meet Bruce in East Yorkshire.
Bruce is hoping to secure a year-long loan deal for Graham, 27, who was facing fresh competition for a place on Wearside following Jozy Altidore’s move from AZ Alkmaar.
Hull are hoping Bruce’s former club will agree to paying a portion of Graham’s wages to allow a loan deal to go through.
Although Norwich City manager Chris Hughton was in the running for the player's signature in January, Bruce is expected to have a free run on the Gateshead-born forward.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 16:57
Saints Under 21's lucky to get draw at Sunderland
Saints Northeast pre-season games continued with Sunderland a goalless draw. In a game where defences held sway chances were few and far between.
Martin Hunter made a few changes to the team as he rotated the squad. Joe Curtis, Ryan Seager and goalkeeper Cody Cropper all coming into the side
The opening half hour was comfortable for Saints but Sunderland upped their game for the final fifteen minutes. Saints did well to weather the storm.
Saints were again fairly comfortable in the second half mostly but were unable to make many clear cut chances. The best opportunity for Saints arrived late on through substitute Jamal Branker, but he was denied by a strong save.
Martin Hunter said he was pleased with the team's defending but disappointed that we were unable to find the ball to set up a strike on goal.
All in all a good work-out for the team as they continue to prepare for the season ahead.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 16:58
SPANISH striker David Mayoral was one of six trialists on show for Sunderland Under-18s yesterday as they opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Gateshead.
Half-time substitute Mayoral grabbed the winning goal, as the 16-year-old looks to earn a contract at the Academy of Light.
Mayoral, on the fringes of the Spain U17 squad, has attracted contract offers from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo in his homeland, while Celtic and Nottingham Forest have also been interested.
Rees Greenwood was also on the scoresheet for the Black Cats, at the Academy of Light.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 16:59
PAOLO Di Canio says Sunderland’s pre-season will begin in earnest next week when the Black Cats take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.
The Sunderland squad are currently coming to the end of a 10-day stay in a secluded training retreat in northern Italy.
That in itself has been a vital part of Di Canio’s preparations, with the head coach focusing on fitness and team bonding.
But he says next week offers the chance for the new recruits and the existing players to finally get to grips with genuinely competitive action.
Sunderland take on Tottenham Hotspur next Wednesday ahead of a finals day at the weekend in the tournament which also involves Manchester City and local side South China FC.
And for Di Canio, it will all be about getting the benefits of competitive football.
“We will keep working so hard and now we play two very important games,” he said.
“The players, especially the new players, can test themselves straight away against one Barclays Premier League side, for sure, in a full stadium.
“It is a chance to feel the real atmosphere.
“Obviously we are not in England, but the passion of the Chinese people will be very high.
“The players can understand also that they will face an opponent they will play during the league season. It will be another very good, important moment.”
The Hong Kong trip coming so quickly on top of the Italian training camp means the players will have been living in each other’s pockets for weeks by the time they return to Sunderland.
But Di Canio says that is all part of a plan to create players who are close to each other and know each others’ game inside out.
Once again we are going to live 24 hours per day together,” he said. “During that time we will play two very important games and the players will be looking forward to them.
“They are very important to us because the players will go mad if they run, run, run without playing football!
“Including Italy, we will have spent 20-21 days together, so that will be a crucial moment for us as a squad.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-17 17:01
SUNDERLAND’S summer signings have all been included in the Black Cats squad for next week’s Barclay’s Asia Trophy tournament, in Hong Kong.
But there is no place in the party for out-of-favour Phil Bardsley or recovering duo Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole.
Bardsley has played no part in Sunderland’s pre-season preparations after earning Paolo Di Canio’s wrath at the end of last season for a late-night trip to a casino.
Fletcher and Cattermole, meanwhile, continue to make their way back from ankle and knee injuries respectively.
But all seven of Sunderland’s first-team signings will fly out to the Far East - Vito Mannone, Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge, El-Hadji Ba, Cabral, David Moberg Karlsson and Jozy Altidore.
Sunderland face Spurs in the tournament’s first game on Wednesday, July 24, before tackling Manchester City or South China FC three days later.
Yesterday Sunderland second team out in Italy pulled off a 1-0 win over Swiss side FC Chiasso, with England under 21 international Connor Wickham scoring the winning goal.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 9:51
Argentina defender Gino Peruzzi has arrived in Sunderland to complete his £5million move to the Premier League.
The Velez Sarsfield full back, who has been a major target for Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio throughout the summer, is poised to become his 10th signing of the close season.
Peruzzi has flown to Wearside with two directors Julio Baldomar and Eduardo Ordonez from the Argentinian club after more than a month of protracted negotiations between the player and the two clubs.
Latest addition: Gino Peruzzi (right) is poised to join Sunderland after jetting in for a medical at the club
Latest addition: Gino Peruzzi (right) is poised to join Sunderland after jetting in for a medical at the club
The 21-year-old right-back will have a medical today and is then expected to join up with the Sunderland squad flying out to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy where they will play Tottenham and Manchester City next week.
But his arrival surely spells the end at Sunderland for Scotland international Phil Bardsley, who by contrast has been left in the wilderness by Di Canio since their bust-up at the end of last season.
Former Manchester United defender Bardsley, who was player of the year at the Stadium of Light two seasons ago, was fined and dropped for the final game at Spurs after photographs revealed he had visited a casino in the early hours, prior to the match. He was left out of the senior squad which has been at a training camp in Italy for the last week.
Rebuild: Paolo Di Canio is set to land his tenth signing of the summer with the Argentina defender
Fulham, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers have all been linked with the 28-year-old who played in a goalless draw for the Sunderland development squad against Southampton yesterday.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 12:33
Burnley are set to win the race for former Sunderland striker Ryan Noble, Sky Sports understands.
Noble is available on a free transfer after leaving Sunderland earlier this summer.
The 22-year-old failed to establish himself at the Stadium of Light and spent much of his time in recent years out on loan and enjoyed stints with the likes of Watford, Derby and Hartlepool.
A number of clubs are thought to have expressed an interest in Noble, but Burnley are hoping to land the talented forward.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is keen to add to his attacking options at Turf Moor and the club are thought to be in advanced talks to sign Noble.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 12:34
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Bastian Oczipka has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Sunderland.
The highly-rated left-back had reportedly emerged as a target for Paolo Di Canio as the Italian continues to look to change things around at the Stadium of Light this summer.
But the overhaul is unlikely to include the 24-year-old Frankfurt player after he indicated he had no interest in the move.
"I have been told about that offer," said Oczipka, quoted in the Offenbach Post.
"Still, this is not an issue for me. I have two more years of my contract with Eintracht Frankfurt.
"Financially, it is a lucrative offer but does not appeal in a sporting sense.
"We are a side going to play in the Europa League this season. Therefore I am not interested in just ticking over at a mid-table team in England."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 12:39
HULL CITY are hopeful that a loan deal for Sunderland striker Danny Graham will be sealed before the weekend.
Graham was granted permission to leave Sunderland’s pre-season training camp in Italy on Tuesday night, with the Black Cats ready to allow the £5million frontman to join the Tigers on a season-long loan.
The 27-year-old held talks with Hull yesterday and is expected to fly out to the club’s pre-season base in Portugal tomorrow for a medical.
Hull manager and former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said: “We’re very close and we’re hopeful we can get it done before the weekend.
“It looks as though there’s a deal to be done with Sunderland and that’s now in the hands of our chief executive.
“All the talks have been encouraging but we’ll have to wait and see now. We hope we can get something done soon.
“As I’ve admitted, he’s a player I like and it would be a big boost to our squad to have someone like Danny join.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 12:40
Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel said the "door is always open" for Guidetti to return to the Eredivisie outfit where he spent the 2011-12 season on loan.
Guidetti became a fans favourite during his time in Rotterdam, scoring 20 goals in just 23 appearances, and now the club have confirmed they would love to bring him back.
John GuidettiJohn Guidetti had a successful spell on loan at Feyenoord
Guidetti is in our hearts and the door is always open for him
Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel
Speaking to AD newspaper Van Geel said: "Guidetti is in our hearts and the door is always open for him," he told the AD newspaper.
"If a godsend occurs, we would naturally increase our squad with him.
However, Van Geel went on to say that Feyenoord have yet to make a bid for the striker.
He added: "I would like to say clearly that no concrete efforts have been made to get him."
Feyenoord technical director Martin van GeelFeyenoord technical director Martin van Geel says the door is open for John Guidetti to return
Guidetti joined City as a highly rated teenager from IF Brommapojkarna in 2008 but has been loaned out several times and is yet to make a first team appearance for City.
John GuidettiJohn Guidetti is yet to feature at Manchester City
Now 21, Guidetti is currently away on the City pre-season tour in South Africa but it remains to be seen whether Guidetti features in Manuel Pellegrini's first team plans for next season.
Manuel PellegriniManuel Pellegrini took John Guidetti on Manchester City's pre-season tour
However, Guidetti projects to be behind Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and new signing Alvaro Negredo in the City striking pecking order.
Sergio AgueroSergio Aguero is a first-choice at City
Alvaro NegredoAlvaro Negredo will add further competition for places
And the situation will only worsen if City's reported move for Fiorentina's Steven Jovetic comes to fruition.
Steven JoveticSteven Jovetic may yet be another new face at City
Paolo Di Canio was rumoured to be interested in bringing the Swedish international to Sunderland.
Paolo Di CanioPaolo Di Canio is an admirer of John Guidetti
Sunderland have already added Jozy Altidore to their squad this season but with Danny Graham thought to be on the verge of a loan move to Hull, the Black Cats may still be in the market to add another striker.
Jozy AltidoreJozy Altidore has joined Sunderland
Danny GrahamDanny Graham looks set to join Hull
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 12:41
IPSWICH boss Mick McCarthy is interested in signing former Sunderland defender Titus Bramble, who is a free agent after being released by the Black Cats.
McCarthy originally denied an interest in Bramble, who has spent time training with West Ham.
But the big centre-half has trained with the Tractor Boys and played in their 2-1 friendly win at Gillingham on Tuesday.
Now, ex-Black Cats boss McCarthy could be ready to offer the 31-year-old the chance to return to the club where he began his career.
“I only met up with Titus for the first time at our pre-match meal,” he claimed. “He asked if he could come in for training and wanted to play.
“He’s obviously interested in coming here and we are interested in him, otherwise he wouldn’t be playing for us.
“He’s shown a good commitment to come and play but it’s early days yet. No more than that.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-18 12:42
SUNDERLAND U21s will visit Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park on Saturday to take on Martin Gray’s Darlington 1883 (3pm).
The Quakers are preparing for life in the EvoStik League after winning the Northern League title last term. Admission is £9 (adults), £6 (concessions) and £4 (children).
Darlo also take on a Middlesbrough XI at Heritage Park on Tuesday (7.30pm).
Newton Aycliffe shocked Darlo with a 3-1 friendly win last night, thanks to goals from Stuart Owen, Michael Gibson and Dan Mellanby. Kerry Hedley replied.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 13:51
Sunderland midfielder Alfred N'Diaye is a target for several Turkish sides, Sky Sports understands.
N'Diaye only joined Sunderland last January from Bursaspor and his former club and Eskisehirspor are thought to be weighing up moves to bring the player back to Turkey.
The former France Under-21 international was brought to the Stadium of Light by former Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill, but he could find himself surplus to requirements under Paolo Di Canio.
Di Canio has been busy in the transfer market this summer bringing in nine players already with more planned and he could decided to cash-in on N'Diaye.
Eskisehirspor coach Ertugrul Saglam is a big fan of N'Diaye having worked with the 23-year-old during his time in charge of Bursaspor and is keen to be reunited with the midfielder.
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Anonymous2013-07-19 13:54
Sundeland hope to put there nightmare with DANNY GRAHAM behind them after Graham joining Hull on a season-long loan.
The flop striker admits he couldn’t leave Wearside quick enough after being made surplus to requirements by new Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio.
And Graham, 27, now wants to prove he has what it takes to be a top Premier League marksman.
The ex-Swansea hitman said: “When the chance came to sign here on loan, I jumped at it.
“I’m delighted. It’s great to come to a club where everybody is on a high after winning promotion and I’ve only heard good things about this club.
“It’s exactly the same as when I joined Swansea a couple of years ago, a club coming up into the Premier League. The stories for the two clubs are very similar.
“I know I’m coming to a good club with a top manager, a fantastic stadium and some very good players.”
Graham was brought to Wearside by Martin O’Neill in a £5million January deal.
But he failed to score in 13 appearances for Sunderland and has become the latest victim of Di Canio’s ruthless clear-out.
Graham flew home early from the Black Cats’ training camp in Italy earlier this week after hearing of Hull’s interest.
And he has already joined Steve Bruce’s Premier League new-boys for their pre-season work-out in Portugal.
Graham added: “I’d spoken to the manager at Sunderland and been told that I wasn’t part of the plans, so when the call came I was straight onto a flight.
“I feel like I live on a plane at the moment!
“But it’s all part and parcel of what it’s all about. It’s all done now and I can look forward.
“Training camps are a chance for players to bond and I don’t want to miss out on that.
“We’ve got a couple of games out here as well, so if everything goes to plan I’m hoping to get involved in those, although the game on Saturday might come too early.”
Graham joins fellow new signings George Boyd, Maynor Figueroa, Curtis Davies, Ahmed Elmohamady, Allan McGregor and Steve Harper at the KC Stadium.
Boss Bruce said: “I have no concerns about Danny. He has scored goals in the Premier League before, and he will do again because he is a quality finisher.
“I am absolutely delighted to have got him here. He can only strengthen our squad and benefit the team going into the new season.
“It has taken some time for us to bring in a striker this summer, so I am glad to finally get this one over the line. Now I’d like another one to go with Danny.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 13:55
Argentina defender Gino Peruzzi has arrived in Sunderland to complete his £5million move to the Premier League.
The Velez Sarsfield full back, who has been a major target for Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio throughout the summer, is poised to become his 10th signing of the close season.
Peruzzi has flown to Wearside with two directors Julio Baldomar and Eduardo Ordonez from the Argentinian club after more than a month of protracted negotiations between the player and the two clubs.
Latest addition: Gino Peruzzi (right) is poised to join Sunderland after jetting in for a medical at the club
Latest addition: Gino Peruzzi (right) is poised to join Sunderland after jetting in for a medical at the club
The 21-year-old right-back will have a medical today and is then expected to join up with the Sunderland squad flying out to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy where they will play Tottenham and Manchester City next week.
But his arrival surely spells the end at Sunderland for Scotland international Phil Bardsley, who by contrast has been left in the wilderness by Di Canio since their bust-up at the end of last season.
Former Manchester United defender Bardsley, who was player of the year at the Stadium of Light two seasons ago, was fined and dropped for the final game at Spurs after photographs revealed he had visited a casino in the early hours, prior to the match. He was left out of the senior squad which has been at a training camp in Italy for the last week.
Rebuild: Paolo Di Canio is set to land his tenth signing of the summer with the Argentina defender
Rebuild: Paolo Di Canio is set to land his tenth signing of the summer with the Argentina defender
International prowess: Peruzzi has appeared for the Argentina team four times
International prowess: Peruzzi has appeared for the Argentina team four times
Fulham, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers have all been linked with the 28-year-old who played in a goalless draw for the Sunderland development squad against Southampton yesterday.
Meanwhile yesterday those out in Italy pulled off a 1-0 win over Swiss side FC Chiasso, with England under 21 international Connor Wickham scoring the winning goal.
New £8.5million winger Emanuele Giaccherini made his Sunderland debut in the game which also featured new signings Valentin Roberge, Cabral, Jozy Altidore, David Moberg Karlsson, Vito Mannone and El-Hadji Ba.
Burnley are poised to sign former Sunderland striker Ryan Noble who is a free agent.
The 22-year-old failed to establish himself at the Stadium of Light and spent time on loan at Watford, Derby and Hartlepool.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 13:58
The France Under-20 international has only made 13 first-team appearances for Le Havre in his short career, and is excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League
New Sunderland signing El-Hadji Ba has expressed his delight at making the step up from the French second division to the Premier League.
The France Under-20 international moved to the Stadium of Light on a free transfer from Le Havre in July, having made 13 appearances for the Ligue 2 side after breaking into the first team midway through last season.
“It is a very proud moment to be able to call myself a Sunderland player. The Barclays Premier League, for me, is a very big league – the best in the world.
“There are very good players here so I am very happy.”
Since joining up with Paolo Di Canio’s men on their training camp in Italy last week, the 20-year-old has already made a 20-minute cameo in Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly win over Swiss side Chiasso, and admits he is enjoying the experience.
“It is good to be able to get used to my new team-mates straight away, to get to know them and improve my English,” he explained.
“The training camp has been good and we are looking forward to the season. More and more it is good for the team and I am very proud to be here.
“This is a very big club – I am sure I will enjoy it.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 13:59
NEWCASTLE LATEST
6/1 Newcastle are 6/1 with William Hill to finish bottom
SUNDERLAND LATEST
12/1 Sunderland are 12/1 with William Hill to finish bottom
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 14:00
FORMER Sunderland star Asamoah Gyan says he has no regrets about turning his back on the English Premier League for a cash-laden move to the UAE.
The 27-year-old Ghanaian striker stunned then Sunderland manager when he left Sunderland for Al Ain on August 31, 2011 – too late for Bruce to replace him in his squad.
That loan move, which was eventually converted into a permanent move, earned him stinging criticism which extended far beyond Wearside with Gyan dubbed a mercenary who put cash over his career.
But the striker, has prospered in more than just monetary ways in the Arab state, helping Al Ain to back-to-back titles as well as winning the Golden Boot for being the league’s top scorer.
And he told reporters in his homeland: “I don’t regret quitting the English Premier League at all.
“I am comfortable and happy there, and most importantly I deliver when I come to the Black Stars.
“My decision to move to the Arab world bordered on my family and what was good for me and not what people said or will say.
“Some people listen to friends in taking critical decisions and they mess up in the end.
“I scored 22 goals during my first season and improved to 31 in last season’s league and that is a great mark.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 14:02
According to the Daily Mail, Paolo Di Canio is considering a move for midfielder Raul Meireles, 30, who is unsettled at Fenerbahce.
However, one of Sunderland’s midfielders is being watched by Italian gianst Lazio.
Radio station talkSPORT say that Lazio are keen on Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson, 28, who only has a year left on his current deal.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 14:03
The former Chelsea player is attracting interest from both Sunderland and Fulham this summer, what could he bring to either side?
After an eventful debut season at Fenerbahce, Raul Meireles could be on his way back to the Premier League, with both Sunderland and Fulham considering a move for the 30-year-old.
The midfielder made 16 league appearances for the Turkish side following his £8million move from Chelsea, but his season was more notable for the games he missed than those he played.
Meireles was banned for 11 matches, later reduced to four, early in the year for alledgedly making gestures towards a referee, before picking up another four game ban later in the season for allegedly making another offensive gesture, this time towards a Galatasaray player.
However the Portuguese is still a good player, and with Premier League experience at both Liverpool and Chelsea under his belt, he could be a canny addition for either Sunderland or Fulham this summer.
Sunderland have been very active in the transfer window already, with Italian international Emanuele Giaccherini the latest player to join Paolo Di Canio’s side. Jozy Altidore and Modibo Diakite are perhaps the other stand out pieces of business, with Di Canio keen to overhaul his squad and stay well clear of the relegation zone next season.
Fulham too have made some impressive early moves, with Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta the picks of their incomings. Martin Jol is keen to add some a central midfielder, and along with Meireles, Tom Huddlestone has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage.
Sunderland are also reportedly considering the Spurs midfielder, and it could be the case that whoever signs Meireles will duck out of the race for Huddlestone.
Assuming Meireles does not exhibit the kind of behaviour that earned him his suspensions in Turkey he would be a fine signing for either Premier League side this summer. The midfielder has a wealth of experience playing at the highest level, and is adaptable enough to fit in any formation Jol or Di Canio is planning to use.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 14:05
The agent of Lorenzo Insigne has revealed that Sunderland tried to tempt his client away from Napoli.
The Partenopei striker started just 16 times last season, but is expected to step up to the plate this term following the departure of Edinson Cavani.
And the 22-year-old's representative has claimed that the forward will be staying at Stadio San Paolo, despite a move from Paolo Di Canio's men.
“We met with the company to discuss Insigne,” Fabio Andreotti told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“Benitez has ensured us that there is a role for Lorenzo. He likes quality players.
“There was an offer from Sunderland before they made a move for [Juventus' Emanuele] Giaccherini, but Napoli said he was not for sale.”
Buy Serie A tickets on Viagogo, the secure ticket marketplace, for games featuring Juventus, Milan, Inter, Roma and more.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-19 14:06
BRAZILIAN midfielder Daniel Bessa has revealed he turned down Sunderland to join Portuguese side Olhanense.
Inter Milan had been prepared to allow the attacking midfielder to move to Wearside on loan.
But the 20-year-old has decided to leave Italy for a stint in the Portuguese league instead.
“I had an offer from Sunderland but that wasn’t the football I wanted,” he told Maisfutebol.
“I watch the Portuguese league and it’s fast and technical.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-20 9:48
Sunderland have made an offer for highly-rated Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne, according to the player’s agent.
Black Cats manager Paolo Di Canio is on the lookout for another striker after loaning Danny Graham to Hull City this week, and is hoping to pull off a coup by landing Insigne.
The 22-year-old is rated as a huge star in Serie A, while he has also turned out for Italy at full international level.
And according to agent Fabio Andreotti, Sunderland believe they would make a good option for Insigne to continue his career.
‘There has been an offer from Sunderland for Insigne,’ Andreotti told Italian radio.
‘We met with Napoli to discuss it, and Rafa Benitez assured us there is a role at the club for the player next season. He likes him a lot.’
But despite Napoli intending to hang onto the striker, Di Canio is planning to go all out to try and lure him to the Premier League.
Insigne would be offered guaranteed first-team football at the Stadium of Light next term – ideal as he bids to earn a place in the Italy squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next year.
Napoli would be unable to match that, especially as owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed they are hopeful of signing big-name duo Gonzalo Higuain and Leandro Damiao.
Sunderland’s opening bid was thought to be around £6million, but Napoli would want substantially more than that.
Di Canio has already raided his homeland twice this summer, bringing in Emanuele Giaccherini from Juventus and Modibo Diakité from Lazio, while Vito Mannone, Valentin Roberge, David Moberg Karlsson, Jozy Altidore, El-Hadji Ba and Cabral have also joined.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-20 9:54
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, want Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-20 15:30
Premier League clubs are weighing up moves for Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner, Sky Sports understands.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has been busy in the transfer market this summer having brought in nine new faces and it means he could be forced to trim his squad on Wearside.
The news has alerted Premier League sides to Gardner's possible availability with the 26-year-old a proven performer having racked up over 150 top-flight appearances during his time at Aston Villa, Birmingham and Sunderland.
Gardner was one of Sunderland's shining lights last season in a disappointing campaign, impressing after being used as an emergency right-back for a large period of the campaign.
Despite being played in a full-back position, the 26-year-old managed to score eight goals in all competitions last season for Sunderland
The former England Under 21 international's versatility and experience makes him an attractive proposition for clubs with his suitors now monitoring his situation at the Stadium of Light.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-20 15:49
Saturday 15:00 Kick off @ Heritage Park, home of Bishop Auckland.
Full Time Score: [b]Darlington 2 - 3 Sunderland XI (U21)
Scorers:
Louis Laing (Sunderland) (1)
Andy Johnson (Darlington)[PEN] (2)
Jordan Laidler (Sunderland) [PEN] (3)
Jordan Robinson (Darlington) (4)
Duncan Watmore (Sunderland) (5)
Darlo team:- Turns, Hunter, Brown, Robinson, Poole, Moore, Davis, Robinson, Hedley, Purewal, Johnson.
subs:- David Mitchell, Adam Cox, Tom Atkinson, Axel Williamson, Louis Scarr
For U.S. soccer fans:
SAFC New York City is a Sunderland fan club located in Nevada smiths bar at 74 Third Avenue, Manhattan, New York city. Sunderland games are televised live from there during match days.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-21 12:08
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio admits he is still looking to add to his squad before the start of the new season.
Di Canio has been one of the busiest managers in the Premier League this summer, bringing in nine new faces and he has no plans to stop yet.
The Italian believes he needs to bring in a few more players if the side are to improve on last season's disappointing campaign.
Asked if he planned to make any more forays in the transfer market, Di Canio told reporters in Hong Kong ahead of next week's Barclays Asia Trophy.
"Of course," said Di Canio. "Obviously we know the board knows that we need something more. But I don't know if it's possible at the moment.
"We have already made some good signings and the club has made some sacrifices in some ways, they have spent some money.
"So I am happy, but obviously it would be better to bring in one or two other players, but we will see."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-21 12:09
SUNDERLAND have been alerted to the availability of Inter Milan’s Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
The 25-year-old only joined the Italian side in January this year but has failed to fit into the team’s way of playing and has been told he is being put up for sale this summer.
This week the club will listen to offers with both Sunderland and Aston Villa reputed to have made enquiries according to the Sunday Mirror but there is also interest from Malaga and the Serb’s former club Stuttgart.
Kuzmanovic joined Inter from Stuttgart, having enjoyed a decent spell at the Bundesliga club from 2009-13, scoring 18 goals in 93 appearances.
But his time at Inter has been less successful – playing only 10 games and failing to score in any of them.
There is more to the 6ft tall Eastern European than goals and he is reported to feel aggrieved not to be given more playing time at the San Siro.
But while a parting of the ways looks inevitable, it remains to be seen which club he will join, although Stuttgart looks unlikely with things having turned sour prior to his departure.
Kuzmanovic is said to have a £3.5m release clause in his contract but Sunderland are currently looking at a string of potential targets in midfield and others look to be higher up the shopping list than the Serb currently is.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-21 12:14
Phil Bardsley Helps Sunderland Development Squad To 3-2 Win Against Darlington
Sunderland’s development squad continued their pre-season preparations with a 3-2 win over Northern League champions Darlington in Bishop Auckland.
Phil Bardsley captained the young side, having been left out of the first team squad that flew out to Hong Kong to play in the Barclays Asia trophy.
Goals from Louis Laing, Jordan Laidler and recent signing Duncan Watmore were enough to give Kevin Ball’s Sunderland side victory.
Sunderland target Inter Milan stopper Cristiano Biraghi
SUNDERLAND are set to make a move for Inter Milan defender Cristiano Biraghi.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s Inter experience could be short-lived, as he’s linked with West Ham, Sunderland and Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old Serbian midfielder only arrived in January from VfB Stuttgart for €1.2m, but struggled to make an impact.
He made 13 Serie A appearances and one in the Coppa Italia.
According to The Mirror, Kuzmanovic has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs for a summer move.
West Ham United had already been linked, but are now joined by Sunderland and Aston Villa, while Malaga are also an option in Spain.
Ex-Sunderland star hit by Arsenal blow
NICKLAS Bendtner’s stuttering career has hit another setback with the striker believing Arsenal are pricing him out of a move.
The Danish forward – who spent the 2011-12 season on loan to Sunderland – has returned to the Emirates after spending last season on loan to Serie A giants Juventus.
He has been keen to leave the Gunners for some time after a very public fall out with the club but says he is going to struggle to find a club to match both Arsenal’s £6.5m valuation and his wage demands.
Several Sunday newspapers report that Bendtner is now ready to threaten to STAY at Arsenal for the remaining year of his contract and leave for free next summer – unless the Gunners drop their asking price.
The 25-year-old Danish international is on more than £75,000 per week at the moment and will find it hard to get a club prepared to pay him that sort of money given he has failed to enhance his reputation in recent seasons.
In order to attract potential buyers, he is likely to need Arsenal to give him away for a very modest sum and so far the North London side have shown reluctance to do so.
Bendtner blew hot and cold during his stay at Sunderland, scoring eight goals in 25 starts and three substitute appearances for the Black Cats.
But that was infinitely better than he managed on loan at Juventus last season where he made just two starts (seven sub) and failed to score.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-21 15:12
Despite reports that the Sunderland midfielder is attracting interest from elsewhere, the Black Cats must keep him.
When Craig Gardner joined Sunderland in 2011, I hailed it as one of the signings of the summer.
The midfielder’s previous campaign with Birmingham City had been outstanding, where he finished as the club’s top scorer with 10 goals and bagged a League Cup winner’s medal for good measure.
At just 24, Gardner had the potential to become as much of a goal-scoring threat from the middle as the likes of Tim Cahill in his pomp.
And yet his first season at the Stadium of Light proved something of a come-down; a campaign in which he wasn’t always first-choice and his goal-return was just three in 37 appearances.
Perhaps that outstanding season at St Andrew’s was a one-off and I was wrong about his potential to improve.
But last season he more than doubled his goal tally for the Black Cats, scoring eight times despite playing the vast majority of the campaign as an emergency right-back.
So with a fresh season about to begin, and Gardner approaching the peak of his career having finally found his feet at his new club, I expected him to kick on and influence games even more than he had back in 2010.
That was until this morning’s reports claiming a number of Premier League rivals were considering a move for the midfielder.
There is no suggestion Paolo Di Canio’s side are willing to sell; only that he has attracted interest. But with nine new signings in place and talk of more, how much can the 26-year-old expect to play…and how often in his preferred position?
In truth Di Canio’s signings to date are yet to add to his attacking midfield options. Two defensive midfielders and a right-winger are the closest Gardner has to competition for a starting birth.
But the talk has now begun. And even where the rumour mill is concerned, there is no smoke without fire; although in some cases that smoke is a single wisp quickly dispersed.
Sunderland fans will hope that is the case in this instance. Di Canio’s substantial spending may prompt the departure of those he criticised last season, but Gardner cannot join them.
A team of new faces will take time to gel. Gardner made that same transition long ago. It is now time to play him in his natural position and enjoy the results.
If they don’t, there will be a number of top flight rivals who will be happy to do just that.
How important is Gardner to Sunderland? And are you happy with the club's new signings?
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-21 15:13
PAOLO DI CANIO is looking to add another couple of players to Sunderland’s ranks, despite already bringing eight fresh faces to the Stadium of Light this summer, writes Chris Young in Hong Kong.
Sunderland landed in Hong Kong today ahead of the Barclays Asia Trophy, with a very different looking squad at Di Canio’s disposal to the one which finished last season.
New boys Cabral, Valentin Roberge, Modibo Diakite, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, El-Hadji Ba, David Moberg Karlsson and Vito Mannone all touched down at Hong Kong international, while Sunderland continue to tie up the loose ends of a deal for right-back Gino Peruzzi.
But head coach Di Canio admits he is still keen for more signings, although he accepts the financial reality for Sunderland.
The Black Cats remain without a specialist left-back after being unable to seal a move for Argentine defender Lucas Orban, with Valencia defender Aly Cissokho continuing to be linked with a switch to Wearside in the Spanish press over the weekend.
And after offloading Danny Graham to Hull, plus the potential return of Alfred N’Diaye to Turkey, Sunderland could also be in the hunt for a new striker or central midfielder.
Di Canio said today: “The board knows that we need something more but I don’t know if it is possible at the moment.
“We have already made good signings and the club have made a sacrifice in some way by spending money, because we cannot cancel in an instant what has happened in the past.
“So I am happy.
“It would be better if we could bring in one to two more players but we will see.”
Sunderland face Spurs in their opening game of the tournament on Wednesday (11am British time) before tackling either South China FC or Manchester City on Saturday.
And Di Canio believes facing fellow Premier League sides will prove beneficial for the Black Cats after tackling lower league opposition in two behind-closed-doors games at their Italian training camp.
“I can see my team play in real tests, playing the sides we will meet in the league, two of the best sides in England,” added Di Canio.
“Also for the new players, it will be a good test to find what level of difficulty we will find during the league.
“Even if the temperature in Hong Kong does not help to see the real English football but anyway they will play top footballers.
“That is a very important test for the players and for me to the test them.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-22 8:40
Sunderland midfielder Alfred N’Diaye looks set to return to Turkey after pulling out of the club’s trip to Asia.
The France midfielder, who became a father over the weekend, is understood to be in negotiations with Eskiehirspor.
N’Diaye, signed from Bursaspor by Martin O’Neill just six months ago in a £3.8million deal, has been told he can leave Wearside by manager Paolo Di Canio.
And Eskiehirspor vice-president Mehmet Akman has confirmed his club are in talks with the 23-year-old to take him back to Turkey. The club are managed by Ertugrul Saglam, N’Diaye’s former boss at Bursaspor.
Akman said: 'We have started negotiations with N’Diaye and currently talks are progressing in a smooth way. We believe this transfer will take place.'
N’Diaye, who started 15 games following his arrival in January, is likely to leave on a loan deal, with the option of a permanent move.
Meanwhile Di Canio has said he wants two more signings to add to the nine he has made so far this summer.
The Sunderland head coach, who faces Tottenham in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning, is close to agreeing a deal for Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
Sunderland are understood to have agreed a £2.5million fee with Panathinaikos for the Greece international who is expected on Wearside for a medical this week.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-22 8:42
SUNDERLAND are believed to have made an enquiry for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho after long-running efforts to sign Argentine full-back Lucas Orban failed to pay off.
The French international of Senegalese descent has the pace and energy boss Paolo Di Canio wants in that position and, at 25, fits the template of the sort of player Sunderland are now looking to recruit – good, young players who can improve further.
But, at the moment, if there is interest from the Black Cats, it is only at the very tentative stage.
Cissokho would be a top-quality signing, if Sunderland can lure him to the Stadium of Light.
And Sunderland will be aware that cash-strapped Valencia are weighing up options in terms of fund-raising sales.
The Black Cats’ biggest problem, though, might not be in persuading Valencia to sell, but Cissokho to leave.
And if the full-back is to leave the Mestalla, Liverpool are likely to aggressively pursue his signature.
Cissokho said recently: “Every player at the club is subject to speculation given the financial situation.
“I’ve had possibilities, that’s true, but I’m happy here, I’ve played in big games in both the Champions League and La Liga.”
Liverpool have been tracking the defender for some time and would be expected to rival Sunderland if Cissokho eventually leaves Spain.
Sunderland’s need for a new left-back is their most pressing concern after a summer of recruitment which has still to address the gap left by the return to Spurs of on-loan left-back Danny Rose, who spent all last season on Wearside.
The Black Cats have pursued Atletico Tigre defender Orban since the end of last season, along with Spanish sides Villarreal and Sevilla, but are now believed to have grown weary of the player’s failure to make progress on the potential move.
Neither is Rose likely to be a viable option, despite the England Under-21 international’s successful stint at the Stadium of Light.
Spurs are reportedly ready to give Rose a first-team opportunity at White Hart Lane this season.
And with Sunderland also losing out to Marseille in the race for French defender Benjamin Mendy, the Wearsiders are having to re-cast their net for a new left-back.
Sunderland were given no encouragement after making an enquiry for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Bastian Oczipka last week, while they have also been linked with Inter Milan’s Italian Under-21 international Cristiano Biraghi.
Biraghi’s agent, Mario Giuffredi, admits a move to Sunderland – where the 20-year-old would be reunited with ex-Inter chief scout Valentino Angeloni – is an attractive one.
“At the moment, I put the Premier League as the boy’s first-choice,” said Giuffredi. “Playing in England is the dream of all the players.
“There is also Angeloni who knows the guy right from the youth team and Di Canio is a great coach.
“It is definitely a welcome destination. We’ll see the evolution of the market.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-22 15:29
Argentina full-back Gino Peruzzi looks set to finally sign for Sunderland after overcoming injury concerns.
The 21-year-old had hoped to complete his transfer from Velez Sarsfield during a visit to England last week, but having agreed personal terms, there was a hitch when his medical revealed worries over a ligament injury suffered last season.
Peruzzi was sent to see a specialist in Rome and it would seem the green light has been given after he was put on a training programme to address the issue.
A statement on Velez's official website read: "Sunderland requested permission to subject Gino Peruzzi to a final evaluation at the Clinica Deportiva Villa Stuart in Rome, which is directed by the renowned Professor Pier Paolo Mariani.
"The evaluation had a positive result with Prof Mariani recommending specific work on the affected muscle area. Meanwhile, Sunderland had travelled to Hong Kong for some international matches, so the English club's authorities communicated their intention to sign the contract on the return of their president in the course of this week.
"Our club's entourage returned to Argentina on Sunday, anticipating that Gino Peruzzi will travel to England again in the coming days."
Peruzzi would be the latest addition to a much-changed squad with manager Paolo Di Canio having already made nine summer signings and allowed Simon Mignolet, Titus Bramble, Matt Kilgallon and Ahmed Elmohamady to leave the club.
Sunderland face Tottenham at the Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday, and the winners will play Manchester City or South China FC in the final on Saturday with the two losers meeting earlier the same day.
Di Canio knows the tournament will represent a challenge for his new-look side, particularly so early in pre-season, but he is confident of making an impression.
The Italian told SAFC TV: "Always I want to win in any game. Against Tottenham in front of most parts of the world on live television, the stadium is sold out...but it is more important for me to see my players in action.
"I am sure they are going to give their best because it's a big opportunity for all of them, and the new faces that we have, to see the improvement individually, but more importantly collectively against a top side.
"Ironically, we played the last game of the season against them. We know them approximately because they haven't changed a lot. It will be a good test. Obviously, we can't see, I presume, for both sides the incredible intensity straight away because we are in the middle of pre-season.
"But we will see straight away the desire, the attitude and the quality from both teams trying to beat each other."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-22 15:35
Sunderland transfer news: Farewell Danny Graham, we hardly knew you
Poor old Danny Graham. Signed as a final, desperate throw of the dice by Martin O’Neill in January his time on Wearside is up as Hull complete a deal for the former Swansea forward on loan for the coming season.
The Newcastle born forward caused somewhat of a storm in a teacup when Sunderland’s interest was reported earlier this year with sections of the Stadium of Light unable to contain their tribal allegiances during the Sunderland vs. Swansea fixture before Graham’s transfer was announced and the boyhood Newcastle fan was audibly booed throughout.
That said, once the dust had settled and the ink had dried on Graham’s contract the fans rallied around their new man. Sunderland were woeful in front of goal and such was the desperate need for another goal scorer that trust was put in Danny to help the side to safety.
If there is one thing Sunderland fans will not accept it is a perceived lack of effort.
Then came Steven Fletcher’s injury.
No problem. Graham was known to be proficient as a lone striker from his time with Swansea, we’ll be fine…
Fast forward to May. O’Neill had gone. Di Canio arrived. Sunderland rallied somewhat and narrowly avoided the drop. Yet Graham was still yet to open his account for the club. Eleven desperate, barren league appearances passed with no return.
Steven Fletcher’s injury was Graham’s golden opportunity on Wearside and, in my humble opinion, he blew it. Big style.
Now this isn’t to say that Graham was rubbish. He wasn’t far off, but he wasn’t that bad. Indeed in the Tyne/Wear Derby Graham put in a fantastic shift, running himself into the ground and came close to breaking his duck in what would have been dramatic circumstances.
However there were also times when he looked unfit, lost and even disinterested and if there is one thing Sunderland fans will not accept it is a perceived lack of effort.
In Graham’s defence, he was leading the line of a Sunderland side that more often than not lacked any real semblance of attacking creativity and chances were few and far between for the forward, however when one did drop, he fluffed his lines.
At the end of the day, with the curtain falling on Graham’s Sunderland short-lived career, there will be few Sunderland fans that will be particularly bothered with his departure but equally there will be few fans celebrating his exit. It was a case of wrong player and the wrong club at the wrong time. In fact it was the kind of signing that in ten years or so fans will look back at and struggle to remember that Graham even played for the club.
Farewell Danny Graham, we hardly knew ye.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-22 15:36
North East events company, 1879 Event Management, a subsidiary of Sunderland AFC, has landed its first local authority contract for a major music event later this summer.
The company was appointed by South Tyneside Council to act as a ticketing agent and catering supplier for Sound Waves 2013, which is being co-headlined by Little Mix and McFly at Bents Park, South Shields on 25 August.
As part of the new contract the box office at the Stadium of Light will sell tickets for the Bank Holiday event, while 1879 Event Management will provide catering services for the thousands of music fans that are expected to attend.
Cllr. Ernest Gibson, Mayor of South Tyneside Council, said: “1879 Event Management has a proven track record for successfully delivering large scale events. This experience, coupled with their enthusiasm and highly-competitive tender, made them the perfect suppliers for Sound Waves 2013 and we look forward to working with them in the run up to the big event.”
1879 Event Management currently manages the catering and events services at the Stadium of Light, as well as the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, has worked on a number of high profile events since being established in 2012, including the recent Newcastle Pride.
This latest contract represents the company’s strategy of diversifying into a wide range of sectors and expanding its range across the entire North East.
It also marks the first time that the Stadium of Light’s box office has sold tickets for an external event, having previously concentrated on match day sales and its own in-house concerts.
Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for SAFC, said: “Over the last 12 months 1879 Event Management has proven it can cater effectively for a wide range of events, from delivering fine dining for corporate dinners to feeding thousands of hungry music lovers at Newcastle Pride.
“We are delighted that these capabilities have been recognised by South Tyneside Council and hope to work with more of the region’s local authorities in the near future.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-22 15:40
CABRAL says new-look Sunderland must find a common language in the Far East to ease their transition into the Premier League.
Paolo Di Canio’s side landed here in Hong Kong yesterday afternoon to prepare for their inaugural appearance in the Barclays Asia Trophy, which begins against Spurs on Wednesday night.
All eight of Sunderland’s first-team summer signings are expected to feature in the two-game tournament, as head coach Di Canio attempts to mould together his dramatically overhauled side.
With so many fresh faces, Bosman arrival Cabral admits he expects the opening months of the season to provide a steep learning curve for Sunderland, particularly as only three of the new boys - Vito Mannone, David Moberg Karlsson and Jozy Altidore - are fluent in English.
But the midfielder says Sunderland’s time together in Hong Kong, after their 10-day training camp in Italy, could be crucial in creating some harmony for the Black Cats.
Cabral told the Gazette: “It will definitely be complicated for us during the first few months of the season with a lot of new players.
“We’ll have to work hard in training to work out our tactics and the way we play.
“Whenever you have a new-look side, it is difficult. So in the first few months, it will be hard.
“But if we prepare right and begin to communicate, we can have a good season.
“I can speak a little English.
“But during the time in Hong Kong, I’m sure the new signings will pick up some more, like we did in Italy.
“When you’re talking with the players you are playing with, you have to take and learn how to say things and you pick up things pretty quickly.
“We were able to do a lot of work in Italy and put in the hard yards which should help us.
“The last few years have been hard at this club, the team and the town.
“But everything changes with the team this summer and I get the impression that if we work hard, we can do well.”
The tournament will provide Sunderland’s overseas recruits with a taste of Premier League football, with the Black Cats facing either Manchester City or South China FC on Saturday.
It is not totally alien for Cabral anyway after he featured against Wednesday’s opponents Spurs for Basel in the Europa League last season and took on Manchester United in the Champions League two years ago.
But the 24-year-old is relishing the prospect of competing in the Premier League on a weekly basis after being given a glowing recommendation by his cousin, former Man City midfielder Gelson Fernandes.
Cabral added: “He said the Premier League was the best competition in the world.
“It was good to play against Tottenham last season and two years ago I played at Manchester United.
“To play in such a stadium was a bit of a dream, with 40,000 or 50,000 fans.
“It was a good atmosphere, but there is in Switzerland too. The fans enjoy their football too.
“But England, is the fortress of football and I can’t wait to play in front of a full stadium at Sunderland.”
JOHN O’SHEA hopes Sunderland’s summer spending spree will banish any relegation fears for the Black Cats next season.
Sunderland have been the most active Premier League club in the transfer market during the close-season after adding eight fresh faces to the first-team squad, while they are on the verge of sealing a ninth deal, with the imminent capture of Argentine right-back Gino Peruzzi.
The Black Cats were clearly in need of reinforcements after finishing in 17th spot last season, just three points clear of the relegation places.
But O’Shea, who will skipper Sunderland in Hong Kong with Lee Cattermole still sidelined, is hopeful that the improved competition for places can see Paolo Di Canio’s side stay clear of the Premier League dogfight.
O’Shea said: “It (competition) has increased from last season and hopefully we are looking to be nowhere near last season’s position and to make sure we are comfortably surviving in the Premier League.
“We hope the new lads settle in very quickly because the start of the season soon comes round.”
Sunderland have already signed Cabral, Valentin Roberge, Modibo Diakite, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, El-Hadji Ba, David Moberg Karlsson and Vito Mannone this summer.
They arrived in Hong Kong yesterday with an impressive level of fitness already under their belts after spending 10 days at a training camp, in Italy.
But Wednesday’s clash with Spurs will provide Sunderland’s first genuine test of pre-season, as Di Canio’s make their maiden friendly appearance in public of the summer.
The fixture offers a neat symmetry from the end of last season, where Sunderland finished the campaign with a 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane after Gareth Bale smashed home a stunning last-minute winner.
O’Shea added: “We have had 10 to 11 days in Italy before here so we have had a good base built up over there.
“So we are hoping for some very competitive games to look forward to in Hong Kong.
“Tottenham will be a fantastic test. We had a couple of good games against them last season, especially the final match of the season where it was 0-0 until a certain Mr Bale intervened in the last couple of minutes!
“It will be a good test to see where we are fitness-wise but it will be good to get to see some fans out in Hong Kong too.
“We hope to put on a good show for these fans who cannot come over to see the Premier League.”
Panathinaikos winger Charis Mavrias was seemingly bound for the Stadium of Light when the two clubs agreed a fee almost two weeks ago. Ever since, almost no movement has been seen from either side, insinuating that the potential transfer may be off, according to The Sunderland Echo. The move was likely thwarted by last week’s capture of Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini.
In a extremely busy summer for Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio, around ten new transfers have already been unveiled to strengthen and provide depth to the nearly relegated Premiership side. A fortnight ago the Greek teenager, Mavrias, was widely expected to be the next signing when Panathinaikos agreed to a £2.5 million fee.
Reports from the Sunderland Echo revealed that the promising teen was expected to fly to Sunderland in order to complete a medical and negotiate a contract, but instead has not been found anywhere near the club’s facilities.
Since agreeing a fee with the Greek club, Sunderland has seen winger Emanuele Giaccherini arrive from Turin on a £6.5 million transfer to boost attacking options on the wing. With the addition of the 27-year old Italian, a move for Mavrias is seemingly less likely, especially considering that both players are natural left wingers.
Sunderland has seen an influx of new transfers this season, being one of the most active teams on the market with the addition of ten new players. Movement in the market may not be finished yet, and a move for the young Greek is certainly still possible. Any reinforcements would be greatly helpful to a squad that finished in 17th place last season, a mere three points off the relegation zone.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-24 8:53
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has promised the club's supporters that his team will not be involved in a relegation battle this season.
The Italian also believes the Black Cats will play better and more stylish football after making a host of changes to his squad this summer.
Sunderland only avoided the drop from the Premier League by three points last season after Di Canio replaced Martin O'Neill as boss at the end of March.
"For sure, our plan is to play better football and stay up more comfortably than last year," said Di Canio ahead of the Barclays Asia Trophy clash with Spurs in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
"During the season, the plan that you make at the beginning of the season can change, but I am sure that we will finish in a more comfortable position this year because the players are good players and are concentrating.
"I also need to change the mentality a bit that I found last year. But I can tell you that something has changed a lot and I really think that we will have a very good season.
"You saw how we tried to play much more from the back last year. We want to have a clear identity on the field. We will have a clear identity and we play much more football than we played last year."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-24 8:54
Paolo Di Canio takes his side to the Asia Trophy which kicks off this week, with our tipster backing the Black Cats to overcome the challenge of Spurs
Sunderland take on Tottenham Hotspur this week in the first match of the Asia Trophy. The two sides are joined by Manchester City and South China FC in the competition.
The last time Spurs and Sunderland met was the final day of the season last May, with Andre Villas-Boas' men coming out on top in a tight 1-0 victory.
Sunderland come into this match on the back of winning their first pre-season friendly against Swiss side Chiasso 1-0. It was a tough season last term for the Black Cats, but Paolo Di Canio’s men survived the drop after two fantastic wins against Newcastle and Everton.
The Italian has already made a number of signings this summer, with the likes of Vito Mannone, Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini coming in. Bet365 price them at a long to progress to the final in the Asia Trophy.
Tottenham have had a poor pre-season so far, drawing both their matches against League One sides. Despite Gareth Bale opening the scoring against Swindon last week, Spurs could not hold on, conceding a late goal to draw 1-1.
Three days later Villas-Boas took a strong squad to Colchester, but neither side could break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw. Despite a slow start this summer, Bet365 price Spurs at to take victory. The same firm has the draw at .
A bet that stands out in this fixture is Sunderland/Draw double chance at with Bet365. Di Canio has showed a lot of intent this summer with his signings and he looks to have put together a strong squad.
There were glimpses at the end of last season of what he can produce, and with Spurs currently unable to find a win in pre-season, the price of this double chance bet is too good to ignore.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-24 8:55
PAOLO DI CANIO has total confidence that Emanuele Giaccherini will follow in his footsteps and prove that Italian players can thrive in the Premier League, writes Chris Young in Hong Kong
Sunderland splashed out £6.5million to bring Giaccherini to the Stadium of Light from Juventus, with the 28-year-old earmarked to add creativity out wide.
There have been big money exports from Serie A who have struggled to cope with the physical demands of the English top flight in the past; the likes of Alberto Acquilani at Liverpool and Massimo Maccarone at Middlesbrough.
But Sunderland head coach Di Canio, one of the most successful Italian imports in the Premier League’s history, believes Giaccherini will develop into into one of the most eye-catching players in the top flight next season.
“Some (Italian) players haven’t had complete success in England, but in the past there are some who did have complete success!” said Di Canio.
“I’m sure Giaccherini is going to impress everybody. There is no doubt about his technical quality.
“It’s obvious that English football is one of the most difficult leagues in the world because the dynamics are completely different to anywhere else in the world.
“In Spain or Italy, you spend seven or eight months under the sun. In England, you have more tackles and in the winter you have no break.
“To adapt is not easy because you have to completely change your mentality.
“But I was sure about Giaccherini’s attitude. Before I signed him, I wanted to check to see whether he had the right mentality.
“But this lad is fantastic and he’s going to be one of the best players in this league.”
Di Canio sounded a note of caution though by declaring that supporters shouldn’t expect too much from Giaccherini during pre-season.
The Italian international had just 10 days of holiday during the summer after representing his country in the Confederations Cup and is still playing catch-up with Sunderland’s fitness regime.
“He’s a very humble guy but in the last few years, he has been one of the best players in the world,” added Di Canio.
“We won’t see the best of him in Hong Kong because he only joined us a few days ago.
“He still feels a bit heavy, even if he’s very small. But for the future, he will be a crucial player.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-24 8:57
Match Preview: The Imps V Sunderland U21's
Tonight sees Lincoln's first home friendly of what has been a mixed pre-season so far. Of course, very few conclusions can be drawn from friendly matches, however, the personnel that they've had to put out has spoken volumes about potential weaknesses that could impact the season proper. Jake Sheridan, a winger, has been a mainstay at right-back in the absence of Tom Miller, and both Mo Fofana and Todd Jordan have had to fill in at centre-back. With Jordan himself now injured, Gary Simpson#s chosen back four tonight will be an interesting one. Encouragingly for the Imps, they've managed to score in every game they've played so far, including seven in a rout against City-neighbours Lincoln United. Goals have been readily conceded, however, with Miller and Nat Brown absent - two defenders that are almost certainly first-choice in their respective positions - that's perhaps understandable.
Sunderland's development side are the opposition for tonight's game, and with their senior counterparts in Asia participating in a pre-season tournament, it is unlikely that any 'big names' will grace the Sincil Bank turf, except, perhaps, Phil Bardsley; the former Manchester United youngster who fell out with Paolo Di Canio after an incident last season. The full-back, who has been capped for Scotland 12 times, has been unable to shine so far this pre-season, featuring in a development squad friendly with Southampton that ended goalless, and a 3-2 defeat against Darlington's first-team. The former Rangers, Aston Villa and Sheffield United loanee will be looking to impress, in order to find a team willing to take him on and end his Sunderland nightmare.
Jordan Pickford, Sunderland's highly-rated young goalkeeper who should be familiar to Lincoln fans having played against them for Alfreton last season, is in Hong Kong with the senior squad. As such, Joel Dixon is expected to start in goal for the Black Cats. The young stopper played eight times on loan in the Conference North with Workington Reds last season, so has experience of senior football. Sunderland's development side has used the same starting lineup in both of their friendlies so far: Dixon, Marrs, Ferguson, Gorrin, Harrison, Bardsley, Mitchell, Laing , Trialist, Knott and Lynch, and it wouldn't be a surprise for them to be unchanged again. Marrs is the development side captain, and the right-back featured several times in Sunderland's first-team matchday squad last season. Ferguson played six times for Darlington's first-team before they folded, and was snapped up by Sunderland after a successful trial. The defender was on the bench for Sunderland's last game of the season. Scott Harrison had a similar route to Sunderland, having featured 10 times for Darlington before their financial collapse, and joined Ferguson as a substitute for Sunderland's final game against Spurs. Louis Laing is a classy centre-back who missed much of last season with injury, however, before that he had featured from the bench for Sunderland's first-team, and played 11 League One games for Wycombe at the beginning of last year. Adam Mitchell's a striker who came off the bench to play against Spurs last season, as did Billy Knott, a midfielder with first-team experience from a loan at Woking last season. Gorrin is a Spanish midfielder capable of scoring screamers, and Craig Lynch is a forward with first-team experience with Sunderland, and a loan spell at Hartlepool under his belt.
Many of Sunderland's expected side have experience senior football, and as such tonight should be a difficult test for the Imps. A clean sheet would be a welcome boost, and may begin to allay the fears of some Lincoln fans that a leaky defence could hamper their chances next season. It is likely that Ben Tomlinson will make his first appearance since signing for the club, whilst the rest of the side seems to pick itself.
Expected Imps lineup:
Farman
Sheridan Boyce Foster Newton
Nolan Fofana
Power Rowe Tomlinson
Wright
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-24 8:58
A round-up of the latest Sunderland stories and transfer rumours on Wednesday, July 24.
The Sunderland Echo claims Paolo Di Canio is looking for two full-backs and a midfield playmaker to complete his summer overhaul at the club.
The Daily Mail report that Sunderland target Aly Cissokho could be set to join Liverpool on a season-long loan deal before completing a permanent deal next summer.
Matej Vydra’s agent has said he feels West Ham could be the perfect club for his player. Sunderland have been credited with an interest in the player but he could now be on his way to Upton Park.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-24 9:01
Sunderland 3-1 Tottenham: Black Cats run riot as Bale misses out
Spurs, without their Welsh star, let an early lead slip as Paolo Di Canio's side came from behind to win thanks to goals from Cabral, Wes Brown and David Moberg Karlsson
Sunderland progressed to the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy, where they will face either Manchester City or South China, after coming from behind to beat Tottenham 3-1 in a scrappy affair in Hong Kong.
Spurs took the lead through Gylfi Sigurdsson, whose close-range effort deflected off John O'Shea and arced into the goal, but conceded minutes later when Wearside new-boy Cabral was sent through on goal and calmly stroked the ball home.
Centre-back Wes Brown netted from a corner after the Black Cats' profligate frontline had wasted a number of chances, before substitute David Moberg Karlsson rounded off the win on the stroke of full-time.
Gareth Bale was absent for Tottenham after picking up a knock in training, while Paolo Di Canio named four new signings in his starting XI, including Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini.
Kick-off at the Hong Kong Stadium was delayed by half an hour due to poor weather, with parts of the pitch heavily waterlogged, and the halves were reduced to 40 minutes.
Sunderland adapted to the conditions much quicker than their opponents, with Spurs' attempts at playing crisp, one-touch football hampered by the heavy, cut-up turf.
Stephane Sessegnon was able to break clear when Steven Caulker misjudged a long ball, but the Benin international's goal-bound shot was thwarted by Michael Dawson. The Spurs skipper was forced to make another flying block to deny Cabral's long-range attempt soon after.
Tottenham were controlling possession, though, and managed to make that count in the 28th minute. Kyle Walker burst down the flank, shrugging off Giaccherini, before sending a low cross into the box which was fired into the back of the net by Sigurdsson.
Soon after, a woeful first touch from Tom Huddlestone gifted possession to Sunderland deep in Spurs' half, allowing Cabral to race through on goal and coolly slot the ball beyond the reach of Heurelho Gomes and into the bottom corner.
Sunderland, unchanged in the second half, should have taken the lead moments after the restart, but Altidore scuffed a volley from inside the six-yard box.
There was bad news for Tottenham as second-half substitute Jan Vertonghen was stretchered off the pitch with a serious injury. Rising to contest a header with Sessegnon, the Belgian's ankle buckled beneath him on landing.
Altidore fired narrowly wide after play resumed, wriggling between a sea of white shirts, before swift counterattacking interplay between Jermain Defoe and Clint Dempsey released Emmanuel Adebayor, whose curling, scooped effort was palmed away by Vito Mannone.
The ex-Arsenal shot-stopper was almost immediately forced into action again, pawing away a powerful Defoe effort after Danny Rose, on loan at the Stadium of Light last year, had whipped in a dangerous cross.
Those misses would prove costly, as Brown escaped Zeki Fryers to head in Moberg Karlsson's pin-point cross at the back post, with substitute Brad Friedel left helpless.
As Tottenham pressed forward for an equaliser, they were almost stung on the break. Sessegnon raced clear of Dawson and squared the ball for Altidore, but the American was thwarted by countryman Friedel.
The veteran keeper then pushed away a stinging drive from El-Hadji Ba, before clawing out a header from Connor Wickham that looked as though it was flying into the top corner, but could do nothing to deny Moberg Karlsson after the Swede broke the offside trap and tucked the ball into the bottom corner.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-25 7:49
Jozy Altidore has revealed Sunderland's 3-1 Barclays Asia Trophy victory over Tottenham was the hardest game of his life following the death of his boyhood mentor.
The 23-year-old striker ran out at the Hong Kong Stadium yesterday a day after learning that his first coach, Josef Schulz, had lost his battle with cancer at the age of 61.
Altidore told the Sunderland Echo: "For me, it was always going to be a difficult game. It was probably the hardest game of my life because on Tuesday, I had some bad news.
"The guy who got me into football lost his fight with cancer. Everything I've known has come from him, so it was a really difficult game.
"But I was happy that I could play and show the guys that I'm committed. That was the biggest thing for me, to show I care and that I'm committed.
"I'm a private guy, I haven't really talked about it. I didn't care if anyone knew about it.
"But these guys have been working so hard that I owed it to them to go out on the pitch and give something to them."
Schulz spotted the former AZ Alkmaar frontman's talent as an eight-year-old in Florida and worked with him at both the Boca Raton Soccer Club and the Schulz Soccer Academy before he joined New York Red Bulls.
Altidore played his part in a hugely encouraging win over Spurs, and might have opened his goal account shortly after the break, only to pass up a glorious opportunity.
He said: "I had a few chances, but I'm just happy that I can get these games in."
One man who did find the back of the net was 33-year-old defender Wes Brown, who marked his return from more than a year on the sidelines with his side's second goal to confirm his fitness and further persuade manager Paolo Di Canio that he has a part to play next season.
Di Canio said: "I have to be honest and say that with a team I wanted to rebuild, I thought at the beginning that he was not on my list for the future.
"After one year and two months out, at his age, I couldn't start thinking about a player who I didn't know if I could rely on.
"I spoke to him and was clear that he wasn't on the list. But I'm very happy to tell him now that he's completely on my list. He has got experience, quality, desire and he can help the others."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-25 7:53
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole’s days at the Stadium of Light look numbered after his squad number was taken away by manager Paolo Di Canio and handed to one of his summer signings.
The former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder, who was skipper under Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill prior to Di Canio’s arrival, has been left at home and missed his club’s tour to Italy and Hong Kong.
And his number six shirt, which he has worn since 2010, was handed to new signing Cabral for the opening game of the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong. The Swiss international scored for Sunderland against Tottenham Hotspur.
Cattermole, reported to be recovering from the knee injury which forced him to miss the latter stages of last season, has been left to train with the club’s development players, and fellow outcast Phil Bardsley.
The 25-year-old combative midfielder did not even play under Di Canio last season, after suffering a serious knee injury in February.
Cattermole, who was not informed of the decision to give his shirt to a new team-mate, still has three years left on his contract at Wearside after signing a new deal under O’Neill last year. He was sent off four times in his Sunderland career but has largely won over supporters.
Hull City boss Bruce is among the managers who could offer Cattermole an escape route, and sign him for the third time. Fulham and Cardiff City are also interested in a player who would command a free of around £2million.
Di Canio is eager to trim his squad after adding nine players so far this summer. Fellow midfielders David Vaughan, Craig Gardner, Seb Larsson and James McClean could also be allowed to leave, if the Italian can find suitable buyers, and fees. He has already loaned Danny Graham to Hull and Alfred N’Diaye – like Graham an O’Neill addition in January – is on the verge of returning to Turkey.
Scotland striker Steven Fletcher has also been forced to miss the trip to the Far East as he recovers from an ankle injury. The former Wolves and Hibs forward, Sunderland’s top scorer last season despite a lengthy absence, was left out of the Scotland squad to face England next month.
Despite interest from Celtic concerning his immediate future, Fletcher is expected to start the season at Sunderland.
Wes Brown marked his return from injury with a goal and two new signings were on the scoresheet as Sunderland defeated Tottenham Hotspur to reach Saturday's Barclays Asia Trophy final in Hong Kong.
Brown, who last played in pre-season a year ago, headed home David Moberg Karlsson's 64th-minute corner after new boy Cabral had cancelled out Gylfi Sigurdsson's opener, before Karlsson himself made sure with a third at the death.
Kick-off at the Hong Kong Stadium was delayed for half an hour by torrential rain which left surface water on the pitch, and the decision was taken to restrict the match to two 40-minute halves when it did eventually get under way.
There was no Gareth Bale, linked with a move to Real Madrid by reports in Spain, in the Spurs side because of injury, while Wearsiders boss Paolo Di Canio included summer signings Vito Mannone, Cabral, Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore.
Conditions remained difficult, but the Londoners took the lead with 28 minutes gone when full-back Kyle Walker broke down the right and squared for Sigurdsson, whose snapshot was unwittingly deflected past keeper Mannone by John O'Shea.
Sunderland levelled within six minutes when Altidore capitalised on Tom Huddlestone's error to play in midfielder Cabral, who finished adeptly.
Altidore passed up a golden opportunity to open his account two minutes after the restart and after half-time substitute Jan Vertonghen had departed on a stretcher following an awkward landing, Mannone saved well from Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Italian produced a fine stop to deny half-time substitute Jermain Defoe on the hour, but Brown headed the Wersiders in front from replacement Karlsson's 64th-minute corner.
Altidore might have made sure nine minutes from time but was denied by Brad Friedel, but the keeper could do nothing to prevent Karlsson from making it 3-1 in the final minute.
Sunderland will face Manchester City in the final, after Manuel Pellegrini's team edged South China 1-0 in the other semi-final thanks to a goal from Edin Dzeko.
Pellegrini, appointed as successor to the sacked Roberto Mancini in June, was returning to the dugout having been absent for family reasons earlier this month when his side were beaten 2-1 by AmaZulu - City's second defeat in two pre-season friendlies.
The Chilean included midfielder Fernandinho, one of the Blues' summer signings,in the starting line-up and saw his team look comfortable in the opening exchanges, with Dzeko firing into the side-netting and Yaya Toure then having a header saved.
City duly took the lead when Milner neatly evaded a challenge on the right and delivered a ball which Dzeko headed into the ground and past the goalkeeper from close range.
The next time City really looked threatening was two minutes after the break as Toure flashed an effort across the face of goal and wide.
South China then enjoyed a spell of pressure, before Toure was substituted for another new recruit in striker Alvaro Negredo, who was making his unofficial Blues debut and soon sent an acrobatic effort over the bar.
Negredo subsequently teed up his fellow frontman Dzeko, with the Bosnian being denied by a smart save, before the lively Milner launched an audacious long-range attempt that went off target.
Elsewhere, Southampton suffered a 2-0 loss to Schalke 04 in Austria. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Joël Matip were both on the scoresheet for the German giants, but Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased with his side after a strong performance.
Mario Balotelli and Alberto Aquilani are recent examples of big-money purchases from Serie A who struggled to make their mark in the English game.
But boss Di Canio believes Giaccherini will prove good value for his £6.5?million fee and will solve the goal shortage that saw Sunderland flirt dangerously with relegation last season.
“I’m sure Giaccherini will impress everybody,” said Di Canio ahead of his side’s pre-season clash with Tottenham in the Asia Trophy tournament here today.
“There is no doubt about his technical quality. But a player has to change his mentality completely to play here. English football is one of the more difficult leagues in the world – there are many more tackles, fixture congestion and playing in the winter.
“But I was sure about his attitude and desire to come to England. When you sign a foreign player I want to know if he loves English football and if he has a desire to understand English football and integrate himself in English life.
“Giaccherini is a fantastic lad and will be one of the best players in this league. He’s a very humble guy but he is one of the best players in one of the best national teams in the world.
“He is still a bit behind [in pre-season preparation] and he’s a bit heavy in his legs right now but in the future he will be a crucial player.”
Di Canio claims he has had to “revolutionise” Sunderland, having inherited what he described as a mess from former manager Martin O’Neill.
In a whirlwind summer, Di Canio has signed nine players, offloaded 10, instigated rigorous training regimes, tried to instil a different mentality and changed the backroom staff.
There are concerns the outspoken Italian has changed too much, too soon, but he insists change was necessary after the decline of the club under O’Neill.
And he claims Sunderland will not only be a fitter side than last season but one capable of playing better football and able to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggle against relegation.
“Obviously we made a revolution,” he said.
“I wasn’t worried at the beginning and now even less so because I’ve seen the lads working so hard. It takes a bit longer but I’m very happy. I’m not worried for the future.
“We’re still in the middle of pre-season so you can’t say the team are 100 per cent fit.
“But you are going to see straight away a team that plays together and tries to play football.
“It didn’t happen last year. More importantly this team will be completely ready for the start of the season.
“When you change a lot it’s difficult to think about a finishing place. The plan you make at the beginning of the season can change, it depends how you start.
“But our plan is to play better football and I’m sure we’ll finish in a more comfortable position this season because the players we’ve brought in are very good players.
“Obviously it is important to work hard physically but it was important to change the mentality that I found here last year.
“Already I can tell you that something has changed a lot and this tells me that we’re going to have a very good season.”
Di Canio confirmed that Argentine full-back Gino Peruzzi will not be joining his list of new arrivals because a medical revealed a damaged knee ligament.
Peruzzi’s current club in Argentina, Velez Sarsfield, claimed a deal for the 21-year-old would be completed when Sunderland returned from taking part in the Asia Cup but the move has stalled – for now at least.
“At the moment, there is no chance for Gino Peruzzi to join us,” said Di Canio.
“My club is not a club that can sign at the moment a player who is injured, even though it’s not a crucial injury.
“We are not Manchester City, who can think about buying a talented player with an injury and wait for him.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-25 7:53
Manuel Pellegrini celebrated his maiden win as Manchester City manager thanks to Edin Dzeko's first-half header against South China.
There they will meet Sunderland, who earlier overcame Tottenham 3-1 at the same ground.
Due to bad weather, that game started later than scheduled and was reduced to 40 minutes per half, a format then also adopted for the City contest.
Pellegrini, appointed as successor to the sacked Roberto Mancini in June, was returning to the dugout having been absent for family reasons earlier this month when his side were beaten 2-1 by AmaZulu - City's second defeat in two pre-season friendlies.
The Chilean included midfielder Fernandinho, one of the Blues' summer signings, in the starting line-up and saw his team look comfortable in the opening exchanges, with Dzeko firing into the side-netting and Yaya Toure then having a header saved.
City duly took the lead when Milner neatly evaded a challenge on the right and delivered a ball which Dzeko headed into the ground and past the goalkeeper from close range.
The next time City really looked threatening was two minutes after the break as Toure flashed an effort across the face of goal and wide.
South China then enjoyed a spell of pressure, before Toure was substituted for another new recruit in striker Alvaro Negredo, who was making his unofficial Blues debut and soon sent an acrobatic effort over the bar.
Negredo subsequently teed up his fellow frontman Dzeko, with the Bosnian being denied by a smart save, before the lively Milner launched an audacious long-range attempt that went off target.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-25 7:55
Full-time: Lincoln City 0-2 Sunderland U-21
Lincoln City fell to a 2-0 defeat against Sunderland Under-21s despite a hard-working display by the Imps.
Second half substitute Liam Agnew struck on 90 minutes to seal the win for the Black Cats in an otherwise quiet second half.
The Imps looked lively in the first half, with the wide strikers of Adi Yussuf and Bohan Dixon causing several problems for the young Black Cats side.
On 11 minutes the Imps had a great chance to go ahead when Yussuf earned a corner, and Alan Power delivered the ball onto the unmarked head of Dixon, but he headed wide.
City continued to threaten, but against the run of play, Sunderland earned a free-kick 25 yards out. Billy Knott teed the ball up to the far post and mix up allowed Scott Harrison to nip in and score past Paul Farman.
Lincoln responded and Yussuf shot wide while Dixon again went close with a header from an Alan Power corner.
The match did see the appearance of new signing Ben Tomlinson, who showed a good turn of pace and touch at times.
Edin Dzeko was Manchester City's hero once more as Manuel Pellegrini's men overcame Sunderland to lift the Barclays Asia Trophy.
Just as he had done in the semi-final triumph over South China, Dzeko scored the only goal to give the Blues a deserved victory.
It was not quite a trouble-free victory for City as key defender Matija Nastastic was stretchered off in the second half, but they were the better side and only two goal-line clearances from Craig Gardner kept the score down.
It has been a productive few days for Dzeko. Expected to be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium this summer, the Bosnian remains and until reinforcements are brought in to compensate for the departure of Carlos Tevez and, last season, Mario Balotelli, so he is destined to remain.
Tonight the former Wolfsburg man struck early.
Yaya Toure created the opportunity with a flick-on intended for Pablo Zabaleta. Wes Brown got there first, but the former Manchester United man could only turn the ball into the path of Dzeko, who duly rammed home a brilliant half-volley which flew in off a post.
Alvaro Negredo should have made it two after being played in by David Silva but the Spaniard blasted disappointingly over.
Negredo did no better when he was picked out by Dzeko later on, this time ballooning the ball over from a central position.
City keeper Costel Pantilimon did not have much to do and even when Emanuele Giaccherini had a chance, his shot went straight at the Romanian.
Sunderland had a lucky escape just before the break when Gardner headed Silva's free-kick against his own post, then clattered into the upright himself as the Black Cats scrambled clear.
With heavy rain falling on an already saturated surface, an area of approximately 50 yards either side of the halfway line resembled a bog.
Dzeko was certainly looking suspiciously at it when he skied a penalty high over the bar midway through the second half.
On this occasion, though, the surface did not seem to be any more responsible than Dzeko's poor finishing.
City suffered a blow 17 minutes from the end when Nastastic was stretchered off following an innocuous-looking incident involving Giaccherini.
Following his earlier heroics, Gardner went one better after Samir Nasri had presented Jesus Navas with a shooting chance, sliding back to make a brilliant goal-line clearance.
Pantimilon's save from Sebastian Larsson's free-kick ensured there was no late reprieve for Sunderland.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 13:34
45min: City hit the post, through Craig Gardner! A whipped free-kick is cleared towards his own goal, and it bounces off the post and clear. A lucky escape.
43min: Negredo nearly forces himself clear on goal, but O'Shea recovers well to hack the ball clear at the last minute.
41min: New Sunderland signing Giaccherini has looked bright, as City give away yet another free-kick in a dangerous area.
Altidore again gets himself about. Sunderland must utilise the striker, with City struggling to cope with his physical presence. Johnson's free-kick is deep yet again. Wasted.
36min: Zabaleta gets to the byline after good work from City going forward but his cross is cleared to safety. Dzeko's spectacular volley separates the sides still.
Getting up: Jack Colback wins the ball in mid-air for Sunderland, who named an unchanged side for the final
Getting up: Jack Colback wins the ball in mid-air for Sunderland, who named an unchanged side for the final
34min: City are building patiently, and they've got most of the ball in the final third. It's all side to side, however, with Sunderland standing tall.
32min: Dzeko meets a low driven cross just outside the area, but his shot is saved easily by Mannone. He connected well but the direction wasn't all there.
30min: City are looking direct with Negredo, with the Spaniard making runs in behind the last line of defence on several occasions. Could this be their new style?
28min: It's got the feeling and pace of a Premier League game so far, so no change there. City have looked slightly suspect at the back, with several free-kicks given away in wide areas.
Strike: Edin Dzeko celebrates after his superb opening goal in Hong Kong
Strike: Edin Dzeko celebrates after his superb opening goal in Hong Kong
26min: After a bright start, Sunderland are giving City far too much space to run forward in the middle of the park. But wait, a decent move nearly has Sessegnon through on goal, but Kompany gets his foot in just in time.
24min: Milner has space to run into, but his final ball is poor. He played well on Wednesday, and will be out to prove he can remain the engine of City's side under Manuel Pellegrini this term.
20min: Altidore was impressive against Tottenham, and he's getting himself about here too. He wins a free-kick for Johnson to whip in, but Pantilimon punches it clear.
19min: Here's Chris Wheeler in Hong Kong, and he's not particuarly happy.
'Now this is more like it. Rain of Biblical proportions. We're under a roof and we're still getting soaked.'
Stuck in: Ground staff attempt to get the water off the pitch before the final
Stuck in: Ground staff attempt to get the water off the pitch before the final
17min: It's absolutely pouring it down again, meaning the odd pot shot may cause more danger than usual. Giaccherini takes a shot from 25 yards after good work from Altidore, but it's deflected wide.
15min: Despite missing his chance, Negredo has looked to make the runs early off. He's bright and nippy, and will no doubt get another chance to show what he's all about here.
13min: Silva nearly finds Milner inside the area, but O'Shea puts in a last ditch interception and Sunderland survive, just about.
11min: Sunderland look rattled. Dzeko takes a pot shot from 25 yards again, seemingly brimming with confidence, but it's collected by Mannone.
Then just a minute later, new signing Negredo blows a good chance after being put through on goal. His first touch was fantastic, his second not so much as he hits the ball high and wide.
9min: GOAL MAN CITY! Man City 1 Sunderland 0 (Dzeko 9)
The Hong Kong crowd have got their money's worth already. Despite their bright start, Sunderland are behind.
A long ball is headed away by Wes Brown, but Edin Dzeko meets the clearance on the half volley as he blasts the ball past Mannone from 25 yards with his left foot. Brilliant goal.
6min: Sunderland are making all the early moves, with City picking up where they left off after a slow performance against South China.
Johnson has a chance to whip in a free-kick from the right, but it's too high for anyone in the City area. Good start from Di Canio's side, however.
Barclays Asia trophy
Taking cover: The rain came pouring down in between games, but the pitch has been deemed playable
Pitch
4min: The weather has been a constant talking point since the tournament started on Wednesday, but the pitch looks a bit more promising early on.
Sessesgnon is played through for Sunderland, and his through ball just about reaches Johnson on the right. The winger's pull back is cleared by Kompany, though.
2min: Seb Larsson puts in a meaty challenge on Kolarov. After the intensity of Spurs' performance in the 6-0 win over South China, it's obvious the Premier League teams are taking this tournament seriously.
Kick-off: We're off here in Hong Kong, all eyes will be on new City signing Alvaro Negredo as he starts for the first time since his £20million move from Sevilla.
1.27pm: The teams are out, and the pitch looks OK. City had their fun with the surface yesterday with a Jurgen Klinsmann-esque diving competition in the Hong Kong Stadium.
Sliding in: Vincent Kompany (left) and Joe Hart (right) lark around in the rain during Friday's training session
Sliding in: Vincent Kompany (left) and Joe Hart (right) lark around in the rain during Friday's training session
1.25pm: This is the sixth Barclays Asia Trophy final, with Chelsea winning the first and the last tournament, and Bolton, Tottenham, Portsmouth victorious in the other three.
1.20pm: City have a fair bit to prove after their less than impressive performance on Wednesday. You can blame the conditions on the day, but their overall showing wasn't up to scratch.
1.15pm: Breaking news: Manchester United have cancelled their open training session planned for Sunday at the Hong Kong Stadium due to the condition of the pitch.
The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week, as well as staging a number of games in a very short space of time.
Eyeing up: David Moyes is in attendance at the Hong Kong Stadium, with Man United cancelling their open training session on the same pitch on Sunday due to the conditions
Eyeing up: David Moyes is in attendance at the Hong Kong Stadium, with Man United cancelling their open training session on the same pitch on Sunday due to the conditions
1.10pm: Sunderland are unchanged from their win on Wednesday, while Alvaro Negredo makes his first start in a City shirt. The ground staff had a job of getting the games ready on Wednesday, and they've had similar problems in the last hour or so.
After a dry start, the rain poured down towards the end of Spurs' 6-0 demolition of South China, but it looks as though we're going to go ahead with the final on time.
Sportsmail's Chris Wheeler is in Hong Kong:
'As soon as that game finished, Anthony Taylor - who will take charge of City v Sunderland - came onto the pitch to consult with Spurs groundsman Darren Baldwin as he assessed the effects of that brief downpour. Seems ok to me.'
1.00pm: Good afternoon and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Asia Trophy final, and as expected it's an all-English affair.
After their impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham on Wednesday, Sunderland face Manchester City, who beat South China 1-0 thanks to an Edin Dzeko strike.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 13:34
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 1 Sunderland 0
The referee blows up right on full-time, and Manuel Pellegrini wins his first piece of silverware as City boss. Fireworks fill the sky in Hong Kong, and everyone will be pleased that will be the last we see of the mud bath of a pitch.
87min: Sunderland are sitting back, surprisingly. City are still looking for another goal...
84min: Gardner stands over it with Larsson, but it's the latter who shoots... close! Good effort, but it's parried away well by Pantilimon.
83min: Lescott fouls Wickham on the edge of the area, City have been poor in that department. Free-kick in a very good position for Sunderland....
80min: Negredo is replaced by Gareth Barry as we enter the final 10 minutes, while Chris Wheeler has is own verdict on Dzeko's dreadful penalty miss...
'Three points to Edin Dzeko who is clearly getting confused with the Hong Kong Sevens rugby.'
79min: Close for City! Negredo squares the ball to Navas at an angle... his effort is a good one and it's going in but for Craig Gardner's last-ditch clearance.
Mud bath: Giaccherini is chased by Zabaleta as the players get to grips with the muddy conditions
Mud bath: Giaccherini is chased by Zabaleta as the players get to grips with the muddy conditions
76min: Worrying for City, Nastasic is stretchered off after falling awkwardly. It looks unclear at this stage, but it could be a groin injury. Lescott replaces him.
74min: Penalty appeal for Sunderland now, but it's the crowd appealing more than anyone. Giaccherini does well to get into the box and is challenged by Kolarov. The replays show Kolarov got the ball again, good defending.
72min: Fernandinho plays in Dzeko down the wing, but his dangerous ball goes across the face of goal and away to safety. Good play froim Fernandinho in particular.
Just a minute later Navas attempts to beat Mannone from distance, but it's parried away.
70min: Kolarov with a last-ditch tackle on Conor Wickham as the young Englishman looked through on goal. Sunderland's spirits have been lifted with that penalty miss.
67min: That really was a shocker from Dzeko. It looked like he tried to chip the ball in but got it all wrong. You definitely can't blame the pitch for that one.
66min: DZEKO MISSES!
A spectacular miss from Dzeko. The Bosnian balloons the ball five yards over the bar and into the crowd. Almost as spectacular as his goal... the best and worst of Edin Dzeko in one game.
65min: PENALTY TO MAN CITY
Fernandinho is involved straight away. The midfielder flicks the ball around Ba, who is adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. The referee points to the spot.
62min: A couple of substitutions, Yaya Toure and Gael Clichy come off for Fernandinho and Kolarov, while Adam Johnson comes off for Karlsson.
Pummeled: O'Shea goes through the back of Negredo
Pummeled: O'Shea goes through the back of Negredo
Welcome to the Premier League: Negredo is left lying in the mud after the challenge from the Irishman
Welcome to the Premier League: Negredo is left lying in the mud after the challenge from the Irishman
Welcome to the Premier League: Negredo is left lying in the mud after the challenge from the Irishman
59min: Here's what Chris Wheeler thought of that challenge by the Irishman:
'Welcome to English football Alvaro Negredo. He’ll have to get used to challenges from behind like that one by John O’Shea. The Spaniard looks like he can take care of himself though.'
56min: Negredo is absolutely pummeled to the ground by John O'Shea, leaving the Spaniard lying in thick mud in the centre circle.
He'll remember that when the two face each other in the Premier League.
53min: Chris Wheeler is excited to see Navas, but is a tad confused with the reception Samir Nasri received when he entered the fold...
'Looking forward to getting a look at Navas, City’s new super-quick winger, even though it’s asking a bit much for Jesus to walk on water.
'Nasri also comes on at half-time to another chorus of boos – no-one seems to know why he’s copping for so much flak over here. Suggestions?'
50min: The pitch is glistening under the floodlights, but the rain has died down for now. Credit to the ground staff again, the pitch is surprisingly playable considering how bad it looks.
Pitching in: Ground staff get to work on the pitch during half-time
Pitching in: Ground staff get to work on the pitch during half-time
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
47min: Clichy fouls Johnson on the corner flag, and at last the winger's delivery is worthy. City clear, but again they're showing complacency at the back with silly fouls.
45min: Nasri and Navas come on for Milner and Silva.
Westwood has replaced Mannone in goal for Sunderland, while Ba and Wickham replace Cabral and Altidore.
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 1 Sunderland 0
City have had the quality, but I wouldn't be ruling Sunderland out just yet. Altidore has looked a handful, with City giving away far too many free-kicks on the wing. Here's Chris Wheeler's verdict:
'If the first game made a bit of a mockery of all those pre-match fears, the final is turning out more like we expected – torrential rain, swirling wind and an increasingly poor pitch.
'As much as Manchester City and Sunderland would both like to start the season with the Asia Trophy in their trophy cabinets, it’s really not worth seeing one of their players picking up a serious injury for the cause.'
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 13:38
The future of Sunderland's combative midfielder Lee Cattermole remains unclear after manager Paolo Di Canio refused to confirm if he will stay at the Stadium of Light.
Summer recruit Cabral wore Cattermole's No 6 shirt in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Tottenham and Di Canio was ambivalent when asked if would remain at the club.
"He couldn't come (to Hong Kong) because he was not fully fit, in the opinion of both myself and the fitness coach," said the Italian.
"He is training with the reserves and then when we get back to Sunderland, he will be ready."
When asked if the £6m signing had a future with Sunderland, Di Canio added: "We will see. It depends."
Meanwhile, Di Canio issued a positive update on the progress of injured striker Steven Fletcher.
The Scotland international underwent ankle surgery in April but was still the club's top goalscorer last season with 11 goals, despite missing the final eight games of the campaign with the problem.
"He is improving, he has improved a lot," said Di Canio.
"We can't say how much longer it will take, but there is a big improvement and we know all about the problem.
"We are very happy with his progress and we are waiting for him."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 13:40
Greek winger Mavrias heads to Sunderland as bid is back on
Sunderland's £2.5m deal for Panathinaikos winger Charas Mavrias is back on with the youngster expected in England next week
Sunderland's bid for Charas Mavrias is back on, with the Greek winger expected to travel to England next week.
The Black Cats’ £2.5m move for the Panathinaikos youngster hung in the balance 10 days ago, as it looked as though Sunderland’s interest had cooled.
But it appears that the deal will now go ahead, with sources in Greece suggesting that Mavrias is due to fly to the North East on Monday to undergo a medical and complete the switch, once Sunderland have returned from Hong Kong where they have been taking part in the Barclays Asia Trophy.
While Mavrias looks set to become Sunderland’s 10th summer signing, Lee Cattermole’s days on Wearside look numbered.
Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio was non-committal when asked whether the midfielder has a future at the club.
The Italian would only say: “We will see. It depends.”
The 25-year-old former Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic midfielder underwent knee ligament surgery in March, and stayed in the North East to continue his rehab rather than travelling with the rest of the squad to the Far East.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are set to face Manchester City in the BAT final at the Hong Kong Stadium this afternoon – assuming the weather does not intervene.
The Black Cats’ semi-final against Spurs on Wednesday was affected by a downpour that forced kick-off to be delayed by half-an-hour and the game to be shortened to 80 minutes.
Heavy rain has continued over the last 48 hours, and Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has said that he will call off the final between Sunderland Man City, and the third-placed play-off between Spurs and South China FC which is also due to be played today, rather than put the safety of the players in jeopardy.
But Sunderland coped reasonably well with the conditions, and winger Adam Johnson is confident the conditions will not pose a major problem as he prepared to face his old club City.
“It’s obviously difficult but it’s the same for every team,” he said.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 16:48
Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley is a target for Fulham, Newcastle and Blackburn, according to Sky sources.
The Scotland international angered manager Paolo Di Canio towards the end of last season when he was pictured in a casino.
Di Canio left Bardsley out of his squad for the pre-season Asia Trophy in Hong Kong, and the 28-year-old has been back on Wearside training with the reserves.
Bardsley admitted earlier this month his time at Sunderland is up, and Sky sources understand his preference is for a move to London.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 16:51
The Czech striker, 21, scored 24 goals while on loan at Watford last season and picked up the Championship player of the year award.
Udinese claimed to have rejected an £8m approach from a unnamed Premier League club earlier in the summer, while a number of top-flight teams registered their interest in a loan move for the quick forward.
Sunderland, West Ham, Swansea and Norwich have all been tracking Vydra after Watford failed in their bid for promotion from the Championship last season.
West Brom, £4m, Matej Vydra, UdineseVydra was in lethal form for Watford in the Championship last season
West Brom have made a bid and they interest Mate
Source close to Vydra
But the Baggies appear to have beaten off competition for his signature, with a source close to the player saying: "West Brom have made a bid and they interest Matej.
"He is focused on Udinese but West Brom are a club he would like to join. We have heard good things about Steve Clarke from other players.
"West Brom are clearly a club going places."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-27 16:52
JOHN O’Shea says Sunderland’s variety of striking options can ensure the Black Cats avoid the struggles of last season.
Sunderland mustered just 41 goals in 38 Premier League games last season as they finished fourth bottom in the table, with top scorer Steven Fletcher netting 11 of that tally.
But central defender O’Shea, captaining Sunderland here in Hong Kong, says the capture of £6m frontman Jozy Altidore has provided the Black Cats with a contrast of frontmen which can give them the attacking potency to avoid featuring in the relegation dogfight for a second successive campaign.
The powerful and pacy Altidore is a different specimen to poacher Fletcher and creator Stephane Sessegnon, while Paolo Di Canio can also call upon England Under-21 striker Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won - back from a loan spell at Bundesliga side Ji Dong-won.
O’Shea told the Gazette: “It’s so important to have different options up front.
“That was probably one of the main reasons for last season’s struggles.
“We weren’t creating enough or scoring enough.
“We won a lot of games by one goal, so if we could make things easier for everyone in the Stadium of Light, it would be nicer.
“Obviously, you’ll take a win by any means.
“But I think the important thing is the squad as a whole and its competition from midfield through to defence is a vital asset.
“That’s been the key to any good team I’ve been part of, quality competition from places.”
Altidore arrives at the Stadium of Light with a prolific goal record under his belt after netting 31 goals for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season.
The American international has proved himself on the Continent since his loan spell at Hull City as a teenager and O’Shea believes the 23-year-old will have no problems adapting to the Premier League in his second spell in the English top flight.
“I think he’ll definitely be more than ready for it physically,” added O’Shea.
“Speaking to him about his last time in the Premiership, he has had an amazing journey since then.
“He’s ended up scoring goals in Holland and become the national striker for the US as well.
“Hopefully he can continue that journey now by scoring goals in the Premiership and spearheading our success along with the other lads up front.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 10:49
Di Canio sends N'Diaye out to Turkey on season-long loan after just six months at Sunderland... and McClean exit could follow
Sunderland midfielder Alfred N’Diaye is the latest star to quit the Stadium of Light and he looks certain to be followed by Republic of Ireland international James McClean.
Just six months after joining Sunderland from Bursaspor, Frenchman N’Diaye has returned to Turkey to join Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan. He will be reunited with former Bursaspor coach Ertugul Saglam.
The 23-year-old midfielder made 15 appearances for Sunderland after he was signed in a £2.5million deal by Martin O’Neill in January. He was left out of the Sunderland squad which travelled to the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong following the birth of his first child but has since negotiated an exit from Wearside.
McClean meanwhile is a £2million target for Glasgow Celtic and is likely to be allowed to leave Sunderland by manager Paolo Di Canio.
The former Derry City winger was a substitute in both games in Hong Kong and has been pushed even further out of favour following the summer arrival of Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini and Swedish teenager David Moberg Karlsson who can both play wide.
Celtic have made an initial inquiry for the controversial Ireland midfielder who indicated in the summer he was unhappy with the Di Canio regime.
Scotland full-back Phil Bardsley is reported to be a target for neighbours Newcastle United but the former Manchester United defender, who played for the development squad against Spennymoor at the weekend, is more likely to return to the North West to join Blackburn Rovers, although Stoke City and Fulham still remain interested in signing him.
Meanwhile Di Canio has said he wants two more signings to add to the nine he has made so far this summer.
The Sunderland head coach, who faces Tottenham in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning, is close to agreeing a deal for Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
Sunderland are understood to have agreed a £2.5million fee with Panathinaikos for the Greece international who is expected on Wearside for a medical this week.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 10:51
Craig Gardner: I'll play anywhere for Sunderland - just don't put me on the bench
Craig Gardner will take a place at full-back this season if it means regular starts for Paolo Di Canio's Sunderland.
A midfielder by trade, Gardner was occasionally deployed at right-back under Martin O'Neill and was used there by Di Canio as Sunderland were beaten by Manchester City in the final of the Asia Cup.
And the 26-year-old, who has bought into the manager's work ethic in pre-season, responded with two goal-line clearances in Hong Kong.
He said: "I just want to play as many games as I can this season, no matter what position it is.
"I would rather play anywhere than be on the bench. I am playing in pre-season. I have played four full games and I am enjoying it.
"It (pre-season) is tough, I admit it. But it is a good tough because training is hard.
"I am a firm believer that the attitude to training should be the same as it is in life generally.
"If you work hard in life you get a good life. That is what we are doing as far as training is concerned, so hopefully we will have a good season."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 10:53
Newcastle eye Sunderland cast-off Phil Bardsley for shock move across the Tyne-Wear divide
Initial moves to take defender to Black Cats' bitter North-East rivals have been made PLUS Cattermole and Wickham latest
Joe Kinnear is lining up his first Newcastle signing – Phil Bardsley, who has just been released by big rivals Sunderland, writes Alan Oliver of the Sunday People.
The word from the defender’s camp is that the Magpies have made “tentative inquiries” for Bardsley.
And Kinnear is not put off by the 28-year-old’s bad-boy image, after he was pictured lying on a casino floor covered in £50 notes.
But if the Toon’s director of football does decide to add Bardsley to the Geordies’ rather threadbare squad – they are the only Premier League side not to have signed a first- team player in the close season – he will find competition from both Fulham and Blackburn.
However, reports linking Newcastle with Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac are wide of the mark.
Click here for the latest on the Geordies' striker search.
At the other end of the field, a £2.5million bid should bring PSV Eindhoven keeper Jeroen Zoet to St James' Park.
Meanwhile, Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole’s hopes of joining Fulham on loan have been hit by a heel injury.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp is considering Sunderland's Connor Wickham on loan after Norwich beat him to Gary Hooper and losing Jamie Mackie to Nottingham Forest.
Other Championship clubs are also eyeing Wickham.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 10:57
Sunderland turns to Jorge Torres Nilo
SUNDERLAND have turned to Mexico’s Jorge Torres Nilo in their search for a left-back.
Torres Nilo, 25, is valued at £5million by Tigres de la UANL and has won 34 international caps.
The Black Cats have been frustrated in their pursuit of Argentina’s Lucas Orban, 24, of Club Atletico Tigre.
And they missed out on Le Havre’s French youngster Benjamin Mendy, 19, who joined Marseille.
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio’s drawn-out £2.5m move for Panathinaikos’ Greece winger Charis Mavrias, 19, could be completed next week.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 10:58
Sunderland to make new attempt at securing Alfred Duncan
SUNDERLAND are relaunching a bid for Inter Milan midfielder Alfred Duncan.
They failed last month in a move for the £7million-rated Ghanaian.
Duncan, 20, is keen to make a second loan move to Livorno, who he helped win promotion to Serie A last season.
But Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is hoping director of football Roberto De Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni, who both worked with Inter, can thrash out a deal.
Sunderland's move for Velez Sarsfield right-back Gino Peruzzi could also be back on. GinoThe Argentina international, 21, saw his proposed £5m switch collapse when he failed a medical but is undergoing rehab with Velez at Sunderland's request in a bid to overcome a knee problem.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 10:59
Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio is more flamethrower than hairdryer claims John O'Shea
Black Cats defender felt Fergie's fury when at Man United and reckons his current boss is even more fiery PLUS Left-back latest
John O’Shea reckons that if Sir Alex Ferguson had the hairdryer then Paolo Di Canio’s weapon of choice would be a flamethrower, writes Simon Mullock.
Di Canio has taken a torch to the squad he inherited from Martin O’Neill last March by recruiting 10 players during a frenzied summer that has also seen nine departures from the Stadium of Light.
Having worked under Ferguson at Manchester United, skipper O’Shea doesn’t have a problem with managers who turn up the heat.
And he insists that Di Canio is simply driven by a burning desire to win.
O’Shea said of the Italian: “I don’t know about having a hairdryer, when the gaffer has a go it’s more like a flamethrower!
“He wants to improve us as a team and himself as a manager — and he wants to do it now.
“It’s obvious he wants to go right to the top. Like all good managers, he isn’t afraid to let rip when he needs to.
“But he’s a great bloke to work for. He expects nothing less than 100 per cent and, if you give him that, he gives you everything back in return.
“In a way he is easy to please. He wants everyone working as hard as they can and if he gets that he has a smile on his face.
“He’s got high standards and expects the same from everyone around him. If he doesn’t get that, then he lets you know.
“But the best managers are like that. They don’t accept second best.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and he does like to have a laugh and a joke — but only when the time is right. Believe me, he is relentless when it comes to getting his ideas across.”
Di Canio guided the Black Cats away from the relegation zone when he succeeded O’Neill.
Since then he has gone about restructuring the squad in a bid to ensure that next season doesn’t descend into another winter of discontent.
There have been encouraging signs during the Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong that the players are responding to his methods.
O’Shea said: “We are coming along nicely as a squad.
“Positive signs are there. (Emanuele) Giaccherini looks a real talent, even though he isn’t fully fit yet, Cabral looks like he can be a top player in the Premier League and, with Wes Brown coming back after injury, that’s like signing a new player.
“There was a lot of upheaval last season and at times we were making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
“But it feels more settled now, even with all the new players that have come in over the summer, and there’s a great spirit around the place.
“The manager has said it’s been like a revolution since he came in, and in many ways that’s a good way to describe it.
“But it is going to take time for him to really put his ideas into place and get us playing how he wants every week.
“It’s all about taking small steps, baby steps if you like, to get where we want to be.
“Last season wasn’t an enjoyable experience.
“It was scary when we started to get dragged down towards the bottom, and there was a lot of relief around the place when we were safe.
“The manager has said that he doesn’t want next season to be a struggle.
“He wants us looking up rather than over our shoulders.
“He will want to have us pushing up towards mid-table and beyond.
“It’s not in his nature to be happy just treading water to survive.”
* SUNDERLAND have turned to Mexican international Jorge Torres Nilo in their search for a left-back, writes Clive Hetherington.
Torres Nilo, 25, is valued at £5million by his Mexican club, Tigres, and has won 34 caps.
The Black Cats have been frustrated in their pursuit of Argentina's Lucas Orban, 24, of Buenos Aires side Tigre, and missed out on Le Havre's French kid Benjamin Mendy, 19, who joined Marseille.
Sunderland's drawn-out £2.5m deal for Panathinaikos' Greece winger Charias Mavrias, 19, could be completed next week.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-28 11:00
Toon backlash over Phil Bardsley move
NEWCASTLE UNITED'S unpopular new director of football Joe Kinnear is unlikely to endear himself to a fed-up Toon army with a move for Sunderland's unwanted defender Phil Bardsley.
The former Manchester United player, 28, has been told he is not in Stadium of Light boss Paolo Di Canio's plans.
Now it's believed Kinnear has made enquires about bringing Bardsley to St James' Park.
Fulham and Blackburn Rovers are also interested in the full-back, who was named Sunderland's player of the year the season before last.
Newcastle fans urging the club to do some transfer business - so far not a single player has been signed - won't be amused by a cut-price move for a player discarded by their bitter local rivals.
Newcastle is yet to sign a single player
But they will be encouraged by a likely breakthrough in Newcastle's attempts to bring in at least one striker.
The club hopes to bring in Lyon's £8.6million Bafetimbi Gomis after lengthy talks between the clubs.
Newcastle are still keen on Aston Villa's Darren Bent - an ex-Sunderland player.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:38
BBC Newcastle extends Sunderland AFC deal
BBC Newcastle will provide radio commentary on all Sunderland AFC matches, home and away, till 2017 after a new deal was signed.
Commentary duo Nick Barnes and former Sunderland star Gary Bennett will continue to provide coverage, after recently celebrating their tenth consecutive season of Sunderland match commentary at the start of the 2012-13 Barclays Premier League season.
BBC Newcastle Managing Editor, Andrew Robson told RadioToday: “The commentary is immensely popular with our listeners and I know Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett are both looking forward to another exciting season following Sunderland and ensuring that fans who can’t make it to games don’t miss a kick.”
Nick Barnes said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be at every Sunderland game and I’m sure this season will be a hugely exciting one to commentate on!”
Sunderland AFC’s Commercial Director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “The club has enjoyed a fantastic partnership with BBC Newcastle over the years and we are delighted that they have committed to the club on a long-term basis.
“They provide a first-class service to Sunderland fans as our official commentary partner and have demonstrated their on-going support and commitment to Sunderland, something which we hugely appreciate.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:39
Cattermole set for showdown talks with
Di Canio after Sunderland boss strips captain of squad number
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole will have showdown talks with manager Paolo Di Canio this week.
Cattermole, who has a heel injury, was left out of the squad which travelled to Hong Kong and his number 6 squad number has gone to new signing Cabral.
Fulham and Hull are monitoring Cattermole’s situation.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have have made an enquiry for Besiktas midfielder Manuel Fernandes, 27, formerly of Everton and Portsmouth.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:40
Di Canio has challenged Brown to show he can resurrect his career after he missed all of last season with a knee ligament injury suffered during the Peace Cup in South Korea.
Former Manchester United defender Brown took a big step on the comeback trail by completing both Asia Trophy games in Hong Kong despite the heavy pitch.
And he believes the number of serious injuries he has had in his career has strengthened his resolve to fight back to full fitness all over again.
Brown said: “A few people have asked me if I was worried if I would be able come back this time. It sounds weird but, no, I never thought that.
“I always had confidence in myself. It just took a lot longer than I first expected. I have had injuries throughout my career so I never doubted I could come back again.
“I have done my cruciates in both knees, had a broken foot, a broken ankle, and lots of little niggles in between. It sounds strange but at some point I have always been able to come back. Mentally, I don’t seem to struggle with it. I just get my focus right and get it done.
“I never have a negative thought and that’s one of the main things.
“It’s no fun working on rehab in the gym. It’s the worst thing ever. It can be depressing but you have to be determined, get on with it and not moan about it.”
wes brown, sunderland, comeback, paolo di canio, star, injury, nightmareBrown shows his strength against Tottenham's Clint Dempsey at the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong
It sounds strange but at some point I have always been able to come back. Mentally, I don’t seem to struggle with it. I just get my focus right and get it done
Wes Brown
Brown, at 33 the oldest player in the team, knows Di Canio is looking to him and another former United player, John O’Shea, to set a good example to the new and younger players in his re-shaped squad.
“I am the sort of character who would do that anyway,” he said.
“Throughout pre-season I have been pretty fit so it was just a matter of showing a bit of determination and getting back in with the lads.
“I am the oldest in the team so I hope I’ve got a lot of respect from the younger lads. I have been there and done it so the younger ones do look up to me and John for certain things.
“If I can train hard and show them what it’s all about then that’s got to be a good thing.
"The manager works so hard with his methods. He seems to cover everything. Hopefully when the season starts we will be a lot fitter. We feel a lot fitter in general, although the pitch didn’t help.
“It feels good to be back now. I did play one or two reserve games but not for the first team last season. I was never fully fit.”
wes brown, sunderland, comeback, paolo di canio, star, injury, nightmareCraig Gardner has been linked with a move to West Brom
Di Canio admitted after the defeat by Manchester City he had been driving his players hard, but Craig Gardner says that is just the way he likes it.
“It is tough, I admit it,” said the 26-year-old.
“But it is a good tough, because training is hard. If you work hard in life you get a good life. That is what we are doing as far as training is concerned, so hopefully we will go on to have a really good season.”
Gardner has been linked with a move to West Brom as Di Canio’s squad begins to take shape, but the Italian has used him extensively in pre-season, including the final when the versatile player slotted in at full-back.
He proved his worth, too, making two superb goalline clearances, including one where he knew preventing City from scoring would result in him clattering against a post.
“I’m no hero,” Gardner said.
“I am just doing my job. I will take a bruised head to stop a goal. It is what I get paid for.” He is happy enough though, even if his more usual, and preferred, position is further up the field.
“I just want to play as many matches as I can for the team this season, no matter what position it is,” he said. “I would rather play anywhere than be on the bench.
“I am playing in these pre-season games. I have played four full matches and I am really enjoying it.”
Sunderland, meanwhile, last night confirmed that French midfielder Alfred N’Diaye has joined Turkish club Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan.
But if that £2.5million move fails manager Neil Lennon is expected to turn his attention to Porto winger Christian Atsu.
Both players were being linked with the Hoops last night as Lennon missed Celtic’ 2-1 home defeat against Borussia Moenchengladbach to watch his club’s Euro opponents draw 1-1 with Atvidaberg.
But transfer talk dominated the Parkhead scene with rumours even suggesting a fee had been agreed for 24-year-old McClean with the Stadium of Light club.
That hasn’t happened, and was officially denied, but Lennon is anxious to get a new face in and McClean fits the bill.
He is a controversial figure on Wearside but his ability is unquestioned and the Derry-born winger would walk to Glasgow to sign for the Hoops.
But there is speculation, too, about Atsu.
The 21-year-old has 16 caps for Ghana already and is making a name for himself in Portugal.
Coach Garry Parker, in charge in Lennon’s absence, wouldn’t confirm or deny any speculation but said: “We have options. I’m not saying who they are but we have our sights set on a few.
“We could probably do with two or three more. That would be good.”
Parker was happy to report a clean bill of health for Celtic ahead of the clash with Elfsborg.
Recent crocks Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Ledley and Adam Matthews all got valuable game time against the Germans.
We could probably do with two or three more. That would be good
Coach Garry Parker
Parker added: “They needed that although I don’t know it if will be enough for them.
“Maybe Wednesday is still too soon but at least we’ve got them back and we’re in good shape for the European tie.
“It was a good workout against a very good team with the young side we had out and you learn from games like this.
“Callum McGregor gave the ball away and was punished for their first goal, so you learn you can’t give the ball away against strong opposition.”
Anthony Stokes scored Celtic’s goal with a fine free-kick after Granit Xhaka and substitute Branimir Hrgota had put the impressive Germans in the driving seat.
Parker said: “With Gary Hooper gone it’s up to the likes of Anthony to stake his claim and that was a good goal.”
Stokes revealed he still hasn’t signed a new contract.
But he said: “I’m not too bothered about that because I’m concentrating on the big games we have.
“But I was happy with the goal and as a striker it’s always nice to score.
“The whole team, though, has to take on extra responsibility now Gary’s gone.
“We all have to chip in and when you look at the side we have midfield men like Kris Commons and Joe Ledley who can get 15 goals a season as well.
“Now, though, it’s about the Champions League again. Elfsborg will be a step up from Cliftonville but we fancy our chances.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:41
Earlier this month, reports came out that Sunderland's very own Mr. Reliable, the flame haired star child Jack Colback, had let us all down by rejecting a contract extension, and pushing for a exit from the Stadium of Light. It was something of a surprise, especially after Di Canio had marked him out as a crucial player: a 'pitbull' that would be a vital part of his plans for transforming the club.
Of course, it's easy to understand why Colback might want to leave. The club have never really found a clear role for the 23-year old during his time in the first team picture. Instead he's been forced to move between positions according to need, spending most of last season as a makeshift left-back, rather than in his 'natural' centre midfield placing. It isn't hard to imagine Colback is incredibly frustrated by the Darren Williams-esque role he has at the club currently, and seeks to move to a club who will find a role beyond that of a utility man.
Sadly for Colback, this versatility is a major attribute, and one of the reasons the club should be fighting to keep him. However he does more than just 'fill in'. In fact it's hard to think of another player who will take to the pitch with such commitment and consistency regardless of the position they play. Left back, right back, left wing, in the middle: Colback is equally solid in all of them and, ignoring any frustrations he may have by the way he's used by the club, the England youth international plays with an enthusiasm that is unmatched on the pitch, wherever he is forced to play. At a time when Sunderland are buying a lot of players untested at Premier League level, there's something comforting about having Colback, someone you can rely on to produce consistent performances.
Despite the busy transfer window Sunderland have had this summer, the squad is still a small one, lacking in key positions. Even if the club, as you imagine it would, sign the two full backs and centre midfielder it needs, it's would be a huge advantage to have a player of Colback's quality, who is capable of covering a number of area effectively. His impressive performances so far during pre-season, where he's looked quicker and stronger than at any other point in his career, has eased the burden that the club has in finding a left back somewhat.
Colback's versatility is incredibly useful, and he can use it to offer options that the club arguably doesn't have elsewhere. Defensively, the Killingworth born Academy product has proved just how effective he can be at neutralising the threat of wingers and marauding full backs. We saw this during the one game he played at right back; the 1-0 victory at home to Everton, where he kept Leighton Baines out of the game. In the recent pre-season games against Tottenham and Manchester City, he similarly managed Kyle Walker and Pablo Zabaleta effectively. While it's true that Colback is unlikely to gallop down the left wing as Di Canio appears to want from his full backs, he can give the team another option, when a particular threat down the wing needs to be marked out of the game.
He's also a perfect player to throw on from the bench if the side need to hold on for a win. Colback has often been criticised by fans for being too slow in possession; for holding onto the ball or producing 'sideways passes' when the team needs to attack. But, throw him in the middle of the park, it's this ability to slow the game down and hold onto possession that could come extremely useful when Di Canio's men need to protect a lead.
There's an unfortunate truth that Colback must face. It's that his role as a 'utility man' is perhaps the best bet he has for furthering his career. In his 'natural' centre midfield position, his diminutive stature, combined with his lack of mobility, make it hard for him to to dominate in the middle of the park. In the full back positions he's not the type of player to make long darts forward on the overlap. However as a 'chameleon footballer', who can fit into several roles whenever needed, Colback is a football managers wet dream. If he did move elsewhere, he'd probably find his new club would realise his greatest strength is in his versatility and use him in a similar way Sunderland already do.
Jack Colback may want to find a clear role for himself, but he might find he'll get the best out of his career by staying at Sunderland and playing the unfashionable utility man role. It might well be that Colback needs to stay at the club he's been with since the age of 10, as much as that club needs him to stay.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:42
Transfer news: Stephane Sessegnon happy at Sunderland
Stephane Sessegnon has insisted he is content with life at Sunderland and played down recent reports of a possible move.
Stories emerged earlier this summer that the Black Cats might be prepared to listen to offers for the 29-year-old Benin international, who only signed a new contract in August last year.
But with no formal approaches, Sessegnon seems keen to be part of manager Paolo Di Canio's plans and told the Sunderland Echo: "The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I'm happy at Sunderland.
"The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I'm happy at Sunderland."
Stephane Sessegnon
"We have worked well in pre-season and hopefully we can continue like this. I'm enjoying it at Sunderland and my mind is for Sunderland now."
Sessegnon arrived at the Stadium of Light in a £6m switch from Paris St Germain in January 2011 and has shown in spurts huge potential for such an investment.
However, inconsistency has been a problem and rumours that he could leave the club last summer did little to improve the situation.
But Di Canio's recent shopping spree and a gruelling pre-season have left Sessegnon in optimistic mood ahead of the new campaign.
He added: "It's a very important time, you need to have a pre-season. You need to do the hard work to start the season well.
"I think that affected me during the first few months of last season, but this year is different because we have had a good pre-season with a lot of good players coming.
"That's made everyone work hard in training and we have got a strong mentality too among the players. It looks good already for the start of the season."
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:43
Sunderland Edge Ahead of Liverpool In Pursuit Of French International Left-Back
Black Cats enter negotiations with Valencia defender.
Sunderland have stolen the march on Liverpool for the signing of Valencia left back Aly Cissokho, according to the Evening Chronicle.
The Black Cats have entered negotiations for the France international defender as a proposed move to Liverpool begins to stall. After it was revealed that the club would not be re-signing impressive Spurs loanee Danny Rose this summer, manager Paolo Di Canio identified Cissokho as an ideal back-up option, although he would have to deal with the Reds’ interest.
Valencia are understood to consider a bid in the region of £5million, if it were to come in, however, they reportedly have a deal on the table from Liverpool, reports the Daily Mail, who say the Reds have made a season long loan bid for the fullback, which includes a £850,000 loan fee with a view to buy next summer for £3.5million.
Both clubs are in the market for a fullback this summer. Sunderland have already seen a deal to sign impressive Argentine youngster Gino Peruzzi from Velez fall through due to a failed medical, although, the club now say their player is fit and ready. The North-East club have also made an enquiry into signing Brescia defender Fabio Daprela, who already has Premier League experience with West Ham.
Liverpool are looking for competition at left back as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his squad as they mount a Champions League push this season.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:44
Black Cats to travel to Denmark
Sunderland AFC will play the final game of its pre-season preparations in Denmark next week.
Paolo Di Canio’s men travel to Scandinavia to face FC Midtjylland at the MCH Arena in Herning, on Wednesday 7 August, in a 6.00pm kick-off (local time).
Ticket details for the trip to face the Danish Superliga side will be announced shortly.
The Black Cats recently took part in a ten-day training camp in Italy and have just returned from Hong Kong, where they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 to secure a place in the final of the prestigious Barclays Asia Trophy against Manchester City.
The trip to Denmark will see Sunderland play their final friendly game ahead of the start of the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season, when they kick off their campaign with a home game against Fulham FC, on Saturday 17 August at 3.00pm.
Tickets for the Fulham game at the Stadium of Light are on sale now, priced from £25 for adults and £10 for under 16s.
Season cards for 2013-14 are also available, starting from £425 for adults, £295 for young people under 22 and £320 for over 65s. Junior season cards (children under the age of 16) are priced at just £99 in all concessionary areas of the stadium, with the exception of the special Family Zone package, where there are additional discounts available, with an adult and junior (under 16) package just £450. Additional children can also be added to this package for only £25 each.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:47
Youngsters remain unbeaten
Sukar and Nelson on target for youngsters.
Sunderland under-18’s maintained their unbeaten start to pre-season with a 2-2 draw with Hibernian under-20’s in the final leg of their Scottish tour.
Coaches Ged McNamee and Carlton Fairweather made multiple changes to the side that hammered Rangers 4-2 on Sunday to ensure all members of their squad got adequate playing time.
The young Black Cats went 1-0 down before half-time as the older Hibs side cut out lots of the playmaking that had been so effective for the visitors in their win over Rangers.
Changes were made at half-time for Sunderland with Sunday’s two-goal hero, under-16 Andrew Nelson, coming on along with Jordan Blinco, Tom Robson and Michael Ledger.
Nelson’s link-up play was a particular highlight for the youngsters in the second half as he caused lots of problems for the Hibs defence.
The young Black Cats were level soon after the break as Robson got to the by-line and crossed for Jas Sukar to finish from close range.
Chances were a regular occurrence for Sunderland throughout the second period as Robson, Rees Greenwood and Martin Smith all went close.
However, the hosts regained the advantage when they intercepted Peter Burke’s throw and slotted home.
Sunderland were patient in their wait for an equaliser and good play from two under-16’s, Josh Robson and Nelson, opened up space for the latter to smash home from six yards.
Nelson nearly nicked a late winner for the youngsters after a fine solo fun but his strike was well saved.
And Fairweather was pleased with the way the tour ended as the youngsters prepare for their first game of the Barclays U18 Premier League campaign against Chelsea.
“We’re very pleased with the application the boys have shown,” Fairweather said. “We got playing time for everyone which is an added bonus.
“The U16’s that have played have done okay; Josh Robson and Andrew Nelson have equipped themselves very well which bodes well for the future.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:49
U21 and U18 fixtures confirmed
U21s host Bolton whilst U18s face trip to Chelsea on opening day.
Sunderland’s Academy fixtures have been announced for the coming season as both the development squad and under-18s look to continue their fine progress made during the 2012-13 campaign.
The under-21 side begin their campaign on Monday 12th August with the visit of Bolton Wanderers before they travel to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Monday 19th August for a 7pm kick-off.
The Wear-Tyne derby takes place on Monday 3rd February with a 7pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light whilst the young Black Cats finish their season at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The development squad will be excited by the prospect of trips to Anfield, Villa Park and the Etihad Stadium over the course of the season.
The under-18 side, who went all the way to the semi-finals last season, begin their season on the same day as the first team when they travel to Chelsea for a tricky opening fixture.
The following weekend the Black Cats will host Manchester City at the Academy of Light before a Tyne-Wear derby clash with Newcastle United.
The Wear-Tyne derby will be held on Saturday 11th January before the young Black Cats finish their campaign with a trip to last season’s runners-up Reading.
Hull City Plot £2m Bid for Sunderland Battler Lee Cattermole
Steve Bruce wants to bring tough tackling Black Cat to the KC Stadium.
Premier League new boys Hull City will try to sign axed Sunderland skipper Lee Cattermole in a £2million bid after the midfielder was reportedly told he doesn’t have a future at the Stadium of Light reports the Daily Star.
Black Cats boss Paolo di Canio has frozen out the 25-year-old as he tries to alter the mentality of the squad he inherited from Martin O’Neill and that has alerted former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce who wants a reunion with the tough-tackling midfielder at the KC Stadium.
Di Canio seemingly wants to see Cattermole, who was captain under both Bruce and O’Neill, move on this summer and has taken away his squad number.
Summer signing Cabral instead wore Cattermole’s usual number six shirt in the recent Asia Trophy in Hong Kong amid reports the combative midfielder could now leave during the current transfer window.
The Italian boss has so far declined to reveal if the player still has a future at the club after he missed the pre-season tour of Asia as he continues to recover from a knee injury. But today’s reports claim that the former Swindon manager will accept £2m for Cattermole, who has been booked 34 times and dismissed five times during his four year stay on Wearside.
Cattermole may now follow Black Cats team-mate Danny Graham to East Yorkshire after the former Swansea striker joined the Tigers on a season-long loan deal earlier this month.
And ex-Wigan man could be the next to join Simon Mignolet, Titus Bramble, Matt Kilgallon, Alfred N’Diaye and Ahmed Elmohamady in leaving this summer as Di Canio’s radical overhaul at the Stadium of Light continues.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:51
Steven Fletcher set to miss Sunderland's big kick-off
Steven Fletcher is likely to be out of action until September as he battles back from ankle surgery
Steven Fletcher is likely to be out of action until September as he battles back from ankle surgery.
And that means Sunderland are unlikely to let Connor Wickham leave before the start of the campaign – despite interest from QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich.
Fletcher was not included in the Sunderland travelling party that trekked to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury and initially feared that he may not be in contention until towards the end of September. There are now hopes that he will be back before then, but The Journal understands the Black Cats are likely to have to start the season without him, and that has knock-on effects for their striker options.
Di Canio confirmed in Hong Kong that he did not want to sign another striker and will start the season, with Jozy Altidore as the main target man. But with Ji Dong-Won likely to be sold, he intends to retain Wickham to give him options in the striking department.
It also means that Stephane Sessegnon, who was impressive in spells in Hong Kong, is more likely to stay at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats will listen to offers for the Benin striker but there has been no more than tentative interest in him so far.
The Sunderland boss is keen to integrate Fletcher into his preferred system and has seen plenty about the former Wolves man that he likes. But the serious injury sustained on international duty has prevented Di Canio from working with the forward.
There has not been a setback in his comeback plans, but he was left out of Scotland’s squad to face England recently, which was an indication that he is still some way from being available for first-team action. Sunderland continue to re-mould their squad and yesterday allowed Alfred N’Diaye to leave on a season-long loan to Turkish top-flight side Eskisehirspor.
It is understood a fee has been agreed for the midfielder if the move works out, but either way, it appears N’Diaye’s short Sunderland career is over.
The club were linked with Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes – who is in the final year of his contract with Besiktas – and are looking for more of a creative presence in the engine room.
N’Diaye struggled to make an impression after moving to Sunderland in January and, while he won admirers for his effort, Di Canio is looking to move the Black Cats up a level next year.
He already has Craig Gardner, Jack Colback and Cabral who can play in the holding midfielder role – while Lee Cattermole could also be deployed there if Di Canio reconsiders his stance on the former Middlesbrough man.
Gardner may also start the season at right-back unless Sunderland manage to sign one of the two full-backs he is looking to recruit.
“I just want to play as many games as I can this season, no matter what position it is,” he said.
“I would rather play anywhere than be on the bench. I am playing in pre-season. I have played four full games and I am enjoying it.
“It (pre-season) is tough, I admit it. But it is a good tough because training is hard. I am a firm believer that the attitude to training should be the same as it is in life generally.
“If you work hard in life you get a good life.
“That is what we are doing as far as training is concerned, so hopefully we will have a good season.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 13:55
Bardsley can’t stop Sunderland’s youth from losing
PHIL Bardsley played the first half for Sunderland’s Development Squad in Saturday’s friendly at the Brewery Field but his presence couldn’t prevent Spennymoor Town from running out 3-1 winners in front of a crowd of 441.
Carl Lawson was a 12th minute marksman for Kevin Ball’s side when he beat the offside trap and went on to fire past goalkeeper Peter Jeffries.
Moor’s equaliser came from the penalty spot when Dan Taylor drove home and early in the second period, Mark Davison was left with an easy tap-in following good work by Liam Henderson.
Jason Ainsley’s team just about ended the hopes of the Wearsiders when they were awarded a second spot kick on 66 minutes and this time it was Michael Rae who netted.
Sunderland RCA just edged a Hartlepool XI by the only goal. With 22 minutes on the clock Kyle Morris struck after being set up by the former Durham City player Conor Winter.
There was no shortage of goals for Ryhope CW, who are expected to mount a strong challenge for an immediate return to the Ebac Northern League after being compulsorily relegated to the Wearside League.
Martin Swales’ side maintained their impressive pre-season build up when they thumped Hylton Colliery 6-0 with a brace apiece from James Cook, Phil Hall and Jack Pounder.
Neighbours Silksworth CW also won when they ended 3-1 in front of Coundon Leeholme for whom Ben Collinson cancelled out an early strike from Hargreaves. Stephens and Place were also on target for the Wearsiders.
Chester-le-Street comfortably defeated Harton and Westoe from the Wearside League as the goals flowed from Craig Nichol (2), Anthony Lee and David Surrey.
Durham City had to settle for a 2-2 draw with North Shields, who are unbeaten in seven outings.
Denver Morris headed Adam Furness’ team in front and following Dan Smart’s equaliser, Ricky Fenwick tapped in City’s second goal. With only three minutes left on the clock goalkeeper Rhys Jobling parried a goal-bound drive from Stuart Wright but only into the path of Gareth Bainbridge, who levelled scoring his eighth goal in five games.
Dan Taggart, with a brace, Callum Hope, Matthew Fisher and Cameron Nichol earned Birtley Town an easy victory at Jarrow and two goals from North proved more than sufficient for Seaham Red Star at home to Radcliffe Borough.
Easington Colliery went down to former Wearside League rivals Willington, who were promoted to the ENL at the end of last season. Adam Pinkey (2) and Mark Foster were the scorers.
Hartlepool FC defeated Horden CW on penalties in the East Durham Cup after the sides had finished 1-1. Paul Murphy struck for the Colliers and Jack Nixon restored parity in normal time.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-30 19:35
Newcastle 0 Sunderland 9: Free-spending Di Canio leaves Toon fans feeling like the poor relations
It may not be a scoreline either Sunderland or Newcastle supporters realistically envisage. It is however the score in transfers so far this summer.
While Paolo Di Canio has adopted a brave policy for his first transfer window at the Stadium of Light, opposite number Alan Pardew has left his club’s transfer dealings to new director of football Joe Kinnear. And so far the self-proclaimed best in the business has not landed one new addition.
Kinnear couldn’t even manage to persuade his old pal Mick Harford to return to St James’s Park as his number two and, in Harford’s words, assist in player recruitment. If he can’t even sign a retired
No 9 what chance does he have of finding a new one?
Within days of Kinnear’s unexpected arrival, Newcastle lost out to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund for Pierre–Emerick Aubameyang. Since then Marseille’s Andre-Pierre Gignac appears to have slipped through the net and only this week Kinnear made a final take-it-or-leave-it offer to Lyon for Bafetimbi Gomis.
Lyon want £12million for the France international and Newcastle will go as high as £8m.
Newcastle are now prepared to turn their attention to former Sunderland striker Darren Bent who is surplus to Aston Villa’s needs. Kinnear faces competition from Fulham for the former England international and is under pressure to negotiate this deal to a successful conclusion.
Seeking, and getting, the best deal, particularly in their dealings with French clubs, is classic Mike Ashley and has become a cornerstone of his regime. It works for Sports Direct, and it should work for his football club. If he misses out on a player or two, so be it. But it is frustrating the Toon faithful.
A year after they were criticised for failing to build on their Europa Cup qualification – Vurnon Anita was the only notable signing – Newcastle show no signs of learning their lessons.
The club may perceive that keeping hold of Wonga rebel Papiss Cisse, alleged Manchester United target Yohan Cabaye, homesick captain Fabricio Coloccini and talented Dutch keeper Tim Krul is better than any incoming transfer business. But try selling and telling that to Newcastle fans.
Even ex-players are concerned. Speaking at the launch of his September 11 testimonial game between Newcastle and AC Milan legends, Hull’s new keeper Steve Harper said: 'There seems to be some positive noises about players coming in now. The likes of maybe Remy coming on loan would be a very good signing.
'As a fan, you want to see as many options as possible in a black and white shirt. I know that's what the manager wants, and hopefully he will get that.'
What does not help is the business done down the road at Sunderland where Di Canio, backed by a new Italian scouting network, was busy a month ago bringing in nine players, only one of whom, Altrincham’s Duncan Watmore, is English.
The Sunderland head coach clearly decided months ago his squad needed a major overhaul.
Watmore, Valentin Roberge, Jozy Altidore, Vito Mannone, David Moberg Karlsson, Modibo Diakite, Cabral, El-Hadji Ba and Emanuele Giaccherini are all in Di Canio’s squad now.
Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon were released, Ahmed Elmohamady sold to Hull, and so far Simon Mignolet – at a tidy £7million profit – has left for Liverpool while Sunderland have secured year-long loan deals for Danny Graham and Alfred N’ Diaye, the two permanent signings made by Martin O’Neill in January, at a cost of nearly £8million.
And the exit door is far from closed. Phil Bardsley has had the humiliation of playing with the juniors, and being linked with a move to Newcastle, while captain Lee Cattermole wasn’t even told he no longer had a squad number. His future will be clearer after meeting Di Canio this week, but it is unlikely to be on Wearside.
No member of the Sunderland squad is immune (unless you’re John O’Shea or Adam Johnson it seems) and the likes of Seb Larsson, James McClean, Jack Colback, Craig Gardner, Connor Wickham and even top scorer Steven Fletcher could have new employers within a month.
Signing big and plenty is no guarantee of success, particularly when your manager is as volatile as Di Canio, but by getting his new men in quickly, the Italian coach has at least given them time to get used to his unique methods.
His policy has certainly renewed optimism on Wearside.
Former Newcastle and Ireland defender John Anderson hosts a nightly phone-in for BBC Newcastle. And he has noted a difference between the two sets of fans this summer.
'It is the two extremes,' he said. 'The majority of Newcastle punters are worried about the lack of signings and they would like to see new faces in, and lessons learnt from last year when the failure in the transfer market impacted on the season. Some think we’re in for a relegation fight.
'Sunderland fans are getting a bit carried away, and some are talking about top three or four after the win over Spurs last week. I can’t see that but fair play to them for giving it a go this summer.'
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Anonymous2013-07-31 10:13
Its not really a shock. Newcastle have been known as a laughing stock for years now.
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Anonymous2013-07-31 17:30
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:35
Despite an expectation that Paolo Di Canio is content with his options in the final third of the field as the new season draws near, talk late on Tuesday night turned to a reported rejected bid made by Sunderland for the services of Fenerbahce forward, Moussa Sow.
Reports coming out of Turkey seemed to suggest that an offer in the region of £12m had been rejected by Sow’s parent club and this news certainly piqued the interest of Sunderland fans given the high profile clubs that have been interested in his signature.
Previously this summer Arsenal were linked with the powerful forward, and he has also been on the radar of the likes of Spurs and Liverpool.
Casting an eye over Sow’s goal scoring record it quickly comes apparent why a number of high profile Premier League sides have been keeping tabs on the Senegalese striker who really made his name during a spell in France with Lille, where he scored over thirty goals in a two season spell, finishing top goal scorer in 2010/11 and helping his side to their first domestic title in over fifty years.
It is no secret that Sunderland are desperately looking to fill both full back positions.
More recently Sow has been plying his trade in Turkey, where he has continued his goal scoring exploits, finding the back of the net on twenty-two occasions since his move last January.
If Sunderland’s interest proves to be genuine, rather than just some cheeky ploy by some naughty agent to engineer a move for their client, it would be safe to assume that one of Sunderland’s current attacking options would likely be sacrificed, with the most likely candidate seemingly Ji Dong-Won.
Following an impressive loan spell with Augsburg last term, the South Korean bean pole reportedly caught the eye of German giants and Champions League finalists Borrusia Dortmund along with a host of other Bundesliga sides.
Despite looking to struggle with the pace and physicality of the Premier League at first following his arrival on Wearside, Ji certainly found his feet at Augsburg and looked to be developing nicely, so much so that Sunderland turned down advances from Dortmund and elected to have another look at him back on Wearside this summer.
That being said, if a deal for Sow is on Sunderland’s ‘to-do list’ then I would expect Ji would eventually make way to help balance the books somewhat.
However, at this stage, I would recommend taking such links with the Fenerbahce man with a fairly hefty pinch of salt.
It is no secret that Sunderland are desperately looking to fill both full back positions and also for a more creative option in the centre of the park and I would place a decent sized bet that these are the areas where the club are solely concentrating at this moment in time given their urgency.
Watch this space I guess.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:36
ulham are closing in a swoop for Sunderland's midfielder and former captain Lee Cattermole.
Cattermole has been told by manager Paolo Di Canio that he can leave the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats’ no-nonsense Italian manager has initiated a huge shake-up this summer and wants rid of the red-card-magnet midfielder nicknamed 'Clattermole'.
The former England Under-21 international is now in talks with Fulham boss Martin Jol, who has cash to spend following the west London club’s takeover by US tycoon Shahid Khan.
Sunderland paid Wigan £6million for Cattermole in 2009, but are now set to let him go for around £2.5m.
Last month, we revealed that flop Sunderland striker Danny Graham was being farmed out on loan to Prem new boys Hull as part of Di Canio’s extensive remodelling.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:37
Sunderland eye Quincy Owusu-Abeyie transfer as he waits for Crystal Palace offer
Ex-Arsenal winger can leave Panathinaikos for free and has been playing for Palace in pre-season PLUS Colback latest
Sunderland could hijack Crystal Palace’s bid for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
Former Arsenal winger Owusu-Abeyie has been on trial with Premier League new boys Palace, but is yet to be offered a contract.
Now, the Black Cats' manager Paolo Di Canio is weighing up a move to bring the well-travelled Ghana international to Wearside.
The 27-year-old, who was loaned out at Birmingham, Cardiff and Portsmouth during a three-year stint with the Gunners, has been told he can leave his current club, Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Elsewhere, Di Canio wants a decision from homegrown midfielder Jack Colback, who is stalling on a new contract offer.
Colback has just 12 months left on his current deal at the Stadium of Light, and newly-promoted duo Hull and Cardiff are ready to offer the 23-year-old a fresh challenge.
Di Canio would love to keep the former England youth international, who has also filled in successfully at left-back in making almost 100 appearance for a club he joined at age 10.
The Italian wants a swift decision: “I’ve spoken to Jack twice recently, he’s a genuine guy with a fantastic attitude.
“He has to make clear what he wants to do in the future because if a player has it in his brain to leave, it’s difficult.”
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:38
Sunderland to step up chase for Aston Villa and West Ham target Zdravko Kuzmanovic
SUNDERLAND appear to have moved into pole position to sign Inter midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
Rumours about a Sunderland move for Kuzmanovic surfaced last week, but now reports in Italy suggest that the Black Cats are set to formalise their interest.
Kuzmanovic has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa and West Ham.
Sam Allardyce confessed that Kuzmanovic is a player he was interested in but West Ham were rebuffed in their pursuit of the 25-year-old after the player's agent said he expected the Serbian international to remain with Inter.
Kuzmanovic only joined the club from Stuttgart in January and is not thought to be ready to give up on Serie A, despite making only ten starts last term.
In response to the West Ham speculation Kuzmanovic's agent Marko Naletillic said: "The future of Kuzmanovic is simple.
"He will be staying with Inter and that is for certain."
But that hasn't stopped Sunderland and Aston Villa also being linked with a move for the player.
It was thought that a £5m fee may be enough for Inter to cut their losses on Kuzmanovic, but it appears Paolo Di Canio may have a tougher task getting the player to agree to make the move to Wearside.
Kuzmanovic was highly regarded during his time at Stuttgart, and Arsenal were linked with a move for the player, but Italian-speaking Kuzmanovic was very clear that a move to Serie A was his preference.
It remains to be seen whether the influx of Italians at Sunderland during the off-season has any impact on Kuzmanovic's reluctance to move to England.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:38
With Paolo Di Canio so far having recruited no fewer than nine unfamiliar faces to the Stadium of Light this summer, the veteran defender is pleased by the early indications
Sunderland defender John O'Shea has been impressed by the quality of Paolo Di Canio's summer recruits thus far.
The Republic of Ireland international has already had the opportunity to play alongside the nine new additions and has seen Cabral and David Moberg-Karlsson instantly impress with goals in the Black Cats' 3-1 win over Tottenham in the Asia Trophy.
TRANSFER TALK
Also among the arrivals are Emanuele Giaccherini, Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge, Vito Mannone and big-money striker Jozy Altidore.
"The quality of players that the manager has brought in is pleasing," O'Shea told the club's official website. "Giaccherini has not been here long, but already you can see from his first touch he's got that bit of class – it's very pleasing on the eye.
"His link-up play with the strikers looks good and, if we can get him fully fit and get Jozy Altidore banging in goals, alongside Sess [Stephane Sessegnon], who's looking fantastic, it's going to be exciting.
"We've got a lot more attacking options than we've had before; the new players, [Steven] Fletcher - when he comes back - [Connor) Wickham and Ji [Dong-Won], who's come back from Germany looking a lot sharper.
"There's going to be a lot of competition for places, which can only be a good thing and should see us push our way up the table."
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:39
The non-stop transfer whirlwind that has engulfed Wearside this summer shows no sign of passing, with James McClean the latest member of the Sunderland squad to be linked with a move away.
The Scottish Champions Celtic are reportedly lining up a £2.5m deal for the Irish International, a fee which may just tempt Di Canio to part with the winger in a bid to recoup some of the outlay which was spent on Emanuele Giaccherini, who has surely usurped young McClean from the Sunderland first team.
McClean’s Sunderland career to date, albeit a short one, has been an intriguing, rollercoaster of a ride.
Steve Bruce brought the unknown man from Derry to the North-East for a nominal fee of around £350k but was quick to identify his new recruit as ‘one for the future’ and a spell in the reserves beckoned.
McClean didn’t have to wait to long for his chance however, and boy did he make the most of an opportunity granted to him by Steve Bruce’s successor, Martin O’Neill. McClean was simply sensational following his debut in December of 2011 and indeed was instrumental throughout the upturn in fortunes at Sunderland which coincided with Martin O’Neill’s arrival.
The confidence seemed to have evaporated from his game along with any ability to beat his man.
As an unknown quantity in the Premier League, opposition defences had no idea who McClean was, or indeed how to deal with the threat he posed. This undoubtedly helped James no end as he quickly made a name for himself with a swashbuckling, fearless and fantastically naive approach to wing play which was a joy to behold.
James would go on to claim the Young Player of the Year Award that season and seemed to have the world at his feet.
However, the following season would see the young Irishman come back down to Earth with an almighty bump.
A volatile blend of controversy surrounding his political stance with regards to wearing a remembrance poppy, a series of ill-advised outbursts on Twitter and an almighty case of ‘second season syndrome’ saw McClean desperately struggle to match the blistering form he had showed the previous term.
McClean simply wasn’t the same player he once was. The confidence seemed to have evaporated from his game along with any ability to beat his man, which had bizarrely been replaced by an irrational desire to cut inside from the left wing onto his, far, far, far weaker right foot.
Couple all of the above together with Di Canio’s drastic revolution at the club and McClean’s future certainly looks unclear and a fresh start might be best for both parties in this instance.
Quite whether McClean will ever recapture the magical form he first displayed or whether he will simply forever be known as a ‘one season wonder’ remains to be seen, but it would appear that he is surplus to requirements under Sunderland’s new regime.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:39
The Black Cats goalkeeper is encouraged by how the team are shaping up under the Italian boss, and believes new signings Cabral and Jozy Altidore will impress this season
Keiren Westwood believes Paolo Di Canio's revolution at Sunderland will pay dividends this season.
The Italian manager has made eight new signings ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, with the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore joining from Serie A champions Juventus and Eredivisie outfit Twente respectively.
Sunderland only just avoided the drop by finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, with a late run of good form helping them pull three points clear of relegated Wigan.
And goalkeeper Westwood, who will face competition from new-boy Vito Mannone for the No.1 jersey, has backed the new signings to help Sunderland progress this season.
"There are a lot of new signings in the squad and we’re evolving to the way the manager wants us to play," the Ireland international told the club's official website.
"The lads who were here when he arrived last season know what he [Di Canio] expects from us and now it’s up to the new players to get up to speed.
"Cabral [signed from Basel] impressed me against Spurs and I think Jozy [Altidore] will make an impact."
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:42
Sunderland told El-Hadji Ba isn’t the finished article
SUNDERLAND have been warned that transfer target El-Hadji Ba is a long way from being Premier League-ready by the 19-year-old’s current club.
The Black Cats have followed the lead of neighbours Newcastle United by scouting for young talent in France. Their investigations have led them to Le Havre’s Ba (pictured left). A renowned breeding ground, the Ligue 2 club are used to losing their top players, but the chairman of their education centre, Johann Louvel, is hopeful Ba will not leave just yet.
The fact Ba is still on a trainee contract and free to leave in the summer means he is powerless to intervene if Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur or Borussia Dortmund follow up their interest.
“I hope there won’t be any developments (over Ba’s future),” Louvel told French sports paper L’Equipe.
“We will meet his representatives soon and we hope to find an agreement for everyone’s interest.” Ba revealed Sunderland’s interest in January, declaring himself “flattered” by it.
Whether simply an attempt by Louvel to delay the seemingly inevitable or not, he has suggested the defensive midfielder does not yet have the stamina to play in a top league. “He still has difficulties to hold on more than one hour (in a game), so he still has to make a lot of basic work to be able to repeat efforts,” he said. “So I cannot see any sport or financial interest for him to leave us.”
That said, Sunderland probably do not see Ba as a player to go directly into their first team, but one for their academy coaches to refine, so whether that less than glowing recommendation would actually put them off is doubtful.
Ba has played for his country at under-18, under-19 and under-20, forming a productive partnership with another Le Havre graduate, Juventus’ Paul Pogba. The Black Cats have also been linked with Hannover striker Didier Ya Konan, along with Wigan Athletic.
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international has scored five Bundesliga goals this season for the Europa League qualifiers. And Konan would certainly welcome interest from England.
“I have always dreamt of playing in the Premier League but nothing has happened so far,” he said.
“I heard about teams interested through my representative in the UK but nothing has happened.
“I am here in Hanover. We are trying to finish the season strongly and see at the end of the season. We played in Europe this season and we want to do that again.”
Meanwhile, Fulham manager Martin Jol has said Kieran Richardson “should” be a top-class left-back.
The Londoner has had an injury-hit debut season at Craven Cottage, restricted to just eight starts – six in midfield – since joining from the Black Cats. He is, however, pushing for another against his old club at the Stadium of Light tomorrow after recovering from a calf problem.
The Manchester United product’s ability to play a number of positions has always been a mixed blessing for him, but Jol has suggested his best position may be in defence. “He’s a versatile player, he can play on the left, he can play in midfield and he can play left-back,” said the Dutchman. “And I feel that he should be – not could be – a terrific left-back because he did that before.
“He had a good season with Steve Bruce as a left-back but then he played a bit differently so if you give him the licence to express himself I think he will be good as a left-back.”
Cash turnstiles will be in operation tomorrow and £30 adult tickets are available from 1.30pm. No concessions are available at the turnstiles, although they can be bought from the ticket office, which is open from 10am until kick-off.
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:44
After being frustrated in our attempt to sign a right back, have we returned for one of the first players linked with Sunderland during this window?
The Gino Peruzzi saga is still rumbling on, yesterday it emerged that Italian side Catania had shown interest in signing the Argentine defender, then the Velez president, Miguel Calello, said that until he gets a definitive 'no' from Sunderland, he does not consider the defender's move to be over.
All of which means Sunderland are still waiting to solve their problem right back position and with the season drawing ever closer, the prospect of Craig Gardner filling in there once again grows.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel though, with reports emerging from Italy that suggest Sunderland have gone back to the drawing board and re-entered the race to sign Torino right back Danilo D'Ambrosio. D'Ambrosio was actually the first right back linked to the club this summer, in fact regular readers of Roker Report, will have noticed his name on our weekly column 'The Gossip' since this summer's first edition of that feature.
The 24-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract, is highly rated in Italy and has been tracked by a number of clubs, including Napoli and Inter Milan. With his contract running down, his agent has admitted that he will leave Torino this summer and although it was a difficult decision, they both feel it's time he had a change of scenery.
It's thought that Torino want €4m for D'Ambrosio and considering he is currently earning a little over £5,000 per week, he will almost certainly fit into the young, hungry and relatively cheap model the club are targeting.
Whether there is any truth behind this link remains to be seen but there is currently a meeting set for Friday, so D'Ambrosio, his representative and Torino can work out a solution that suits all three parties, hopefully that means it won't be another long running saga and we will get some answers by the end of the week.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:46
Steven Fletcher set to miss Sunderland's big kick-off
Steven Fletcher is likely to be out of action until September as he battles back from ankle surgery
Steven Fletcher is likely to be out of action until September as he battles back from ankle surgery.
And that means Sunderland are unlikely to let Connor Wickham leave before the start of the campaign – despite interest from QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich.
Fletcher was not included in the Sunderland travelling party that trekked to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury and initially feared that he may not be in contention until towards the end of September. There are now hopes that he will be back before then, but The Journal understands the Black Cats are likely to have to start the season without him, and that has knock-on effects for their striker options.
Di Canio confirmed in Hong Kong that he did not want to sign another striker and will start the season, with Jozy Altidore as the main target man. But with Ji Dong-Won likely to be sold, he intends to retain Wickham to give him options in the striking department.
It also means that Stephane Sessegnon, who was impressive in spells in Hong Kong, is more likely to stay at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats will listen to offers for the Benin striker but there has been no more than tentative interest in him so far.
The Sunderland boss is keen to integrate Fletcher into his preferred system and has seen plenty about the former Wolves man that he likes. But the serious injury sustained on international duty has prevented Di Canio from working with the forward.
There has not been a setback in his comeback plans, but he was left out of Scotland’s squad to face England recently, which was an indication that he is still some way from being available for first-team action. Sunderland continue to re-mould their squad and yesterday allowed Alfred N’Diaye to leave on a season-long loan to Turkish top-flight side Eskisehirspor.
It is understood a fee has been agreed for the midfielder if the move works out, but either way, it appears N’Diaye’s short Sunderland career is over.
The club were linked with Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes – who is in the final year of his contract with Besiktas – and are looking for more of a creative presence in the engine room.
N’Diaye struggled to make an impression after moving to Sunderland in January and, while he won admirers for his effort, Di Canio is looking to move the Black Cats up a level next year.
He already has Craig Gardner, Jack Colback and Cabral who can play in the holding midfielder role – while Lee Cattermole could also be deployed there if Di Canio reconsiders his stance on the former Middlesbrough man.
Gardner may also start the season at right-back unless Sunderland manage to sign one of the two full-backs he is looking to recruit.
“I just want to play as many games as I can this season, no matter what position it is,” he said.
“I would rather play anywhere than be on the bench. I am playing in pre-season. I have played four full games and I am enjoying it.
“It (pre-season) is tough, I admit it. But it is a good tough because training is hard. I am a firm believer that the attitude to training should be the same as it is in life generally.
“If you work hard in life you get a good life.
“That is what we are doing as far as training is concerned, so hopefully we will have a good season.”
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:47
A round-up of transfer news involving Sunderland AFC.
Paolo Di Canio looks to be closing in on his ninth summer signing as Panathanaikos winger Charis Mavrias is due to arrive on Wearside this week to undergo a medical.
One player who Di Canio looks like missing out on is the Argentina defender Lucas Orban who is expected to sign for Bordeaux.
Sky Tyne and Wear understands that despite links to both Fulham and Newcastle United, Phil Bardsley is yet to speak with any club regarding his future.
We also believe Paolo Di Canio is due to meet with Lee Cattermole’s representatives in the very near future to discuss his future.
A source close to Cattermole told Sky Tyne and Wear that the former Middlesbrough man is likely to leave the Stadium of Light on loan if no bids are received for him.
James McClean could also be on his way out. Paolo Di Canio has been playing Emanuele Giaccherini and Adam Johnson as his two wingers in pre-season and McClean is not guaranteed a starting sport.
The Republic of Ireland international had a number of off-field incidents last season and Celtic are thought to be readying themselves with an offer in the region of £2.5million.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:48
FASTER, fitter, stronger, and not too shabby in the footballing department either.
It’s always dangerous to read too much into pre-season friendlies, but what little fans have seen of a new look Sunderland this summer will have at least given them reasons to be cheerful.
Their display against Tottenham in the semi-final of the Asia Trophy last week had plenty of positives, and while the final – a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday – didn’t go to plan, the Black Cats were far from disgraced against the eventual competition winners.
In fact, Sunderland started the brighter of the two sides, and despite City missing a penalty, and having other chances, the Wearsiders gave a decent show of themselves on a pitch that resembled a local park in mid-October.
Paolo Di Canio’s men have one more pre-season run-out left to play – away to Danish outfit FC Midtjylland next Wednesday.
In an ideal world, the Italian would hope to have all of his transfer business done in terms of new arrivals.
However, while I’m sure work continues to take place behind the seasons, there has been little more than speculation in recent days over who is or isn’t coming to the club.
And it might well be that there are no new arrivals ahead of the clash with the Danes.
That certainly wouldn’t be a catastrophe, but it could mean that Sunderland have to rethink their plans for the start of the season.
Di Canio has made it clear that he is still looking to add two full-backs and a ‘keys to the door’ player to his squad.
But whether they arrive in time to be whipped into shape for the 2013/14 Premier League campaign remains to be seen.
The Sunderland boss has been willing to throw Emanuele Giaccherini, Cabral, Vito Mannone and Jozy Altidore straight into the mix during pre-season.
While others such as David Moberg Karlsson and El-Hadji Ba have been used as substitutes.
Valentin Roberge has only had a couple of minutes’ run out, and Modibo Diakite has missed out with a knock.
But the later the arrivals of further new faces may mean the Italian is reluctant to hand them a starting berth at the beginning of the new season.
So, Sunderland could start with Jack Colback and Craig Gardner as makeshift full-backs against Fulham on August 17.
That’s no huge hardship, both have played there before and have done well out in Hong Kong.
But fans will hope to see two new full-backs and a playmaker in a red and white shirt before too long.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:49
PAOLO DI CANIO realises that some of his new signings will take longer than others to settle at Sunderland.
Four of Sunderland’s summer arrivals – Jozy Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini, Vito Mannone and Cabral – started both of the Black Cats’ encounters in the Barclays Asia Trophy, with David Moberg Karlsson also impressing from the substitute’s bench.
But of their fellow new boys, Modibo Diakite didn’t travel to Hong Kong due to injury, El-Hadji Ba gave away a penalty in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City and Valentin Roberge played just three minutes of the two games in the Far East.
Di Canio is not concerned though and says it is not easy to adapt to both his regime and playing in a different country.
“Some of the players come from abroad, Giaccherini for example,” said Di Canio.
“I’m very happy with him.
“He understands my philosophy straightaway.
“Some others may take a bit more time, but it’s not an issue.
“Saturday was only the second real test for us after 23 days together.
“Some of them have suffered during our pre-season, because as they told me, it’s never happened to them. They’ve ran a lot and done double sessions every day.”
Di Canio also acknowledges there will be set-backs during his attempts to revolutionise Sunderland’s prospects with a new-look squad.
But the Italian insists he is encouraged by the pre-season signs from his side and is confident of what lies ahead for the Black Cats.
When asked whether he was optimistic for the new campaign, Di Canio replied: “Absolutely yes.
“We’re in the process of trying to understand each other and some players still don’t completely understand what I want from him, in terms of attitude.
“Everybody has got his own way to approach the game.
“But we still have a long time.
“Sometimes, even with top players, you know they’re never going to change their mentality into a different culture.
“I know that in this process you can have ups and downs, so it’s important that we realise and understand that.”
Name:
Anonymous2013-07-31 17:50
Its nice to get some honest insight into the things going on behind the scenes. PDC is very forthright with his outlook on things which is great for us fans wanting titbits of info we wouldn't normally get. There's always an element of stating the obvious but it feels less cliched when PDC does it.
Name:
Anonymous2013-07-31 17:51
>>138
Lennon's looking at the Ajax winger now,we need to get McClean up there asap.
Name:
Anonymous2013-07-31 17:51
>>139
i thought we had got rid of patronising coaches that state the obvious then i remember, we arent sunderland anymore we are the dicanio roadshow, i hope thats just HP sauce on your tash fabster
"Once I thought I was out, they pull me right back in!"
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:52
Away Day Guide: Sunderland (For Crystal Palace FC)
Stadium: The Stadium of Light
Capacity: 49,000
Address: The Sunderland Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR5 1SU
Telephone: 0191 551 5000
Club website: www.safc.com
Getting There
By car:
From the A19 take the A1231, signposted Sunderland North. Go straight across four roundabouts, then keep in the left-hand lane and follow signs for B1289 (Roker). Continue on this road and the stadium will be on your right.
Parking:
The Stadium of Light has 1,146 parking spaces for supporters as well as space for up to 24 coaches. You can park at the Stadium of Light Metro Station at a cost of £4 per car, or alternatively, parking is available in the city centre around a 10-15 minute walk from the ground. There is also a 'Park and Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays. This runs from Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, starting 90 minutes before kick-off and continue well after the game has finished. Many of the streets surrounding the stadium are residential so if parking in any surrounding streets please be respectful of local homeowners.
By train:
Sunderland train station is a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium. It has excellent links to the national rail network and Metro system. When travelling to the match, fans have the choice of arriving at either St. Peter’s or the Stadium of Light metro stations prior to the game.
Did You Know...
When opened in 1997 the name for the stadium was eventually revealed as the Stadium of Light, a reference to a miner's lamp (the stadium is built on the site of the old Wearmouth Colliery, and many Sunderland fans have worked in the region's mines). To emphasise the fact, a Davy lamp is located in front of the stadium's ticket office.
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:53
No Sunderland Exit For Stephane Sessegnon
Influential attacker is happy at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon has insisted that he is happy with life in the Northeast and is not looking for a move away from the club this summer, Sky Sports understands.
Reports earlier this summer had suggested that Paolo Di Canio would be willing to listen to offers for the Benin international, even though he had only signed new deal last August.
But so far, there have been no offers for the 29-year-old and he now appears to be a part of Di Canio’s plans meaning that a move could prove unlikely. Furthermore, he has insisted that he is happy at the club and is not looking to move on.
“The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I’m happy at Sunderland,” he said.
“We have worked well in pre-season and hopefully we can continue like this. I’m enjoying it at Sunderland and my mind is for Sunderland now.”
Sessegnon arrived in Sunderland in 2011 from PSG for a fee of around £6 million. After showing spells of brilliance, though, he has been blighted with bouts of inconsistency, and rumours of an impending exit have done little to improve his situation.
However, after seeing Di Canio’s plans for the new season he has felt confident that he can make a major contribution to the side again.
“It’s a very important time, you need to have a pre-season. You need to do the hard work to start the season well,” he added.
“I think that affected me during the first few months of last season, but this year is different because we have had a good pre-season with a lot of good players coming.
“That’s made everyone work hard in training and we have got a strong mentality too among the players. It looks good already for the start of the season.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:55
Cattermole set for showdown talks with
Di Canio after Sunderland boss strips captain of squad number
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole will have showdown talks with manager Paolo Di Canio this week.
Cattermole, who has a heel injury, was left out of the squad which travelled to Hong Kong and his number 6 squad number has gone to new signing Cabral.
Fulham and Hull are monitoring Cattermole’s situation.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have have made an enquiry for Besiktas midfielder Manuel Fernandes, 27, formerly of Everton and Portsmouth.
Name:
Anonymous2013-07-31 17:55
>>144
Cattermole could've been a great player, but his attitude on & off the pitch ruined that.
PAOLO DI CANIO says Jack Colback needs to come to a decision on his future, despite his admiration for the Sunderland academy product.
Colback’s destiny at the Stadium of Light remains uncertain after the 23-year-old turned down Sunderland’s offer of a new contract, with only 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Sunderland have no intention of letting Colback leave the club, despite interest from a number of their Premier League peers, including Hull and Cardiff City.
Di Canio has revealed he has had two conversations with Colback over his place in his plans and has been encouraged by the Tynesider’s attitude on the training field during pre-season.
But Di Canio insists that Colback will eventually have to make up his mind on where his future lies, to banish any uncertainty over his place at the club.
Di Canio told the Echo: “I’ve already spoken to him twice and he’s done very well.
“He’s a genuine guy with a fantastic attitude.
“Also, he’s got quality too.
“He has to make clear what he wants to do in the future because if one player has it in his brain to leave, it is difficult.
“But he’s got to keep going and keep behaving like he is.
“He doesn’t look like he’s having any difficulties. He’s one of the most positive young players we’ve got.
“I’m very happy with him.”
Colback has been deployed at left-back during pre-season - a position which the midfielder has covered regularly over the last two seasons.
But Di Canio remains in the hunt for a specialist left-back after a summer of frustration in the transfer market for that position, with moves for Benjamin Mendy and Lucas Orban both falling through.
Valencia’s Aly Cissokho continues to be linked with Sunderland, particularly as Liverpool’s interest seems to have cooled, but Di Canio wants Colback to continue to provide competition for that role next season.
And the Sunderland head coach says that playing at full-back will involve a far more attacking remit under the blueprint for his new-look side.
“Now we’re playing in a different way, he’s started to understand that as a left-back he becomes like a winger,” added Di Canio.
“With the system we’re going to use this year, both full-backs often during the game will become wingers.
“He’s going to enjoy it.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:57
Important season for Sunderland’s old heads, says O’Shea
JOHN O’SHEA realises the role Sunderland’s old heads have in integrating the club’s new signings into the fold.
Paolo Di Canio has brought eight players to the Stadium of Light so far this summer, with the Black Cats head coach hoping for another three recruits – two full-backs and a creative midfielder.
Only two of the fresh faces have plied their trade in the Premier League before – Jozy Altidore and Vito Mannone – with players arriving from the Italian, Swiss, Portugese and French leagues.
And O’Shea, 32, says there is a burden of responsibility on the likes of himself and fellow former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, 33, to ensure the new boys correspond to Di Canio’s blueprint.
“Obviously it helps having that experience when you’re blooding in new players because you’ve been there and done it,” O’Shea told the Echo.
“Whatever the decision the manager makes, we’ll get 100 per cent behind it and make sure it’s for the benefit of the team.
“At the end of the day, that’s what everyone is looking for from the squad.
“If a manager picks a certain team for certain games, everyone gets behind it. It’s not just for the benefit of one or two games.
“Wes has been fit now for the whole of pre-season and that has been a real, real boost for us.
“He’s a special player and fingers crossed he stays fit, because he would be like a new signing and a very valuable one at that.”
O’Shea saw multi-million pound overseas recruits both thrive and nose-dive during the decade he spent at Old Trafford.
And the Republic of Ireland international believes dedication on the training ground is the key factor for those who make the grade in the Premier League.
“You’ve got to be willing to be put in the hard work when you’re coming from overseas to realise the ambition of playing in one of the best leagues in the world,” added O’Shea.
“You have to have the ambition to improve yourself and show yourself to your own fans and the Premier League as well that you’re capable of playing in this league.
“To be fair, all the lads who’ve come in have shown a great attitude.
“They really have the hunger to do well.
“Let’s see how they settle in.
“Some of the young lads will maybe be away from home for the first time, but the North East is not so bad! It’s a friendly place.”
Name:
Anonymous2013-07-31 17:58
>>146
Are you speaking from personal experience, so your not denying it?
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 17:59
Sunderland fans: How optimistic are you?
As the new Premier League season arrives, we want to know how optimistic Sunderland fans are about the upcoming campaign
With the 2013/14 Premier League season a matter of weeks away, we want to know how optimistic Sunderland fans are about the upcoming season.
Paolo Di Canio has shaken things up on Wearside and is aiming to make his tenth signing of the summer.
The feisty Italian has not been one to shy away from what he believes, and because of this has offloaded a number of players he fell will not contribute enough to the club next season.
The Black Cats have been enjoying a positive pre-season, making the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong. They defeated Gareth Bale and his Tottenham Hotspur side in the semi-final, only to be denied the title by Manchester City.
Ahead of the new season, we want to know how optimistic Sunderland fans are.
Let us know your thoughts by taking our expectations survey.
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
>>151
Arsenal shitty team living in Chelsea's spotlight!!!
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:03
Sunderland fans: How fucking gay are you?
As the new Premier League season arrives, we want to know how fucking gay Sunderland fans are about the upcoming campaign
With the 2013/14 Premier League season a matter of weeks away, we want to know how fucking gay Sunderland fans are about the upcoming season.
Paolo Di Canio has shaken things up on Wearside and is aiming to make his tenth signing of the summer.
The feisty Italian has not been one to shy away from what he believes, and because of this has offloaded a number of players he fell will not contribute enough to the club next season.
The Black Cats have been enjoying a positive pre-season, making the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong. They defeated Gareth Bale and his Tottenham Hotspur side in the semi-final, only to be denied the title by Manchester City.
Ahead of the new season, we want to know how fucking gay Sunderland fans are.
Let us know your thoughts by taking our expectations survey.
Newcastle United 0 Sunderland 3 - Stuart Rayner's match analysis
Newcastle United fans travelled to St James’ Park hoping to more or less bury Sunderland as a Premier League team
Newcastle United fans travelled to St James’ Park hoping to more or less bury Sunderland as a Premier League team. They ended it glancing anxiously over their shoulders.
No wonder their manager Alan Pardew looked like a guest at his own funeral. He had good cause to.
Pardew’s job is not in immediate danger, just as Steve Bruce’s was not when his Sunderland team were humiliated here 5-1. Yesterday’s defeat was the Magpies’ 5-1 moment.
It will take an awful lot of good work even from last season’s manager of the year to clamber his way back into credit after Newcastle’s biggest derby defeat since February 1979, sealed by a Gary Rowell hat-trick Sunderland fans not even born then still sing about.
Pardew admitted afterwards. “We’ll have to wear it, probably next year as well.
“That’s what happens when you lose one of these games.”
Unbeaten in Tyne-Wear derbies yesterday morning, Pardew’s record is suddenly one win in five.
It was only one game, but when his counterpart Paolo Di Canio claimed before the match it was “worth a thousand” in morale terms he could have been closer to the mark than someone so new to the region should be.
“Going down, going down,” chanted the Sunderland fans, echoing the most savoury of the chants aimed at their own players as they climbed off the team bus three hours earlier.
You should never take such terrace predictions with any thing less a few tablespoons of salt but, after the ecstasy of the previous week’s injury-time winner over Fulham, it is not out of the question they could be right.
With the exception of Hatem Ben Arfa on the bench, it was more or less Newcastle’s strongest side which was so utterly outplayed if you accept Fabricio Coloccini has quietly played his last game for the club.
It is going to get weaker. Tim Krul will not play again this season after dislocating his shoulder when he landed awkwardly trying to take a cross.
The day had a big-game feel. Flares were lit in the Sunderland section as the players walked out to the usual derby crescendo.
After the opening goal one ended up in the Newcastle fans below. At first glance, it even looked like referee Howard Webb had his own mascot, but it turned out to be diminutive lineswoman Sian Massey.
With Webb’s World Cup final colleague Darren Cann on the opposite touchline, neither side could complain the game had not been afforded the top officials, although it did not stop Cann wrongly flagging Papiss Cisse offside after he thought he had equalised on the hour.
Cheick Tioté was all hustle and bustle but precious little else.
Ineffective for the second big game in a week, Yohan Cabaye was substituted.
Cissé’s movement caused problems in the first half but his finishing did not and without that it was hard to see where Newcastle’s goal would come from.
Shola Ameobi played 45 minutes of a derby and did not even score, for goodness’ sake.
As usual after a European game, Newcastle started sluggishly. The difference was this time they never picked up.
Stéphane Sessègnon’s goal, capitalising on a sloppy Jonás Gutiérrez pass inexplicably played across his back line, prompted a brief flurry, but Simon Mignolet denied Cissé twice in quick succession.
That apart, the first half was all Sunderland, with more Geordies (but no Wearsiders) in their team pumped up by a new manager who was not just on the pitch with his players spiritually but often physically too.
Pardew complained afterwards about a penalty denied his side when the ball struck Carlos Cuellar’s hand in a goalmouth melée, but he was grasping at straws.
Twice Sunderland had dubious, but more convincing handball shouts of their own and between them Cann and Webb failed to see a big chunk of Danny Graham’s shirt in Steven Taylor’s hand at 0-0.
Pardew’s substitutions failed to turn the tide.
Too much was expected of a half-fit Ben Arfa, asked for the second time in a week to rescue his side.
Instead, Easington-born Adam Johnson produced the moment of magic.
David Vaughan followed it with a goal as stunning as the one he scored in the last Sunderland manager’s first win.
It could easily have been more.
Newcastle’s fans will be seeing a lot more of the three-fingered salute Di Canio gave to the delirious visiting supporters.
Inevitably, James McClean did the same.
Webb’s decision to add six minutes on at te end was just plain cruel.
Neither side is out of relegation danger and Sunderland still have less points than their neighbours.
However, a club which finished its last league game talking about top-ten finishes now has to worry more about the five-point gap to the relegation zone.
Mike Ashley is always conscious about getting value for money.
A season which started with such hope and was revived with a mid-season spending spree has not delivered it.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:05
Brown targets Sunderland starting place
WES BROWN is ready for a fight to secure a spot in Sunderland’s starting XI this season.
Brown’s return to fitness has been one of the biggest plus points of Sunderland’s pre-season campaign after the former England international missed the whole of last season through a knee injury which looked to have ended his career.
The 33-year-old started both of Sunderland’s encounters in the Barclays Asia Trophy last week alongside John O’Shea and that pair looks the likeliest central defensive combination to start the Premier League campaign.
But with Brown now available again, Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio is not short on options at the heart of the back four.
Bosman arrivals Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite are both in the frame - albeit the latter missed the Asia Trophy through injury – while Carlos Cuellar is also in contention.
Yet Brown insists the competition is healthy, as he looks to make his first competitive appearance since injuring his knee against Middlesbrough in January, 2012.
Brown told the Echo: “We’ve made good signings at centre-half.
“I’ve seen them play and trained with them so it’s going to be good competition, but I’ve always said that you need that.
“They are good lads as well, so we help each other and watch how each other plays.
“Whoever plays, the others will try to support him in any way whatsoever.”
Brown completed almost three hours of game-time in Sunderland’s two Asia Trophy encounters against Tottenham and Manchester City – particularly heartening for him given the condition of the Hong Kong Stadium pitch.
The former Manchester United man acknowledges it will be a completely different scenario when Sunderland face Premier League sides on a competitive basis.
But Brown says it will have benefited Sunderland’s fitness to tackle quality performers at this tender stage of the campaign.
“It’s a bit different playing Premier League sides at this stage of the season,” he added.
“It’s probably everyone’s first or second game and it’s not as quick or physical as it would be in a normal season.
“But it’s a start, you know the players you’re playing against and it’s a chance to get your base.”
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:05
Transfert. L'Argentin Lucas Orban signe à Bordeaux
Footballlundi 29 juillet 2013
Le défenseur argentin Lucas Orban, qui évoluait la saison dernière à Tigre (1re div. argentine), s'est engagé avec les Girondins de Bordeaux (L1), a indiqué lundi River Plate, qui possédait la moitié des droits du joueur.
«Le latéral a refusé l'offre de River et rejoint le football européen. Il jouera à Bordeaux, qui l'a acheté 3,5 millions d'euros», explique le communiqué des Millonarios, qui ne précise pas la durée de l'engagement du joueur.
Formé à River Plate, Orban, âgé de 24 ans, disposait d'une proposition pour revenir dans son club formateur, deux ans après l'avoir quitté pour Tigre, qui avait acheté 50% des droits du joueur lors de son transfert. Mais le natif de Buenos Aires, qui peut aussi évoluer en défense centrale, a préféré découvrir l'Europe et la Ligue 1.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:07
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio’s a man with a plan
INDECISION over selection for the Premier League opener doesn’t seem to be a problem for Paolo Di Canio.
From the moment the team sheets sprang off the printer in the Hong Kong Stadium last Wednesday, the Sunderland head coach gave the strongest possible indication that he was well aware of his first-choice XI to face Fulham on August 17.
The prominent among Sunderland’s summer signings were all included in the side which started both games in the Barclays Asia Trophy, as were the faithful descendants of the old regime.
But with only one more friendly for Sunderland’s players to mark their mark, where do Di Canio’s selection dilemmas lie in the next two-and-a-half weeks?
Certainly, further additions to the squad could change matters.
As Di Canio told the Gazette out in Hong Kong, there is a very definite list of requirements he still wants addressing before the window slams shut – two full-backs and a creative midfielder.
The continued absence of a specialist full-back in the squad – if the ostracised Phil Bardsley is not counted – remains the biggest concern among supporters, primarily because Sunderland have historically struggled to address the positions on either side of the defence.
Seeing deals for Gino Peruzzi, Benjamin Mendy and Lucas Orban fall through, plus Tottenham’s refusal to sell Danny Rose, has only heightened those worries.
The problem for Di Canio now is that even if he does sign a full-back or two before Fulham visit the Stadium of Light, then there is precious little time to integrate them into the fold.
They need a right-back more than a left-back too, with Craig Gardner serving the final game of a three-match ban on the opening day against Fulham.
Yet if Sunderland can make it through the Cottagers clash, Gardner and Jack Colback could well find themselves in the full-back slots if the new recruits take their time settling or are deadline-busting arrivals.
Is that a worry?Certainly, Colback is arguably as strong at left-back as he is in midfield and shepherded Aaron Lennon superbly in the Barclays Asia Trophy – although admittedly the Spurs winger couldn’t use his pace on such a sorry surface.
And while Gardner had several rushes of blood at right-back last season, he still played there more than in midfield, and produced some excellent performances.
Long-term, the Black Cats need specialists, but in the immediate term, neither stop-gap measure is a cause for sleepless nights.
The make-up of the other two members of the back four is far more predictable.
John O’Shea will surely be Sunderland’s skipper this season, and is the organiser of the defence, while Wes Brown adds the Rolls Royce element to the back-line.
Di Canio freely admits that he wasn’t planning anything around Brown. In fairness, neither were supporters.
Everyone had accepted that the 33-year-old would receive a cheque in the post from Sunderland to bring down the curtain on his playing career.
Everyone that is apart from Brown himself.
Suddenly, he has not just been thrust back into contention in the squad, but into the starting XI as well.
Di Canio continues to want to test Brown’s resilience. That is why he kept the former England international on the mud-bath pitch for the full 90 minutes against Manchester City on Saturday.
But with no full-backs yet on board and Modibo Diakite only resuming training with the main group again today, the defensive line is decided.
It is a similar story in midfield, at least until Di Canio can sign that midfielder capable of “unlocking the doors” as he put it.
Seb Larsson will be the most vulnerable, if and when that player is brought on board, with Cabral shining in the Far East.
The former Basel man has certainly not been brought in to make up the numbers.
The two wide midfield slots don’t seem in any doubt, with Emanuele Giaccherini and Adam Johnson both very much Di Canio favourites, and likely to start at Fulham.
Like the wingers, Sunderland’s two up front look assured of their places for Fulham, even at this stage.
Stephane Sessegnon has reaped the benefits of a tough pre-season programme, and seems to be revelling in the philosophy Di Canio is attempting to implement.
Sunderland could still be tempted to offload Sessegnon should they receive an acceptable offer for the Benin international.
But with Steven Fletcher likely to miss the start of the season and Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won still to prove themselves for the Black Cats consistently, it would be foolhardy for Sunderland to offload Sessegnon now.
Arguably, the only big selection decision Di Canio has to make for Fulham is who starts the campaign as his No1 goalkeeper.
The presumption was that Keiren Westwood would be first-choice after the departure of Simon Mignolet.
But Di Canio gave a strong hint from his unchanged selection in Hong Kong of his preference for Vito Mannone, with the £2m arrival starting both games.
From the very first moment he stepped into the job, Di Canio has had a grand blueprint that he has been desperate to implement.
He knows what he wants, and he is making sure his players know it too.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:08
Sunderland close in on Mavrias, but McClean's future is in limbo
WITH Sunderland edging closer to landing Greek winger Charis Mavrias, James McClean's future appears to be in limbo with Celtic ready to look elsewhere for attacking options.
Paolo Di Canio is expected to complete his tenth summer signing later on in the week with Panathinaikos winger Mavrias, who can also play at left-back, due on Wearside for a medical on Thursday.
The deal was in doubt last week after Sunderland reportedly cooled their interest in the player because his current employers were digging their heels in over the transfer.
However, the clubs have now reached an agreement over the fee, with the Black Cats reportedly paying £1.2m up front, which will rise to £2.5m later.
Di Canio was keen to bolster his creative ranks during the transfer window and has already signed Italian winger Emanule Giaccherini, who has started on the left side on midfield with Adam Johnson on the right in Sunderland's last two pre-season outings in the Asia Trophy.
With Stephane Sessegnon capable of playing a wide role and the imminent arrival of Mavrias, McClean appears to be slipping even further down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
The Republic of Ireland international failed to build on his debut season in the Premier League during the last campaign and his off-field controversies have left his future at the club uncertain.
Celtic were reported to have made an inquiry for the former Derry City man over the weekend, but sources North of the border believe manager Neil Lennon is looking at Ajax's Derk Boerrigter instead.
Lennon's assistant, Gary Parker, faced the media after Celtic's friendly defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach and denied the Bhoys had made a bid for McClean.
Meanwhile, despite being heavily linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light, Sessegnon insists he is happy at the club.
Reports earlier in the summer suggested the Black Cats were willing to cash in on the Benin international as Di Canio builds his own squad, but the attack-minded player appears to be enjoying life under his new manager.
"The speculation is OK, I have no problem with that. But I'm happy at Sunderland," Sessegnon revealed.
"We've worked very well in pre-season, and hopefully we can continue like this.
"I'm enjoying it at Sunderland, and my mind is for Sunderland now."
Di Canio's arrival seemed to galvanise the 29-year-old in the latter stages of last season and Sessegnon admits the squad are in great shape following their first pre-season under the Italian.
He said: "It's a very important time, you need to have a pre-season. You need to do the hard work to start the season well.
"I think that affected me during the first few months of last season.
"But this year is different because we've had a good pre-season, with a lot of good players coming. That's made everyone work hard in training, and we've got a strong mentality too among the players.
"It looks good already for the start of the season."
Sunderland will complete their pre-season schedule when they travel to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland next week.
The game will take place at the MCH Arena in Herning, on Wednesday, August 7, in a 6pm kick-off (local time).
Ticket details for the trip to face the Danish Superliga side will be announced shortly.
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!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:10
You know what, I'm sick of copy/pasting Sunderland shit. I'm converting to ARSENAL!
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
!3lWjo8kf8k2013-07-31 18:12
Premier League Relegation Betting Odds
Newcastle even
Crystal Palace 1/50
Hull 1/33
Cardiff 1/20
Stoke 1/7
Norwich 1/6
Sunderland 2/9
West Ham 2/7
Fulham 2/7
Swansea 4/11
Aston Villa 2/5
West Brom 4/9
Southampton 1/2
Arsenal 2/1
Stephane Sessegnon has insisted he is happy to be part of manager Paolo Di Canio's plans at new-look Sunderland.
It emerged earlier this summer that the Black Cats might be prepared to listen to offers for the 29-year-old Benin international, who only signed a new contract in August last year.
However, despite speculation linking him with a series of clubs, no formal offers have materialised and Sessegnon insists his future lies on Wearside.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I'm happy at Sunderland.
"We have worked well in pre-season and hopefully we can continue like this. I'm enjoying it at Sunderland and my mind is for Sunderland now."
Sessegnon initially arrived at the Stadium of Light in a £6million switch from Paris St Germain in January 2011 and at his best, looks every inch the player in which then manager Steve Bruce invested so heavily.
However, inconsistency has been a problem and rumours that he could leave the club last summer did little to improve the situation.
But Di Canio's recent shopping spree and a gruelling pre-season have left Sessegnon in optimistic mood ahead of the new campaign.
He said: "It's a very important time, you need to have a pre-season. You need to do the hard work to start the season well.
"I think that affected me during the first few months of last season, but this year is different because we have had a good pre-season with a lot of good players coming.
"That's made everyone work hard in training and we have got a strong mentality too among the players. It looks good already for the start of the season."
A round-up of transfer news from Sunderland as Paolo Di Canio closes in on his next signing
Daprela's agent Angelo Semararo told Sky Tyne and Wear on Monday that the player was delaying his move to Palermo to hold talks with Sunderland, but that no longer looks the case.
Fabio Daprela has now been quoted on an Italian website, saying the decision to join Palermo is an easy one.
Charis Mavrias could complete his switch to Sunderland this week, Sky Tyne and Wear understands.
The Greek winger’s future will be decided “in the coming days", a source close to the player said.
A deal has been agreed in principle between Sunderland and Panathinaikos, Sky understands.
Former Sunderland target Lucas Orban has joined French club Bordeaux.
Stephane Sessegnon says he is happy at Sunderland despite reports linking him with a move away.
And, Fulham are in pole-position to sign Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley.
ARGENTINE left-back Lucas Orban is on the verge of joining French side Bordeaux.
Sunderland spent several weeks tracking Orban earlier this summer after learning there was no chance of signing last season’s loan success Danny Rose on a permanent basis.
The Black Cats remained patient as Orban took his time contemplating his future at lowly Argentine outfit FC Tigre.
But as Orban dragged his heels over deciding his next move – with River Plate, Villarreal and Nice also interested – Sunderland eventually opted to end their pursuit.
Orban is now expected to seal a £2m move to France, with Bordeaux.
Sunderland misfit Phil Bardsley could move to Newcastle United
Newcastle United are understood to have shown interest in Phil Bardsley, who is also a target for Fulham and Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland misfit Phil Bardsley could be in line for a shock move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are understood to have shown interest in the out-of-favour full-back, who is also a target for Fulham and Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.
Fulham remain favourites to sign the former Manchester United man, although a move to Newcastle – where he could become Joe Kinnear’s first signing – would allow him to stay in the North East.
Bardsley is a popular figure on Wearside and was voted Sunderland’s player of the year the season before last, but he has no future at the club after falling foul of new head coach Paolo Di Canio in May.
Di Canio was furious after pictures emerged of the Scotland international on a late-night casino visit in the run-up to Sunderland’s final day visit to Spurs. Bardsley was fined, dropped for the game at Spurs and has also been bombed out by Di Canio since Sunderland returned to training at the beginning of the month.
The 28-year-old has been left in the North East to train with the reserves while the first team travelled to Italy for a training camp and then headed out to Hong Kong.
Name:
Then Again2013-07-31 18:17
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Newcastle United Eye Shock Move for Sunderland Defender
Geordies are so far the only top-flight club not to have entered into the summer transfer market.
Recently appointed Newcastle United director of football Joe Kinnear wants to bring unwanted Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley to St James’ Park this summer, according to reports in the Sunday Express.
The Magpies are so far the only club in the Premier League still to have a single acquisition in the close-season transfer window, despite Kinnear’s arrival earlier this month and head coach Alan Pardew’s constant public urgings on the matter.
And it is safe to say that the club’s fans will be far from impressed by these latest reports, especially given the fact that their bitter rivals have already told Bardsley that he is surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light next season.
However, either way Kinnear still wants to press ahead with plans to bring the 28-year-old Englishman to the north east next season, with the full back set to be available on the cheap as his current contract at the Black Cats expires on June 30 2014.
Bardsley has been at Sunderland for the past five-and-a-half seasons now, having originally arrived on Wearside from Manchester United in January 2008 for an initial fee of just £850,000, although that could rise to as much as £2 million depending on certain add ons.
And during that time the right back has made 167 appearances overall for Sunderland, scoring seven goals and winning the club’s Player of the Year award in 2011-12.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has laughed off the suggestion that his players are afraid of him.
However, he is renowned for his fiery personality and received some criticism for his no-nonsense handling of players and his strict training methods.
But, asked whether his players feared him, Di Canio responded: "The players cannot fear the manager, it's not possible. I don't kill people, I let them train!
"No, they are not worried. Obviously, they don't love me, and I told them they don't need to love me, they have to follow me, and then they're going to be OK.
"Sometimes we have a fight and sometimes they drive me crazy, and then I'm going to get angry, but to be honest it is more like a family, with respect.
"Sometimes the son or the daughter goes away from the right road and I pull them back."
Di Canio was keen to improve the fitness of his squad towards the end of last season and still thinks that is an area he needs to focus on.
"Our team is a very good team, but not a top team," he said. "To reduce the gap between us and the top clubs it's obvious that we need a strategy and tactics and technical quality.
"But physical condition is also one of the main parts, otherwise it is difficult to reduce this gap.
"We train in a different way to other clubs and have different things to improve. Athleticism is crucial to competing at the top level."
A round-up of the latest Sunderland stories and transfer rumours on Wednesday, July 31.
Various sources claim Greek winger Charis Mavrias is set to become Sunderland’s 10th summer signing.
But, The Chronicle claim Sunderland have decided not to pursue a deal for Mavrias.
If he did join, various sources claim that would likely spell the end of James McClean’s time at the club, with Celtic closing in on the £2m-rated Irishman.
Stephane Sessegnon has begged Paolo Di Canio to let him stay at Sunderland, according to The Sun.
The same article claims injured striker Steven Fletcher hopes to return to action in September.
The Journal understands Besiktas midfielder Manuel Fernandes is among the options Sunderland are considering.
Paolo Di Canio has told Jack Colback he must make a decision on his Sunderland future after rejecting a new contract, according to The Sunderland Echo.
The club has no intention of letting Colback leave despite interest from Hull and Cardiff City.
Exciting Sunderland Winger on Verge of Celtic Move
Irish wide man said to be relishing chance to join SPL giants.
Scottish Premier League champions Glasgow Celtic want to sign highly rated Sunderland midfield player James McClean this summer, according to reports in the Sunday Express.
The Scottish giants feel that the exciting Republic of Ireland international can bring some much-needed creativity to their midfield next season, with Hoops head coach Neil Lennon said to be desperate to sign McClean before next week’s crucial Uefa Champions League second-round qualifier against Swedish outfit Elfsborg.
The 24-year-old has been with the Black Cats for the past two campaigns now, having originally arrived in the north east from home-town club Derry City on a three-year contract in August 2011 for a fee of just £350,000.
However, that transfer was sealed by previous Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill, with the wide man being a firm favourite of the Northern Irishman’s at the Stadium of Light, before his sacking towards the end of the previous campaign that is.
And following the arrival of new manager Paolo Di Canio, there have been big changes at the club, who only just failed to avoid relegation to the Championship at the end of the previous campaign, with McClean’s very own Sunderland future coming under question.
As a result, despite 11 goals in his 69 appearances for Sunderland, it appears as though Di Canio is happy for the winger to now join Celtic, with a deal for McClean expected to be finalised in the next few days.
Alfred N’Diaye leaves Sunderland for loan move to Eskiehirspor
ALFRED N’DIAYE has completed a loan switch to Turkish club Eskiehirspor.
N’Diaye missed Sunderland’s pre-season trip to Hong Kong after his partner gave birth on the eve of the Black Cats heading out to the Far East.
But the midfielder’s future lies away from Wearside anyway, as the 23-year-old has agreed a season-long switch to Turkey - just six months after leaving the country to move to the Premier League.
N’Diaye started 15 out of 17 top flight games following his £3.7million January move from Bursaspor, but Paolo Di Canio has been willing to dispense with the Frenchman’s services, as he looks to add a playmaker to his central midfield options.
A clause of around £5m has been built into N’Diaye’s deal to convert it into a permanent switch, as is standard with loans between different countries.
But it is thought that the negotiations over a permanent departure have not been extensive, with Sunderland simply happy to let N’Diaye leave on loan.
N’Diaye’s exit will represent the third of Martin O’Neill’s three January signings that Di Canio has dispensed with.
Sunderland made no attempt to sign Kader Mangane permanently after the end of his loan from Middle Eastern side Al-Hilal, while Danny Graham finalised a season-long loan to Hull City 10 days ago.
Sunderland Target Swiss Youngster To Help Fill Left Back Void
Amazingly, there appears to still be the odd left back kicking around that Sunderland haven't been linked with at some point or another. Here is one link with some substance to it.
FC Zurich defender Loris Benito has emerged as a Sunderland target as the seemingly perpetual left back hunt goes on.
Despite an early start this summer it has been a long old slog to replace Danny Rose, with lengthy pursuits for Lucas Orban and Benjamin Mendy ending in frustration.
That has prompted a fresh list of targets to be drawn up. Valencia's Aly Cissokho is a target, though the belief seems to be that it would not be an entirely straight-forward deal to complete.
Whether or not Switzerland Under-21 international Benito is considered a primary or secondary target is not known, but he is certainly a name under consideration, even to the point that Sunderland have made their interest known to his club.
He does have the rather curious distinction of once being bitten on the field by a rampaging beech marten, which is quite funny. On the plus side, however, he did show a pretty impressive turn of pace to catch the little blighter in the first place.
Meanwhile, reports in Norway claim that Sunderland had a scout present at Strømsgodset IF over the weekend apparently to cast their eye over Stefan Johansen. The midfielder - nicknamed 'the Norwegian Modric' - is an elegant and creative left-footed player and would certainly fit the 'bring the keys to the house' criteria laid out by Paolo Di Canio.
No news yet on how serious a target, if at all, Johansen is, but an interesting snippet nonetheless.
As Sunderland's quest to sign all of the footballers on the planet rumbles on, one reported long-standing target has become a free agent.
Rumoured long-time Sunderland target Mauro Zarate has revealed that he is now officially a free agent having won his battle to have his Lazio contract terminated.
The Argentinian forward made the announcement himself via his official Twitter account on Tuesday night, where he said:
From now on I’m free, finally I can go and play elsewhere.
Now I am happy again.
I thank the fans for three very beautiful years in Rome. I have always given my all to the Lazio shirt.
Whether or not Sunderland's interest in Zarate is genuine or not remains to be seen, but the player's agent spoke specifically about a potential move to Wearside in a radio interview last month, describing it as a 'viable solution'.
Zarate is, in many ways, an easy player to link with Sunderland. He shares Lazio connections with Paolo Di Canio, is well-known to Italian football, and now represents some real value considering there would be no transfer fee involved.
He doesn't come without controversy, however. The 26-year-old has a reputation to be difficult to manage, and he has even had clauses inserted into previous contracts to provide incentives to actually pass the ball.
One to keep an eye on, and we are sure his name will be linked again in the coming days, but for the moment we are not all that sure there is much in it.
The Gossip: Portuguese Playmaker To Bring The Keys?
It has been a eerily quiet week in terms of transfers for Sunderland, which actually made for quite a nice change. The reason behind it is probably the Hong Kong trip rather than a general satisfaction with the squad, but that didn't stop a few new names being linked with a move to join Paolo Di Canio's revolution.
First, the boring numbers part, those in bold have signed.
Valentin Roberge (Maritimo)
Mobido Diakite (Lazio)
Diogo Viana (F.C. Penafiel)
Danny Rose (Tottenham)
Emmanuel Cascione (Pescara)
Danilo D'Ambrosio (Torino)
El Hadji Ba (Le Havre)
Mauro Zarate (Lazio)
Bas Dost (Wolfsburg)
George Mandjeck (Auxerre)
Charlie Austin (Burnley)
Alfred Finnbogason (SC Heerenveen)
Greg Sandomierski (Genk)
Tom Allan (York City)
Salif Sane (Nancy)
Cabral (Basel)
Lucas Orban (Tigre)
Gary Hooper (Celtic)
Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Milos Krasic (Fenerbache)
Wilfried Bony (Vitesse)
Grant Holt (Norwich)
Andreas Weimann (Aston Villa)
Paulinho (Livorno)
Nacho Scocco (Al Ain)
Reto Ziegler (Juventus)
John Guidetti (Manchester City)
Josuha Guilavogui (Saint-Étienne)
Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli)
Luis Pedro Cavanda (Lazio)
Joseph Alfred Duncan (Inter Milan)
Alessandro Rosina (Siena)
Jonathan Biabiany (Parma)
Benjamin Mendy (Le Havre)
Scott Parker (Tottenham)
Johan Elmander (Galatassaray)
Abel Hernandez (Palermo)
Daniel Moberg Karlsson (IFK Göteborg)
Remi Gomis (Valenciennes)
Matej Vydra (Udinese)
Mejdi Traoui (Espérance de Tunis)
Jozy Altidore (AZ)
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
Vito Mannone (Arsenal)
Jérémie Aliadière (Lorient)
Jeroen Zoet (PSV)
Ibrahima MBaye (Inter)
Daniel Bessa (Inter)
Gino Peruzzi (Vélez Sarsfield)
Callum McManaman (Wigan)
Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham)
Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Heerenveen)
Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth)
Chung-yong Lee (Bolton)
Robert Acquafresca (Bologna)
Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos)
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus)
Przemyslaw Tyton (PSV)
Maxi Lopez (Catania)
Innocent Emeghara (Lorient)
Bastian Oczipka (Eintract Frankfurt)
Christiano Biraghi (Inter)
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Aly Cissokho (Valencia)
Luca Marrone (Juventus)
Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce)
Emil Hallfreðsson (Chievo)
Frederik Sorensen (Bologna)
Jorge Flores (Tigres)
Fabio Daprelà (Brescia)
Libor Kozák (Lazio)
Julio Buffarini (San Lorenzo)
Manuel Fernandes (Besiktas)
So then 5 new names taking us to a wonderful looking 73 in total. If that isn't a sign that we are in for a good week, then I don't know what is!
The most exciting fresh name on the list is definitely that of Manuel Fernandes. The Portuguese central midfielder is said to be refusing to sign a new contract at Besiktas, and with him having just one one year left on his current deal that may force his club to cash-in this summer.
Di Canio said in the week that he was hoping to add a creative midfielder to his squad who can 'bring the keys to the house' and Fernandes would certainly satisfy that criteria. He is a quick and athletic player who is known for his ability to carry the ball and inject pace into attacks from central areas.
However, this does seem to be more like a link you want to believe rather one one you necessarily feel you should. Sunderland were credited with an interest in the former Portsmouth and Everton man last January, so it seems likely their name has just been tagged onto a story about his contract situation.
One interesting fact about him though is that he shares a cousin, Gelson Fernandes, with Cabral, who he would likely partner in midfield if he did wind up on Wearside.
Elsewhere the perpetual search for a left back continued, but just how accurately the press were reporting it is anyone's guess. Mexican Jorge Torres has been strongly linked by the tabloids, though we don't believe he is on the list of targets, at least for now.
Meanwhile, the Italian press are quite convinced that Fabio Daprelà of Brescia is the man of our dreams, but he seems much more likely to head to Palermo. They are also of the opinion that Sunderland remain in the hunt for a new striker with Lazio's beanpole Czech Libor Kozák the latest name to be pulled from the hat. Unless another striker departs, however, it seems highly unlikely that another one will come in.
There have been no fresh updates regarding Aly Cissokho, who still looks to be a top, if unlikely, left back target.
Argentina has once again proven to be an interesting source of gossip, and that is something we can expect to continue given the army of scouts with big contacts in the region now employed at the club. Julio Buffarini, a busy and traditional right winger who plays for San Lorenzo is rumoured to have caught Sunderland's eye. With Adam Johnson and David Moberg Karlsson already here and impressing, that one doesn't look all that likely to us.
The Gino Peruzzi story refuses to die, too. It is now pretty well-known that the Vélez man failed a medical but it seems Sunderland's interest in him is far from over. He is back at his club and embarking on a rehabilitation program apparently at the behest of Black Cats medical staff, so expect that one to rumble away in the background for a while yet.
The right back chase is almost as ridiculous as the left back one, in truth. Luis Pedro Cavanda, who has appeared to be a strong target all summer, now looks set to stay at Lazio with the Italian press absolutely adamant that the Belgian has penned a new 5-year contract to stay in Rome.
All over Hull City, some hope and some despair. Oh, you're the one for me, fatty. You're the one I really, really love...
Sunderland's misfiring striker Danny Graham has clinched a season-long loan move to Hull City, where he will link up with former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, along with David Meyler, Ahmed Elmohamady and Paul McShane.
The striker, who failed to hit the net in 11 games for Sunderland, and in all honesty never really looked like doing so. His loss isn't one that will be felt at all on Wearside, except perhaps Nando's and Mama's in Newbottle.
Graham issued the standard pleasantries upon signing;
It's exactly the same as when I joined Swansea a couple of years ago, a club coming up into the Premier League. The stories for the two clubs are very similar.
I know I'm coming to a good club with a top manager, a fantastic stadium and some very good players.
When the chance came to sign here on loan, I jumped at it.
Perhaps the only thing worth noting is that it's widely expected among those in the know that Sunderland will not be looking to replace Graham, and seem perfectly happy to enter the season with Stephane Sessegnon, Ji Dong-Won, Jozy Altidore, Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher.
If by some bizarre turn of events Sunderland fancy bringing him back, they can do in January 2014. Hull also have an option to buy at the end of the season.
At least he can't score against us, as would have been inevitable had the move been made permanent.
SUNDERLAND will head to Denmark to play FC Midtjylland in their final pre-season game next Wednesday.
The Black Cats arrived back on Wearside today having finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.
Paolo Di Canio's men will now travel to Scandinavia to face the Danish side at the MCH Arena in Herning, on Wednesday 7 August, in a 6pm kick-off (local time).
Ticket details for the trip to face the Danish Superliga side will be announced shortly.
But there was one glaring omission: mainland China.
Many businesses see the fast-developing country - now the world's second-biggest economy - as "the holy grail", says Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, adding that he didn't "quite see it in the same way".
Nor, seemingly, do Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, Sunderland and Manchester rivals United and City, all of whom have been in Asia on lucrative pre-season trips, without including mainland China on their exhaustive itineraries.
Football and marketing experts said there were a number of commercial, logistical and sporting reasons for staying away.
"We are in a very fortunate position in that we operate in 212 countries and China is in the top 10 of our strategic markets," Scudamore told AFP in Hong Kong last week, where City, Spurs and Sunderland each played two games in four days in the Premier League's Barclays Asia Trophy.
Each team picked up STG1.2 million ($A2.03 million) pounds for appearing in the exhibition tournament, according to The Daily Telegraph.
"For a lot of businesses, in terms of business and marketing, China seems to be the holy grail. We don't quite see it in the same way because as I said, we are in a fortunate position where we are in so many other countries," Scudamore said.
"But clearly, just looking at the numbers, it's a huge country and hugely emerging, emerging in terms of its sporting culture.
"And therefore we are involved in China, we have good partners in China - it took us a while to find them but we have some very good partners in China.
"It's not just a broadcasting entity, it's a marketing entity and we are working out in the regions in China because you cannot really describe China as a single entity, given the size, the scope and the expansion of it."
Premier League teams in recent weeks played in front of fanatical sell-out crowds in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The clubs charge appearance fees and they benefit from sales of official merchandise, as well as trading on their huge popularity by signing myriad sponsorship deals.
Tiger Tian, a sports marketing expert in Beijing, said a combination of factors had kept English teams out of China this summer.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City were all in the country last year, he noted, but said football fans in major cities were becoming increasingly "picky".
"They're fed-up with big names but poor performances, which unfortunately had been the case on several occasions when Premier League teams visited before," said Tian, explaining that was less the fault of the teams and more the travelling, difficult pitches and limited quality of the opposition.
"Rapidly rising costs and limited sources of revenue are also threatening promoters' bottom lines.
"Premier League teams, like everyone else in the world, see China as a goldmine and ask for higher and higher appearance fees.
"Obtaining all kinds of government permits is also extremely demanding in terms of both time and funds, and there's always a danger of a last-minute shutdown."
Several games involving European teams in China have been shelved at the eleventh hour.
In May, a friendly between Italian giants AC Milan and Dutch champions Ajax in Beijing was cancelled three weeks before kick-off because of "organisational reasons".
The organisers had failed to pay an appearance fee on time, Chinese media said.
Barcelona also ditched their August game in Shanghai "after coming to the conclusion that it could not be played in perfect conditions", the club said.
Julian Jackson, of the sports marketing agency Total Sports Asia, said there was "a fairly easy reason" why China had not got in on the Premier League jamboree.
The league's failure to strike a deal to have games shown on China's all-powerful state broadcaster CCTV means it simply does not have the same following as elsewhere in the football-mad region, he said.
CRAIG GARDNER says he has reassured Jozy Altidore that he can transfer his prolific goal record to the Premier League.
Altidore spurned three good chances in Wednesday’s Barclays Asia Trophy semi-final victory over Spurs, as Sunderland fans got a first glimpse of the £6million summer signing.
The 23-year-old scored 31 goals for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season, yet found the net just once during a loan spell in the Premier League at Hull City, when he was still a teenager.
But Gardner is convinced that Altidore will prove a hit for the Black Cats and has told the American international that he will thrive after returning to England as a more polished performer.
Gardner told the Echo: “Jozy’s come in and I had a chat with him and he’s wondering about the pace of the Premier League.
“But I said to him, you’re a great player, just go out there and play your game.
“With the power and pace he’s got, he’ll be fine.
“With the positions he shows he can get into, I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals for us.”
Gardner says Sunderland are right to be encouraged by their performance against Spurs, despite at times farcical conditions on a waterlogged pitch – a situation which is unlikely to be any better for tomorrow’s Asia Trophy final against Manchester City.
Paolo Di Canio’s side kept their focus despite kick-off being delayed and the game being shortened, with their superior fitness eventually telling against Andre Villas-Boas’ men.
“It does help when you get encouraging performances in pre-season,” added Gardner, expected to continue at right-back against City tomorrow.
“I’m sure there won’t have been many people who would have betted that we’d beat a top four side like Tottenham.
“We went out there and worked our socks off and hopefully we can do the same tomorrow.
“It was obviously difficult in the conditions and we saw that the pitch wasn’t the best when we trained on it the other day.
“But the lads didn’t moan, they just got on with it and it paid off.
“We had a lot of chances and I think in the end, we deserved the win because we outplayed them.”
The Selection Dilemma: Just What Is Sunderland's Best Centre Half Pairing?
Supporters have been discussing all summer which of Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge is more likely to join John O'Shea as first choice defender, and with Wes Brown back into the fold, the question has become even harder. We take a look at the options and try and work out just who will make it into the our back four.
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Sunderland's defence last season was rickety to say the least. While the team only actually conceded 54 goals, a fairly credible total compared to the teams around them, this was largely down to the excellent goalkeeping of Simon Mignolet, who made more saves than any other in the Premier League. You always felt that we were likely to concede at least one goal in a game, and considering our woes at the other end of the pitch, one goal was often all that was needed.
It was therefore crucial that Paolo Di Canio and his team of merry Italians acted in the transfer market to improve the back four. Fortunately two centre halves came in almost immediately: Valetine Roberge and Modibo Diakite both signed on free transfers, joining John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar at the club. Furthermore, now that Wes Brown has miraculously recovered from his long-term injury, Sunderland look in far better shape at the back.
However, with very little known about Diakite and Roberge on Wearside, there remains the question of what the club's best centre half pairing is, and which two will start against Fulham on the 17th of August. John O'Shea and Wes Brown played the majority of the 80 minutes against Tottenham on Wednesday, but I wouldn't expect this to be the first choice pairing for most of the season. While both players are excellent readers of the game, they lack pace, something which could easily be exploited in the Premier League. The more likely option is that we'll see one of the former Man Utd veterans partnering one of the new signings.
Brown is probably the best defender Sunderland have on their books at the moment. His loss over the last 18 months has been a great one, and his surprise return to action is a huge boost. However, question marks will always remain over his fitness, and there'll always be a worry that Brown, who resembles children's TV 'claymation' character Morph, and who is only marginally less vulnerable to having his legs ripped off, is just one game away from another serious injury. On the other hand he's had no problems so far during Di Canio's punishing pre-season, so it's conceivable he's turned a corner.
Of course, despite Brown's return to fitness, you would not expect John O'Shea to spend a lot of time warming the bench next season. He is, after all, Di Canio's captain. It's true that the Irishman had a patchy 2012-2013, but this could partly be explained by his defensive partners, having to hold the hands of Titus Bramble, Carlos Cuellar and Matt Kilgallon throughout the season. With a better centre half alongside him, O'Shea would likely return to the consistently solid displays he produced during his first season in Sunderland colours. His leadership skills will prove vital for a team lacking in Premier League experience and, because of this, along with Brown's fitness issues, I would put O'Shea in ahead of his former Man Utd team mate.
The question now is which of Sunderland's new signings should partner O'Shea. Working on the assumption that best defensive partnerships are the ones who compliment each other: where ones limitations are balanced out by the partners strength (see Ferdinand/Vidic, Terry/Carvhalo), both Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite offer credible arguments.
Ex Maritimo man Roberge is unlike the majority of defenders in the club's recent history in that he can play with the ball at his feet a bit. Sunderland have lacked a player who can bring the ball out of defence, and the Frenchman offers the option of starting attacks from the back. He also offers a crucial component the team lacked last season, which was strength. Sunderland were notably lightweight all over the pitch, with players easily outfought by tougher opposition. We saw this in particular during the games at West Brom and Aston Villa, where Lukaku and Benteke battered the back four to pieces. Roberge is noted for being strong in the tackle, and hard to beat physically.
Diakite is also an imposing physical presence, standing at 6'4'', and provides a strong aeriel threat. However, perhaps the former Lazio man's most important quality is his pace, which Sunderland sorely lacked at the back last season. Diakite's speed will be a huge advantage for the team and, like Roberge, he also has an excellent reading of the game, and these qualities combined means the team can afford to play higher up the pitch with less risk.
Of course, Dikaite isn't perfect. While he's known for going on long runs forward with the ball, his distribution isn't terrific. He also has a reputation for occasionally losing focus, and being a little bit clumsy on the ball, as opposed to Roberge who is known for his calmness and composure. However Diakite still offers a lot of the attributes Sunderland have lacked in defensive positions recently. Furthermore, he has the qualities required to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, unlike Roberge, who Kristan Heneage argues should be allowed to make a slow transition into English football.
With his technical skill, Roberge could certainly offer a long-term option to Sunderland once he's fully adapted to the rigours of English football but, it's Diakite who, in the immediate, and injuries permitting, would appear to be the best man to compliment John O'Shea in defence. Regardless, the club now have more strength in depth, and have a group of defenders who can all slot in and do a more than adequate job. What can't be denied is that the current crop are one hell of an improvement over Matt Kilgallon and Titus Bramble.
MODIBO DIAKITE’s stint on the sidelines is expected to be a brief one after the Bosman signing was left out of Sunderland’s trip to Hong Kong.
Diakite is yet to feature for the Black Cats during pre-season after missing both of Sunderland’s behind-closed-doors games in Italy with a slight hamstring strain.
That injury was sustained on only the fourth day of pre-season at the Academy of Light and required the former Lazio centre-half to spend eight days on the sidelines.
After only just returning to full fitness prior to Sunderland’s trip to the Far East for the Barclays Asia Trophy, Di Canio opted not to take a chance on Diakite.
But the Sunderland head coach is confident that after a week on Wearside, working alongside the club’s fitness and medical staff, Diakite can play a part in pre-season.
Di Canio told the Echo: “He’s got a little injury because after four days at the Academy of Light, we had a match and you could see everyone wanted to push to give their best.
“He made two or three very hard tackles and he hurt his hamstring and was out for eight days.
“We decided not to bring him to Hong Kong because it’s better if he stays at the Academy of Light morning and afternoon with the physio and fitness coach.
“Obviously, he couldn’t be part of this trip, but the other signings have made me very happy already.”
Di Canio admits Sunderland are also taking a cautious approach with Diakite due to the 26-year-old’s injury record.
Diakite missed the bulk of last season at Lazio through injury, yet Di Canio says a balance has to be struck between competitive training and pure fitness work.
When asked about Diakite’s run of injuries last season, Di Canio added: “This is also a problem.
“When there is someone who is running a risk sometimes, I try to keep him calm.
“That is not easy because it’s in their nature.
“But if they only run, run, run, rather than playing in a training game, you don’t give them the chance to express themselves in a match.”
Di Canio moaning about the rain in Hong Kong, AVB complaining about a wet pitch, Vertonghen injured. There are alternatives: stay at home is one.
Spurs and Sunderland travelled across the globe to play in atrocious conditions
We’ve had fantastic weather. Given the downpour before Sunderland’s 3-1 win over Spurs earlier this week maybe they should have refused to go out on the pitch.
There are genuine causes for complaint, but clubs can’t take the money form these pre-season trips and then start complaining.
NEWCASTLE JOKE CHIEF KINNEAR SERIOUS ABOUT SUNDERLAND'S CAST OFF BARDSLEY
Newcastle United chief Joe Kinnear is serious about taking Phil Bardsley off Sunderland’s hands.
The People says the word from the defender’s camp is that the Magpies have made “tentative inquiries” for Bardsley.
And Kinnear is not put off by the 28-year-old’s bad-boy image, after he was pictured lying on a casino floor covered in £50 notes.
But if the Toon’s director of football does decide to add Bardsley to the Geordies’ rather threadbare squad – they are the only Premier League side not to have signed a first- team player in the close season – he will find competition from both Fulham and Blackburn.
Swedish winger David Moberg Karlsson is determined to fight hard to make Paolo Di Canio's starting 11 for Sunderland's first game of the season
David Moberg Karlsson is determined to prove his worth to new coach Paolo Di Canio after a promising debut.
The Swedish winger scored a goal and made another in a substitute appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Asia Cup.
But with Emanuele Giaccherini talked up as one of Europe’s best players by Di Canio, and a host of other wingers to compete with, Karlsson will have a tough job making the starting 11 for Sunderland’s opening game of the season, at home to Fulham.
In contrast to some other positions, the Black Cats have an embarrassment of riches in the wide areas. Adam Johnson started on the right wing for the Black Cats, El-Hadji Ba made a solid debut from the bench and Sebastian Larsson is another option – although he continues to be used in a holding midfield role – as is James McClean.
Like Ba, the Swede may find he has been brought to the club more with an eye on the future than the present. “I want to play as much as I can, even if that means coming on as a substitute in the next game too, I will continue to train hard and try my best,” Moberg Karlsson told his new club’s official website.
“It was great (to play), I feel happy just to have been on for a few minutes.
“It was a tough game to play in, the air was very, very wet and the surface too, but I think we did very well.”
The score was 1-1 when the Swede entered the fray 62 minutes into a game that was shortened to 80 by the deluge of rain before the match and during its first half.
Di Canio has worked his players incredibly hard in pre-season and their superior fitness showed in the second half of the semi-final, with Brad Friedel pulling off a couple of good saves to keep the margin of victory down.
“It was a great result,” Moberg Karlsson reflected.
“We’ve trained hard during pre-season and it was good to test ourselves against Spurs. It will be different when we play them in the league but we did well, nevertheless.”
Before going clean through to beat Friedel for the final goal, Karlsson had set one up for fit-again central defender Wes Brown.
“I don’t take too many corners,” the 18 year-old revealed. “I just thought if I can get it in towards one player it may work, and Wes managed to get his head to it very well.”
Brown has not played a competitive game since January 2012 after persistent knee trouble, and Di Canio revealed the club had offered to pay him off in the summer, but he seemed to come through unscathed.
“It’s good to be back, it’s been a long time,” Brown said afterwards. “It was good to get a few more minutes under my belt on Wednesday and carry on the pre-season as I have been doing.
“It’s always a bonus to get a goal, but first and foremost, it’s just good to be back in training, doing everything back with the lads.
“Training has been hard, I’m not going to lie. But we’ve done it and hopefully that will help us and get us going to a good start in the season.”
On the former Manchester United defender, Di Canio said: “I have to be honest and say that with a team I wanted to rebuild, I thought at the beginning that he was not on my list for the future.
“After one year and two months out, at his age, I couldn’t start thinking about a player who I didn’t know if I could rely on.
“I spoke to him and was clear that he wasn’t on the list (of players Di Canio wanted to retain). But I’m very happy to tell him now that he’s completely on my list. He has got experience, quality, desire and he can help the others.”
Sunderland's Craig Gardner has insisted that he is happy to play in any position this season.
The midfielder, 26, was deployed at full-back by manager Paolo Di Canio during the club's recent participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.
"I just want to play as many games as I can this season, no matter what position it is," Gardner told the club's official website.
"I would rather play anywhere than be on the bench. I am playing in pre-season. I have played four full games and I am enjoying it."
The Black Cats narrowly missed out on winning the Barclays Asia Trophy as they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in Saturday's final.
Sunderland defender Wes Brown has revealed that he was always confident he would be able to return to the game despite his injury setbacks.
The 33-year-old returned to action for the Black Cats in the Barclays Asia Trophy after missing the entirety of their last Premier League season.
Brown told reporters: "A few people have asked me if I was worried if I would be able come back this time. It sounds weird but, no, I never thought that.
"I always had confidence in myself. It just took a lot longer than I first expected. I have had injuries throughout my career so I never doubted I could come back again."
Brown was part of the Sunderland side that lost in the final of the Asia Trophy against Manchester City.
Sunderland to step up chase for Aston Villa and West Ham target Zdravko Kuzmanovic
SUNDERLAND appear to have moved into pole position to sign Inter midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
Rumours about a Sunderland move for Kuzmanovic surfaced last week, but now reports in Italy suggest that the Black Cats are set to formalise their interest.
Kuzmanovic has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa and West Ham.
Sam Allardyce confessed that Kuzmanovic is a player he was interested in but West Ham were rebuffed in their pursuit of the 25-year-old after the player's agent said he expected the Serbian international to remain with Inter.
Kuzmanovic only joined the club from Stuttgart in January and is not thought to be ready to give up on Serie A, despite making only ten starts last term.
In response to the West Ham speculation Kuzmanovic's agent Marko Naletillic said: "The future of Kuzmanovic is simple.
"He will be staying with Inter and that is for certain."
But that hasn't stopped Sunderland and Aston Villa also being linked with a move for the player.
It was thought that a £5m fee may be enough for Inter to cut their losses on Kuzmanovic, but it appears Paolo Di Canio may have a tougher task getting the player to agree to make the move to Wearside.
Kuzmanovic was highly regarded during his time at Stuttgart, and Arsenal were linked with a move for the player, but Italian-speaking Kuzmanovic was very clear that a move to Serie A was his preference.
It remains to be seen whether the influx of Italians at Sunderland during the off-season has any impact on Kuzmanovic's reluctance to move to England.
Sunderland eye Quincy Owusu-Abeyie transfer as he waits for Crystal Palace offer
31 Jul 2013 22:30
Ex-Arsenal winger can leave Panathinaikos for free and has been playing for Palace in pre-season PLUS Colback latest
Sunderland could hijack Crystal Palace’s bid for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.
Former Arsenal winger Owusu-Abeyie has been on trial with Premier League new boys Palace, but is yet to be offered a contract.
Now, the Black Cats' manager Paolo Di Canio is weighing up a move to bring the well-travelled Ghana international to Wearside.
The 27-year-old, who was loaned out at Birmingham, Cardiff and Portsmouth during a three-year stint with the Gunners, has been told he can leave his current club, Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Elsewhere, Di Canio wants a decision from homegrown midfielder Jack Colback, who is stalling on a new contract offer.
Colback has just 12 months left on his current deal at the Stadium of Light, and newly-promoted duo Hull and Cardiff are ready to offer the 23-year-old a fresh challenge.
Di Canio would love to keep the former England youth international, who has also filled in successfully at left-back in making almost 100 appearance for a club he joined at age 10.
The Italian wants a swift decision: “I’ve spoken to Jack twice recently, he’s a genuine guy with a fantastic attitude.
“He has to make clear what he wants to do in the future because if a player has it in his brain to leave, it’s difficult.”
Di Canio’s tactics will make me a better player – Sunderland’s Larsson
SEB LARSSON believes Paolo Di Canio’s footballing philosophy will see him become a more influential central midfielder this season.
Larsson spent the bulk of last year in the middle of the park, yet by his own admission, the Swedish international faced a steep learning curve after being thrust inside from the right flank by Martin O’Neill.
The 28-year-old believes he has a far better grasp of the position now and looks set to stay in central midfield after playing there in both of Sunderland’s outings in the Barclays Asia Trophy last week alongside summer signing Cabral.
But Larsson says he has also been helped by Di Canio’s blueprint for Sunderland, with the head coach keen to implement a more attractive style for the Black Cats.
Larsson told the Echo: “I’d definitely say I know the position better now.
“And with the way we’re going to be trying to play football next season, I think that will suit me a lot more too.
“I give 100 per cent whenever I can, but I’m maybe not that ball winner when you’re defending for a whole game and having to win headers and stuff.
“I like to be able to get the ball under control and play it a bit more.
“But that’s going to be very easy next season because that’s what the boss wants us to do.”
Di Canio remains keen to add to his resources in the middle of the park, with a midfield playmaker at the top of his wishlist for the remainder of the transfer window.
Sunderland are not blessed with options in the engine room, despite the summer captures of Cabral and El-Hadji Ba.
Craig Gardner and Jack Colback are operating as emergency full-backs, Lee Cattermole’s future is still unresolved and Alfred N’Diaye has joined Turkish side Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan.
Until any further recruits, Larsson and Cabral are likely to continue as Di Canio’s first-choice, with the latter impressing in the Far East and demonstrating there is more to his game than simply being a midfield ball-winner.
“Cabral can do that, but he can play too without a doubt,” added Larsson.
“That’s the type of player the manager has wanted to bring in.
“He wants to change the style of the team and we’re working very hard on doing that.
“I think you can see glimpses and hopefully we’re only going to get even better.”
CONNOR WICKHAM says few teams in the Premier League will be fitter than Sunderland next season after their overseas exertions.
The Black Cats resumed training at the Academy of Light yesterday after spending the bulk of their pre-season campaign in foreign climes.
Paolo Di Canio took his side to Italy for a 10-day training camp, just four days after the start of pre-season, before Sunderland’s players headed to Hong Kong for the Barclays Asia Trophy following 48 hours of respite.
England Under-21 striker Wickham expected Sunderland’s pre-season to be draining, yet says Di Canio’s regime will reap its rewards when the Premier League gets underway.
The 20-year-old said: “We went to Italy for a couple of weeks and were only back for two days before going out to Hong Kong.
“Now we’re back in the North East, we’ll be one of fittest teams in the league, without a doubt.
“So hopefully, we can use Hong Kong and Italy as a stepping stone for the start of the season.
“It’s been difficult, but all of the lads were expecting a difficult pre-season.
“We’ve all dealt with it and completed all the runs and the games.
“We are feeling fitter and stronger in the games, so I think it’s only going to help us and improve us as a team.”
Sunderland demonstrated the benefits of their fitness programme in Hong Kong, with two encouraging displays in the Barclays Asia Trophy.
The extra sharpness of Di Canio’s side saw them beat Spurs 3-1, before succumbing 1-0 to Manchester City in the final.
Although Wickham was deflated to lose against City, he believes Sunderland made a statement about their conditioning by performing well in such rain-affected games.
“Obviously the conditions weren’t great and then it started to rain halfway through both games,” added Wickham.
“But there was nothing we could do. We just had to try to play our own game.
“They were playing on the same pitch as us so I don’t think we can blame them.
“It was a shame to lose after getting to the final.
“But it’s all about fitness at this stage of the season.”
SUNDERLAND have demonstrated their focus on addressing three priority positions after abandoning a move for Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
As the Gazette revealed last week, Paolo Di Canio is keen to land three more players before the end of the transfer window – two full-backs and a creative midfielder.
Panathinaikos teenager Mavrias has become a victim of that hunt, with the protracted pursuit of the Greece international finally reaching a dead end.
The £2.5m move was originally delayed earlier this month due to Mavrias’ abdominal injury, before a meeting on Wearside to discuss personal terms, and undergo a medical was postponed.
Panathinaikos had expected Mavrias to travel to England today to finalise his switch to the Stadium of Light.
But the transfer has not progressed since Sunderland returned from Hong Kong on Monday, with Panathinaikos claiming they were not willing to agree to the Black Cats’ proposal to delay the move further.
Since the captures of fellow winger Emanuele Giaccherini and David Moberg Karlsson though, Sunderland have not seen the Mavrias move as a priority.
There has been a feeling at the Stadium of Light for several weeks that Sunderland’s interest in Mavrias may come to nought, and so it has proved.
After adding eight first-team players to the squad this summer, Sunderland are aware of the need to balance the books and offload the club’s dead-wood, while Di Canio’s biggest priority is on the two full-back and creative midfield positions.
Former Everton man Manuel Fernandes could be a role for the latter, with the Besiktas midfielder linked with a £6.5m move in the Turkish press.
Sunderland continue to be credited with an interest in Inter Milan’s Serbian international midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic.
But it is the two full-back positions that are arguably more pressing, with Sunderland not possessing a specialist in either position, given Phil Bardsley is considered surplus to requirements by Di Canio.
Gino Peruzzi was Sunderland’s main target for the right-back slot, and his club Velez Sarsfeld continue to insist that his £3m switch to Sunderland could be resurrected after his failed medical.
But Sunderland sources insist the injury is a serious one, and will prevent the Black Cats revisiting the deal.
After being frustrated in our attempt to sign a right back, have we returned for one of the first players linked with Sunderland during this window?
The Gino Peruzzi saga is still rumbling on, yesterday it emerged that Italian side Catania had shown interest in signing the Argentine defender, then the Velez president, Miguel Calello, said that until he gets a definitive 'no' from Sunderland, he does not consider the defender's move to be over.
All of which means Sunderland are still waiting to solve their problem right back position and with the season drawing ever closer, the prospect of Craig Gardner filling in there once again grows.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel though, with reports emerging from Italy that suggest Sunderland have gone back to the drawing board and re-entered the race to sign Torino right back Danilo D'Ambrosio. D'Ambrosio was actually the first right back linked to the club this summer, in fact regular readers of Roker Report, will have noticed his name on our weekly column 'The Gossip' since this summer's first edition of that feature.
The 24-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract, is highly rated in Italy and has been tracked by a number of clubs, including Napoli and Inter Milan. With his contract running down, his agent has admitted that he will leave Torino this summer and although it was a difficult decision, they both feel it's time he had a change of scenery.
It's thought that Torino want €4m for D'Ambrosio and considering he is currently earning a little over £5,000 per week, he will almost certainly fit into the young, hungry and relatively cheap model the club are targeting.
Whether there is any truth behind this link remains to be seen but there is currently a meeting set for Friday, so D'Ambrosio, his representative and Torino can work out a solution that suits all three parties, hopefully that means it won't be another long running saga and we will get some answers by the end of the week.
PROMISING rookie Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford has joined League Two Burton Albion on a season-long loan.
The England Under-19 stopper is highly rated at the Stadium of Light after training with the first-team for the last two campaigns.
But Pickford’s competitive experience is limited to the Conference after loan spells with Darlington and then last season at Alfreton Town.
Pickford, who kept five clean sheets in 12 games for Alfreton, is now expected to make his Football League debut for the Brewers at Cheltenham Town tomorrow after finalising a youth loan with the club.
Burton boss Gary Rowett said: “I’ve looked at lots of keepers this summer and felt Jordan was my number one target.
“I’m really pleased to get him on board.
“He’s 19 and looks like a young keeper – but he doesn’t play like one.
“Nicky Law (Alfreton manager) practically begged me to sign him.
“We’ve seen him ourselves and we were impressed.
“He did really well at Alfreton for a young keeper.
“He played in real physical games and he came for his crosses, no problem.
“He can kick it miles off both feet too and is one of the best kickers I’ve seen.”
Transfer talk: Sunderland’s McClean linked with Blackburn loan
SUNDERLAND winger James McClean has been linked with a loan move to Championship club Blackburn Rovers.
McClean is yet to start for Sunderland during pre-season after speculation about his future under Paolo Di Canio throughout the summer.
Celtic have been credited with an interest in the Republic of Ireland winger, while reports today have suggested Blackburn want to sign the 24-year-old on a season-long loan.
The arrival of Juventus’ Emanuele Giaccherini has pushed McClean down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, while Di Canio has also added to his options out wide with Swede David Moberg Karlsson.
Transfer talk: Fulham linked to Sunderland skipper Cattermole
FULHAM have emerged as potential suitors for Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole.
Skipper Cattermole is expected to leave the Stadium of Light this summer, if Sunderland find anyone willing to match the 25-year-old’s wages.
Although Cattermole is now fully fit after recovering from the knee injury which ruled him out of the second half of last season, Paolo Di Canio has refused to confirm whether he has a future at the club, as reported by the Echo last week.
Reports today have linked Fulham with a £2.5million move for the former Middlesbrough man.
The Cottagers are also interested in out-of-favour Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley, who has been training with the club’s Under-21s during pre-season.
JOZY ALTIDORE is confident he can replicate his Eredivisie scoring feats on his Premier League return.
American striker Altidore netted 31 times for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season to persuade Sunderland to splash out £6million for his signature last month.
The 23-year-old believes he developed into a polished performer during his two seasons in the Netherlands after netting just once in 28 appearances as a teenager for Hull City in his previous experience of Premier League football.
And although Altidore realises there is a gulf between the Dutch and English leagues, he is relishing the prospect of leading Sunderland’s line next season.
Altidore told the Echo: “I’m very excited to be back in the Premier League.
“I’m delighted to have this opportunity and I just can’t wait for the league to get started.
“I think I just became a better player in Holland, than the one when I was at Hull.
“On and off-the-ball and linking up with the players around me, I just got better. It’s that simple.
“I’ve become a much more confident player since then.
“The two leagues are completely different, but we’re trying to play football which looks good and hopefully I can score some goals.”
Altidore is one of eight signings added to the first-team squad by Paolo Di Canio, with the Sunderland head coach hoping to add another three.
Florida-born Altidore says such an influx of fresh faces has been challenging, but has been impressed by the way they have been integrated into the fold.
“It’s been difficult with bringing so many players in,” he said.
“But we’ve been working on a lot of different things. There’s a great bunch of guys here.
“(Emanuele) Giaccherini is a very good player and Cabral has been doing some good things.
“We’re all committed to having good times this season.”
Altidore started both of last week’s Barclays Asia Trophy encounters, in Hong Kong, alongside Stephane Sessegnon and the duo look likely to start the Premier League campaign up front together.
But with Steven Fletcher on the way back from injury and both Connnor Wickham and Ji Dong-won in reserve, Altidore is impressed by the range of striking options that Di Canio can call upon.
Altidore added: “Sessegnon is a top, top player. There’s no doubt about it.
“And Connor is a very good player too.
“I think we have a lot of good options there and hopefully Fletcher will be fit soon too.”
CRAIG GARDNER admits he couldn’t envisage making a comeback after 18 months on the sidelines, let alone if he was in his 30s.
The return to fitness of centre-half Wes Brown has been one of the big plus points of Sunderland’s pre-season campaign after the former England international’s career looked to be over.
Brown’s last competitive appearance for Sunderland came in January 2012, with last season marked by a succession of injury setbacks for the 33-year-old.
But Brown has so far come through Sunderland’s pre-season unscathed – completing every training session under Paolo Di Canio and featuring in all four of the Black Cats’ friendlies.
Team-mate Gardner is hopeful that Brown can maintain that level of fitness, but says he has been taken aback by the hunger of the former Manchester United man to continue playing.
Gardner told the Echo: “Wes has done unbelievable during pre-season.
“I’m 26 now and I can’t imagine how tough it is to get back out there after being out for so long.
“The hunger he’s got is unbelievable and every day he’s had a smile on his face.
“After the injuries he’s had, it’s a credit to him for getting back and I just hope that he can stay fit now and play for us.”
Makeshift right-back Gardner lined up alongside Brown in defence during Sunderland’s participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy, in Hong Kong, last week.
And even though Sunderland have brought in eight new players so far this summer, Gardner says Brown’s return has to be considered as an added bonus to that tally.
“The new boys all look good, they’ve settled down really well,” added Gardner.
“But I thought Wes was superb in Hong Kong and he’s like a new signing for us.
“That’s got to be a big boost for the manager and let’s just hope he stays like that.”
LEE CATTERMOLE is not expected to depart the Stadium of Light imminently, despite the midfielder being linked with a £2.5million switch to Fulham.
The Cottagers have emerged as the most serious suitors for Cattermole so far this summer, with Sunderland’s willingness to part company with their skipper becoming increasingly clear.
Premier League new boys Hull City have been linked with Cattermole for several weeks, but ex-Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is not thought to be keen on taking the 25-year-old to the KC Stadium.
Fulham are a far more viable proposition, yet any talks are still at a preliminary stage, with Cattermole not thought to be on the verge of leaving the club.
Cattermole has resumed full training at the Academy of Light this week after knee ligament damage restricted him to just an hour of first-team football in 2013.
But as the Echo reported last week, Paolo Di Canio has refused to confirm whether Cattermole has a future at the club and the player is braced for the exit door.
Sunderland realise though that the problem with offloading Cattermole is his wages after he only penned a new three-year contract at the Stadium of Light in October.
Given his injury record during his four year stay on Wearside too, Sunderland face an uphill task to sell a player who is yet to feature under Di Canio.
If Cattermole does make the move to Craven Cottage, he could be part of a contingent of ex-Sunderland players.
Kieran Richardson made the move to West London last summer, while Fulham are now firm favourites to sign Darren Bent from Aston Villa, with Newcastle reportedly now out of the running.
Fulham remain the likeliest destination for Cattermole’s Sunderland team-mate Phil Bardsley too.
Bardsley has been forced to train with the club’s Under-21s throughout pre-season, yet the Cottagers are still keen to land the full-back in a cut-price deal.
Head coach says club made friends during Hong Kong trip.
Paolo Di Canio has praised his players’ “professional” attitude after the Black Cats were welcomed with open arms in Hong Kong.
Sunderland were popular with the local fans at the Barclays Asia Trophy last week and reached the final before suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
The players were mobbed following an open training session and enjoyed vocal backing from the crowd during the matches, particularly the final.
And Di Canio feels Sunderland have won more than a few friends in the Far East after witnessing how his players behaved and the locals’ reaction to them.
“It means our players, our group our club did a good job not just in playing football but how we behaved outside of the football environment,” he explained.
“We have a big name to protect, the dignity of this club and I heard that any fans the local area supported us because our players were very kind; they gave their time.
“They were professional, not behaving like fake stars – that made me proud and the club has to be proud too.
“Rather than hear some bad story, there is an environment where we can make the fans proud because this is the way to behave.
“We are a top club and an example for others.”
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-02 13:11
Let's teach you faggots something actually worth chanting to:
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
>>203
Times have changed. Hahahahahaha did you see arsenal celebrating their 4th spot finish
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-02 13:47
>>201 You know who you are, the plastic Arsenal 'fans' that ride the glory and glamour train and who have no association with the football club whatsoever.
Never having to watch your team struggle for cash or survival, scratching around for players and staff, just watching 'your club' spending millions. If it wan't for REAL supporters there'd only be a few clubs and what a state football would be in . You plastic jokers make me sick tbh, you're not real football fans, just glory hunting jokers with your new Newcastle 1992 club.
To the majority of you, grow up and support you local team FFS!
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-02 13:52
Was arguing with an Arsenal Glory Hunter mate about our two clubs. I believed Arsenal could possibly be sinking lower, he naturally disagreed. He seemed to think Champions League qualification was automatically theirs but I said what if they don't finish in the top 4? He replied with such confidence that they'll "probably win the Europa League" - all Arsenal fans think they're entitled to success even though they haven't had any success (relative to Man Utd's, Chelsea's etc) in the past.
Then you have United fans these past few days: 8th of May - "Moyes is a rubbish manager with no experience", 9th May after his announcement as manager - "He's a great manager, done well with Everton" etc.
Since my Arsenal Glory Hunter mate had the cheek to call Liverpool fans delusional, it got me thinking; which top 7's fans are the most delusional?
Is it Arsenal's who still think they're the invincible? Or fickle United fans who's fanbase mainly comprises of glory hunters? Or could it be us, Toffees, Spuds, City, Newcastle or Chelsea fans?
I personally believe Arsenal Glory Hunters are by far the worst, but I'd like to know what you guys think!
STEPHANE SESSEGNON wants to stay at Sunderland and be part of the Paolo Di Canio revolution.
Sunderland have been willing to part company with Sessegnon this summer, despite the Benin international only penning a new contract at the Stadium of Light last August.
It is the second successive summer where Sessegnon’s Sunderland future has been in doubt, with the speculation affecting the 29-year-old’s form during the opening few months of last season.
But Sessegnon, who started Saturday’s Barclays Asia Trophy final defeat to Manchester City, is enjoying life under Paolo Di Canio and insists he is fully focused on the Black Cats.
Sessegnon told the Echo: “The speculation is okay, I have no problem with that. But I’m happy at Sunderland. We’ve worked well in pre-season and hopefully we can continue like this.
“I’m enjoying it at Sunderland and my mind is for Sunderland now.”
Sessegnon’s form last season wasn’t helped by his lack of pre-season action either after he failed to feature in any of Sunderland’s friendlies under Martin O’Neill.
But the former Paris St-Germain forward has started all four of Sunderland’s pre-season encounters so far and is encouraged by the club’s preparations for the Premier League campaign.
“It’s a very important time, you need to have a pre-season,” he said.
“You need to do the hard work to start the season well.
“I think that affected me during the first few months of last season. But this year is different because we’ve had a good pre-season, with a lot of good players coming.
“That’s made everyone work hard in training and we’ve got a strong mentality too among the players.
“It looks good already for the start of the season.”
Sunderland suffered their first pre-season defeat on Saturday after Edin Dzeko’s ninth minute opener proved sufficient for City in dreadful conditions in the Hong Kong Stadium.
Sessegnon added: “It’s always difficult when you play against a team like Man City, but then everyone could see the pitch too.
“I know it’s the same for the two teams, but we gave everything.
“Unfortunately, there was no chance for the team to win.
“We didn’t create many chances, but City played well. They were compact and they defended together. It was difficult for us.
“Pre-season has been hard, but it’s good.
“We’ve played four games, won three and lost one.
“Let’s hope it continues like that because we have 19 days or so until the season starts.
“If we continue to work well, we’ll be ready to start the season strongly.”
New Sunderland signing Jozy Altidore believes that his time in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar will be beneficial, according to Sky Sports, as he returns to the Premier League after a disappointing spell with Hull City in the 2009/10 season.
The United States international failed to make an impression with the Tigers, scoring just two goals in 30 appearances as the club was relegated. However, he has been prolific with Alkmaar over the previous two seasons, scoring an impressive 51 goals in 93 games in all competitions.
And after that successful spell, Altidore hopes to impress in the Premier League at the second attempt. He said: “I think I just became a better player in Holland than the one when I was at Hull. On and off the ball and linking up with the players around me, I just got better. It's that simple. I've become a much more confident player since then.
Altidore is one of several players brought in this summer by Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, as the Italian looks to shape his squad for his first full season in charge. Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini, and Lazio defender Modibo Diakite are among his other new recruits.
PAOLO DI CANIO says it is impossible for his training regime to go overboard during pre-season.
Sunderland’s players landed back in England this morning after a draining week-long stay in Hong Kong, with Di Canio’s men due to resume training at the Academy of Light on Wednesday.
After overseeing a 10-day boot camp in Italy earlier this month, Di Canio continued to work his players hard in the Far East, with daily double training sessions - plus two games on the dreadful Hong Kong Stadium pitch.
But Di Canio says his players cannot do enough at this stage of the campaign, as he attempts to fine-tune their fitness for the start of the Premier League in 19 days time.
Di Canio said: “Is it possible to over-train players? At this stage, no.
“I found with some players last year that they were under-training.
“It is not at the end of the season where you have played many games.
“It is only the beginning and they’ve come from 40 days off so you can’t over-train.
“We have to be careful because we have the plan with our fitness coach.
“But we know that we can pay the price now because we want to be sharp.
“It’s obvious that when we start the season officially after one or two games, we can use our energy in the right way.
“You have to fight sometimes with your demons because if you didn’t have this habit before, the brain thinks ‘what is going on?’.
“But it is important that we are sharp in 19 days time.”
Despite Sunderland suffering a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Saturday’s Barclays Asia Trophy final, Di Canio insists he was more than happy with the efforts of his players.
And the Black Cats head coach was particularly relieved to his senior statesmen come through the game unscathed after Manchester City centre-half Matija Nastasic was stretchered off from a dreadful surface.
“I’ve seen two teams who’ve lost one player to injury – one for an ankle problem (Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen) and one who came off on Saturday,” added Di Canio.
“I just kept my fingers crossed and the grandads like John O’Shea and Wes Brown, they played 90 minutes which means our pre-season is a good medicine.
“I said that we want to play when we’ve got the chance, but it was obviously more difficult on that kind of field.
“In general, we have done a good job.
“The opponents are one of the best clubs in the world in terms of individuals, so I’m more than satisfied.
“There was a good spirit and attitude, especially in the first quarter of an hour. We had three or four potential chances.
“With the first chance for them, the goal came.
“I’m not happy, because you never are if you lose. But I’m happy with my players.”
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio says his players are "an example to others" and praised their professional attitude following the side's recent pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
Sunderland beat Spurs in the semi-final of the Barclays Asia Trophy before suffering defeat against Manchester City in the final.
The Sunderland squad was mobbed after they held an open training session, and enjoyed vocal backing from the crowd during their matches.
Paolo Di Canio told the club's official website: "Our club did a good job, not just in playing football but how we behaved outside of the football environment.
“We have a big name to protect, the dignity of this club and I heard that many of the local fans supported us because our players were very kind; they gave their time.
“They were professional, not behaving like fake stars – that made me proud and the club has to be proud too.
“Rather than hear some bad story, there is an environment where we can make the fans proud because this is the way to behave.
Sunderland transfer window so far: Downgraded keeper but overall success
With one month left till the close of the transfer window we take a look at The Black Cats’ efforts in the market so far.
Sunderland... At least I have plenty to write about hey?
Players signed
Paolo di Canio, when not busy whipping his boys into shape, has been reshaping his team from top to bottom.
Emmanuel Giaccherini has to be the marquee signing of the bunch. At £6.5 million, the Italian international comes at a snip from Juventus.
Some of their best business has however been utilising the Bosman ruling.
Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite are good defensive additions, while Cabral could prove to be one of the Premier League’s bargain buys.
El-Hadji Ba looks a promising talent, and Jozy Altidore will be charged with getting the goals like he did at AZ Alkmaar - not with Hull City.
Vito Mannone has come in as the new number one stopper from Arsenal, and has looked impressive in pre-season.
And little known quantity David Karlsson also looks a promising talent - especially from dead-ball situations.
It certainly has been a rebuilding stage, as the Italian looks to bring in players he feels can play his style of football in the Premier League.
Wes Brown’s return from injury also acts as basically a new arrival.
Ones that got away and those to come
Sunderland pulled out of a deal for Charis Mavrias of Panathinaikos this week, but are still being linked with the signature of Zdravko Kuzmanovic from Inter Milan.
It is an interesting pursuit, as many Premier League teams chase his signature.
The club did miss out on promising left-back Bernard Mendy who instead went to Marseille - so there may be scope for a left-back to arrive still this summer.
Those who have left
In terms of those that got away only one was really wanted.
Simon Mignolet has joined Liverpool for £9 million and that will obviously be a loss.
Other than that, the players to have been moved on seem to be those not in the plans of Di Canio.
Danny Graham, Alfred N’Diaye and Ahmed Elmohamady have all left - as have the deadwood in Titus Brable and Matthew Kilgallon - two players that have been punching above their weight for a while now.
Others could follow, with James McClean, Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley in particular linked with an exit.
So expect more new faces to boot.
Grade so far: C
A solid rebuilding session at the club but losing Mignolet for Mannone is a definite dip in quality.
That being said Altidore, Giaccherini and Cabral look quality signings that should steer them away from relegation troubles this season.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-05 17:33
This dude makes some good copy/pasta!
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-06 15:16
>>213
HA HA SHITTYASSHOLES SAME MANAGER, SAME MID TABLE JERK OFFS, HAHA ASSHOLENILS SUCK MAJOR DICKS!!!!!
Name:
anon2013-08-06 15:18
LONDON FAGGOTS, CRAPPY PLAYERS, CRAPPY CLUB, SHITTY FANS....
Sunderland have accepted a bid from Championship side Wigan for winger James McClean, Sky Sports sources understand.
The 24-year-old looks surplus to requirements under Paolo Di Canio's regime, having previously starred under Martin O'Neill.
McClean joined Sunderland in 2011, signed by Steve Bruce, but injuries meant he never got to play under him before his departure and instead he was blooded by O'Neill.
The former Derry City man made a stunning impact and was tied down to a new-long term deal in early 2012.
However, after a brilliant debut campaign, things did not work out last season and he appears to not be in the plans of Di Canio, who is ready to let him leave after already bringing in nine new faces this summer.
Wigan have now made their move and have had a bid accepted as Owen Coyle looks to further bolster their promotion push back to the Premier League.
It is understood that at least two more clubs have an interest in McClean.
Sunderland have promised us a season of excitement and uncertainty with Paolo Di Canio wanting to win silverware
If there is one thing you can predict with any degree of confidence about Sunderland this season, it is they will be unpredictable.
Not only do they have a manager in Paolo Di Canio who has never conformed to the norm, either as a player or a coach, they also have a completely new team thanks to a bold rebuilding project led by their new director of football Roberto De Fanti.
Sunderland have signed eight players in this transfer window and are not finished yet. Di Canio was far from impressed with the quality of the squad he inherited from Martin O’Neill – although to be fair to his predecessor he had already told owner Ellis Short he needed to completely overhaul it before he was sacked back in March – or their professionalism.
He wanted to make the team his own and has done, with the help of De Fanti, who has been responsible for identifying the players Di Canio will try to mould into a competitive Premier League team who will – and this is how he will be judged – not be haunted by their usual relegation fears.
Of the new arrivals, American striker Jozy Altidore, who was prolific in Holland with AZ Alkmaar, and Italy international Emanuel Giaccherini, who has arrived from Juventus, are the best known. The rest are a collection of Bosman-style free transfers and foreign youngsters with potential, but no Premier League experience
.
A quick scout of the pre-season guides and there are plenty of people who fear Sunderland are going to struggle once more this season. Then again, they are easy targets.
Since returning to the Premier League in 2007, Sunderland have really only had one campaign where they were not in any sort of relegation danger. That came with Steve Bruce as manager in 2011, when they finished tenth.
They are no longer perceived as a yo-yo club, perhaps, but they are perennial strugglers who begin each campaign knowing the primary objective is to preserve their top flight status.
Di Canio, though, is determined to change that. He did not come to Sunderland to maintain the status quo. He has come to win things.
Some may snigger at that suggestion, but Di Canio, for all of his charisma and quirkiness, is not out to amuse anyone.
There is much about the Italian that entertains, but there is also no questioning his motivation or his desire to be successful. Di Canio will demand every single one of his players gives his all to the cause. He will expect total dedication to him and the team. He will constantly remind his players that every individual should be striving to improve.
His methods are unorthodox and there have already been problems in the dressing room as a result. Several of the players he took charge of last season have expressed their dismay at the strict new regime and complained about the way they are treated and spoken about. Those that have done, are no longer part of his plans.
Titus Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon have been released. Right-back Phil Bardsley has been told he will not play for the club again while Di Canio is manager, while the club captain under Bruce and O’Neill, Lee Cattermole, has also been ostracised and told he will be no more than a squad player if he digs his heels in and stays on Wearside.
There are some who warn of implosion; that Di Canio is too abrasive, too confrontational and too volatile to cope with millionaire footballers and their fragile egos. They predict the dressing room dissent will quickly undermine him, prompting criticism he will not be able to handle in the media and, ultimately, his demise.
Crucially, though, the club’s supporters are not among them. Di Canio’s style has been embraced, not resisted. The cult of the leader, he so carefully nurtures, celebrated.
Di Canio is the star name and the star attraction at the Stadium of Light and he begins his first full season as manager with the full support of the board above him and – despite the initial division caused by his previous association with Italian fascism – the supporters around him. That is vital because he rules with absolute authority.
Sunderland should also be applauded for not playing safe with their choice of manager, just as owner Short should be commended for backing him in the transfer market this summer.
Having gone for two obvious candidates in Bruce and O’Neill, Short felt he needed to take more of a gamble. It might back fire, yet it could also pay off spectacularly if Di Canio is as good as he thinks he is.
The point is, we don’t know how things will pan out, but we know it is going to be exciting finding out.
For all of its hype, the Premier League has become too predictable. Dare I say it, it has even become a little boring for clubs like Sunderland who have become stuck in a rut battling for survival. Di Canio is the type of character who could change that with the sheer force of his personality.
He did a good job at Swindon, getting them promoted from League Two and leaving them in the play-off places last season.
His critics will point out he did so by spending more than £4m – a vast amount for a lower league club – and quit before the tide turned in order to preserve his reputation. The extravagant budget he enjoyed at Swindon has been cut in half since he departed, walking in protest at the sale of one of his best players in a bid to help balance the books.
Di Canio went through 48 players in less than two years in Wiltshire. He will not be able to do the same at Sunderland.
He has got the new players he wanted and he has the backing he needs, but eventually he will have to make the most of what he has got at his disposal.
That’s the challenge, but is one that promises to enthral like never before at the Stadium of Light.
McClean on brink of joining Wigan's crusade to get back to the top flight after Sunderland accept £2m bid for winger
Wigan have had an £2million offer accepted for Sunderland winger James McClean.
Blackburn were also reportedly interested in the Republic of Ireland international but Latics manager Owen Coyle looks to have got his man.
Coyle said before the bid was accepted: 'We're chasing one very good player as we speak.
'Whether we're able to get him in remains to be seen, but I'm certainly not finished adding to the quality we have here.'
On the chances of losing some of his key men, the boss added: ‘We know that rival clubs are more than aware of the quality we have at this football club.
‘All I can do as a manager is prepare them for the games and concentrate on that. Everything else is out of our control, but we still haven't even had an enquiry for any of our players let alone a firm bid.
‘As a manager, I am comfortable with that but, like anything else, we are always looking to plan ahead. And I am looking to add to the squad, not dismantle it.’
Wigan's 10 summer signings
If they complete the move for James McClean, Wigan would have nearly bought a whole teams-worth of players in the transfer window.
Leon Barnett (Norwich, £500,000) Juan Carlos García (Olimpia Tegucigalpa, free), Grant Holt (Norwich, £4m), Marc-Antoine Fortuné (West Brom, free), Scott Carson (Bursaspor £700,000), James Perch (Newcastle, £700,000), Thomas Rogne (Celtic, free), Chris McCann (Burnley, free), Stephen Crainey (Blackpool, free), James McClean (Sunderland, £2m)
Premier League - Sunderland, Besiktas to battle for Kozak
Lazio striker Libor Kozak is expected to be the subject of a bidding war between Besiktas and Sunderland.
The Biancocelesti forward is not part of Vladimir Petkovic’s plans for the coming season, and is likely to be shown the exit door at Stadio Olimpico.
As such, according to Calcio News the 24-year-old could be on his way to either Turkey or England.
Besiktas have already submitted a loan bid for the goalscorer, with the right to sign outright – but that has been rejected by president Claudio Lotito.
Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland are also another option for the Czech Republic international, and they could be on the verge of making a €6m (£5.1m) offer.
The midfielder rubbished suggestions of a fall-out despite the fact he has joined Eskisehirspor on loan, having only arrived from Bursaspor in a £3.8 million deal in January
Alfred N'Diaye has dismissed claims he fell out with Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio after he left the club on loan, having only arrived in January.
The midfielder joined the club during the winter transfer window for £3.8 million from Bursaspor but lost his place in the team following the appointment of Paolo Di Canio in March.
The 23-year-old completed a move to Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan last month but says it has nothing to do with a bust-up with the Black Cats manager.
"There was no problem with the coach," N'Diaye told the Sunderland Echo.
"We talked about my expectations because I need playing time. I'm at an age where I need to play, so it was agreed to my loan and I chose Turkey.
"After the half-season I spent at Sunderland, starting on the bench was not what I wanted.
"I am only 23, but you must play every week to progress. I could have stayed at Sunderland, but I preferred the loan."
The move sees N'Diaye reunited with his former coach at Bursaspor, Ertugrul Saglam, who is now in charge at Eskisehirspor.
He added: "I had several offers, but it is this one in Turkey that gave me the most motivation.
"I know the coach, I spoke with him and he is counting on me for the upcoming season. This offer guaranteed me the most playing time."
Liverpool to beat Sunderland to Aly Cissokho after deal for Lorenzo Melgarejo collapses
LIVERPOOL have agreed terms with Valencia's Aly Cissokho over a one year loan deal with the option of a permanent transfer.
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool stepped up their interest in the French international after a deal for Benfica's Lorenzo Melgarejo fell through, quashing Sunderland's hopes of luring Cissoko to the Stadium of light.
It is thought that Liverpool will pay Valencia €1m (£870,000) for the initial loan period with an option to sign the player permanently at the end of the season for €4m (£3.5m).
Cissokho will now compete with Jose Enrique for the starting left-back spot in Brendan Rodgers' team.
The signing brings the end to a summer-long search for reinforcements down the left for Liverpool with Brendan Rodgers on the record as acknowledging the position is an area that needed strengthening.
Late last month Rodgers said: "There are obviously certain areas of the squad where we're a bit thinner than others.
"We probably need a bit more support - that extra bit of quality - at the top end of the field and that's something we'll look out for.
"That'll be mixed with needing cover in the left-back position - that's something we're looking at. It's not really about numbers, it's about quality.
"If we can do that over the next number of weeks we'll be happy."
Liverpool thought they had addressed the problem after reaching an agreement with Benfica over Lorenzo Melgarejo, only for the deal for the one-cap Paraguayan to collapse over an inability to secure a work permit.
The news comes as a blow to Sunderland who had hoped for better news on Cissokho after a deal for Argentine full-back Gino Peruzzi was scuppered after the player failed a medical, leaving the out-of-favour Phil Bardsley as the only specialist full-back on the Black Cats' books.
Southampton & Sunderland Battle it Out In Pursuit Of Senegal Striker Moussa Sow
St Mary’s and Stadium of Light sides both keen on Fenerbahce forward.
Sunderland and Southampton are battling it out for the signing of Fenerbahce striker Moussa Sow, reports the Daily Star.
Both Premier League clubs are keen on signing the Senegalese forward this summer as they look to strengthen their squads to avoid the drop this season. The former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund target has impressed since his move to Turkey and has often been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Sunderland having already signed striker Jozy Altidore this summer from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, are still looking to add one more forward this summer before the start of the season, but would need to offload one of their current forwards. Ji Dong-Won would be the likely candidate to leave the club, as well as Connor Wickham, who could leave on loan again this summer.
Manager Paolo Di Canio is desperate to add some real quality to his side this season, having already signed 11 players, including the likes of Modibo Diakite from Lazio and Emanuele Giaccherini from Juventus, the 27-year old striker would round off a great summers work in the North East, the Black Cats have already had a £12million bid turned down for Sow this summer, but are willing to improve that offer.
Southampton are also keen on Moussa Sow, as they search for a strike partner for Rickie Lambert. Manager Mauricio Pochettino must offload a number of strikers before he signs Sow this summer, with the likes of Billy Sharp, Tadinari Lee and Emmanuel Mayuka all being made available for transfer this summer.
David Vaughan can leave Sunderland AFC for £1million
Sunderland have stated that Welsh International David Vaughan can leave the club for around £1million. The midfielder has only one-year remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light and the club have made potential suitors aware of his valuation.
Vaughan joined Sunderland from Blackpool two years ago but has never been able to firmly establish himself as a first-team regular at the club. The 30-year-old has been used only sparingly and has managed to make only 36 Premier League appearances in his two seasons at the club.
It has been believed that Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is interested in bringing Vaughan to Selhurst Park. The pair know each other from their time together at Blackpool.
Vaughan started his career at Crewe Alexandra and made 185 appearances for the club. He then moved to Spain signing for Real Sociedad but had an unhappy spell at the club and returned to England with Blackpool. The midfielder helped the Seasiders achieve promotion to the Premier League. Despite suffering relegation back to the Championship the following season, Vaughan managed to impress and signed for Sunderland in 2011.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has made a massive overhaul to Sunderland squad this summer sanctioning the departures of Matthew Kigallon, Simon Mignolet, Ahmed Elmohamady, Ryan Noble, Ben Wilson, Titus Bramble, Adam Reed, Alfred N’Diaye and Kader Mangane.
RYHOPE CW return to Wearside League action with tonight’s visit to Boldon CA, writes MALCOLM PRATT.
The Wearsiders, with Martin Swales still in charge, were without a fixture on opening day as they start back on familiar territory after being demoted out of the Northern League.
Ryhope, outstanding quadruple winners in the Wearside League in 2010/11 and 2011/12 and runners-up in the Northern League’s Second Division last term, are hot favourites for the title.
“We were all disappointed at being relegated from the Northern League, but the majority of last season’s squad have re-signed,” said recently appointed secretary George McKitterick, who stood down from a similar role with the Wearside League in the summer.
“There is a very good and positive atmosphere and we aim to return to the Northern League as soon as possible, hopefully at the end of this season.”
Boldon CA were surprisingly crushed in their first match at Redcar Athletic, but they expected to be much stronger tonight and are confident of having a new goalkeeper in place.
Assistant manager Steve Halliday had to step in at the last minute on Saturday. Six players have returned from holiday and are added to the squad.
Ashbrooke Belford House, with Asa Dobbing taking over from his father Tommy as joint manager, alongside Paul Robertson, are optimistic of a successful season.
Dobbing said: “We re-signed the majority of last season’s squad and have added Shaun Petch and Dean Arkley, both signed from Ryhope CW, to a strong pool.
“We lost Luke Olabode to Consett and goalkeeper Brett Wilson joined Harton and Westoe, but Paul and I believe we are strong enough to do well.”
Belford are at Jarrow tonight minus Kenny Taylor, Mark Egglestone and Steven Bogie, but Alan Young and Jake Moan return.
Jarrow miss Peter Kane, Brian Johnson, Ross Toward, Dean Black and Liam Bayles and a doubt surrounds David Conroy, but Ryan Burton is available.
New Sunderland West End manager Andy Colledge has Paul Milner and Mark Langley pencilled in for the debuts at Seaton Carew. Ross Kennedy is also available, but Lee Smith is a definite absentee.
Horden CW, fresh from an opening 5-0 win, will almost certainly field an unchanged side at Leam Rangers, who have midfielders Gordon Hutchinson and Nicky Langston back.
However, strikers Leon Kane and Anthony Thompson, who missed the opening game, are again very doubtful.
Coxhoe Athletic have a long trip to Cleator Moor and assistant manager Paul Charlton reports that captain Stephen Parnaby, Jonathon Hornsby, Michael Hillary, Mark Watson, Brad Cane, Chris Baxter, Neil Charlton, Kyle Scott, Michael Graham, Robert Tones, James Laidler and Ben Haddock are all unable to make the journey.
Tang Van Ngujen is doubtful, but Charlton hopes that Kyle Wren, Stephen Clough and Callum Walton will be able to play.
“The situation is so bad that we’ll be trying to recruit players before we set out. It may be I’ll have to turn out myself,” bemoaned Charlton.
Sunderland new boy will go from "strength to strength"
Emanuele Giaccherini will go from “strength to strength” at Sunderland - says Adam Johnson
Emanuele Giaccherini will go from “strength to strength” at Sunderland - says Adam Johnson.
The £6.5 million summer signing from Juventus has already impressed in pre-season friendlies against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, after penning a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
He and Johnson are set to figure in the Black Cats’ third and final warm-up game against FC Midtjylland in Denmark tonight.
Paolo Di Canio has spent the close season urging his new side to switch play between opposite flanks at pace, allowing full-backs and wingers to dovetail.
And Johnson said: “Last season it was tight when you were getting the ball and there were a lot of numbers around individuals, but I think if we can switch the ball quickly like we’ve been working on as well, it gives the opponents less time to get across.
“You can face the opponents up then and he (Giaccherini) likes to play out wide as well, so hopefully we’re going to stretch teams.
“He’s everything you’d expect from that type of player, that’s what he’s like. His technique’s good, he can see a pass, he’s clever like most Italian attackers. I think he’s only going to get stronger as well when he plays a few games.
“He’s not scared of the physical side of it. Against Tottenham (in Hong Kong) he put a tackle in on Kyle Walker early on when a lot of players probably would have shied away. He got going and got stuck in.”
Johnson added: “If you look at all the top teams in the world, the full-backs are the wingers these days.
“You very rarely see wingers standing right out wide these days, especially in top teams. The full-backs are the ones who cross the ball most on the pitch. That’s the way modern football’s going.”
DARREN Bent could return to the Stadium of Light on the opening day of the season, with Fulham hopeful of concluding a deal for the ex-Sunderland striker.
The Cottagers have been battling it out with Newcastle United for Bent this summer and have seen two bids rejected by Aston Villa for the 29-year-old.
Villa are holding out for £6million for Bent, even though the England international has played no part in the first-team’s pre-season programme.
But Fulham boss Martin Jol, who brings his side to Wearside on August 17, is hopeful of concluding a deal for the former Sunderland favourite this week.
Jol said today: “I don’t speculate on things that are not 100 per cent.
“With Darren Bent, hopefully we can tell you something by the end of the week.”
STEPHANE Sessegnon has no idea what team Paolo Di Canio will select for tonight’s final pre-season game, against Midtjylland in Denmark (5pm kick-off).
But he says there is no doubt that the head coach has options he didn’t have going into the close season – and nowhere more so than in attack.
“It’s good for the team that we’ve got a variety of strikers,” the 29-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain man told the Echo.
“We need every player for the team.
“The more good players you have to help the team then the better it is for me, for everybody.
“This season, we have more ambition than last year and we need the whole squad.”
The arrival of in-form United States international Jozy Altidore has given everyone a boost, while with South Korean striker Ji Dong-won having impressed so much in pre-season, following his successful loan at Augsburg last term, he might have played his way into Di Canio’s long-term plans.
And as well as Connor Wickham and Sessegnon himself, there’s also the impending return from injury of last season’s leading scorer, Steven Fletcher.
Sessegnon is a big fan of the Scotland international’s predatory goal-scoring ability and is looking forward to having him back in the side, believing the ex-Wolves and Burnley man has plenty more goals in him.
“It’s important because Steven Fletcher is a good player,” he said.
“I don’t know when he will be back, but every player is important for us.
“When Steven Fletcher is back, he’ll be good.”
Of the new arrivals, the exciting attacking potential of winger Emanuele Giaccherini has caught Sessegnon’s eye. And the Benin international believes that the Italian – like himself – will prove adept at unlocking Premier League defences.
“He’s just come in, but he works well for the team already,” he observed.
“He’s got a lot of talent, so it’s a positive for us.”
Paolo Di Canio has named his side for Sunderland’s final pre-season game ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood will start at the MCH Arena, with summer signing Valentin Roberge also handed a place in the starting line-up.
Fans will also be hoping to get a glimpse of Modibo Diakite, who is on the bench for this evening’s clash, after missing out on the Barclays Asia Trophy tournament in Hong Kong.
Keep up with the game on Twitter by following @SAFCOfficial
Sunderland Plan to Hijack Fulham Move for Uruguayan Midfielder
Black Cats aim to steal a march on the Cottagers in race to land Serie A defensive midfield player.
Sunderland are hoping to hijack Fulham’s move for unwanted Napoli midfield player Walter Gargano this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
The experienced Uruguay international had been expected to sign for the west London club last week, with his agent Alessandro Lucci even due in the capital for talks with Cottagers head coach Martin Jol.
However, it is now understood that Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is hoping to steal a march on his Premier League rivals by persuading the 29-year-old to move to the Stadium of Light instead during the close-season transfer window.
Gargano has been told by his current employers in Serie A that he is now surplus to requirements in Naples going forward, and as such should find himself a new club next season after spending the previous campaign out on loan with Italian giants Inter Milan.
The holding midfield player featured in 36 matches in total in all competitions for Inter in the previous campaign, including in 27 Serie A contests for the club, however, the Uruguayan was then sent back to Napoli at the conclusion to his season-long loan spell last May.
But Gargano could now soon find himself playing in the north east next season if Di Canio gets his wish.
WIGAN ATHLETIC have had an undisclosed offer for James McClean accepted and the Sunderland winger has been given permission to head for the DW Stadium for talks.
The Latics have been keeping an eye on the situation in recent weeks and have made the move - believed to be worth in the region of £1.5m - in an attempt to beat off the competition.
Sunderland are said to be aware of other clubs showing an interest in the Republic of Ireland winger and Wigan's bid has got things rolling.
Paolo Di Canio, the Black Cats boss, has been waiting for more players to move on before he can further add to his squad.
Celtic like McClean, 24, but have preferred transfer targets, while Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers have also previously been linked.
FROM Sunderland to Sweden – a charity has gone international to promote the benefits of the beautiful game.
Coaches from the Foundation of Light ran a three-day course, in partnership with Swedish side Villastadens IF, for 60 Swedish youngsters, aged nine to 14-years-old.
They also worked with Villastadens IF’s coaches to share skills.
Giles Sandercock, football development delivery manager at the foundation, said: “It was a real pleasure to travel to Sweden and work with such an attentive and hard-working group of youngsters.
“The staff at Villastadens IF were a pleasure to work with and we hope that this is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship.
“Courses such as these, whilst providing obvious benefit to the youngsters we work with, are also fantastic for the development of our own staff. By exposing them to different cultures, environments and so on, they constantly have to evaluate and assess what they do to make sure it’s right for the youngsters.”
Des Allen, co-ordinator at Villastadens IF, added: “The coaches who came over were true professionals and great ambassadors for Sunderland AFC. The youngsters who took part really enjoyed the course and our coaches felt they really benefited from taking part in the sessions.”
The foundation’s coaches will also make trips to Spain and Switzerland.
Remember when Tom Huddlestone was close to moving to Fulham or Sunderland? He never did, and now Cardiff are reportedly interested.
Tottenham Hotspur are probably still trying to sell Tom Huddlestone if they can get a decent fee, and according to the Daily Mail, Cardiff City are now interested in the Spurs midfielder.
Huddlestone played well enough last season to prove that he still deserves a shot at the Premier League level, but unfortunately, he still hasn't reached his former level of performance and appears to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane. He was reportedly close to moves to Fulham and Sunderland earlier in the transfer window, but neither came to fruition and those rumors have since died out.
The above-cited Mail article also states that Cardiff are interested in QPR midfielder/defender Stephane Mbia, who isn't anything like Huddlestone. If Cardiff sign him before we hear any more rumors about a Huddlestone move, it doesn't mean that it won't happen.
Cardiff have plenty of competent bodies in the center of midfield, but they're light on players who can pick a creative and accurate long pass from deep positions. Huddlestone has to be specifically accommodated due to his limitations, but he fits well into a three-man center of midfield with what the Bluebirds already have.
There's obviously nothing concrete here -- it's just the Mail saying that Cardiff are interested -- but this rumor makes sense for Spurs, Cardiff and Huddlestone.
The Black Cats made it four wins out of five friendlies in Denmark, with new signing Jozy Altidore setting up the former Manchester City man for the only goal of the game
Sunderland rounded off their preparations for the new Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland in Denmark on Wednesday.
Adam Johnson grabbed his first goal of pre-season courtesy of an assist from new arrival Jozy Altidore in the first half, though Paolo Di Canio's men failed to add to their tally despite dominating the second period.
However, the Italian is still likely to be pleased with his side's efforts in their final fixture ahead of an opening-day Premier League clash with Fulham.
FC Midtjylland came into the game having already played three domestic fixtures but, despite making an encouraging start to proceedings that seemed to hint at their greater sharpness, they were soon behind
Altidore, whose fine goalscoring record has been regularly referenced since his switch from AZ Alkmaar, evidenced another side of his game as he teed up Johnson to curl a trademark effort in at the far post.
The hosts almost summoned a response not long after, as Keiren Westwood needed to be on his toes to keep out a Frank Kristensen effort.
But Sunderland looked the most likely to get another before the break, as Sebastian Larsson and Emanuele Giaccherini both went close.
The second period saw a host of changes - including an incredible eight in one go from FC Midtjylland - and both teams struggled to get going as a result.
A well-saved Stephane Sessegnon attempt was in truth as near as either side came, and Sunderland were rarely threatened as they saw out a fourth victory in five pre-season games.
FC Midtjylland 0 Sunderland 1: Johnson on target as Black Cats end pre-season campaign with victory
Adam Johnson scored the only goal as Sunderland closed their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland in Denmark on Wednesday night.
Marco Larsen brought an early save from Keiren Westwood but it took Johnson just six minutes to give the Black Cats the lead.
The former Manchester City man gathered a pass from Jozy Altidore and fired past goalkeeper Jonas Lossl from the edge of the box.
Frank Kristensen almost had the hosts level midway through the first half but Westwood did well to save his close-range header.
Emanuele Giaccherini brought a save from Lossl as half time approached but Pione Sisto almost had the hosts ahead just after the break as Westwood was forced into a low save.
A host of substitutions followed with Midtjylland changing their entire XI but it was Stephane Sessegnon who came closest to scoring again as he hit the bar with seven minutes remaining.
The Republic of Ireland international is on the verge of completing a transfer to Owen Coyle's side after the Black Cats accepted an undisclosed offer on Wednesday morning
Sunderland have accepted an undisclosed bid from Wigan for James McClean, Goal understands.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder made 36 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats last season, but reports on Wednesday have suggested that he is at the DW Stadium to finalise a move to the Championship side.
McClean, who was booed by his own supporters after refusing to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day in 2012, was left out of Sunderland's Barclays Asia Trophy match against Tottenham, and had to make do with a late substitute appearance in the final against Manchester City.
Manager Paolo Di Canio has brought in nine new players this summer as he aims to stamp his authority on the north east club.
The Italian took over from Martin O'Neill at the end of March and helped steer his side to Premier League safety thanks largely to wins against Newcastle and Everton.
But the former Swindon boss blasted certain members of his squad following defeat by Tottenham on the final day of the season.
Defender Phil Bardsley had been pictured laying on the floor of a casino covered in £50 notes in the build-up to the match, leading Di Canio to slam the "disgusting indicipline" shown by some of his squad.
Wigan started their Championship campaign with a 4-0 win at Barnsley on Saturday.
Sunderland target Lazio's prolific European goalscorer Libor Kozak
PAOLO DI CANIO wants to bring Lazio's Libor Kozak to Sunderland and is weighing up a £4m bid for the striker.
Di Canio has been busy this summer bringing nine new players into the club and the Italian is still on the lookout for more talent as he prepares to enter his first full season in charge.
Reports in Italy suggest the former Swindon Town manager is keen to make Kozak, who was the Europa League's top goalscorer last season, his 10th addition.
The Czech international is not in coach Vladimir Petkovic's first-team plans for the new campaign and he is willing to listen to offers for the 24-year-old.
ozak is also attracting interest from Turkish side Besiktas who have seen a loan bid rejected by Lazio president Claudio Lotito.
Lotito would like to seal the permanent departure of the striker and raise funds for a potential new recruit.
Though prolific in Lazio's European campaign last season, Kozak failed to net a single league goal for his club in 18 appearances.
The Sunderland manager is also hoping to balance the books at the club with the departure of winger James McClean to Wigan.
McClean is seen as surplus to requirements especially after the arrival of Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini for £8.6m.
The Republic of Ireland international will travel to Wigan today to hold talks with manager Owen Coyle over the move to the DW Stadium.
“The Sunderland manager is also hoping to balance the books at the club with the departure of winger James McClean to Wigan”
Sunderland Transfer News: £5 Million For Czech Striker Libor Kozak?
Sunderland are set to make an offer of £5.1 million for Lazio’s Libor Kozak to take the striker ahead of Turkish side Besiktas, according to Calcio News.
Kozak struggled to make an impact in Serie A last season, failing to score in 18 games and the player has been told he has no future at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 24-year-old striker has already been linked with the Black Cats this summer although interest faded with the arrival of Jozy Altidore.
However the rumours of Sunderland’s interest have again picked up with Danny Graham leaving on loan for Hull City but the Wearside club will have to contend with Besiktas, who also have a keen interest in the Czech Republic international.
The Black Eagles have already had a loan offer rejected by Biancocelesti, and with the club holding out for a permanent transfer, Sunderland aappear to be in a prime position to add to the player to their squad.
The Daily Star reports that Paolo Di Canio still wants to bring more firepower to his squad after only one of his strikers [Steven Fletcher] managed to score a single goal in the Premier League last season.
Kozak was prolific for Lazio in the Europa League, having scoring 10 goals in the clubs European campaign.
Sunderland Transfer News: James McClean To Be Sold To Wigan For £1.5 Million?
Sunderland are set to sell winger James McClean to relegated Wigan Athletic for a cut-price £1.5 million, according to the Mirror.
The Latics are hoping to beat fellow Championship sides Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn to the services of the speedy midfielder, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light.
Despite making an impressive start to his Black Cats career under ex-manager Martin O’Neill, McClean has since failed to live up to his form from his debut season at the club and Di Canio is wiling to let him go.
Wigan, who are hoping to bounce back into the Premier League after dropping into the Championship in May, and are also playing in the Europa League as winners of the FA Cup, hope to have completed a deal by the end of today.
McClean’s sale is part of a huge summer overhaul of the North East club by Di Canio, who has made no fewer than nine signings so far.
Emanuele Giaccherini, El-Hadji Ba, Jozy Altidore, Vito Mannone, David Moberg Karlsson, Modibo Diakité, Cabral, Valentin Roberge and Duncan Watmore have all joined Sunderland in recent months, while Simon Mignolet was sold to Liverpool.
PROMISING Sunderland youngster Louis Laing is facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury, writes CHRIS YOUNG.
Laing sustained the problem during the Under-21s’ pre-season tour of Germany and Holland last week, with the initial diagnosis not thought to have been encouraging.
It is another injury setback for the 20-year-old after spending seven months on the sidelines last season with foot and knee problems.
Laing (pictured) has long been recognised as one of the best prospects from the club’s academy and impressed for the first-team under Steve Bruce in the 2011 pre-season.
But since then, the centre-half has struggled to fulfil his potential, although he did get a taste of the Football League when making 11 appearances for Wycombe during the tail end of the 2011-12 League One campaign.
Laing was taken to South Korea by Martin O’Neill last summer for Sunderland’s pre-season tour, but never got a sniff of first-team action under the former Black Cats boss.
And after seeing last season derailed by the injury, Laing had hoped to go back out on loan this season, with several League One sides interested in the defender.
PAOLO Di Canio wants the heartbeat of his new Sunderland side to be English.
The head coach has spent the summer bringing foreign recruits into the Stadium of Light.
But last night he told the Gazette that a ball-playing English central-midfielder – around which his remodelled side would revolve – was absolutely key to his plans.
And while he still wants to strengthen his options at full-back, maybe even bring in a winger, the acquisition of that key player in the middle of the park is his absolute top priority.
“The club is working on the two full-backs, but more important to me is the need to get a key player in central midfield – someone who’s English,” he said.
“He needs to be English, with a physical presence because we have analysed that that is a need we have.
“English, because he needs to know English football inside out.
“And also a player with very good quality – because we want to play attractive football which gets good results.”
That sort of player sounds very much like Tottenham Hotspur’s Tom Huddlestone, pictured, who the Gazette exclusively revealed in June, was a player Sunderland had made serious inquiries for.
The Black Cats have kept tabs on the England international throughout the summer, and he remains very much at the top of the list.
But with no breakthrough having been made, the club is also scouting other possible signings who could fulfil that role.
Di Canio says though the success of that pursuit lies is firmly in the hands of the club’s newly appointed Director of Football Roberto De Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni, rather than his own.
“I hope it can be done,” the head coach said. “I know they are working to make it happen.
“I hope it does, because as head coach I know the process of improvement – how to link the middle of the field with the back four, or the front four.
“Everyone can have their opinion.
“But to me it is clear that we need a real play-maker, with a real identity, and not just a player who can fill in, in that role.”
As well as working on players coming in, the club is working on players going out and Di Canio’s pursuit of the player he outlined above seems to underline that skipper Lee Cattermole no longer has a future at the club.
Cattermole is among a number of players who were told they could leave at the end of last season, but still remain on the books as things stand.
JAMES McClean has completed his switch from Sunderland to Wigan Athletic after signing a three-year deal.
The 24-year-old has joined the Championship outfit for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £2m.
Irish international McClean had an excellent start to his career on Wearside before his form tailed off last season.
He is happy to have joined Owen Coyle’s side after falling down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
“I’m delighted it’s all been completed, and I can say I’m a Wigan Athletic player,” he said.
“This is a fantastic club, and after speaking with the manager, I can’t wait to meet the rest of the team, start training and hopefully make my debut very soon with the aim of helping us get back to the Premier League.”
McClean joined Sunderland from Derry City in 2011 and was named the club’s Young Player of the Year in his first season with the Black Cats.
Last term, though, the winger was caught up in a number of controversies and found himself surplus to requirements under Paolo Di Canio this summer.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio unhappy with display
PAOLO Di Canio saw his side win their last pre-season game before the start of the 2013-14 Premier League campaign next weekend but left Denmark fuming at what he saw as a poor attitude from his players.
The Black Cats emerged as 1-0 winners over FC Midtjylland – current leaders of the Danish superliga.
But he was angered by what he saw as a below-par approach to the match by his players and he left them in no doubt about his feeling in the post-match debriefing in Herning.
“I’m not happy,” he told the Gazette afterwards.
“I didn’t see the performance I wanted to see.
“We have 10 days to go and it is the last real game before the start of the season – I’m not happy because it was an important game for me.
“Every game is important of course, but I would have preferred to lose the game, and see a better attitude, and more improvement in our play, rather than win and take one step back from what we showed in Hong Kong.
“So I didn’t enjoy it.
“II know that when you are engaged in a process of building something, you can have one step forward and two back – or two forward and three back.
“But I expected a bit more.
“I didn’t enjoy watching my players play – not all of them, but a few of them.”
Di Canio referred to his disappointment with a ‘French speaking player’ as well as others, and that seemed to point the finger at Stephane Sessegnon, who had one of those somewhat anonymous and inconsistent games he occasionally produces.
It could also have been applied to though, to Valentin Roberge, or Cabral.
And the head coach continued: “I was disappointed with the attitude.
“The attitude is crucial.
“We can talk about tactics during the season or technical mistakes that can be improved by practice, but the attitude is the thing you don’t know.
“Some of my players are new, so I don’t know.
“I would not be arrogant enough to think I can discover their attitude in two hours of playing, but it can change for whatever reason.
“Yesterday was a big opportunity for all the players to show we are ready to start the season strong, but some of them failed to complete the mission.
“I have to make sure they change their mentality otherwise we will have a problem.”
Sunderland ace Keiren Westwood hopes to have staked his claim
KEIREN Westwood hopes he has put down a marker after keeping the only clean sheet of Sunderland’s short close-season programm
The Republic of Ireland international played every minute of the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland in Denmark last night, making several eye-catching stops in the process.
And his hope will be that he has done enough to get the nod for Sunderland’s season-opener against Fulham at the Stadium of Light next weekend.
Westwood had been expected to be Sunderland’s No1 keeper next season after the £11m sale of Simon Mignolet to Liverpool this summer. And even after Sunderland spent £2m purchasing Vito Mannone from Arsenal, Westwood’s place was regarded as secure.
But Di Canio’s reliance on his countryman in the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong – the Italian played 90 of the club’s 120 minutes football out there – has cast some doubts over that.
Westwood told the Gazette: “I just try to go out and give my best every time I play, and I have to be happy that I managed to keep a clean sheet.
“I had a few saves to make, and although it was important that we won the game, from my point of view the fact that we did not concede was a real bonus.
“I’m hoping I will be playing many more games next season.
“Like any professional footballer, you want to be playing games.
“And while I’m loathe to say my career took a backward step last season, the reality is that the amount I was involved last season was not enough for me.
“I want it to be different next season, and I’m delighted to have kept a clean sheet in our final pre-season game.
“But in the end it comes down to the manager who he chooses, and all I can do in that direction is do my very best week-in, week-out and hope it is enough.”
No major worries over duo, says Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio
WES Brown and Ji Dong-won failed to make the trip to the club’s last pre-season game against FC Midtjylland last night after picking up injuries.
But Paolo Di Canio was quick to reassure fans after the game that he did not expect any serious problems.
Brown has been a revelation this summer since returning to full fitness and was one of Sunderland’s best performers in the recent Asia Trophy.
Ji meanwhile looked certain to be leaving the Stadium of Light this summer after attracting the interest of several Bundesliga clubs rumoured to be preparing big offers only for impressive work in pre-season training to catch the eye of Di Canio and suggest he has a future on Wearside.
Both would have loved to have been involved in last night’s game to underline their potential claims on a first-team place.
But with neither travelling, there was always likely to be heavy speculation – particularly given Brown’s poor injury record since moving to the North East.
But Di Canio told the Gazette: “Wes had a little problem and we decided not to risk him on the day.
“He has had a very good pre-season, which was a surprise for everyone, even him.
“We didn’t want to risk him because he’s an important player now.
“On the day of the game he was running again.
“ And today he can train harder because I want him to be available as soon as possible.
“It’s good for us that we have a player of his ability in our squad, and it is important to us that we have him able to play for us next season.
“As for Ji, he has been out for a few days, but we expect him to be back in training in the next few days.
“So at this moment in time, we do not have any real worries about either of them.”
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-09 16:30
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(repeat)
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que sera sera.
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Sunderland have accepted an offer from Wigan Athletic for Republic of Ireland international James McClean as manager Paolo Di Canio looks to raise funds before adding any more players to his squad.
Di Canio has signed eight new players in this window, but does intend to stop there, with a creative midfielder and a full-back on his wish list.
He may also look to replace McClean in his squad after a bid from Wigan - believed to be around £1.5m - was accepted on Wednesday.
Wigan began their mission to make an immediate return to the Premier League in style with a 4-0 win at Barnsley last weekend, but manager Owen Coyle feels McClean will add creativity and goals to his midfield in the Championship.
The 24 year-old was a huge hit under former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill, who gave the former Derry City player his Premier League debut in his first game in charge against Blackburn Rovers in December 2011.
But after an excellent six months, McClean lost his way last season as defenders worked out how to stop his direct running game and he rapidly lost confidence as well as form.
The youngster, who elected to play for the Republic instead of Northern Ireland under the terms of the Good Friday agreement, has also been plagued by a series of social networking controversies and infuriated even Sunderland fans when he refused to wear a Remembrance Day Poppy on his shirt last November.
McClean is expected to discuss personal terms with Wigan in the next few days, although there has been interest from other clubs, including Celtic, Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers who may also bid for him now that is clear Di Canio wants to sell.
The 31-year-old is feeling confident going into the new season and has suggested that boss Paolo Di Canio has improved the squad's collective fitness levels during training
Carlos Cuellar is feeling confident going into the new campaign after Sunderland rounded off their pre-season duties with a win over Midtjylland on Wednesday.
Paolo Di Canio's side had previously enjoyed wins over Tottenham and Chiasso as well as the Danish side ahead of the new campaign and Cuellar has revealed that the Italian coach's strict approach to conditioning has been a key part of their preparations.
The 31-year-old played the entire match in Denmark and told the club's official website: "For me, I’m happy to play for 90 minutes and get the chance to play.
"Pre-season has been tough; we have done lots of work on our fitness and we have had games in Italy and Hong Kong.
"It was nice to be involved in Denmark, but overall it was good for the team to get the victory and to keep a clean sheet.
"We knew what to expect from FC Midtjylland as we’d done our homework and watched DVDs of their Superliga games.
"We went there wanting to win and get a result and we did it in good fashion by scoring a goal and keeping a clean sheet.
"It’s a great way to end pre-season, with a good result over a good team."
Sunderland finished 17th in the Premier League last season and will hope for much better this time around with Di Canio having brought nine new faces to the Stadium of Light.
They begin their league campaign at home to Fulham on August 17.
Carlos Cuellar has revealed his delight at being handed a chance to play in the pre-season game against FC Midtjylland.
Cuellar is eager to make an impression on manager Paolo Di Canio as he fights to earn a regular starting berth with the Premier League outfit ahead of the new campaign.
The Spaniard played the full 90 minutes in the victory over the high-flying Danish Superliga side in their final friendly before they host Fulham in their opening game of the season.
The 31-year-old believes that the strict attitude of his Italian manager and all the hard work during pre-season has paid dividends and will help the squad to be more competitive this year.
Cuellar said: "For me, I'm happy to play for 90 minutes and get the chance to play.
"Pre-season has been tough; we have done lots of work on our fitness and we have had games in Italy and Hong Kong.
"It was nice to be involved in Denmark, but overall it was good for the team to get the victory and to keep a clean sheet."
Ben Wilson: Cambridge United sign ex-Sunderland keeper
Cambridge United have signed former Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Wilson on non-contract terms.
The 21-year-old had been training with the U's this summer following his release by the Premier League Black Cats at the end of last campaign.
Wilson, who had loan spells at Gateshead and Chesterfield, also played in the U's pre-season friendly against St Neots Town.
He had spent 12 years with Sunderland, joining the club at the age of nine.
Sunderland new boy Emanuele Giaccherini could have been a Napoli player, says agent
THE agent of new Sunderland signing Emanuele Giaccherini admitted he tried to make his client sign for Serie A side Napoli before his move to England.
Paolo Di Canio made Giaccherini his major signing of summer thus far after sealing an £8.6m deal to bring the winger to the Stadium of Light.
However the player's agent Furio Valcareggi told an Italian radio station that the Giaccherini's career may have gone down another path if he had decided.
"I proposed Giaccherini to Napoli," he said.
"But [Sporting Director Riccardo] Bigon refused.
"All this dates back to before he signed for Juventus.
"Emanuele decided to go to Juventus and everything changed."
The 28-year-old signed a four-year-contact with the Wearsiders last month and has already impressed many of his new teammates.
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson believes the former Cesena midfielder has got all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League next season.
"He's everything you'd expect from that type of player, that's what he's like," Johnson told a regional newspaper.
"His technique is good, he can see a pass, he is clever like most Italian attackers.
"I think he is only going to get stronger as well when he plays a few games."
Wednesday evening saw Sunderland once again venture to foreign fields for a hastily arranged, final pre-season fixture in Denmark.
FC Midtjylland provided the opposition and proved to be a stern test for Paolo Di Canio’s men, which should have come as no surprise as the Herning-based side currently sit atop of the Danish Superliga having won all three of their opening fixtures.
However it was the new look Sunderland forward line that would make the first impact on the game with a fantastic, flowing move to open the scoring. A passage of play which started with Sebastian Larsson spreading the ball wide to Emanuele Giaccherini, who played a sublime ball onto the head of Stephane Sessegnon. The Benin man laid off a cushioned header to Jozy Altidore and with a deft back-heel the ball was at the feet of Adam Johnson who dispatched a mouth-watering curling effort into the back of the net.
The hosts rallied and put up a fight after going behind, and the game ebbed and flowed – however Johnson’s goal would prove to be the difference on the evening.
As is always the case with pre-season fixtures, it is the new faces which come under the most scrutiny from the fans and a number of Di Canio’s new recruits caught the eye.
Valentin Roberge looked assured and comfortable in the heart of defence, even having the audacity to break the mould of the usual central defender Black Cats fans have become accustomed to and actually playing the ball out from the back.
However it was Giaccherini - Sunderland’s marquee summer signing – who impressed the most.
It would appear that the hard work on the training ground is not over just yet for Sunderland
The former Juventus man looked fantastic, creating a number of chances, delivering a series of teasing crosses and playing a big part in the Sunderland goal. If the Italian can carry this form into the Premier League season he could be a really important and exciting addition to the Sunderland setup.
While fans may have been happy with what they saw against a side that is much further along in their preparation than the Black Cats, Di Canio was not as easily impressed.
In the manager’s post-match email, the Italian opened his correspondence with: ‘I am not very happy. I would rather have seen the team lose and turn in a good performance rather than win with a poor performance.’
While Di Canio’s stance is admirable, setting a high standard for what he expects from his side, it is hard to see such comments being replicated during the season if his side were to emerge 1-0 victors having played poorly.
‘Today has been a learning curve,’ Di Canio continued. ‘I have noticed certain things from certain players and watched their behaviour throughout the game. There are some positives, but overall I think there is still work to be done.’
With the season-opener against Fulham looming large it would appear that the hard work on the training ground is not over just yet for Sunderland.
FORMER Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has left QPR by mutual consent.
Ferdinand penned a three-year contract at Loftus Road after leaving Sunderland in the summer of 2011.
But the centre-half was sent out on loan to Bursaspor for the second half of last season, with the Turkish side reportedly keen to sign him permanently.
QPR have confirmed they have reached an agreement over the final year of Ferdinand’s contract and the 28-year-old is now a free agent.
James McClean admits: I wasn't enjoying my football at Sunderland.
James McClean says he left Premier League Sunderland for Championship Wigan because he 'wasn't enjoying my football' in the North-East.
The 24-year-old Irish winger stepped down a division earlier this week in a reported £1.5m transfer deal.
McClean joined the Black Cats in August 2011 and, although he made more than 30 appearances for the club last season, he feels the time was right to sign for the Latics.
He told The Shields Gazette: "I really do believe this is the right move for me.
"Obviously things had gone wrong for me at Sunderland. I'm fully aware that I made mistakes, and while I would also admit to losing my confidence, I certainly wasn't enjoying my football.
"I've already held my hand up admitting the mistakes I've made but I also believe I've learned from those experiences and moved on.
"The move to Wigan is the right one. The fact that Wigan won the FA Cup last season and now have the Europa League to look forward to was also a big factor for me as I want to play in Europe."
But he also accepted he will miss the Stadium of Light: "I had many good times and played with some fantastic players.
"I've made many friends, particularly among the playing staff, and I will miss them.
"John O'Shea has always been a great friend to me and I will miss his guidance and advice.
"I have no problems with the club that gave me the chance to prove myself when playing at the top level.
"I realise I must put my head down (at Wigan) and work hard to establish myself and hopefully get into the first team.
"I believe I have something to offer and I'm keen to keep my place in the Ireland team but I must secure regular football if I'm to do that."
Hull and Sunderland battle it out for £5m Spurs midfielder Huddlestone
Hull City are hopeful of beating Sunderland to the signing of Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone who has also attracted interest from Fulham.
Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas played the 26-year-old 29 times last season after a successful return from his latest injury but he is willing to sell the injury-plagued midfielder, who has another two years on his contract.
Martin Jol, who signed the midfielder seven years ago for Tottenham, had also reportedly been interested in the midfielder, while Cardiff City's interest seems to have faded.
Sunderland eye up move for Spurs star Tom Huddlestone
PAOLO Di Canio is set to revive his interest in Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone after admitting his multi-national Sunderland need some English beef.
The Italian has revamped the Black Cats squad with 11 summer signings, the vast majority of whom have arrived from the continent with no experience of Premier League football.
But after watching Sunderland round off their pre-season programme with an unconvincing 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland in Denmark on Wednesday night, Di Canio revealed he’s looking closer to home for his next recruit.
“He needs to be English, with a physical presence because we have analysed that is what we’re missing,” said Di Canio.
“The club is working on two full-backs, but more important for me is the need to get a key player in central midfield – someone who needs to be English.
“English because he needs to know English football inside out and be a quality player because we want to play attractive football which gets good results.
“We need a real playmaker with real identity and not just a player who can fill in.
Hudd-line news: Tom HuddlestoneHudd-line news: Tom Huddlestone
“We need a real playmaker with real identity and not just a player who can fill in”
Di Canio
Di Canio’s words represent an astonishing snub to Sunderland club captain Lee Cattermole, who, on paper, fits the bill but is clearly off his manager’s radar.
Cattermole has yet to play a game for Di Canio, having been sidelined for the season when Martin O’Neill was sacked in March, and Fulham are favourites to sign him.
Instead, the Black Cats boss is likely to launch another bid to sign Huddlestone, having enquired about him early last month, only for the two clubs’ valuations of the player to be way apart.
If a deal cannot be done, Di Canio has a back-up list which includes Danny Guthrie of Reading.
Di Canio, meanwhile, is angry with some of his players after their display against FC Midtjylland, with Adam Johnson’s early winning goal a rare highlight.
He added: “That was not the performance I wanted to see.
“I would have preferred to lose and see a better attitude and improvement in our play, rather than win and take a step back from our play in Hong Kong.
“I didn’t enjoy it because I expected a bit more from some of my players.
“I have to make sure they change their mentality, otherwise we have a problem.”
McClean looks for new start at Wigan to keep World Cup dreams alive
Sunderland captain John O’Shea says Republic of Ireland team-mate James McClean had to quit the Wearside club to keep his World Cup ambitions alive.
Wigan Athletic boss Owen Coyle revealed that McClean took a pay cut this week to become the Championship promotion hopefuls’ 10th summer signing in a £2million deal.
Controversial and outspoken winger McClean, who joined Sunderland from Derry City two years ago, looked certain to be edged out at the Stadium of Light this season after Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio signed wingers Emanuele Giaccherini and David Moberg Karlsson in the close season.
And the 24-year-old Ireland international, in contention for a Wigan debut in Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester United, took the decision to quit the Barclays Premier League to remain a part of Giovanni Trapattoni’s World Cup plans.
Ireland, who play Wales in Cardiff in a friendly this week, are competing with Sweden and Austria for runners-up spot behind Germany in their qualifying group and face all three countries in three of their four remaining games in September and October.
McClean was in Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad but has yet to cement a regular place in the qualifiers, as he competes with Aiden McGeady, Jon Walters, Simon Cox and Robbie Brady for a place on either flank.
And O’Shea said it was made clear to McClean by Di Canio that he would have to move elsewhere to gain regular action this season, and challenge for a starting place in Trapattoni’s side
The new Sunderland captain said: `Fingers crossed it’s a good move for both parties. Obviously the manager was saying to him that he wouldn’t get as much action as he hoped for here and James was thinking of Ireland, it is World Cup year but also of his own form with a club from his own career point of view.
`He’s gone to a very good club with a good manager. All the best to him, he’s a good lad. I’ll stay in touch with him because he’s a very bubbly character. He’ll certainly be a good asset to the Wigan dressing room.”
Former Ireland international Coyle has revealed that he has received no bids for McClean’s international team-mate James McCarthy, who is understood to be a target for Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
The former Hamilton midfielder, who has become one of Trapattoni’s first choices in the Brazil 2014 campaign, started against Barnsley for the FA Cup holders last weekend and new Wigan boss Coyle is keen to keep hold of him.
But Coyle said: `The interest at the moment has only come from media. I am comfortable sitting here and saying we have had no inquiries or offers which may change with the nature of the transfer window and if it does we will deal with it.
`We have always been a club and won’t ever stand in players’ way and nothing will change in that respect. If something comes in we will take it on its merits but as it stands we have had no inquiries and long may that continue.’
SUNDERLAND have scored the first derby win of the season over Newcastle – in the house price league.
Homes close to Premier League football grounds have increased their value at double the rate of those across the country over the last decade, a report has found.
House prices in the postal districts of the 20 clubs kicking off the 2013/14 season have risen by £353 a week on average over the last 10 years, according to research by Halifax.
The report found that homes near the Stadium of Light cost an average of £91,611 – a rise of 97 per cent during the past decade compared to a national average of 68 per cent – putting it at joint sixth in the league table alongside Everton and Liverpool.
But the report also put rivals Newcastle United bottom of the house price table, being the only area where house prices have fallen between 2003 and 2013.
The average value of properties close to St James’s Park slid by 11 per cent to £135,251.
The average house price in the 20 Premier League stadium postal districts is £319,800, which is one-third higher than that across England and Wales of £240,300.
Craig McKinlay, mortgage director at Halifax, said: “The boost to property prices in these areas partly reflects the local regeneration that typically takes place alongside the building of modern sporting arenas, including improved transport links. There are, however, significant variations in home prices around the nation’s leading clubs, with some supporters needing to pay far more to live near the ground of their favourite team than others.”
Halifax based its findings on Land Registry and official earnings figures.
Reports: Sunderland Enter Negotiations For Czech Full Back
With the clock ticking down to the start of the new season, Sunderland could be about to finally seal a move for a full back.
If reports in Turkey are to be believed, Trabzonspor defender Ondřej Čelůstka could be about to solve half of Sunderland's long-standing full back problems.
It is claimed that Sunderland have entered into negotiations to sign the 24-year old Czech right back after he rejected a move to fellow-Super Lig side Antalyaspor, stating instead his desire to play in England:
Antalyaspor wanted me, but my goal is to play in England. For this reason, i did not accept the offer.
The teams you are talking about as being interested in me (Sunderland and Crystal Palace) are accurate. There could be tangible developments in the coming days.
Though the former Czech Republic Under-21 international is most at home on the right side, he is also comfortable across the whole back four and that versatility will certainly appeal to Sunderland given the dearth of full back options currently available.
Should the interest should prove genuine, then it is unlikely Trabzonspor will stand in the way of a deal. There are strict quotas on foreign players in Turkish football and most are finding themselves in a position where they need to cut back a little. No real suggestion of a likely fee has emerged yet, though.
Another name for you all to follow. You know, just in case you were getting bored.
Sunderland sign Ondrej Celustka on loan from Trabzonspor
Sunderland have signed defender Ondrej Celustka on loan from Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan.
The 24-year-old has made 55 league appearances for his parent club, following spells at FC Tescoma Zlin, Slavia Prague and Palermo.
"Signing so many players from abroad with no Premier League experience is risky.
"If they can adjust to the rigours of the English winter then Sunderland could enjoy a successful season.
"The manager's temperament will be under the spotlight but there's no doubt this season will be an adventure."
BBC Newcastle's Nick Barnes
Celustka, who is principally a right-back, played 18 games for the Czech Republic Under-21 side but is yet to win full international honours.
He becomes the 10th new arrival on Wearside this summer.
Manager Paolo Di Canio had already added to the defensive ranks, bringing in Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite, while goalkeeper Vito Mannone, midfielders Cabral, Emanuele Giaccherini, David Moberg Karlsson and El-Hadji Ba, plus strikers Duncan Watmore and Jozy Altidore are the other new arrivals.
Right-back has been a problem position for Di Canio, with midfielder Craig Gardner filling the role during pre-season fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester City and FC Midtjylland.
However, Gardner is suspended for the opening match of the season, at home to Fulham on Saturday, while natural full-back Phil Bardsley has not featured for the Black Cats this summer.
Louis Saha: Former Sunderland striker retires on 35th birthday
Former France international striker Louis Saha has announced his retirement from professional football.
The much-travelled forward used his Twitter account to reveal the news, which came on his 35th birthday.
Saha played for Metz, Newcastle (on loan), Fulham, Manchester United, Everton, Spurs, Sunderland and Lazio.
"Want to thank all managers, all staff, all team-mates, all opponents and all fans for all the support and love towards me during my career," he said.
Saha enjoyed lengthy spells at Craven Cottage, Old Trafford and Goodison Park, joining Fulham in 2000 and scoring 64 goals in 144 games for the west London club, helping them to promotion to the Premier League.
He moved to Manchester United for £12.8m in January 2004 and spent four-and-a-half years with the Red Devils, scoring 42 goals in 124 appearances, before adding 35 goals in 115 games with Everton.
The 6ft striker, who also scored four times in 20 international appearances for France, had short stints at Spurs and Sunderland, and made the final transfer of his career in February with a move to Lazio.
"I'm a proud man but without you all I won't be myself now," he added. "Thanks for the challenges, thanks for the help, thanks for the memories and thanks for the passion."
Sunderland have taken their summer signings tally to 10 by capturing Ondrej Celustka on a season-long loan.
The 24-year-old Czech defender has moved to the Stadium of Light from Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Celustka started his career with FC Tescoma Zlin before moving to Slavia Prague, for whom he made 41 appearances.
A short spell with Palermo followed before he headed to Turkey, while he represented his country at the 2011 Under 21 European Championship.
Celustka is capable of playing at right back and at the heart of defence and is known for his engine, allowing for marauding runs down the line - something manager Paolo Di Canio is said to be keen on.
Premier League new boys Crystal Palace were also interested and Sunderland's new signing tweeted supporters on Monday afternoon: 'Thanks (for) your celebrate messages. I'm very happy.'
The 24-year-old full-back has become Paolo Di Canio's 10th summer acquisition, arriving at the Stadium of Light from Turkish club Trabzonspor for the 2013-14 campaign
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of defender Ondrej Celustka from Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal.
The full-back has become Paolo Di Canio's 10th summer acquisition, joining the likes of Jozy Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini, Vito Mannone and Cabral in an overhaul of the squad ahead of the 2013-14 season.
Celustka joined Trabzonspor from Slavia Prague in 2011, and spent a brief spell on loan at Serie A club Palermo in 2010.
The 24-year-old has been capped by the Czech Republic Under-21s several times, but is yet to make a senior appearance for his country.
Sunderland fail in audacious bid for Napoli wonderkid Insigne
The young Italian wants a new contract at Napoli, but that didn't stop Paolo having a try
Sunderland have failed in an audacious bid for Napoli wonderkid Lorenzo Insigne.
The young winger dazzled at this summer's Emirates Cup, netting against Arsenal, and the Italian starlet's agent Fabio Andreotti admitted that Paolo Di Canio had tried to lure him to Wearside with a bumper offer.
"The Sunderland rumour is true," said Andreotti, "but Lorenzo wants to stay here, even if it means earning less money.
"Renewing his contract? We just want what is fair. Napoli still haven't contacted us, we are waiting for them.
"We have clear ideas and he wants to stay. However, there have been clubs with enough courage to ask Napoli about his asking price."
Insigne is contracted to the Neapolitans until 2017 but having impressed in Serie A last season and on the international stage he is looking for improved financial terms at the San Paolo.
SUNDERLAND Under-18s concluded their pre-season programme by coming from behind to secure an entertaining 2-2 draw against Barnsley on Saturday.
Sunderland started well, with American striker Lyndon Gooch turning well before having his shot diverted for a corner. The same fate befell Martin Smith soon after, then a link between Smith and Tom Beadling saw the latter’s shot drift narrowly wide.
Smith then half-volleyed a Tom Robson centre just past the post.
On the half hour, Barnsley’s Nana drew a great save from Sunderland keeper James Talbot, and he gave the visitors a surprise lead soon after, ramming home a cutback from the left at the far post.
The opener was completely against the run of play, but, eight minutes later, Nana doubled the lead. The trialist, released by West Ham, set off with a run from near halfway to leave three defenders trailing in his wake before shooting low past Irish keeper Talbot.
But Sunderland grabbed a lifeline just before half-time with a bolt out of the blue from left-back Tom Robson. The defender let fly from fully 35 yards to rocket a low strike just inside the post, into the bottom corner.
Four minutes after the break, Beadling had a shot cleared off the line, but Sunderland deservedly levelled on the hour mark. Ethan Robson found Jordan Blincoe inside the box and the winger’s first-time shot under the advancing keeper found the net.
Sunderland were well in control for the rest of the game, pressing continually, but Barnsley worked hard to keep them at bay.
Academy director Ged McNamee said: “After conceding two sloppy goals, we came back to totally control the game. We should have finished better.”
Sunderland kick off the new Barclays U18 Premier League season with a trip to Chelsea this Saturday before hosting Manchester City on August 24.
SUNDERLAND: Talbot; Ledger, Colquhoun (Sukar 70). Beadling (Hesketh 70), T Robson; Greenwood, Smith, E Robson, Blincoe; Gooch, Stinson
Referee: Lindsey Robinson
H Former Sunderland keeper Ben Wilson was an unused sub as Cambridge United cruised to a 5-1 win over FC Halifax, who played the last 69 minutes with just nine men, in yesterday’s Skrill Conference Premier opener. Ex-Magpie Ryan Donaldson was among the scorers.
SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Keiren Westwood will start for the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday’s friendly against Wales.
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has confirmed that Westwood will win his 16th international cap after Millwall’s David Forde was ruled out following knee surgery.
The former Carlisle and Coventry stopper lost his place in the national team after he was unable to take the number one spot from Simon Mignolet at the Stadium of Light last season.
Westwood played just three times for the Black Cats in 2012-13, all in the League Cup, and saw Forde overtake him in the Irish pecking order.
But with the Millwall man facing a spell on the sidelines, Westwood now has a chance to stake his claim to keep the jersey for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria.
“Yes, I want to help his morale by giving him the opportunity to start this game,” said Trapattoni.
“I think it’s important that I show him we have confidence in him so as to help him recover his.
“Usually the number one plays every game and when he doesn’t he can lose a little confidence and maybe make some mistakes so it’s important to be calm but we know what he can do and it is good that he will have this opportunity to remind us.”
Following Mignolet’s departure to Liverpool this summer, Westwood was fully expected to be promoted to first choice goalkeeper on Wearside, though Paolo Di Canio’s decision to start new signing Vito Mannone in both games of the Barclays Asia Trophy cast some doubt over that.
But the Irishman did start in last week’s final pre-season friendly in Denmark, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland.
SUNDERLAND’S transfer spending has already reached almost £30million during the transfer window, the Echo has learned.
The Black Cats have been the most active Premier League outfit this summer after adding eight players to the first-team frame, as Paolo Di Canio remoulds the squad he inherited from Martin O’Neill.
But only two of those recruits have commanded significant transfer fees, with Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini both costing in excess of £6m.
Sunderland landed Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge and Cabral on Bosmans, Vito Mannone and David Moberg Karlsson were each signed for less than £2m, while the club had to pay nominal compensation to Le Havre for out-of-contract midfielder El-Hadji Ba.
Yet the Echo understands that the total outlay from Sunderland’s recruitment drive is still approaching the £30m mark – from transfer fees, signing-on payments and agent costs.
A large chunk of that total was financed by the £11m sale of Simon Mignolet to Liverpool, while Sunderland also received £2m for Ahmed Elmohamady and then further boosted their bank balance last week with the departure of James McClean to Wigan.
But it is thought that Sunderland received just £1m from the sale of McClean, who made his Latics debut in yesterday’s Community Shield against Manchester United.
The figures are further evidence of the financial support provided by owner Ellis Short.
Even though the club’s income has been significantly boosted by the new television deal, Short has made funds available before Sunderland have finished offloading those surplus to requirements.
Sunderland’s spending is not finished either.
The Black Cats are on the verge of sealing a deal for Czech right-back Ondrej Celustka, while a left-back, winger and a creative midfielder remain on Di Canio’s wish-list, plus a new striker should one of the club’s existing frontmen leave the Stadium of Light.
England international Tom Huddlestone is Sunderland’s main target for the midfield role, but he won’t come cheap, with Tottenham placing a £5m asking price on the 26-year-old earlier this summer before the Black Cats broke off negotiations.
Sunderland are NOT reliant on further sales before making further purchases though.
That looked the case last week when Sunderland saw a season-long loan bid for Charis Mavrias rejected by Panathinaikos after McClean’s departure.
Sunderland still have several high earners who they are looking offload; the likes of Phil Bardsley, Lee Cattermole and David Vaughan.
But it is understood that the month-long delay since Sunderland last entered the market has been due to the club re-assessing their transfer targets, rather than waiting to remove players from the wage bill.
Cattermole and Bardsley injured in Sunderland win over Bolton
LEE CATTERMOLE and Phil Bardsley both limped off for Sunderland Under-21s in today’s 1-0 win over Bolton.
The duo, whose first-team future at the Stadium of Light continues to look bleak, were thwarted by first half injuries at the Academy of Light.
Cattermole, making his first appearance since returning to full fitness from the knee injury which hampered him for the second half of last season, picked up a knock just before the interval and failed to emerge after the break.
Then Bardsley suffered a blow to his right ankle after making a heavy tackle in first half stoppage time and was replaced.
Jordan Laidler scored the only goal of the game with 20 minutes to go when he converted Adam Mitchell’s cross to ensure a winning start to the campaign for Kevin Ball’s men.
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
O'Shea hails Di Canio's 'hands-on' approach at Sunderland
The ex-Manchester United defender details the 45-year-old's ability to bringing his squad of players together and explains how the Italian intends to change their playing style
John O'Shea has hailed Paolo Di Canio's "hands-on" approach to coaching Sunderland and is looking forward to the start of the new season.
The Italian took over from Martin O'Neill late last season and helped the Black Cats to retain their Premier League status before embarking on a vast revamp of his squad over the summer, with a host of new faces arriving at the Stadium of Light.
"He's been hands-on. He doesn't like to be called the manager, he's the coach," O'Shea told reporters. "He's involved in everything, even some of the strength sessions.
"He keeps himself in good nick and wants to make sure that, if the lads are struggling, they see him doing it. If he can do it, that's a good guideline. It's what he believes in and, you know, it's working.
"We went away to Italy for 11 or 12 days and then Hong Kong [in pre-season]. Italy was a beautiful location and beautiful weather – and I even got to enjoy a few scoops of ice cream.
"It was two training sessions in the morning and then plenty of rest and nice food. Then we'd go again late in the afternoon. We probably played less games than usual for pre-season but we worked that bit longer on shape, balance of play and different things."
Nine new faces have joined the club, with the possibility of more joining before the close of the transfer window, and O'Shea is relishing being part of the "revolution".
"When we came back in for pre-season the manager said: 'It's a revolution'. It definitely feels exciting, it's definitely something to look forward to," the veteran enthused.
"I think we'll have a better-balanced squad and better competition for places this season - and that's the key for the team to do better.
Of Di Canio's tactics, O'Shea explained: "We're wanting to play a lot more from the back. Hopefully there'll be a lot more for the fans to enjoy, a lot more fluid movement and interchanging between our wide players and our attacking talent."
"The manager's very ambitious, very hungry. I've seen his appetite for the training sessions and the preparation he puts in, and the detail he goes into.
"He wants to improve and he wants to go on and be one of the best managers around. He wants his team to follow that ambition. He's got passion and it's a good thing to see that passion."
Sunderland's gruelling pre-season fitness regime means they won't be fat Cats
Di Canio adamant that even if his rebuilt team cannot outplay the Prem's elite they will run further and harder than them
Paolo Di Canio is completing a £30million summer “revolution” at Sunderland - with a vow that his players will be the fittest in the land.
Skipper John O’Shea has lifted the lid on the Italian coach’s “intense” summer of changes and promised the Black Cats will be a revitalised force next season.
A whirlwind pre-season has given a first taste of the maverick boss’s methods - and bid to create a “new identity” for the Wearsiders founded on hard-work, intensity, discipline and a more flowing passing game.
Di Canio admits he is driven by the fear he’ll only get one big chance at proving himself as a Premier League boss.
He has already signed 10 new players, most recently Czech defender Ondrej Celustka, who has arrived on a season-long loan from Trabzonspor, this summer, and hopes there will be more to come - Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone is the main target.
Surrounded by all those arrivals, Di Canio is determined that next week’s big kick-off against Fulham will prove a new dawn.
The last two months have certainly woken up Sunderland’s players.
Pre-season has been a 9am to 6pm job for them, including a double fitness session in the mornings, before lunch and rest at the training ground or hotel, then a football-based session at 4pm.
It all started with one vow from Di Canio: “You will see the fittest Sunderland team that has ever been. That has to be the base for a footballer.”
Players have been speaking of their being in their best shape ever, but are also wondering when the intensity level will drop.
Di Canio and his close-knit backroom staff hold the theory that if Sunderland can’t match the top five for quality, they’ll give them a run for their money - especially late in matches - with their physical powers.
Diets have been strictly controlled, with players now joking about having pasta and tomato sauce for every meal.
Even the menu of a recent plane journey was changed to remove more luxurious items.
Throwing so many new nationalities together, with some players not speaking English, posed a problem.
So Di Canio decided to make all players “twin up” on the training trips to Italy, Hong Kong and Denmark.
Room keys are now allocated by the boss, so one British or Irish player is paired with a foreign star to help break down the language barrier, and English is the required language on the training pitch.
Di Canio hasn’t stood back and watched his stars sweat and toil - he has led many of the running sessions, and got stuck into strength sessions too... the idea is to inspire the players to go the extra mile when they see the manager, aged 45, setting the pace.
Indeed, the question being asked behind the scenes at Sunderland is when Di Canio will ease off the relentless pace of his reforms.
As well as needing a good rollicking - John O’Shea calls Di Canio’s raised voice as “like a flamethrower” compared to Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary hairdryer - players will also need more gentle encouragement.
O’Shea said: “It’s been intense. When we came back in for pre-season, the manager said, 'It’s a revolution.' Two sessions in the morning, and then plenty of rest and good food. Then we go again late in the afternoon.
“Lads were coming and going. Signing, leaving. The new lads were quite determined to prove themselves, it’s like a fresh start for everyone.
“Di Canio is very ambitious, very hungry. I’ve seen his appetite for the training sessions and the work he puts in and the detail he works to. He’s intense but I’ve never met a manager who isn’t. He wants to make a mark on his team. He’s got that passion, you see it on the sidelines and team talks.
“He’s been hands on - he doesn’t like to be called the manager, does he? He’s the coach - involved in everything, even strength sessions! He keeps himself in good nick.”
There will also be a change of style this season.
O’Shea added: “We’re wanting to play a lot more from the back.
“There’s lots more for the fans to enjoy this season. More fluid movement and interchanging with the wide players and attacking talent we have. Lots more to enjoy.
“It’s been bubbling under at this club since I came [from Manchester United two years ago] but it could still happen and we’ll be doing all we can to make [a finish in the] top 10 a reality.
“The Premier League is so unforgiving. Teams are spending incredible money just to stay in the league, so to be in the top half you face lots of competition but we’re determined to do it - the manager especially.”
Click here for Stan Collymore's view on how Sunderland will do this season.
A typical pre-season day for a Sunderland player
8am: Get up.
9am: Drive to training.
9.30am: Breakfast in canteen. Porridge, fruit - no bacon sandwiches allowed.
10.30am: Double training session starts. Running work, interval training, spinning classes. All distances and speeds recorded by GPS monitors.
11.45am: Short break.
Noon: Gym for strength training, stretching, pilates.
West Ham & Sunderland In For Italian International Striker Fabio Quagliarella
West Ham are ready to compete with Sunderland for the signing of Juventus and Italy striker Fabio Quagliarella, according to the Sun.
The 29-year-old has had a long and successful career in Serie A with the likes of Sampdoria, Udinese and Napoli, and scored 13 goals last season for the Italian champions.
Quagliarella is now unlikely to feature as regularly for Antonio Conte’s side following the arrivals of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente this summer, and may be allowed to leave the club for the right price.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has used his knowledge of Italian football well in the transfer market this summer, and this may give him an edge in landing Quagliarella, as he looks to continue to bolster his squad to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation battle.
West Ham have also prioritised attacking players this summer, and have continued to chase strikers even after securing their main target of Andy Carroll from Liverpool.
As well as a successful career in the Italian league, Quagliarella has six goals in 25 caps for the Italian national side, and his experience would make him a useful addition for most Premier League sides.
The Premier League kicks off on Saturday August 17, with Paolo Di Canio's much-changed Black Cats facing Dimitar Berbatov and co. of the Cottagers, and you could be there
To celebrate the start of the new 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season, Barclays has teamed up with Goal to thank football fans for their continued passion, loyalty and dedication with the chance for two lucky readers to win a pair of tickets to Sunderland v Fulham on Saturday August 17.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply send the correct answer for the following question to competitions@goal.com.
Which player did Sunderland sign this summer from Fulham's London rivals, Arsenal?
A) Ondrej Celustka
B) Emanuele Giaccherini
C) Vito Mannone
This competition is open to home fans only and closes on Wednesday August 14. The winner will be announced on the same day.
Colin Cooper takes in Sunderland and Middlesbrough matches as Pools search continues
COLIN Cooper has ran the rule over a host of Hartlepool United transfer targets in the past 24 hours.
The Pools boss was at the Academy of Light yesterday afternoon as Sunderland’s under-21s enjoyed a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers, a game which featured his former Middlesbrough team-mate and current Black Cats midfielder, Lee Cattermole.
Cooper was locked in discussion with Black Cats coach Kevin Ball after the game and it is thought young forwards Billy Knott, Duncan Watmore and Jordan Laidler – scorer of the only goal – could well be of interest.
And Cooper was again in the stands last night as Middlesbrough’s under-21s were beaten 3-1 by Leicester City at Pools’ Victoria Park.
The 46-year-old is keen to bring at least one striker to the Vic before the end of the month and has already stated that several North-East-based youngsters are on his radar.
Funds should be available following last week’s sale of Peter Hartley and, given that his side are yet to score in League Two, Cooper will be hoping for addition sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Pools reserves were beaten 3-0 at Rotherham United yesterday in their Central League opener.
The Millers took the lead shortly before half-time and added two more goals after the break.
Assistant manager Craig Hignett took charge of the side, which included senior defender Sam Collins, summer signing Nialle Rodney and trialist Michael Duckworth.
And Hignett reflected: “In the first half I thought we did okay and created a few chances, but didn’t take them.
“They managed to get their noses in front just before the break and I think we have to be disappointed with the second-half performance.
“We showed our naivety as a young side and were perhaps a little intimidated by some of the bigger, older players so it’s a learning curve for the players.
“They have to be learn to deal with that physical side of football but the second half today was a harsh lesson for them.”
You may be entertained at Sunderland with Paolo Di Canio at the helm, but avoiding relegation is just about all they can hope for at the moment.
With the Premier League season just one week away, 13 of our football pundits have put their heads together to give you a comprehensive set of predictions.
Each pundit predicted where each Premier League club will finish the season, with 20 points for the club predicted to finish 1st, down to 1 point for the club finishing bottom.
Verdict - Sunderland will finish 16th
Highest prediction: 9th, Lowest prediction: 19th
2013/14 Premier League final table predictions
Callum Farrell: 9th - Di Canio has managed to assemble a new team which should be good enough to stop the rot. Experienced internationals will steady Sunderland, and will see them get into the top half.
Alan Dawson: 10th - If Sir Alex Ferguson hasn’t copyrighted the ‘hairdryer treatment’ phrase then the press may soon end up labelling Sunderland’s players as the latest recipients. His transfers to date have been great.
Mathew Nash: 12th - I had my reservations about Sunderland under Paolo Di Canio - but they look like they have been whipped into shape this summer. That should be enough to steer them clear of what will likely be another tight relegation battle.
Nick Harris: 12th - Sunderland have made some excellent signings, and even with the unpredictable figure of Paolo Di Canio at the helm, they should enjoy a good season at the Stadium of Light.
Vincent Ralph: 12th - Everything about Paolo Di Canio suggests he will not let the Black Cats even flirt with relegation this season. His considerable efforts in the transfer market suggest the side will take time to gel, and yet quotes from the dressing room imply this already feels like a team.
Ian Bolland: 13th - Will start well, and will probably implode. Expecting plenty of Di Canio entertainment.
Dan Coombs: 14th - Sunderland have bought well and have an excellent frontline, but questions will remain defensively. Has enough been done to help out a back line which conceded six to Aston Villa ? Di Canio remains an unknown quantity, one that it is tough to place too much faith in at this point.
Vic Daniels: 14th - Di Canio will have his moments this season, but by and large the team will play for him. The club is going through a period of consolidation
Lewis Doe: 14th - Di Canio says there is every reason not to expect his side to be close to the bottom three this season and he’s right. Sunderland have backed him, and made nine signings this summer while the same number, who were entrenched in a relegation scrap last season, have been sent the other way.
Gareth McKnight: 16th - Huge amount of new players, it could take time for the new foreign faces to adjust to life in England. Similar to last term, I think Sunderland fans could be in for a long season.
Jenny Leigh: 18th - Di Canio will get them motivated, no doubt, and I expect them to work harder and fight for their lives, but without Mignolet and still lacking in quality throughout, I think it’ll be very difficult for the Black Cats to stay up.
Graham Morris: 18th - Sunderland, Sunderland, Sunderland. I just think there's an imbalance between a completely uninspiring club and a manager who's so fervent as Di Canio is. I fear there's trouble ahead, trouble by the name of relegation.
Jamie Allen: 19th - A strong transfer window and a decent start, and everything looks good. But a mid-season implosion triggers a fall into the championship. And Di Canio will be gone.
Sunderland fail in audacious bid for Napoli wonderkid Insigne
The young Italian wants a new contract at Napoli, but that didn't stop Paolo having a try
Sunderland have failed in an audacious bid for Napoli wonderkid Lorenzo Insigne.
The young winger dazzled at this summer's Emirates Cup, netting against Arsenal, and the Italian starlet's agent Fabio Andreotti admitted that Paolo Di Canio had tried to lure him to Wearside with a bumper offer earlier this summer.
"The Sunderland rumour is true," said Andreotti, "but Lorenzo wants to stay here, even if it means earning less money.
"Renewing his contract? We just want what is fair. Napoli still haven't contacted us, we are waiting for them.
"We have clear ideas and he wants to stay. However, there have been clubs with enough courage to ask Napoli about his asking price."
Insigne is contracted to the Neapolitans until 2017 but having impressed in Serie A last season and on the international stage he is looking for improved financial terms at the San Paolo.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-14 8:24
Stop this nonsense, just:
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Transfer news: Sunderland close on Valencia defender Aly Cissokho
Sky Sports understands Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Valencia defender Aly Cissokho.
The France international has been strongly linked with a switch to England for some time and he is now ready to take on a Premier League challenge.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Cissokho, but it appears they have shelved their interest and switched their attentions to Guilherme Siqueira.
It leaves the way clear for the Wearside club with Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio in the market for another left-back.
Valencia are thought to be open to the idea of selling Cissokho due to their financial problems, while Sunderland are hoping to land the former Lyon man on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Sources close to the player claim personal terms have been agreed but the terms of the deal have yet to be decided.
However, Sunderland could face competition for Cissokho's signature with Turkish side Besiktas expressing an interest in the 25-year-old.
The ex-Manchester United defender details the 45-year-old's ability to bringing his squad of players together and explains how the Italian intends to change their playing style
John O'Shea has hailed Paolo Di Canio's "hands-on" approach to coaching Sunderland and is looking forward to the start of the new season.
The Italian took over from Martin O'Neill late last season and helped the Black Cats to retain their Premier League status before embarking on a vast revamp of his squad over the summer, with a host of new faces arriving at the Stadium of Light.
"He's been hands-on. He doesn't like to be called the manager, he's the coach," O'Shea told reporters. "He's involved in everything, even some of the strength sessions.
"He keeps himself in good nick and wants to make sure that, if the lads are struggling, they see him doing it. If he can do it, that's a good guideline. It's what he believes in and, you know, it's working.
PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST
"We went away to Italy for 11 or 12 days and then Hong Kong [in pre-season]. Italy was a beautiful location and beautiful weather – and I even got to enjoy a few scoops of ice cream.
"It was two training sessions in the morning and then plenty of rest and nice food. Then we'd go again late in the afternoon. We probably played less games than usual for pre-season but we worked that bit longer on shape, balance of play and different things."
Nine new faces have joined the club, with the possibility of more joining before the close of the transfer window, and O'Shea is relishing being part of the "revolution".
"When we came back in for pre-season the manager said: 'It's a revolution'. It definitely feels exciting, it's definitely something to look forward to," the veteran enthused.
"I think we'll have a better-balanced squad and better competition for places this season - and that's the key for the team to do better.
Of Di Canio's tactics, O'Shea explained: "We're wanting to play a lot more from the back. Hopefully there'll be a lot more for the fans to enjoy, a lot more fluid movement and interchanging between our wide players and our attacking talent."
"The manager's very ambitious, very hungry. I've seen his appetite for the training sessions and the preparation he puts in, and the detail he goes into.
"He wants to improve and he wants to go on and be one of the best managers around. He wants his team to follow that ambition. He's got passion and it's a good thing to see that passion."
Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio has failed in an audacious bid to sign highly rated young Napoli front man Lorenzo Insigne this summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The Italy international has been at Napoli throughout his whole career to date, making his debut for the Naples-based club four years ago.
And in the intervening period, the 22-year-old has gone on to establish himself as being one of the most promising and exciting marksmen in Serie A, after shining on loan at both Foggia and Pescara in recent seasons.
At the former, Insigne netted an impressive 19 goals in just 33 league outings, while at the latter the Italian found the back of the net on 18 occasions in only 37 league matches, meaning a return to his parent club for the 2012/13 campaign.
However, despite just five goals in Serie A for Napoli in 38 games, Insigne has shown glimpses of brilliance at times in Southern Italy, while the player also caught the eye with his displays at the recent Emirates Cup in north London when scoring a wonder goal against the hosts Arsenal.
But despite Sunderland registering interest in the Italian, Insigne’s agent has since confirmed that his client will not be moving to the Stadium of Light next season.
“The Sunderland rumour is true,” said Fabio Andreotti, “but Lorenzo wants to stay here, even if it means earning less money.”
Paolo Di Canio's revolution has seen 10 new players signed, a 'play from the back' philosophy, the backroom overhauled and tangible excitement on Wearside
Guardian writers' predicted position: 16th (NB: this is not necessarily Louise Taylor's prediction but the average of our writers' tips)
Last season's position: 17th
Odds to win the league: (via Oddschecker) 2,000-1
A Love Supreme, one of Sunderland's main fanzines, has had some fun producing a range of "PDC T-shirts" this summer. Chart toppers include "Paolo Di Canio – the Revolution starts here", "Who made Alan Pardew cry?" and, perhaps predictably, "The Godfather".
All come emblazoned with images of Sunderland's manager and buyers remain confident the Italian's far-reaching Wearside "revolution" – 10 new players signed so far, the backroom overhauled and, above all, the implementation of a whole new "play from the back" philosophy – will prove a success.
Considering they possess a near 50,000 capacity ground, attract frequent 40,000-plus crowds and boast a glorious, if distant, history as the "Team of all the talents" and "The Bank of England club", Sunderland should be doing more than indulging in an almost annual flirtation with relegation.
Shortly after succeeding Martin O'Neill last spring Di Canio pointed out that supporters were entitled to be "angry" as "in the past five years this club has spent big money". Unfortunately too many of owner Ellis Short's millions went on nondescript journeymen while the playing style under Steve Bruce and then O'Neill can be most politely described as amorphous. Tactics tended to be binary, two dimensional at best.
Possibly the most encouraging thing about Di Canio is that he sees himself as a coach and, after recording top marks while collecting his Uefa badges at Italy's Coverciano academy, does the bulk of his best work on the training ground. In contrast, coaching was something O'Neill, Bruce and, before him, Roy Keane all largely delegated.
This "broader brush" approach to management failed, among other things, to properly address the sometimes dysfunctional on-field relationship between those expensive former Sunderland strikers Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan, but the difference now is that Di Canio sees his job as primarily about teaching. His role is to gel and hone the talent recruited by Roberto De Fanti, the club's new director of football, and Valentino Angeloni, the chief scout.
While De Fanti was previously an agent, Angeloni comes with a stellar pedigree having most recently been in charge of scouting at Internazionale and before that Udinese, aka the home of the so-called "Udinese" model whereby relative unknowns were recruited from lesser leagues and sold on for significant profits.
Not that this summer's Wearside revolution has come cheap. It has been estimated that, when signing on and agents' fees are included, the 10 arrivals have cost a collective £30m.
This has been offset by Simon Mignolet's sale to Liverpool. Although Keiren Westwood and Vito Mannone, newly acquired from Arsenal, are able deputies it is worth reflecting that Sunderland kick off the campaign without their best two performers last term: Mignolet and the left-back Danny Rose, who was on loan from Tottenham. Without that pair, a relegation almost certainly averted by Di Canio's dramatic installation would surely have been a formality.
The good news is that great things are expected from Emanuele Giaccherini, the Italy winger signed from Juventus, as well as the USA striker Jozy Altidore, newly arrived from AZ Alkmaar. A prolific scorer in the Netherlands, Altidore says he has evolved into a "different player" from the raw youngster who once struggled in the Premier League at Hull.
Cabral, the former Basel central midfielder, has impressed in pre-season but a playmaker possessing the sort of passing range capable of unlocking defences is required alongside him if the building from the back with overlapping full-backs blueprint is to pay dividends.
Lack of creativity and inventive movement – Sunderland have often been a very static team – has been a big problem but John O'Shea, the captain, has predicted there will be "a lot more for the fans to enjoy this season". Such pleasure is likely to be intensified if, and it remains a big if, Wes Brown – back after a knee injury that sidelined him for 18 months – can stay fit to imbue the defence with a touch of class.
Few teams are likely to be in better physical condition – Adam Johnson, the sometime England winger and, now, apparently fully paid up convert to his new manager's "fitness first" doctrine, is said to have lost a significant amount of weight and body fat. Yet received wisdom has it that Di Canio's intensity and autocratic disciplinary modus operandi may eventually see his squad rebel and revolt.
In reality the 45-year-old is rather more nuanced than the lazy caricatures – take your pick from: "swivel-eyed loon", "dictator", "mad", "unstable", "ticking time bomb" and "human hand grenade" – suggest. Granted PDC enjoys his share of am-dram moments – see the knee slide during Sunderland's 3-0 win at Newcastle – and knows precisely how to project that richly accented voice to maximum effect but judging from his press conferences at the end of last season he seemed far from crazy. The odds are that he may, on occasion, continue to criticise players but such outbursts will be carefully calibrated, premeditated and strictly rationed.
Clearly intelligent and assiduous to a workaholic degree, he reassuringly also has a sense of humour – a vital man-management tool. Di Canio is definitely a bit different from most peers but that is not necessarily a bad thing. When asked if he was obsessive, he replied: "No, not obsessive, obsessive is pathological, but perfectionist, conscientious."
If that was a smart answer – particularly from someone not speaking in his first language – his accounts of seeking help for former players at Swindon who could not cope with motorway driving and awareness that rich young men are not immune from panic attacks did not appear the observations of a swivel-eyed loon.
Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley – not to mention the departed Titus Bramble – might see things differently. But for a broken foot, Bardsley would be on his way out following coruscating public criticism from Di Canio after he was pictured celebrating Sunderland's escape from relegation by lying on a bed of £50 notes in a casino. Cattermole seems surplus to requirements and has been excluded from the first team squad this summer.
Given his well documented past misdemeanours it is hard to imagine that Cattermole, Sunderland's captain under Bruce and O'Neill, meets the standards of off-field professionalism now demanded and his likely exit prompts mixed feelings.
True, "Clattermole's" habit of lunging into unnecessary challenges before collecting a litany of bookings was disappointing – not to mention potentially bad for his already compromised knees – but the nagging suspicion was that the former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder is potentially a better player than even he believes. His passing and positioning are better than advertised. It would have been interesting to see what effect a few months of Di Canio's clever coaching and tough love had on him but keeping Cattermole probably represents too great a risk to dressing-room harmony.
So, too, does the arrival of so many new players from abroad but the pre-season ploys of making English speakers and non-English speakers share rooms and ensuring everyone mixed around meal tables is said to have accelerated bonding.
Possibly three more newbies – a left-back, a midfielder and a striker – could arrive and it is not out of the question that the skilful yet flaky Stéphane Sessègnon could depart before the music stops in September.
The coming months will tell how well De Fanti and Angeloni have performed – not to mention how good Di Canio really is – but while all revolutions take time and are rarely straightforward the sense of renewed hope and excitement on Wearside is tangible.
Maybe, just maybe, Sunderland are heading for a place in the sun.
Sunderland Transfer News: Aly Cissokho Close To Wearside Move
Sky Sports reports that French international Aly Cissokho is close to a move to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland look favourites to land the left full-back on loan however, due to the Valencia’s financial issues, the club are keen to sell him on permanently. The deal is officially far from done as Sky sources have reported that only personal terms have been agreed, and the two clubs still have not reached an agreement.
Rumours have spread, for most of the summer, that the defender is likely to be heading to England, and it seems that it’s Sunderland who have made the first keys steps, to signing the player.
Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio has been searching all summer for a qualified left-back and the Italian is now ready to accommodate the sprightly 25-year-old in his squad.
While Liverpool had been linked with a move for the defender, it appears they have lost interest and are now looking at the possibility of bringing Guilherme Siqueira to Anfield.
Turkish side Besiktas have also announced their interest in acquiring Cissokho.
Sunderland welcome Fulham to the Stadium of Light for the club’s first Premier League fixture of the new season on Saturday, where the versatile Jack Colback could be asked to fill in at left-back with last season’s first choice Danny Rose now back at his contracted club Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle fan charged with punching police horse after violent clashes following Sunderland derby match
Barry Rogerson, 45, has been accused of violent disorder
A Newcastle United football fan has been charged with punching a police horse after violence broke out between fans after a derby match against Sunderland.
Magpies fan Barry Rogerson, from Hartlands in Bedlington, faces a charge of violent disorder after trouble in Newcastle city centre when Alan Pardew's side lost 0-3 to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park in April.
The 45-year-old will appear before Newcastle Magistrates Court on September 9.
Rogerson was one of 30 fans arrested in connection with the disturbance on April 14 when wheelie bins were set alight and police were pelted with bottles and stones.
Sunderland boss Di Canio won't take any silly risks with Fletcher's recovery.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio is happy with Steven Fletcher's progress but will not rush the striker back into action.
Last season's top scorer for the Black Cats, Fletcher has not played since damaging ankle ligaments on Scotland duty in March.
Di Canio told www.safc.com: 'His improvement has surprised everybody. We are happy, but more importantly he is happy and excited.
'We don't have to (take a) risk. It would be silly to anticipate a time. We won't force it just because we see improvement, because another injury now could put him out for longer. It would be stupid.
'In a few weeks, maybe we can see Fletcher in action. We will keep our fingers crossed. He and the staff have done a very good job, we have handled the situation very well.
'We expect to see him in the next few weeks. I can't say two, three or four - we will see.'
Goodison Park and Stadium of Light sides scout young Elfsborg wide-man.
Everton and Sunderland are interested in signing highly-rated Elfsborg fullback Johan Larsson this summer, according to Dutch source Boerenmacht.
Quoting Sport Bladen the Swedish defender has attracted interest from teams all across Europe this summer, as Elfsborg look to cash in on their talented young defender. Premier League sides Everton and Sunderland have both registered their interest in Larsson, after having scouts watch him this past season, and are preparing a bid.
The 23-year old, capped at youth international level with the Swedish U21 side, has made over 100 appearances for Elfsborg in the Allsvenskan, and has become a hot commodity. Ditch sides PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar and FC Groningen have all watched Larsson in the past few months, along with Everton & Sunderland, who face a battle to sign the defender.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio is desperate to bring in another right back this summer, after seeing a deal to sign highly-rated Velez Sarsfield and Argentina right back Gino Peruzzi fall through last month due to a failed medical. Everton are also keen to bring in defensive reinforcements, following the retirement of versatile defender Phil Neville.
With a number of European clubs tracking his progress, parent club Elfsborg may be forced to sell the talented defender this summer if a large enough offer were to come in. Larsson has stated he is aware there is interest in him from foreign clubs, but is fully committed to Elfsborg at this stage in his career.
SUNDERLAND SEASON PREVIEW: Di Canio seeks quick answers from new squad to avoid another relegation scrap
Club at a glance
Premier League badges
Manager: Paolo Di Canio
Captain: John O’Shea
Stadium: Stadium of Light
Capacity: 49,000
Last season’s finish: 17th
Official club website: safc.com
Story of the summer…
Paolo Di Canio has been a busy man. After steering the club away from the drop last season, the Italian has had a chance to build his own squad this summer, bringing in 10 new players so far. But it will take time for the new players, and the new manager, to properly bed in.
Manager’s main challenge…
Avoiding the threat of relegation. Di Canio’s emergency appointment last season helped Sunderland stay up but he will not want to flirt with the drop zone again.
Hiccups on horizon…
Di Canio does not suffer fools, and his disciplinary regime is firm to say the least. But is it just a matter of time before his combustible nature causes problems?
First name on the team sheet…
Steven Fletcher – if fit, Sunderland need his goals.
Youngsters to watch...
Mikael Mandron Age: 18 Position: Forward
At 6ft 3in, the French-born forward provides a focal point up front, not unlike Andy Carroll. The 18-year-old, who was playing at Boulogne when Sunderland spotted him, qualifies to play for England or Scotland and was last season promoted to first team training after Steven Fletcher’s injury. He came off the bench for Premier League minutes against Aston Villa and Spurs.
Pre-season quote…
'We have a big name to protect, the dignity of this club and I heard that many of the local fans supported us because our players were very kind; they gave their time.
'They were professional, not behaving like fake stars – that made me proud and the club has to be proud too.
'We are a top club and an example for others.' - Paolo Di Canio
Top Tweeter
Craig Gardner - @CraigGards8 Sunderland’s serial prankster.
Ins: Modibo Diakite (Lazio, free), Duncan Watmore (Altrincham, undisclosed), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, free), Cabral (Basle, free), David Moberg Karlsson (IFK Gothenburg, free), Vito Mannone (Arsenal, £2m), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, £6m), El Hadji Ba (Le Havre, undisclosed), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus, £8.6m), Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor, loan)
Outs: Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull, £2m), Titus Bramble (released), Matthew Kilgallon (Blackburn, free), Ryan Noble (Burnley, free), Alfred N'Diaye (Eskisehirspor, loan), Danny Graham (Hull, loan)
New kit
Like the Stoke home strip, the only real change from last season is the order on the shirt in which the red and white stripes appear.
There are a couple of subtle differences though, mainly the slightly odd design of the V-neck and the addition of extra white to the sleeves.
It's a conservative approach from adidas which doesn't provide too many thrills but neither does it constitute a fashion disaster.
Price: £45
Stats from 2012-13 season...
Sunderland hit the woodwork just seven times in 2012-13, a joint low with Norwich and Wigan.
The Black Cats made more blocks than any other PL side this term (170).
Sunderland saw a league-high six opposition players red carded in 2012-13.
Stephane Sessegnon won a joint-high 89 fouls in 2012-13.
Craig Gardner was one of just four players to be booked 10 times in the PL in 2012-13.
Sunderland scored just two headed goals – a league-low.
After not receiving a red card in 31 games under Martin O’Neill in 2012-13, Sunderland saw three players sent off in seven games under Paolo Di Canio.
Where do I buy tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets can be bought through the official website, via phone, 0871 911 1973 or at the stadium box office, which is open 9-5 Monday to Friday. Category A £32-£40, Category B £27-£35 and Category C £35-£30
Pre-season results
July 10 Italian Local Select XI - won 13-1
July 17 FC Chiasso - won 1-0
July 24 Tottenham (Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong - Barclays Asia Trophy) - won 3-1
July 27 Manchester City (Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong - Barclays Asia Trophy) - lost 0-1
August 7 FC Midtjylland (MCH Arena, Herning) - won 1-0
Ex-Arsenal keeper Mannone confident of good times ahead for Sunderland
EX-ARSENAL keeper Vito Mannone has set his sights high for next season and expects Sunderland to be looking up the table rather than down in the months ahead.
Last season the Black Cats started indifferently before fading further – only being saved from the prospect of relegation in the last week of the campaign.
But Mannone is anticipating a much better season coming up for a vastly re-modelled Sunderland squad.
And the £2m signing hopes the sort of strength in depth the Black Cats have spent the summer trying to acquire – such as the competition for the number one jersey between him and Keiren Westwood – can only stand the club in good stead.
“There is a long season ahead of us and the club does not want a repeat of last year, when it was involved in a relegation battle,” said the 25-year-old.
“We want to achieve something better this season, make it a successful and enjoyable year, and not give the fans another nervous end to the season!”
With last year’s Player of the Season Simon Mignolet moving on to Liverpool and Mannone coming in to challenge Republic of Ireland international Westwood for the number one spot, Di Canio has a decision to make over who will start the season in goal against Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
When the Italian first arrived from the Emirates it was assumed he had come in purely as back-up to Westwood.
But the new man has played more pre-season minutes than Westwood – although the Irishman played the full game in last week’s dress rehearsal against Danish side FC Midjytlland.
Both goalkeepers naturally want the number one spot.
Westwood was hugely frustrated last season at how little first-team time he got, while Mannone has admitted that one of the big draws of moving to Wearside was the prospect of getting more first-team action.
The new man will appreciate that Westwood is more likely to get the nod this weekend as the more experienced and established keeper at the Stadium of Light.
But Mannone is very optimistic about the future and is looking forward to being part of a Sunderland squad at the Stadium of Light this season, rather than part of the visiting opposition.
He said: “I’ve been here to the Stadium of Light a few times, but only on the bench – I have never played here.
“I was really impressed.
“It was one of the noisiest grounds, especially last season when Arsenal came here and Sunderland gave us a difficult game and were pushing us hard.
“Arsenal went on to win 1-0, but I think Sunderland deserved something out of the game if I am honest.
“I was really impressed at the way the fans got behind their team, and I expect the atmosphere will be just as good this season.”
H Tickets are still available for Sunderland’s opening day clash with Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The 3pm kick-off will see Paolo Di Canio’s new-look side in competitive action for the first time since May.
New signings Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, and Cabral are expected to make their home debuts against Martin Jol’s Cottagers.
Tickets for the game are priced from £25 for adults, £18 for under-22s, £19 for over 65s and £10 for juniors, and can be purchased in-person at the Stadium of Light ticket office, by telephoning 0871 911 1973 or online via www.safc.com.
Hospitality packages for the are priced from £50 per person. For more information or to book hospitality, call 0871 911 1555.
Sunderland's relegation fears are a thing of the past, insists Mannone
Summer signing Vito Mannone promises Sunderland fans relegation fears are a thing of the past
Summer recruit Vito Mannone has promised Sunderland fans there will be no repeat of last season’s down-to-the-wire relegation struggle.
The Black Cats were in the relegation mire right up to the final week of the season in May, with only Wigan’s midweek defeat against Mannone’s former club Arsenal eventually quelling the anxiety on Wearside and ensuring Sunderland went into their last-day game at Spurs knowing they were safe.
Since then goalkeeper Mannone is among 10 new players who have arrived at Sunderland as new head coach Paolo Di Canio has revamped the squad he inherited.
Mannone insists the club has set its sights much higher this time around as the Black Cats prepare to kick-off the new campaign this weekend.
The 25-year-old said: “There is a long season ahead of us and the club does not want a repeat of last year, when it was involved in a relegation battle.
“We want to achieve something better this season, make it a successful and enjoyable year – and not give the fans another nervous end to the season!”
With Simon Mignolet moving on to Liverpool this summer and Mannone arriving to challenge Republic of Ireland international Keiren Westwood for the number one spot, Di Canio has a decision to make over who will start the season in goal against Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Mannone has started more games and played more minutes in pre-season, but Westwood was between the posts for last week’s dress-rehearsal friendly against Danish side FC Midtjylland.
Whether or not he gets the nod this weekend, Mannone is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light as a Sunderland player.
He added: “I’ve been here to the Stadium of Light a few times, but only on the bench – I have never played here.
“I was really impressed. It was one of the noisiest grounds, especially last season when Arsenal came here and Sunderland gave us a difficult game and were pushing us hard.
“I was really impressed at the way the fans got behind their team and I expect the atmosphere will be just as good this season.”
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has admitted that he is excited to play in front of the club's supporters this season.
Mannone left Arsenal to move to the Black Cats during the summer, and the Italian stopper has revealed that he has previously taken note of the desire of the Stadium of Light fans.
The 25-year-old told the Shields Gazette: "I've been here to the Stadium of Light a few times, but only on the bench. I have never played here.
"I was really impressed. It was one of the noisiest grounds, especially last season when Arsenal came here and Sunderland gave us a difficult game and they were pushing us hard.
"I was really impressed at the way the fans got behind their team, and I expect the atmosphere will be just as good this season."
Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign with a home match with Fulham on Saturday.
Transfer Talk: Sunderland Eye Move For Valencia Defender Aly Cissokho
Sky Sports understands Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Valencia defender Aly Cissokho.
The France international has been strongly linked with a switch to England for some time and he is now ready to take on a Premier League challenge.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Cissokho, but it appears they have shelved their interest and switched their attentions to Guilherme Siqueira.
It leaves the way clear for the Wearside club with Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio in the market for another left-back.
Valencia are thought to be open to the idea of selling Cissokho due to their financial problems, while Sunderland are hoping to land the former Lyon man on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Sources close to the player claim personal terms have been agreed but the terms of the deal have yet to be decided.
However, Sunderland could face competition for Cissokho's signature with Turkish side Besiktas expressing an interest in the 25-year-old.
Team news, manager quotes and stats ahead of the Premier League match between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
TEAM NEWS
Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini are set to make their competitive debuts while former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone could get the nod ahead of Keiren Westwood. Defender Wes Brown has been ruled out as a precautionary measure after a slight recurrence of a knee complaint, striker Steven Fletcher is also forced to miss the opening game with an ankle injury, while Craig Gardner is suspended.
Fulham's new signing Darren Bent could be in line to make his debut, but midfielder Alexander Kacaniklic is a doubt because of a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper David Stockdale is struggling with a thumb problem, but new signing Maarten Stekelenburg is the club's number one choice in the position. Adel Taarabt, a loan signing from QPR, is short of match fitness but will be included in the squad.
MANAGER QUOTES
Paolo Di Canio: "I don't hope (Jozy Altidore) will be a success here, I know he will. He will score many goals for us. I can't give you a number but it will be 15 or more if he uses the energy he did for the national team. He is an animal. He did not have a fantastic experience at Hull but he was young and they struggled. He left, went around Europe and grew up and last year finished with a very good goals tally."
Martin Jol: "Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired. He has shown in the Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his team-mates. He gives us pace up front and I am confident he will add to our goals scored tally this season."
MATCH FACTS
Fulham are unbeaten in their last four Barclays Premier League away trips to Sunderland (W1 D3).
Sunderland have won only one of their last eight Barclays Premier League home games.
Both teams scored a penalty in this fixture last season (Gardner and Berbatov).
Fulham have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four Premier League games on the opening day of the season.
The Whites have only won one of their seven previous top-flight away games on the opening day (D2 L4), winning 1-0 at Portsmouth back in 2009/10.
Sunderland are unbeaten in their last four games on the opening day of the season, though they have drawn their last three.
Indeed the Black Cats have only scored eight goals in 12 previous Premier League opening fixtures combined.
Sunderland scored just two headed goals in 2012/13 – a league-low.
Dimitar Berbatov scored the first goal of the game more often than any other player in 2012/13 (nine times).
Fulham gained just five points from losing positions in the whole of last season, a league-low.
ODDS
aolo Di Canio will be hoping his new-look Sunderland side clicks when they play host to Fulham on the opening day.
It has been a hectic summer of transfer activity at the Stadium of Light, with Di Canio looking to put his own stamp on an underperforming squad he inherited from Martin O'Neill.
A major overhaul of the playing staff could work in the Black Cats' favour, as they look to avoid being dragged into another basement battle, but they will be aware of the need for fresh faces to hit the ground running.
A slow start to the 2012/13 campaign, which brought just one win in 10, left Sunderland playing catch-up and they must avoid suffering a similar fate this time around.
Fulham have also made the most of the opportunity to add during the current window and are likely to hand out a number of competitive debuts of their own.
Martin Jol's side remain an ageing outfit, but have further bolstered their attacking ranks and are unlikely to be found wanting in the creativity department.
Plugging defensive holes will be the priority for the Cottagers, with an untimely slump towards the end of last season leaving them with issues to address at the start of their first campaign under new owner Shahid Khan.
Sunderland boss Di Canio is expected to name the majority of his 10 summer signings in his starting line-up.
Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini are set to make their competitive debuts while former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone could get the nod ahead of Keiren Westwood.
Defender Wes Brown has been ruled out as a precautionary measure after a slight recurrence of a knee complaint, striker Steven Fletcher is also forced to miss the opening game with an ankle injury, while Craig Gardner is suspended.
Fulham midfielder Alexander Kacaniklic is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Wearside because of a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper David Stockdale is struggling with a thumb problem, but new signing Maarten Stekelenburg is the club's number one choice in that position.
Adel Taarabt, a loan signing from QPR, is short of match fitness but will be included in the squad
Opta stats
Sunderland are unbeaten in their last four games on the opening day of the season, though they have drawn their last three.
Fulham have only won one of their seven previous top-flight away games on the opening day (D2 L4), winning 1-0 at Portsmouth back in 2009/10.
Fulham have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four Premier League games on the opening day of the season.
Di Canio strips Cattermole of his No 6 shirt (on top of his captaincy)
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole has officially been ostracised by manager Paolo Di Canio after he lost the Number 6 shirt in the official squad number list released today having already been stripped of the armband.
New signing Cabral, a Cape Verde international midfielder from FC Basle, has taken Cattermole’s shirt in the squad list announced by the club today. Cattermole, who has not featured in pre-season and now looks certain to leave the club, has been given the number 33 shirt.
With numbers 1 to 4 available, the decision to give Cattermole’s long established shirt to a direct replacement like Cabral is further indication that the former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder’s days on Wearside are numbered.
Di Canio, who has yet to have Cattermole available for selection due to a knee injury, is prepared to move the captain on but his most likely destination was Hull City and their manager Steve Bruce has now signed Tom Huddlestone, beating Di Canio to his signature, as well as taking Spurs midfielder Jake Livermore on loan.
Cattermole only signed a new improved deal under Martin O’Neill last season so could be difficult to move on, leaving Di Canio with the nightmare scenario of an unhappy player on his books. Scotland defender Phil Bardsley has also been told he can leave but he broke his foot this week and could be out for several months.
Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea, who was vice captain last season, is the new Sunderland captain.
The other notable change in the Sunderland squad list is a Number 9 shirt for Steven Fletcher, replacing Danny Graham who has joined Hull on loan.
But the Number 1 shirt remains empty as Di Canio leaves Keiren Westwood (20) and new signing Vito Mannone (25) to fight for the right to start the season in goal.
He is also still looking for new additions despite signing 10 new players in the summer, with an attacking midfielder his priority.
Di Canio said: `We are searching for a real playmaker. Jack Colback can play in the middle but in a different way. One day he can be adapted. Even Craig Gardner can play there, but again in a different way. One day he will probably play there because we will be struggling for numbers in the middle. And maybe one day when we need more intensity and more aggression. But in the way that I want to play I would like to have two playmakers.
`Before Emanuele Giaccherini’s arrival I asked them for a different player in the middle with a lot of energy and aggression. But Giaccherini’s arrival gave me a chance to change things because he is fantastic in the way he can run midfield.
`I need a real playmaker that can bring tempo, quality and personality as well as physical presence. Before the weekend is not easy to make a signing but it is important to understand we need something there.
`If we move Colback into the middle we don’t have a natural left back, but this is not an issue now, although in the longer run it could be a problem. The club agree with me on this so we are working on it.’
Kasami secures opening day win Sunderland 0-1 Fulham: Kasami secures opening day win
Sunderland were forced to pay for not taking their chances as Fulham claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The hosts dominated proceedings from the outset and had a number of good goalscoring opportunities through striker Jozy Altidore, but the visitors only needed one chance as Pajtim Kasami headed home from a corner in the second half.
Paolo Di Canio was without suspended duo Craig Gardner and David Vaughan for the opening fixture, while Steven Fletcher was forced to miss out with the ankle injury that ended his previous campaign in March.
But the Italian coach was able to hand debuts to five of his 10 summer signings, including striker Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini and Cabral.
Meanwhile, Alexander Kacaniklic was the only notable absentee for Martin Jol, after he picked up a hamstring injury during July’s 1-0 pre-season defeat to Werder Bremen.
USA international Altidore looked dangerous from the outset and caused a number of problems for Fulham debutant Derek Boateng, who picked up an early yellow card after a string of fouls.
Cabral also made a bright start to the game and looked to impress the Sunderland fans with some long-range efforts, with his second shot flying a few inches wide of the post in the 25th minute.
Sunderland created the most chances during the opening exchanges and, after Altidore went close to connecting with a Jack Colback cross in the six-yard box, the hosts really started to test Maarten Stekelenburg.
Giaccherini fired a powerful 25-yard effort straight at the Fulham goalkeeper, before Ondrej Celustka forced the Netherlands international into a brilliant finger-tip save with a fierce half-volley from distance.
The hosts could not convert their dominance into goals, however, as the sides headed in at the break goalless.
And Sunderland were made to pay for their wastefulness as Fulham went on to score from their first real chance of the game after the interval.
Kasami towered above Valentin Roberge at the back post to nod home a corner from Damien Duff in the 53rd minute, claiming his first Fulham goal since joining from Palermo in 2011.
But the hosts rallied after going behind and both Adam Johnson and Altidore continued to cause problems for the Fulham backline.
Altidore produced an excellent turn on the edge of the area but dragged his effort wide, before failing to convert Giaccherini's deflected shot from close range in the 75th minute.
The striker injured Stekelenburg's shoulder in the process and the goalkeeper had to be replaced by David Stockdale, which ruled out a late debut for Aston Villa loanee Darren Bent.
Sunderland desperately tried to find an equaliser during the closing stages and substitute Ji Dong-Won went extremely close with a header from a brilliant Johnson cross.
But despite five minutes of injury time, Di Canio's men failed to find the net and suffered defeat on the first day of the new season.
16 John O'Shea 0 1
Sunderland captain O'Shea was an effective communicator in directing his back-line and managed to get up for a few corners but could not change the outcome of the game.
7 Sebastian Larsson 0 0
Larsson did very well cutting inside and providing some precise balls into the box but there was often no one was there to direct them goalwards.
21 Adam Johnson 0 0
The winger showed great intent today by cutting inside on the right and working well with Sessegnon and Cabral to try and change the final result.
- Jozy Altidore 2 0
Sunderland fans will have expected more from Altidore today after scoring a hat-trick against Bosnia in midweek but his efforts were dealt with well by the strong and stubborn Brede Hangeland.
28 Stéphane Sessegnon 0 0
Sessegnon linked up very well with Adam Johnson with some neat one-two play to try and open up the defence in the early stages and in the second half, set-up Johnson nicely for a volley that was directed wide of the mark.
- Cabral 0 0
A bright debut for Cabral who was determined to get on the scoresheet with three first half efforts but could not find the back of the net.
- Valentin Roberge 0 0
Had very little to offer today. Was periperhal, ineffective and off the pace, and clearly needs more experience at this level.
14 Jack Colback 0 0
Former England Under-20 international Colback showed a lot of promise by remaining strong and shouldering off all challenges when guarding the ball. He also showed good pace on the breakaway.
20 Keiren Westwood 0 0
Had very little to do in the first-half but did not get over in time to prevent Kasami's goal, though there was little he could have down to stop it. Rarely tested otherwise.
- Emanuele Giaccherini 0 0
A very good display on debut for the Italian midfield maestro as he picked out Altidore a few times in the box but the American was unable to get a good touch on it for an equaliser. A promising performance all-round.
- Ondřej Čelůstka 0 0
A very impressive debut for the Trabzonspor-loanee. Made some excellent challenges and almost grabbed a debut top-corner goal from 25-yards.
17 Dong-Won Ji 0 0
The Korean's only contribution to the game was a late chance to snatch a draw right at the death, but his point-blank header could not find the back of the net.
HALF-TIME SUNDERLAND 0-0 FULHAM. Football is back but so far the bang is sadly lacking. It was almost provided by Sunderland's Celustka, but apart from his long-range pile-driver there has been very little action at the Stadium of Light so far.
45
A sniff was all it was and a sniff it remains as Taarabt sends the free kick straight into the wall. Poor effort.
44
Right at the end of the half, Fulham have a sniff. Taarabt is brought down on the edge of the box by a clumsy Cabral tackle and this is certainly within striking distance.
43
The two main figures of the half square up and produce a rather predictable outcome. Giaccherini, who ahs easily been the highlight of a timid opening forty-five goes toe-to-toe with the unsure-looking Boateng. The little Italian skips past his Ghanaian opponent with ease, but Altidore nods the cross high and wide.
41
Just under five minutes until the break now and we've yet to see a goal. Apart from Celustka's rocket, chances have been few and far between in all honesty.
39
Of course Fulham aren't helping themselves at the moment. Brede Hangeland is almost dispossessed in his own half by a tenacious Sessegnon and his scuffed clearance falls at the feet of Johnson. Sunderland eventually win a free kick out of it but it could have been much better. Or worse, if you're sitting in a Fulham shirt.
37
Sunderland are enjoying a sustained period of pressure here but they've still to break the deadlock. You just wonder if they'll regret not making this count.
35
WHAT A HIT!!! Ondrej Celustka finds himself in unfamiliar territory in the Fulham half and when he picks up Jack Colback's lofted pass the ball sits up invitingly to hit from 30-yards. And hit he does! Only a finger-tip stop from Stekelenburg prevents the defender opening the scoring in memorable fashion.
33
Giaccherini provides us with the first shot on target of the afternoon but it's straight at Stekelenburg who deals with it comfortably despite the power behind it.
32
Giaccherini is looking increasingly dangerous as the game goes on. This time the Italian whips a low ball into the centre but Jozy Altidore can't get anything on it as it flashes across the face of goal.
30
A bit of a let off for 22-year old Matthew Briggs as he almost let's Adam Johnson nip the ball away from him on the bye-line. Luckily for the defender, Stekelenburg is alert to pounce on the loose ball.
28
We have the first signs of the Di Canio getting animated on the sidelines as he lambasts a wayward pass in midfield. The Italian general fixes his tie however and recomposes himself. Outburst averted.
26
This Cabral figure does like a shot. The Cape Verde man lines up another effort from the edge of the area, whistling just wide of Stekelenburg's right-hand post.
25
Seb Larsson smacks the free kick straight into the wall but his second delivery has to be poked behind by Steve Sidwell. A brave diving header from Kasami dismantles any threat from the following corner.
23
yellow_card Derek Boateng
The weather is getting better and Sunderland are beginning to hot up as well. Giaccherini embarks on a mazy run and is hacked down by Boateng, the Fulham man subsequently picking up a yellow card.
21
Boateng's first outing in a Fulham shirt has been exactly convincing as yet. The giant Ghanaian tries an acrobatic clearance from just outside his own box but gets it horribly wrong and ends up toe-poking the ball high in the air. His team-mates are on hand to bail him out this time around.
20
substitution Substitution Out Kieran Richardson Substitution In Matthew Briggs
Sure enough he does make way. Young Matthew Briggs is on in his place.
18
Not good news for Fulham and ex-Sunderland man Kieran Richardson. The winger is holding his thigh and it looks like he may have to go off here.
16
Clumsy tackle from Derek Boateng in the midfield brings up a free kick for the hosts. Not the most graceful you'll see this season but I guess someone has to fill the void left by Paul Scholes.
14
Wise move from Stekelenburg. The former Roma keeper has obviously been doing his Premier League homework on his opponents as he takes some time out to burst a few balloons in the penalty area. Even the Dutch keeper can remember what happened to Pepe Reina here just a few seasons ago.
12
We've had the first 10 minutes of Premier League football back in the North East and so far it has looked pretty good for Sunderland. Their wingers certainly look capable of hurting this Fulham defence this afternoon.
10
Cabral brings down Adel Taarabt about 35-yards from the Sunderland goal. The man on loan from QPR swings in the cross but the danger is headed clear.
9
First sight of goal for Fulham as Kasami shapes up to shoot, but a strong block from Celustka sees the danger cleared.
7
A couple of Sunderland's new-boys now trying to make their mark. Giaccherini, an excellent summer capture from Juventus, marauds down the left, firing in a dangerous low cross. When the ball deflects out it falls to former FC Basel midfielder Cabral, who fires wide with the first effort of the match.
5
Adam Johnson is player who got some stick for his slow start to life in Sunderland jersey last season. He's started well today though, out-muscling Richardson with ease before playing in Sessegnon who was in an offside position.
3
An early corner for the home side is punched clear by Maarten Stekelenburg making his debut between the sticks for Fulham today. That will do his confidence no harm in the early stages.
2
Early chants of Paolo Di Canio are belted out by the home fans. The little Italian has been awarded cult hero status on Wearside after masterminding their side's survival last season, and not to mention, the dismantling of Newcastle at St James' Park.
1
We are off! Jozy Altidore and Stephan Sessegnon get the ball rolling and football is officially back in the North East
The stadium announcer goes through the squads once more and a host of boos are generated by the name of former Newcastle midfielder Damien Duff. The rivalry between the two North East sides is something definitely will not change in the season ahead.
Out come the teams to a deafening reception. The handshakes are still a necessary event for the season ahead. We're past those as well now, all that's left is the big kick off.
The Stadium is filling up on Wearside quite nicely now. A fantastic mixture of nerves and excitement swirling around as both sides prepare to embark on the new season ahead.
FULHAM:(4-4-1-1) Stekelenburg; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Richardson; Kasami, Boateng, Sidwell, Duff; Taarabt; Berbatov. SUBS: Senderos, Ruiz, Stockdale, Karagounis, Briggs, Rodallega, Bent.
SUNDERLAND: (4-4-1-1) Westwood, Celustka, Roberge, O'Shea, Colback; Giaccherini, Larsson, Cabral, Johnson; Sessegnon; Altidore. SUBS: Wickham, Mandron, Moberg Karlsson, Diakite, Ba, Cuellar, Ji.
We are about 10 minutes or so from kick off so let's get some team news from the Stadium of Light.
There have been big changes at Craven Cottage too over the summer as Shahid Khan bought the club from Mohamed Al Fayed, ending the Harrods owners 16-year association with the club. There have been changes on the pitch too, and Martin Jol is able to hands out three debuts this afternoon.
Paolo Di Canio has overseen wholesale changes to his squad after squeezing out of the relegation trap door last season. He has made no fewer than 10 summer signings as he looks to whip the North East side back into shape, and five of those recruits are handed a debut this afternoon.
It's the most eagerly anticipated day of the season as the slate is wiped clean and every side starts from the same spot. Each team harbouring genuine hope for the season ahead, and the Black Cats and the Cottagers are no different.
Yes after a three month hiatus we can finally wrestle back the tv remotes from the other half and don those replica shirts with pride. I'm Harry Slavin and I'll be with you take you through the action as Sunderland entertain Fulham on the first day of the season.
It's been a long time coming but it's finally here. It's time to down those tennis rackets and cricket bats. It's time to put those deck chairs back into the shed for another year and leave your gran in the garden sipping gin by herself. The hibernation is finally over, the Premier League is back!
FULL-TIME SUNDERLAND 0-1 FULHAM. Kasami's header at the beginning of the second period is the difference then in this subdued opening day affair. Sunderland certainly had their chances but their luck in front of goal without Steven Fletcher continues to be sparse in the new season.
90 +5
It's headed clear and that should do it...
90 +5
Now this surely is last chance saloon for the hosts. Giaccherini is fouled on the left by Riether. One last chance for Larsson to deliver...
90 +3
yellow_card Damien Duff
90 +3
It's headed clear though and Fulham threaten to break. Only a robust challenge from Altidore putting an end to Kasami's advance to goal.
90 +3
Jack Colback is hauled down by Duff and the Fulham winger is booked for that. Larsson has the chance to launch the ball into a busy penalty area.
90 +1
Into FIVE minutes of stoppage time we go! Can Sunderland salvage anything now?
89
THAT WAS THE CHANCE!!! Adam Johnson serves up the best cross of the game that is just screaming to be nodded home, but Korean Dong-Won can only head wide.
87
ALTIDORE! The bulky American slaloms his way through a couple of tackles in the Fulham area but his rushed effort on goal is weak and roles into the hands of Stockdale.
86
substitution Substitution Out Ondřej Čelůstka Substitution In Connor Wickham
86
Final role of the dice for Di Canio as he brings on Wickham for Celustka. The England Under-21 star has five minutes to elevate himself to super-sub status.
85
yellow_card Dimitar Berbatov
85
Berbatov, who has been virtually anonymous all day, is booked for an overzealous protest after taking exception to a Jack Colback challenge.
84
There was an official attendance here today of 43,905 but I'm not sure it's that full now as the away fans taunt the home supporters with chants of 'We can see you sneaking out'.
82
Giaccherini sends a looping cross over Stockdale that drops just too far ahead of Altidore. The ball was adjudged to have gone out in any case but still Sunderland press.
80
A cross from Altidore but this one is overhit. Signs of desperation seeping in to Sunderland's play here.
78
A disappointing end to what was a solid debut from the Dutch goalkeeper. His first half save was definitely a moment to savor.
76
substitution Substitution Out Maarten Stekelenburg Substitution In David Stockdale
Stekelenburg looks to have damaged his shoulder in that rush for the ball with Altidore. The official judgement is that he won't be able to continue and Stockdale is one in his place to see out the final fifteen.
73
More direct running from Johnson and a real chance falls to Giaccherini. The Italian's shot is deflected by Aaron Hughes into the path of Altidore, but the USA international can't reach the ball ahead of Stekelenburg.
72
substitution Substitution Out Stéphane Sessegnon Substitution In Dong-Won Ji
Sunderland do go to two up front. But there's still no sign of Wickham.Dong-Won Ji is on for Stephane Sessegnon for the final twenty.
69
That is a nasty challenge from Larsson, catching Katagounis on the shin with a high boot. The Swede is lucky though as no further action is taken.
67
It may be time for Di Canio to think about some changes too. The wide play is working but there is just no one in the middle to attack the crosses. There are strikers on the bench, including young Connor Wickham. But will the Italian be compelled to use them just yet?
65
substitution Substitution Out Derek Boateng Substitution In Giorgos Karagounis
65
I have to say, this makes a lot of sense. A lot of what Fulham have done today hasn't been of note but Boateng's performance has stood out like a sore thumb. He's replaced by Giorgos Karagounis.
64
Altidore gets his first sight of goal. The American takes down O'Shea's long ball and after a sharp turn, he's able to get his shot away, dragging it wide though of Stekelenburg's goal.
63
These walls are acting like magnets today. Adam Johnson's shot slams into the barricade of players 10-yards in front of him and his rebound catches the foot of Giaccherini in an offside position.
62
Chance now though. Altidore is hauled down by Hangeland and the Di Canio's side have a free kick on the edge of the Fulham area.
60
It's all Sunderland now as they look to get back on level terms. Scoring goals was one of there main problems last season, especially without Steven Fletcher on the field. That same problem is rearing its head at the beginning of this campaign.
58
More frustration for the hosts as more good wide movement isn't capitalised on in the centre. Johnson again terrorises Briggs down the right but his cutback is wasted as Cabral tries to take a touch rather than shooting first time.
57
Sunderland look to respond quickly and Adam Johnson nods the ball back into the path of Cabral. He cannot get himself set though and ends up skewing his half-volley horribly high and horribly wide.
55
Completely against the run of play Fulham have the lead. That's their only effort on goal so far this afternoon. And so far, it's the only strike that matters too
53
assist Damien Duff
53
goal GOAL Pajtim Kasami
GOOOAAAALLLL!!! FULHAM LEAD!!! A Corner is swung in from Damien Duff and Pajtim Kasami rises above Valentin Roberge at the back post to nod the Cottagers in front, silencing the home fans.
51
The pressure pays off as Sunderland have the ball back. They quickly lose it again though, this time in the crowd as Adam Johnson fires well over the bar from outside the area.
50
Sunderland are definitely trying to push higher up the park here and put pressure on Fulham whenever they have the ball. It's what the home fans want but they'll need to watch they don't leave themselves exposed.
48
Aaron Hughes has lost his boot in a challenge with Jozy Altidore bu the referee halts play for a foul on the Northern Irish defender and is reunited with his lost show.
46
Early problems for Fulham and they're caused by that man Giaccherini once again. He gets into the penalty area and delivers a low cross but no one is there to get on the end of it.
The teams are back out at a sunny Stadium of Light. Here we go again...
Fulham meanwhile have yet to have a single attempt on goal. They'll be hoping to rectify that in the second half.
A subdued opening forty-five from Wearside then as most of the players still appear to be on the beach. Giaccherini seems a very shrewd signing already and has excited the home side's fans with some of his dribbling.
Pajtim Kasami scored his first Fulham goal as they beat a dominant Sunderland on the opening day of the season.
The Black Cats, with five debutants, were the better team throughout but Kasami headed home from close range for the only goal in the second half.
Ondrej Celustka had the hosts' best chance but his 25-yard shot was saved brilliantly by Maarten Stekelenburg.
Ji Dong-Won could have rescued a point for Sunderland in the final minute but he headed Adam Johnson's cross wide.
Despite their win, the day ended on a worrying note for Fulham as £4m summer signing Stekelenburg came off injured and was replaced by David Stockdale.
The debutants
Sunderland
Ondrej Celustka - a right-back on loan from Trabzonspor
Valentin Roberge - a defender signed for free from Maritimo
Cabral - a midfielder signed for free from Basel
Emanuele Giaccherini - an attacking midfielder signed from Juventus for £6.5m
Jozy Altidore - a striker who joined for an undisclosed fee from AZ Alkmaar
Fulham
Maarten Stekelenburg - a goalkeeper signed for a reported £4m from Roma
Derek Boateng - a midfielder signed for free from Dnipro
Adel Taarabt - an attacking midfielder signed on loan from QPR
Stekelenburg picked up a shoulder injury while denying Jozy Altidore, who was Sunderland's most lively debutant.
The United States striker, who moved from AZ Alkmaar this summer, caused Fulham's defence problems throughout. The 23-year-old looks to have bulked out since his teenage loan spell at Hull City, when he scored only one goal in 28 Premier League appearances.
But Sunderland failure to score will have caused some concern for manager Paolo Di Canio, who took over towards the end of last season and steered them to safety from relegation.
The Italian made 10 summer signings and named half of them in his starting line-up. Three of them had efforts in the opening minutes, with Altidore's shot being defected for a corner, before Emanuele Giaccherini blazed over and Cabral failed to beat Stekelenburg with two efforts.
Fulham's day did not start well as left-back Kieran Richardson came off with a hamstring injury within 20 minutes and had to replaced by Matthew Briggs.
Sunderland were in the ascendency and right-back Celustka hit a wonderful half-volley from distance but Stekelenburg pulled off a great fingertip save to deny him.
The second half took the same pattern, with Adam Johnson curling a shot wide after a great counter-attack.
But they were made to pay for not scoring when Kasami lost Valentin Roberge to head home from close range at the far post from Damien Duff's corner - Fulham's first effort on target.
It was only a fourth Premier League start for 21-year-old midfielder Kasami, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swiss side Lucerne.
Sunderland continued to push but Cabral, Johnson and Altidore all missed the target before substitute Ji squandered a great chance for a point when he headed wide.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio: "We played attractive football and dominated but in this country more than any other, set-pieces can cost points. It wasn't even an incredible challenge in the air.
"We played in their half for 80 minutes and delivered 30 balls into the opponents' area but didn't put the ball into the net. The only clear ball into our box cost a goal.
"I warned my players before - the players from abroad have to learn. I don't remember Keiren Westwood having the ball in his hands except when he was getting the ball from the net.
"If my players learn quickly why we lost the game, we will have a very good season."
Fulham boss Martin Jol: "I think it was a perfect away result but not a perfect performance. We had to grind out the result. It was a very scrappy game for us.
"Sunderland put so many players up front - they had four attacking players. We didn't do well at times. We have to try to control the midfield - we didn't do that in the first half and couldn't keep the ball. Against an energetic Sunderland team... it was a bit easier than we thought, in hindsight.
"We showed good team spirit. Adel Taarabt had to play 90 minutes despite not having a pre-season, similar for Kasami and Briggs."
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunderland v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday August 17, 2013, kick-off 15.00 (BST).
Saturday, August 17 2013
Sunderland v Fulham
Stadium
Kick-off: 15.00 BST.
TV: Highlights BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Sunderland (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Mannone; Celustika, O'Shea, Cuéllar, Colback; Giaccherini, Larsson, Cabral, Johnson; Sessegnon; Altidore.
Out: Bardsley (foot), Brown (knee), Cattermole (knee), Fletcher (ankle), Gardner, Vaughan (both suspended), Ji (unspecified).
Fulham (Possible, 4-3-1-2): Stekelenburg; Riether, Amorebieta, Hangeland, Richardson; Duff, Sidwell, Boateng, Ruiz; Berbatov, Bent.
Tests: Kacaniklic (hamstring), Stockdale (thumb).
Referee: Neil Swarbrick. Matches: 18, R0 Y61.
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Final Premier League table 11 May 2013
Team News
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio is expected to name the majority of his 10 summer signings in his starting line-up against Fulham.
Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini are set to make their competitive debuts while former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone could get the nod ahead of Keiren Westwood.
Defender Wes Brown has been ruled out as a precautionary measure after a slight recurrence of a knee complaint, striker Steven Fletcher is also forced to miss the opening game with an ankle injury, while Craig Gardner is suspended.
Fulham midfielder Alexander Kacaniklic is a doubt because of a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper David Stockdale is struggling with a thumb problem, but new signing Maarten Stekelenburg is the club's number one choice in the position.
Adel Taarabt, a loan signing from QPR, is short of match fitness but will be included in the squad.
Match Notes
To make up for the influx of new faces populating Paolo Di Canio's much-changed side, there is likely to be a familiar one among the visitors.
Darren Bent, who left Sunderland in acrimonious circumstances two-and-a-half years ago, is available for his Fulham debut after joining on loan from Aston Villa.
No prizes for guessing the source of any goals for the visitors at the Stadium of Light.
Betting: Home 6-5, Away 23-10, Draw 23-10.
Stat of the game: Both Sunderland and Fulham are unbeaten in their last four opening-day games.
Jason Mellor's prediction: Sunderland 2 Fulham 1.
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday August 17, 2013.
The jury remains very much out on the summer revolution overseen by Paolo Di Canio at Sunderland, as for the fifth successive season Fulham hit the ground running to quickly dampen spirits on Wearside.
A goal eight minutes into the second-half, headed home at the far post by Pajtim Kasami as the Swiss Under-21 international out-jumped his marker Valentin Roberge, one of five debutants for the hosts, to a Damien Duff corner, ensured a losing start for Di Canio as the Italian head coach embarks on his first full campaign in charge.
Fulham, for who Darren Bent, the former Sunderland forward, remained on the bench throughout, were solid if unspectacular in securing a fifth consecutive clean sheet at the outset of a Premier League season. The visitors were content to sit back and soak up the pressure, while attempting to catch their opponents on the counter-attack, a tactic that ultimately paid dividends in a game where there was very little to choose between the sides.
Martin Jol's team were thankful to debutant Marten Stekelenburg for a stunning first-half fingertip save to deny a long-distance effort from Sunderland full-back Ondrej Celustka, as the hosts carved out the majority of the few clear chances. It proved to be an eventful afternoon for the Dutch international goalkeeper, who failed to see-out the 90 minutes, being forced off towards the end with a shoulder injury after a collision with Jozy Altidore.
Sunderland showed evidence of Di Canio's influence with a more measured build-up throughout, often playing the ball out fro the back. However, without injured Scotland international Steven Fletcher, they lacked a cutting edge, one which could well come when Altidore, the former Hull City loan player, gets back up to speed with the Premier League.
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The winning goal was notable for its simplicity as Kasami, making his first Premier League appearance for 11 months following a loan stint at Lucerne last season, applied a simple finish to Duff's far from threatening corner at the outset of the second period.
Sunderland enjoyed the majority of possession for the remainder of the game, but rarely looked like turning that into an equalising goal. Ji Dong-won, the substitute, headed wastefully wide late on from Adam Johnson's inviting cross as Fulham recorded a fifth consecutive game undefeated at the Stadium of Light to leave Di Canio with much to ponder.
SUNDERLAND are reported to be considering a move for Juventus left-back Paolo De Ceglie after their pursuit of Valencia defender Aly Cissokho failed, writes Graeme Anderson.
Cissokho yesterday joined Liverpool on a season-long loan with Sunderland interested in the player but unable to come up with an acceptable offer before the Reds stepped in.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had wanted to sign another left-back, Guilherme Siqueira from Spanish club Granada, but the clubs failed to agree a fee and the Merseysiders switched their attention to Cissokho.
The 25-year-old is expected to finalise a deal next week which could become permanent next summer.
Juventus defender De Ceglie is a left-back, who can also play on the wing, and was being looked at by Stoke City earlier this summer.
Sunderland though are rumoured to have expresed an interest now with Di Canio wanting to agree a move swiftly.
Juventus are open to the prospect of selling De Ceglie and the player is reported to be happy to move to the Premier League.
Should the Black Cats be in a position to pursue the Juventus man, the presence of such a strong Italian contigent among the coaching and playing staff would almost certainly be an attraction for him.
De Ceglie’s former team-mate Emanuele Giaccherini joined Sunderland this summer and the pair could look to establish a left flank partnership at the Stadium of Light this coming season.
FULHAM proved to be the Stadium of Light party poopers after Pajtim Kasami’s header inflicted an opening day defeat on Paolo Di Canio’s new-look Sunderland.
Kasami’s goal from Damien Duff’s corner, early in the second half, was enough to defeat the shot-shy Black Cats as Fulham stole the points with their only effort on target.
Sunderland controlled proceedings for much of the game, yet lacked a cutting edge going forwards and were largely limited to shots from distance.
One of those, from debutant Ondrej Celustka, almost resulted in a first half opener for the hosts, only for the Czech right-back to be denied by a stunning save from Fulham stopper Marten Stekelenburg.
Substitute Ji Dong-won went closest to an equaliser for the hosts, but he sent his header wide from six yards out in the 89th minute.
Di Canio handed starts to five summer signings, with Ondrej Celustka, Valentin Roberge, Cabral, Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore all making their Sunderland debuts.
Keiren Westwood got the nod in goal ahead of new boy Vito Mannone, while Roberge was preferred to Carlos Cuellar and Modibo Diakite at centre-half.
Former Sunderland man Kieran Richardson started for Fulham, while new signing Darren Bent was on the bench for the Cottagers.
Cabral tried his luck from 25 yards in the six minute, but his right-footed effort was harmlessly wide of the woodwork.
Fulham were forced into a 20th minute change when Richardson limped off injured and was replaced by Matthew Briggs.
Cabral produced another effort from outside the area in the 26th minute when he controlled Giaccherini’s square ball with a lovely first-touch, but then lashed his right-footed shot a yard wide.
Giaccherini let one fly from 25 yards in the 34th minute, but his powerful right-footed effort was straight at Fulham stopper Marten Stekelenburg.
Moments later, the Dutch keeper proved his worth to deny Celustka a stunning debut goal.
Celustka received a crossfield ball from Jack Colback, 25 yards out, to the right of goal, and he let fly with a fierce right-footed angled drive.
The ball was rocketing towards the near top corner, but at full-stretch, Stekelenburg showed tremendous reflexes to parry it behind.
HALF-TIME Sunderland 0 Fulham 0
Adam Johnson let fly from 25 yards in the 51st minute, but his left-footed effort was always rising and cleared the crossbar by a couple of feet.
But a minute later, it was Fulham who broke the deadlock in soft fashion as Pajtim Kasami got above Valentin Roberge at the far post to head home Damien Duff’s right wing corner.
Altidore went close in the 64th minute when he collected Celustka’s chipped ball forwards, held off the attentions of Aaron Hughes and hit a right-footed shot on the turn which was a yard wide of the post.
Sunderland had another sniff of a leveller in the 73rd minute when Giaccherini’s shot from 12 yards was deflected but just out of the reach of Stekelenburg, who managed to get to the ball ahead of Altidore.
Substitute Ji Dong-won should have drawn Sunderland level in the 89th minute, but he sent his header wide from six yards after meeting Johnson’s cross from the right.
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-19 10:51
>>289Arsenal 1 - 3 Aston Villa
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA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Name:
Anonymous2013-08-19 12:32
>>289
Two seasons now i've been pretty sure they are fucking SHIT, and Wenger too, hahaha @ Arsenal. The sad thing is he won't buy but rather try and prove everyone wrong with this same squad. His mind has gone cuckoo for about three years now.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-19 12:36
>>291 His aim is to win 14th place without spending money.
The USA international believes Paolo Di Canio's men must learn to be more ruthless if they are to survive in the Premier League this season after a damaging opening day defeat
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore admitted his new side were taught a harsh lesson in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham on Saturday.
The USA international impressed on his competitive debut, leading the line well as Sunderland controlled possession for long spells and tested the visitors' backline.
However, a lack of cutting edge ultimately cost Paolo Di Canio's side, as midfielder Pajtim Kasami popped up to head the winner for Fulham seven minutes after the break.
And Altidore felt that it went down as an opportunity missed, with the Swiss midfielder's effort representing Fulham's sole effort on target in the match.
"This is how this league is," the former AZ man told Sunderland's official website. "One chance, one goal and they go home with the three points.
"We need to do a better job of not giving away anything. It’s difficult at this level but we need to do better, create more chances and try to bury them.
"This is the best league in the world and that’s why it can be so cruel.
"At the same time, we have to take the positives away from the game, move on to the next match and try to get three points."
Of his own performance, the American felt that he could still do more, insisting he can get better still.
"I thought I did alright, but there’s always lots of room to improve," he added.
"It’s tough to look at the positives when you lose but I thought we created some chances."
Wigan winger James McClean has revealed his decision to leave Sunderland was down to the club's fans hounding him out of the Stadium of Light.
McClean, 23, moved to the Championship side for £1.5 million earlier in the month after becoming surplus to requirements under Black Cats manager Paolo Di Canio.
Despite earning the club's Young Player of the Year award in his first season after arriving from Derry City in 2011, the Ireland international struggled to recapture the same form last term.
However, McClean, who was involved in a handful of off-field controversies during his time on Wearside, claims that his exit was down to fan opinion, rather than being based on his performances on the pitch.
"Leaving the club was nothing to do with how I was playing," McClean told the Evening Chronicle. "But it was definitely needed. My time was up at Sunderland, that's why I asked to leave.
"It's never nice when your own fans are booing you before you even get on the pitch. The season before I was the best thing since sliced bread."
As the new football season kicks off, nostalgia writer Sarah Stoner takes a brief look at the early history of Sunderland AFC.
WEARSIDERS have been red and white all over for more than 100 years – with fans enduring a roller-coaster ride of ups, downs and stomach-churching twists.
Glasgow University graduate James Allan was the brains behind the club, which started life as Sunderland and District Teachers’ Association Football Club in 1879.
“When Allan moved here to teach at Hendon Board School, he was dismayed to find no representatives of the ‘dribbling code’,” said Susan Swinney, the Echo’s photographic archivist.
“Desperate to keep alive his own interest in the sport, he held a meeting in what was to become the Adult’s School in Norfolk Street to form a local football team.
“From tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow. So low-key was the birth of Sunderland AFC, that it depended on as few as 20 enthusiasts from its foundation in October 1879.”
The Blue House Field at Hendon served as the club’s first home ground, but their first game was less than auspicious – a 1-0 defeat to Ferryhill with few spectators.
Indeed the club came perilously close to going out of existence until, at the start of the second season, it was renamed Sunderland AFC and membership opened to all.
Two changes of venue soon followed, first to The Cedars and then Ashbrooke – where the lads made strong challenges in the Northumberland Durham Cup in 1883 and 1884.
But it was only after the club moved again, this time to land near Roker Avenue, that Allan’s dedication to the world of football started to pay off.
“Allan became the first secretary of Durham FA in 1883 and his first love, SAFC, duly became the first to lift the new County Cup – albeit in strange fashion,” said Susan.
“Fierce rivals Darlington were beaten by a single goal on a pitch at Newcastle Road, but marked the ground with a ‘dreadful’ word protest at alleged intimidation.
“They successfully appealed for a replay, at Birtley, but again Sunderland proved victorious; allowing players to lift the first silverware of the club’s career.”
The next year saw SAFC rent a new base, at Abb’s Field in Fulwell, where the team played its first FA Cup tie – losing to Redcar with a disappointing 3-1 score-line.
Just a few months later, SAFC moved again. A new base at Newcastle Road was secured towards the end of the 1885-86 campaign – and it proved a home from home.
“It was an ideal base for the still developing organisation. Sunderland enjoyed a tremendous home record over the 13 years they played there,” said Susan.
Sunderland netted their first FA Cup win just a few months later – beating Newcastle West End 2-1 in 1886-87. A dispute over the game, however, saw SAFC lose a replay.
As the number of friendly games “began to pall,” so shipbuilder Robert Thompson was promoted to president of the club, with a new treasurer and chairman brought in.
These actions prompted Allan to turn his back on his beloved SAFC and form a rival club – Sunderland Albion – but the town simply could not afford to support them both.
“The enterprise of Thompson, chairman James Marr and treasurer Samuel Tyzack transformed SAFC and its fortunes, by importing players from Scotland,” said Susan.
“The final piece of the jigsaw was the appointment of Newcastle native Tom Watson as club secretary, who proved the catalyst to catapult Sunderland forward.
“The team landed three championships during his six seasons with them; a success he later repeated after being lured away to Liverpool.”
Sunderland could further raid Juventus this summer and make a move for full-back Paolo De Ceglie.
Sky Sport Italia claim that the Premier League side, who have already signed Emanuele Giaccherini from the Bianconeri, may bid for 26-year-old De Ceglie.
Antonio Conte’s men have been keen to get rid of the Italy U21 international for a while now. The defender earns around €2m per season, and the Turin club are desperate to get that sum off of the wage bill.
De Ceglie has failed to establish himself in the Juve first team in recent seasons, and could leave for a fee of around €4m.
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IT was billed as the dawn of Paolo Di Canio’s Wearside revolution, but it turned out to be little that we haven’t seen before.
New players, new mindset, new season. Yet so much of Sunderland’s opening-day defeat to Fulham harked back to the failings of the past.
Dominate the opposition, but lack the creative spark required to score. Concede a tame set-piece goal thanks to elementary defensive shortcomings.
Then limp through the closing stages without really threatening to get back on level terms.
It is a formula that is all too familiar, and for all that Di Canio has purchased ten senior players and overseen a radical overhaul of Sunderland’s training programme and disciplinary regime this summer, a number of enduring issues remain.
It is all very well banning tomato ketchup and cola drinks, but you still need a group of players good enough to succeed at Premier League level, and on that score, the jury must remain out until Saturday’s reverse can be proved to be nothing more than an opening- day blip.
“It’s the first game isn’t it, and there’s a long way to go,”
said Adam Johnson, who was one of only four survivors from the side that started at Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of last season. “I thought we dominated for long periods.
“We kept the ball well, without creating clear-cut chances, but at least we were having a go.
“Fulham didn’t look like they wanted to come at us and really want to win to be honest.
They were happy with sitting back and trying to nick something, which they did.”
In fairness, there were undoubtedly positive signs in Sunderland’s play, particularly during a first half which they dominated without really testing Maarten Stekelenburg, save for a Ondrej Celustka half-volley that the Fulham goalkeeper did well to turn over the crossbar.
Celustka was dynamic and robust at right-back, Cabral controlled the heart of midfield with aggression and assurance, Emanuele Giaccherini provided a sporadic threat on the lefthand side, and Jozy Altidore led the line with a physicality that was lacking in much of Sunderland’s forward play last season.
The Black Cats carved out a succession of long-range shooting opportunities, but as the game wore on, their failure to get behind the Fulham defence or thread balls between centrehalves Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes became increasingly apparent.
Stephane Sessegnon should have been the player providing a creative spark, but his impact on the game was negligible throughout. With speculation linking him with a potential move to Qatar refusing to go away, it was tempting to conclude that the Benin international was playing like a man whose head was elsewhere.
The key problem for Sunderland, however, is that when Sessegnon is not linking midfield and attack, no one else is likely to step in and do the job for him.
“I think we did well in the middle, but it is obvious we can do much better,” said Di Canio.
“The players that played there did well, but we can improve.
We need another player there that can feed my strikers and wingers quickly.
“It doesn’t always mean you have to be sharp in your legs, but you have to be quick in your head. It’s not a criticism of the players who played there because they did well. But we can improve this area of the field.
“I have told the club before pre-season that we need another player who can have the key to unlock a defence. A player with personality and physical presence because this is the heart of the game.”
Such players do not come cheap, but there is a clear need for a creative presence at the heart of midfield given that neither Cabral nor Seb Larsson are naturals for the role.
The lack of incision became a more pressing issue after Sunderland fell behind, and the manner of the visitors’ secondhalf winner clearly irked Di Canio.
HIGHS AND LOWS: Top, Fulham’s Pajtim Kasami (8) scores the only goal of the game
Fulham’s Pajtim Kasami (8) scores the only goal of the game
Damien Duff swung over Fulham’s only corner of the game from the right-hand side, and Pajtim Kasami outjumped summer signing Valentin Roberge at the back post to power home a header.
“We have to be more nasty,”
said Di Canio. “My central defender lost a younger guy at the back post without jumping, and that can be a problem.
“You may think it is not fair to point the finger at the player who made a mistake. He did well before that, but if this helps him improve, that is good.
“It cost us one point minimum because I couldn’t see any chance for them to score in the game. If we don’t learn from it and think it was just an accident, we will have a problem in the future.”
Sunderland rarely looked like claiming an equaliser, although substitute Ji Dong-won should have equalised in the final minute.
Johnson beat his man to deliver a teasing cross from the right-hand side, but Ji somehow directed his six-yard header wide of the target despite being under little or no pressure at all.
It was a glaring miss, and it deprived Sunderland of a point they more than merited on the weight of their possession and territorial dominance.
“I think it was just one of those games,” said Johnson.
“How many times is this going to happen over the Premier League season with various teams, the smash and grab?
Teams come, don’t they, to do that.
“We’ll probably see another couple of examples next week.
That’s the reality of the Premier League, it’s tough. It’s that old saying, set-pieces win you games and that’s what’s happened.
“One set-piece and we’ve switched off, and it’s 1-0 and then it’s hard to get back from that with 11 men behind the ball.”
the Sunderland players
leave the field after the final whistle
The Sunderland players leave the field after the final whistle
A neat summation, but hardly the rallying call for a radical new direction after a summer of major upheaval.
These are early days and it would be unfair to rush to judgement on Di Canio’s efforts given the lack of time his squad has spent together, and the fact that the Italian clearly wants to make further additions before the transfer window shuts.
However, one game in, and the revolution has undoubtedly stalled.
Changing training-ground rules is the easy part – changing the entire direction of a football club is a much tougher feat.
HULL CITY and West Brom are ready to test Sunderland's resolve to hold on to Jack Colback by tabling formal bids for the midfielder.
Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is desperately trying to plug a gap in both full-back positions, with one of his leading targets, Frenchman Aly Cissokho, poised to join Liverpool this week.
As well as targeting new defensive options, Di Canio will also have to determine what to do with Colback, as Hull and West Brom are both set to step up their interest in the 23-year-old.
Colback has entered the final year of his current deal at the Stadium of Light, and has so far resisted Sunderland's offer of a new contract.
Di Canio has no desire to sell the versatile midfielder, who is currently operating as the Black Cats' first-choice left-back following their failure to land Danny Rose, Benjamin Mendy or Lucas Orban since the opening of the transfer window.
However, Sunderland owner Ellis Short will be mindful of the risk of losing Colback for nothing next summer, and will not want to find himself in a position where the academy product could potentially sign a pre-contract agreement with prospective employers in January.
Hull boss Steve Bruce worked closely with Colback during his time at the Stadium of Light, and is a long-standing admirer.
Having sanctioned the departure of midfielders Corry Evans, who joined Blackburn for £850,000, and Tom Cairney, who has moved to Ewood Park on loan, Bruce is light in the central areas and is keen to make additions before the opening round of Premier League fixtures in 12 days time. “We are looking to sign a couple of midfielders, maybe even three,” said Bruce over the weekend.
West Brom have also made a preliminary inquiry about Colback's potential availability, with Steve Clarke keen to sign a couple of versatile players who could potentially plug a number of gaps within his squad.
Colback's importance to Sunderland would decrease if they were able to sign a natural left-back, but their ongoing search in that area is no closer to being resolved.
Having missed out on Mendy, who joined Marseille, and Orban, who turned down Sunderland in order to sign a four-year deal with Bordeaux, the Black Cats turned their attention to Cissokho a couple of weeks ago.
However, the Valencia defender has been in talks with Liverpool and is close to agreeing terms with the Anfield club.
As well as targeting two new full-backs, Di Canio is also eyeing attacking midfield options as he looks to complete his radical summer overhaul of the Sunderland squad.
Black Cats director of football Roberto de Fanti has inquired about £5m-rated Uruguayan Walter Gargano, who was left out of the Napoli squad for this weekend's Emirates Cup tournament staged at Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Sunderland's development squad rounded off their tour of Holland with a 4-2 win over Dutch third tier side RSKV Leonidas at the weekend thanks to goals from George Honeyman, Liam Agnew, Billy Knott and Adam Mitchell.
ADAM JOHNSON believes Sunderland’s new signings have received a brutal lesson in the ruthlessness of the Premier League.
Paolo Di Canio handed debuts to five summer recruits in Saturday’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham, with another four new boys watching the opening day defeat from the bench.
But despite the encouraging signs from the fresh faces as Sunderland controlled large chunks of the encounter, Di Canio’s side started this season as they finished the last, with a 1-0 loss.
Sunderland succumbed to a routine 52nd-minute corner, where Macedonian midfielder Pajtim Kasami exposed debutant Valentin Roberge to net with Fulham’s only effort on target.
Despite his dejection over the result, Black Cats winger Johnson says the outcome will show Sunderland’s recruits the importance of maintaining concentration in the Premier League.
“It’s a harsh lesson for the new players especially,” said Johnson. “The lapse in concentration has cost us.
“But as long as we can learn from that and take the positives from the game, then we can push on.
“It’s always difficult losing to a set piece. If they score a good goal, it’s a little bit easier to take.
“But set pieces win games and that’s what it did for them because they didn’t do barely anything apart from that one corner.”
Johnson admits Sunderland also paid the price for a lack of cutting edge, with the bulk of the Black Cats’ efforts coming from long range.
When Sunderland fell behind, Di Canio’s men found little joy against a well-drilled Fulham back-line, albeit substitute Ji Dong-won should have done better in the 89th minute when he steered Johnson’s cross wide from six yards out.
Johnson added: “We created some half chances but in that final area, we need to be a bit more ruthless.
“When we went 1-0 down, they dropped deeper and we had even more of the ball. But it’s hard to break down 11 players sometimes.
“We had a lot of possession, we tried to press and we pushed forwards.
“But at the end of the day, it’s the one set piece that’s really cost us.”
Paolo Di Canio refused to criticise his new-look Sunderland side following their 1-0 home defeat by Fulham.
A Pajtim Kasami header from a corner in the second half secured the visitors the points but Di Canio says he is not concerned just yet.
Di Canio said: "One corner kick we concede they score from. It was a silly mistake and that was the difference. We played 80 minutes in the opposition half but we lost.
"If our new boys learn quick I am not worried. We were the only team to play football.
"Just because we played well doesn't really matter. We must do better in the final third though and be nasty and ferocious.
"Our new players must understand this and if they accept this after our first game then we can still do well this season."
Sunderland travel to Southampton in their next Premier League fixture.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio claims the addition of another midfielder would be the priority if he dips back into the transfer market.
Di Canio has already received considerable backing from owner Ellis Short this summer, with 10 fresh faces drafted into the Stadium of Light.
There may, however, be further arrivals before the window slams shut.
Sunderland have been heavily linked with Juventus full-back Paolo De Ceglie in recent days, but Di Canio says his focus is locked further up the field.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "If we can bring in only one player, without selling (Stephane) Sessegnon, it would have to be absolutely a central midfielder.
"If we can bring two - it would be a central midfielder and a winger, and then if three players, a central midfielder, a winger and a left-back."
"If we can bring in only one player, without selling (Stephane) Sessegnon, it would have to be absolutely a central midfielder."
Paolo Di Canio
While he would like to open the chequebook again before 2nd September, Di Canio appreciates that financial limitations may keep his hands tied.
He added: "What would be perfect for me would be a left-back, two central midfielders, a winger and another spare man - that would be five players.
"That would be perfect but there has already been a revolution - we have spent money and we need to be sensible in this moment.
"This is the reality of the situation and it is not a criticism. We have to be honest and intelligent and we need to have balance.
"I cannot criticise the club because they already spent money. But obviously if they can make more sacrifices it would be better for the club because we would be a better side, suffer less, finish better in the league and help the company.
"I know Ellis has no problem in terms of money but the club in general can be better.
"In my opinion, these are worthwhile investments in the long run, but we will see. We have a strategy to work with what we can do."
Sunderland beaten, but Di Canio insists his men are on right road
PAOLO Di Canio was bullish in defeat this weekend, insisting that his players are on the right track and that he is confident that Sunderland will do well this season.
Yesterday’s 1-0 loss to Fulham completely deflated the atmosphere around an expectant Stadium of Light on the opening day of the campaign.
But Di Canio said: “We played well, and only the result wasn’t right.
“I told my players before the start of the season that I would settle for us losing a game if we had played well in it – that that was just as important as playing poorly but winning.
“It is a hard thing to stand by after you have lost a game, but I cannot be too hard on them because they tried very hard and they played well.
“The only disappointment is that when you dominate as much as we did, you don’t win.
“We created 10 clear-cut chances and they created only one but scored their goal.
“We put nearly 40 balls into their box and we played in their half for almost 80 minutes.
“So I can’t be unhappy with these statistics.
“If there’s only thing we should have done better, it was keep hold of the ball and perhaps be a bit more patient,”
Now Di Canio will painstakingly deconstruct the game for his players’ benefit and hope to use it as part of a learning process for the squad.
“In football, you work on things and try to think of the positives and that’s what I do,” said the Italian head coach.
“But there are some negative things and individually, the players, especially the ones from abroad, can learn from this game.
“The most important thing this can learn, is this: that one corner kick can cost you a game.
“This is the best and toughest league in the world, especially when it comes to set-pieces.
“There are big, big players in this league, taller than other leagues across Europe and they love set-pieces.
“So we have to learn and we have to improve.
“Fulham had one real chance to score and they took it – that is the Premier League.
“We have to learn and most important is that the players learn that Fulham’s goal was not an accident – Premier League teams can do this to you.”
SUNDERLAND are considering selling Stephane Sessegnon in order to fund the purchase of the creative midfielder that manager Paolo Di Canio craves.
The Italian head coach is desperate to land a powerful playmaker, who can pull the strings in midfield and bring out the best in a new attack-minded 4-2-4 formation.
He returned to the subject again at the weekend after Sunderland’s 1-0 home defeat to Fulham, insisting that sort of player could have made all the difference.
But with the Black Cats – who lost out on Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone to Hull City last week – now struggling to manoeuvre in the transfer market, the club’s only option might be to sell the Benin international to fund more moves.
That move would be unwelcome, although not unacceptable to Di Canio – who underlined that he wants to keep the former Paris St Germain star.
But should Sessegnon – the subject of interest from Qatari side El Jaish – go, the Italian would push hard for a creative midfielder AND a replacement striker.
Di Canio explained: “I have given my opinion already: Sessegnon is not for sale, and we need to bring in one central midfield player.
“I don’t want to sell him. But if he is sold, we have to bring in a central midfield player and another striker.
“If someone wants to sell Sessegnon, I won’t criticise if they bring me a striker with quality and experience and a central midfield player – but not one brought in as cover, not a kid – I need a central midfielder with a background, good quality, physical presence and experience.”
Di Canio revealed his pecking order for new signings before the transfer window closes – with a left-back only third in line on his list.
The Black Cats have been strongly linked with a move for Juventus left-back Paolo De Ceglie in recent days, with several sources claiming that a season-long loan deal for the 26-year-old could be finalised this week.
But Di Canio says that that strengthening the left-back position – seen as a priority after Danny Rose’s return to Spurs in the summer from a season-long loan – is not as important to him right now as the need to strengthen across the midfield.
“If we can bring in only one player, without selling Sessegnon, it would have to be absolutely a central midfielder,” he said.
“If we can bring two – it would be a central midfield player and a winger; and then if three players, a central midfielder, a winger and a left-back.”
The fact that Di Canio sees getting in a winger as more pressing than bringing in a left-back might suggest his interest in Greek winger Charis Mavrias is not necessarily at an end.
Di Canio would love more signings, but accepts that financial restraints are limiting options.
“What would be perfect for me would be a left-back, two central midfielders, a winger and another spare man – that would be five players,” he said.
“That would be perfect but there has already been a revolution – we have spent money and we need to be sensible in this moment.
“We might be able to bring in only one player, in which case a central midfielder. Two? A central midfielder and a winger. Three? Central midfielder, winger, left-back and so on.
“This is the reality of the situation and it is not a criticism. We have to be honest and intelligent and we need to have balance.
“I cannot criticise the club because they already spent money.
“But obviously if they can make more sacrifices it would be better for the club because we would be a better side, suffer less, finish better in the league and help the company.
“I know Ellis (Short) has no problem in terms of money but the club in general can be better.
“In my opinion, these are worthwhile investments in the long run, but we will see. We have a strategy to work with what we can do.
“I don’t have the pressure of bringing players in, that is for others – but I understand we have to be sensible.
“But we have spent much less on players this summer than in the past, much less than in the past – I have to be clear.”
Sunderland’s Retarded Bardsley in hot water over Instagram text
Mentally retarded Phil Bardsley’s conduct will come under scrutiny from Paolo Di Canio this week after appearing to mock Sunderland’s opening-day defeat to Fulham.
A comment stemming from Bardsley’s Instagram account sparked a social media storm on Saturday night after the Black Cats’ 1-0 loss to the Cottagers.
Sunderland Under-21 player Scott Harrison posted a picture on the photograph-sharing website after full-time on Saturday, showing the Stadium of Light tunnel, and then wrote the comment “#opening day (heart)”.
But then there was a reply from Bardsley’s Bardoman26 account which read “Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!”.
That will not go unnoticed by head coach Di Canio, who vented his fury towards Bardsley at the end of last season when the full-back was photographed in a casino.
Bardsley has been subsequently frozen out of the first-team picture – training with the U21s during pre-season and not given a squad number by Di Canio.
Sunderland have been desperately trying to remove Bardsley from the wage bill, with another year left to run on his contract. But their hopes of selling the 28-year-old before the September 2 transfer deadline were dealt a major blow last week when the defender sustained a broken foot playing for the U21s.
Football Echo Verdict: Bright signs, but Sunderland need a victory to kick-start revolution
FOR ALL Paolo Di Canio’s Churchillian words about his widesweeping reforms at the Academy of Light, his “revolution” needs momentum to sweep away the lingering memory of relegation dogfights.
Momentum among supporters to instil a genuine sense of belief that Di Canio will transform this club’s journey from stagnation to real progress, even if they turned up in their numbers again yesterday.
And momentum among the players themselves to see that Di Canio’s militant approach at the training ground brings tangible rewards.
There were more than a handful of hopeful signs among the recruits charged with spearheading this Sunderland revolution, particularly in the first half of yesterday’s 1-0 sickener.
Jozy Altidore showed that he will add a physical element to the Sunderland forward line, albeit he was desperately lacking support from an off-colour Stephane Sessegnon.
Cabral looks an adept performer in the middle of the park, while Valentin Roberge was composed at the back, until he allowed Pajtim Kasami to get above him so easily for Fulham’s smash and grab winner.
But, for all the promise, Sunderland were still lacking a cutting edge.
The overwhelming majority of Sunderland’s efforts came from outside the area and as the Black Cats desperately chased the game, they resorted to the long punt which proved routine for Brede Hangeland.
What ultimately cost Di Canio’s side was their failure to make the most of their first-half control.
Sunderland enjoyed long spells of possession and used both wingmen effectively, with Emanuele Giaccherini not afraid to drift from his flank and providing an overlapping option for Adam Johnson on the opposite side.
Cabral, meanwhile, was the dominant central midfielder and set the tempo for the hosts.
But the Black Cats just needed a final scything pass to make their possession count and it never came.
For all Altidore looked bright when he was involved, he didn’t see enough of the ball and Sunderland’s threat overwhelmingly came from outside of the area.
That could have materialised into a stunning debut goal for Ondrej Celustka, if it hadn’t been for an equally impressive save from new Fulham stopper Maarten Stekelenburg.
But, for all the industry, energy and demonstration of far brighter ideas than the Martin O’Neill era, Sunderland’s threat in the box was minimal.
Once Kasami got above Roberge to meet Damien Duff’s corner for the softest of openers, the ghosts of last season began to re-appear.
Altidore tried to drag Sunderland back into the game, almost single-handedly, and provided some awkward moments for Hangeland and Aaron Hughes, as Di Canio’s men chased the game in the closing stages.
Undoubtedly, the return of Steven Fletcher will benefit the American striker more than most, by sharing the goal burden around.
Had substitute Ji Dong-won’s 89th-minute opportunity fallen to Fletcher, rather than the South Korean, then you fancy that Sunderland would have taken the point that they deserved.
It is imperative that Sunderland don’t let one defeat de-rail them and Di Canio’s project undoubtedly needs time to reap rewards.
Yet the Black Cats are also in need of encouragement in the wins column to demonstrate that this really is a new era.
Chris Young’s Sunderland post-match analysis: Risk assessors
BY 4.50pm on Saturday, the sacrifice suddenly seemed a touch more palatable.
Throughout the summer, Sunderland’s readiness to sell Stephane Sessegnon has seemed a hasty step in Paolo Di Canio’s revolutionary process.
For all Sessegnon sometimes leaves supporters tearing their hair out, he has also been one of the few players over the last two years to provide value for money on the admission fee.
But financially, Sunderland find themselves in a dilemma.
Due to the restrictions of being able to use just an additional £4million of the new TV deal on wages – a policy which Ellis Short spearheaded among Premier League clubs – Sunderland are thought to have little room left to manoeuvre with the salary cap.
Efforts to remove Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole from the wage bill have so far failed and now look unlikely to before September 2, given the respective fitness situations of the duo.
By selling Sessegnon to Qatari side Al-Jaish, it would save a significant chunk on the balance sheet and perhaps give Di Canio that licence to add another couple of players to his options.
Given the noises emerging from those in or around the club this summer, there has seemed plenty of willingness among Sunderland’s hierarchy to offload Sessegnon.
But after witnessing an improvement in attitude during pre-season, Di Canio told the Echo last week that he wants to keep Sessegnon at the Stadium of Light and he again reiterated that stance following the 1-0 defeat to Fulham.
Yet there was a caveat from the Italian.
There was a get-out clause that if those above Di Canio do opt to sell Sessegnon, then he wants quality replacements brought in from the proceeds.
Would that be a worthwhile exchange?
Losing a fit and focused Sessegnon would undoubtedly be a blow to Sunderland’s attacking options, particularly if he can return to the form of 2011/12.
For all the 29-year-old can infuriate with the lack of consistency on his final pass or shot, he still boasts the trickery that can mesmerise the best of Premier League defenders.
But, despite looking sharp and lean during pre-season, there was a distracted aura around Sessegnon against Fulham which inevitably prompted suspicions that his mind was on the interest from the Middle East.
There were a handful of nice touches from the former Paris Saint-Germain forward, but when it came to actually creating, Sessegnon’s effectiveness was minimal.
It was one of the factors which contributed towards Sunderland’s blunt attacking edge on the Premier League’s opening day.
Yes, Di Canio’s side were undone by the softest of set-piece goals, but it was their failure to profit from the first-half domination which proved their downfall.
There was a far better balance, shape and energy around Sunderland to the languid side of Martin O’Neill, yet they weren’t enough of a threat in the opposition penalty area.
The bulk of their 20 efforts on goal came from range, albeit it took a stunning stop from Fulham debutant Maarten Stekelenburg to deny Sunderland new boy Ondrej Celustka.
Jozy Altidore was the pick of Sunderland’s summer recruits and the American showcased both his power and pace, particularly with his back to goal.
But the 23-year-old did not see enough of the ball and neither did he benefit from a strike partner running beyond him or getting close enough to offer a supporting option.
Too often, Altidore was the only red and white jersey in the Fulham area, as Sunderland looked to make the most of their quality out wide.
It added up to the majority of Sunderland’s play being in front of the Cottagers’ back four – rather than behind it – and, as Martin Jol’s side dropped deeper and deeper after Pajtim Kasami’s goal, it became increasingly straightforward for ever dependable centre-halves Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes.
Of course, no team will be at their most fluent on the opening day and this new-look Sunderland side was always going to need time to develop some attacking potency, particularly after such a lean programme of pre-season friendlies.
But there was a similarity to the offensive troubles of last season.
Too often, teams in or around Sunderland in the table came to the Stadium of Light, shut up shop and, as they comfortably thwarted the Black Cats’ attacking efforts, would punish the hosts on a rare foray forwards.
The return to fitness of Steven Fletcher, who could be a perfect foil for Altidore, will help Sunderland’s attacking threat.
So too will the creative central midfielder that Di Canio lusts over.
There were plenty of bright signs from Cabral on his top-flight debut, while Seb Larsson never lacks industry and effort, even if there remain question marks over whether he is more effective on the right or in the middle.
But neither are a playmaker in the mould of new Hull City man Tom Huddlestone, who Di Canio was so keen to bring to Wearside.
Sunderland simply don’t have that player on their books capable of controlling a game or delivering a defence-splitting pass from the middle of the park.
In truth, they haven’t for years.
Di Canio knows it and that is why it consumes his thoughts, rather than a specialist left-back, alternative winger or another striker.
If the funds, plus freed wages, from the sale of Sessegnon enables Sunderland to bring in that midfielder along with a replacement forward, then Di Canio will be placated.
Whether that equation is worthwhile, with the calibre of recruits potentially available, is a Catch-22 situation that those above Di Canio must balance over the next fortnight.
Development squad head to King Power Stadium.
Sunderland’s U21s face a trip south today as they take on Leicester City in the Barclays U21 Premier League.
The development squad will face the Foxes at the King Power Stadium, with the game kicking off at 7pm.
Striker Mikael Mandron, who featured for the first team in pre-season, is included in the squad, as is summer signing Duncan Watmore.
Coach Kevin Ball saw the side open their campaign with a win last week as Jordan Laidler’s goal secured a 1-0 home victory over Bolton.
Leicester, meanwhile, named a strong squad for their season opener against Middlesbrough, running out 3-1 winners.
Fans will be able to follow text updates via the club’s official Twitter account (www.twitter.com/safcofficial), with a full report available on safc.com after the game.
U18s defeated in league opener
Youngsters go down to late Chelsea strikes.
Chelsea U18 3 Sunderland U18 0
Sunderland played well but couldn't stem a superior Chelsea second-half performance in their season opener at Cobham.
In a goalless first half, Sunderland turned in a good display but missed some good opportunities to open the scoring.
After 13 minutes, Dylan McEvoy went on a good run and finished most unluckily by hitting the post before Ethan Robson’s free-kick forced a good save from the Chelsea keeper.
In the 25th minute Martin Smith got in behind following a corner only for the Chelsea stopper to pull off another great save.
The Wearsiders had enjoyed good possession throughout what a pleasing first 45 minutes.
Once again the young Black Cats started positively in the second half; moving the ball around well but slack play gave away possession for Chelsea to break on 50 minutes and score from a free-kick that was chipped over the wall.
Sunderland reacted well and created a couple of half-chances; Tom Robson went on a good run and was brought down in the area for a good penalty shout but the referee waved play on.
On 70 minutes the home side doubled their lead, once again counter-attacking well.
And five minutes from time the Blues rounded the game off with their best goal as the ball was smashed home following good individual play.
In the last minute Sunderland were still trying for a consolation and Rees Greenwood fired a super ball across the area with no Black Cats player able to get a touch.
Academy manager Ged McNamee said: “Overall we worked hard and the display gave us something to build on.
“I was pleased with the performance but disappointed with the goals.”
Sunderland: Talbot, Ledger, Colquhoun, Beadling, T Robson, Blinco, Smith, McEvoy (Pybus, 45), E Robson, Greenwood, Gooch (Stinson, 60).
Sub not used: Ellison.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-19 17:52
lol @ Manchester City 4 Newcastle 0
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-19 19:05
>>302
Thats supporting the 1992toon, watching us 'stay up' every season and be fukin grateful...
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-20 13:47
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is poised to make his 11th signing of the summer with the capture of Panathinaikos teenager Charis Mavrias, Press Association Sport understands.
The Black Cats are believed to have agreed a £2.5million fee for the 19-year-old Greece international who has two caps to his name.
It would appear to be third time lucky for Di Canio who failed with a move to lure Mavrias to the Stadium of Light last month, whilst hopes of a loan deal fell through last week.
But with the two clubs finally seeing eye to eye, Mavrias is expected to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical within the next 24-48 hours.
Mavrias holds the distinction of being the second youngest player to play in the Champions League - at the age of 16 years eight months - when he was handed his debut for Panathinaikos, playing the final 12 minutes of a goalless draw at home to Rubin Kazan.
Mavrias has since made more than 60 appearances for Panathinaikos, scoring six goals.
Should Sunderland complete the deal, Mavrias will join the other 10 new faces under Di Canio this summer in Ondrej Celustka, El-Hadji Ba, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, Vito Mannone, Modibo Diakete, David Moberg Karlsson, Valentin Roberge, Cabral and Duncan Watmore.
Phil Bardsley suspended by Sunderland after mocking club's opening day defeat
Phil Bardsley has been suspended by Sunderland and told to stay away from the training ground after he mocked his club’s 1-0 home defeat to Fulham on a social media site.
Bardsley had already been turned into an outcast by manager Paolo Di Canio and was not given a squad number for this season following an incident back in May when he was pictured in the early hours of the morning covered in £50 notes at a casino.
Di Canio, who has implemented a strict new code of discipline at the training ground, which also drew heavy criticism from former defender Titus Bramble over the summer, had already said he could not see how the former Manchester United prospect could play for him again.
Their relationship has not improved since and took a turn for the worse on Monday when Di Canio was told about a message Bardsley had sent to a teammate on Instagram following the home defeat to Fulham.
Sunderland under-21 player Scott Harrison had posted a picture on his Instagram account after full-time on Saturday, showing the tunnel area and with the comment: ‘#opening day (heart)’.
A reply from Bardsley’s Bardoman26 account said: ‘Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!’.
The account has since been deleted, but Bardsley has been told he is not welcome at the training ground while the incident is investigated.
Di Canio had hoped to get rid of a troublesome member of his squad as quickly as possible, but the full-back, who is Sunderland’s longest-serving player, will not be leaving any time soon.
The 27-year-old broke his foot playing for the Under-21s last week and Sunderland will have to hope they can send the defender out on loan to the Championship as it is unlikely he will be fit enough to leave before the close of the transfer window.
CHARIS MAVRIAS is finally on the verge of sealing his move to the Stadium of Light after Sunderland resurrected a deal for the Greek winger.
Mavrias last night arrived on Wearside to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms over a £2.5million switch to Sunderland, with an imminent conclusion expected for a transfer saga that has dragged on for weeks.
Sunderland reached an agreement with Greek side Panathinaikos last month for Mavrias, which would have seen the Black Cats pay an initial £1.5m for the 19-year-old, plus another £1m in add-on payments.
But the deal dragged on and on, with Sunderland’s interest cooling after boosting their options on the flanks with the captures of Emanuele Giaccherini and David Moberg Karlsson.
Panathinaikos eventually ran out of patience with Sunderland and the deal looked dead.
But, following the sale of James McClean a fortnight ago, Sunderland made a fresh approach to Panathinaikos, to take the Greek international on a season-long loan.
That offer was immediately rejected by cash-strapped Panathinaikos, who need the financial injection provided by the sale of Mavrias – one of the highest-rated youngsters to emerge from Greek football.
But Sunderland returned to their original offer last week and Mavrias is now expected to become the club’s 11th signing of the summer.
A midfield playmaker remains Paolo Di Canio’s priority, yet, as the Sunderland head coach revealed earlier this week, an extra winger has been lying second on his transfer wish-list.
“If we can bring in only one player, without selling (Stephane) Sessegnon, it would have to be absolutely a central midfielder,” said the Sunderland head coach.
“If we can bring two – it would be a central midfield player and a winger.”
Sunderland also continue to be in the market for a new left-back, with the Black Cats thought to have made an enquiry for Juventus defender Paolo De Ceglie.
But it is understood that there is no imminent prospect of De Ceglie moving to the Stadium of Light.
The 26-year-old is on a lucrative contract at Juventus and Sunderland are having to cut their cloth by the wage limits set out under the new television deal.
That was one of the major hurdles when Sunderland held discussions over Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho last week, regardless of Liverpool’s move for the French international.
There were also suggestions in Italy yesterday that De Ceglie is eager to fight for his first-team place at Juventus, with another four years to run on his contract with the reigning Serie A champions.
CHARIS Mavrias is on his way to Wearside, as Sunderland look to finalise a move for the Greek winger.
Sunderland saw a £2.5million switch for Panathinaikos wideman Mavrias fall through last month, before they failed with a subsequent season-long loan offer last week.
But the Black Cats have resurrected their original £2.5million deal for Mavrias and he is due to arrive in the North East today to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
The 19-year-old Grek international will become Sunderland’s 11th signing of the summer.
THERE will be more on this story in Wednesday’s Mail
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-21 11:00
Sunderland starlet goes to Wycombe Wanderers and not Hartlepool United
ROOKIE Sunderland midfielder and one-time Hartlepool United target Billy Knott has joined League Two club Wycombe Wanderers on a month’s loan, writes Dan Holland.
The 20-year-old, who played for the Black Cats’ Under-21 side in Monday’s 3-2 win at Leicester, makes his third loan switch since joining Sunderland in January 2011.
After spending the second half of the 2011-12 season at AFC Wimbledon, where he won their Young Player of the Year award, Knott scored eight goals in 20 appearances for Woking last season.
Knott, who made his Sunderland first-team debut as a substitute against Spurs on the final day of last season, will be available for Wycombe’s match with Oxford this weekend.
Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth said, “Billy’s a tenacious midfielder with good energy and he’s got fantastic quality on the ball.
“We’ve watched him for a while and he’s a player that I admire – I’m sure he’s going to go on to big things.
“I’d like to thank Kevin Ball, Paolo Di Canio and Sunderland for allowing Billy to come here.”
Every man will play their part at Sunderland ... except Phil Bardsley
PAOLO Di Canio says every player who remains in Sunderland’s squad after the transfer deadline window closes will have their part to play this season.
It is no secret that the Italian head coach has been open to offers for many of his first-team squad this summer – the players involved know it too.
But Di Canio insists that once the window closes, there will be no question of players being shunned or frozen out and that all should consider themselves important members of the squad from that point on.
The obvious exception to that promise will be Phil Bardsley, who was this week suspended by the club after an Instagram message which appeared to be mocking Sunderland over their opening-day defeat to Fulham.
Bardsley had already been ostracised for a late-night casino visit in the week before the end of last season but this latest incident can only serve to speed his exit from the club and underline the fact he will never play for Sunderland again.
That’s not a prospect that Di Canio is offering to any of his players whose futures have been cast into doubt by major restructuring.
Di Canio told SportMail: “I do not expect many players to leave before the transfer deadline – maybe one, or two but not many.
“A lot of players leaving is simply not part of the plan – we do not have a big squad – and so I will look to make the most of every player.
“I have no intention of excluding anyone and will have a chance to play a part.”
That will be good news for David Vaughan and Lee Cattermole who have not been involved in Sunderland’s main pre-season games and also for the likes of Stephane Sessegnon, Ji Dong-won and Carlos Cuellar who have all been the subjects of speculation this summer.
Sunderland have brought in 10 new signings this summer with Greek winger Charis Mavrias expected to become the 11th this week.
But they have also lost half a dozen players from last season’s first-team squad and Di Canio does not want to leave himself short for the long season.
The head coach added: “We have improved our fitness levels but we also need to rotate players over the course of the season to keep them fresh.
“That is particularly important in the cup games where you might need to make plenty of changes to the team which competes, but you are also aware of the need for the team to still be good enough to win those cup games.”
Paolo Di Canio expects Sunderland AFC departures but won't freeze anyone out if they stay
With five first-team outgoing transfers the Black Cats boss says one or two more players may be on their way out
Paolo Di Canio expects ‘one or two’ more departures before the transfer window closes – but insists no one will be frozen out if they do not move on.
Five first-teamers have already left Sunderland over the summer, three on permanent deals and two on loan, but so far nothing has come of speculation linking midfielders David Vaughan and Lee Cattermole with moves away from Wearside.
And another player to be linked with a move is Benin international Stephane Sessegnon – with clubs in Qatar monitoring his situation – although Di Canio said at the weekend that he is not for sale.
With 12 more days to go until the window closes on September 2, there is still time for more arrivals and departures and Di Canio is certainly keen to bring in a couple of new faces.
If at all possible, Sunderland will also want to unload any players who do not figure in the new head coach’s plans in order to keep the wage bill down.
But Di Canio is conscious of the fact that Sunderland’s squad remains short on numbers, and says any players who remain at the club when the window closes will be considered part of his first-team group.
And it was significant that both Vaughan and Cattermole were given shirt numbers when the club announced its official Premier League squad at the end of last week. Di Canio said: “I don’t expect many more players to leave before the transfer deadline.
“Maybe one, maybe two – that was in the plan – but not many. We will see.
“But if that does not happen, it is not an issue as they are part of the club.
“We will do everything we can to make them fit in with the others and give them a part [to play] because we need to use everybody.
“I don’t have any preconceived ideas.”
Di Canio’s stated intention is to use all the players available to him, but the one man who is regarded as beyond the pale is out-of-favour full-back Phil Bardsley.
Bardsley blotted his copybook at the end of last season after being pictured surrounded by £50 notes on a late-night casino visit just days before Sunderland’s final game.
He was banished to train with the youngsters when the players returned for pre-season, and broke his foot playing for the Under-21s last week.
And then this week he was suspended by the club pending an investigation after he apparently took to a social media site to mock the club’s opening day defeat against Fulham.
Bardsley’s injury means he is highly unlikely to be sold this month, but he was not given a squad number and will not play for the club under Di Canio.
Reading make £1m bid for Vaughan as Royals look to beat Hull and Palace in race to sign Sunderland midfielder
Reading have made a £1million move for Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan.
The Wales international has been told he can leave the Stadium of Light as manager Paolo di Canio continues to restructure his squad.
Hull City and Crystal Palace are also interested in Vaughan, 30, but ambitious Reading can match or better their wage offers.
Palace are closing on a loan deal for Southampton winger Jason Puncheon.
The 27-year-old winger could go straight into the squad to face Stoke on Saturday. Puncheon played under Ian Holloway at Blackpool in 2011.
Meanwhile, Southampton scouts watched Maribor midfielder Goran Cvijanović in action last night. The 26-year-old Slovenia international can play across the midfield including wide left.
MIKAEL MANDRON netted a stoppage time winner as Sunderland Under-21s made it two out of two after coming from behind to secure a 3-2 victory at Leicester City.
The 18-year-old, who has trained with Sunderland’s first-team throughout pre-season, grabbed a dramatic 91st minute goal, as Kevin Ball’s side built on their opening day success over Bolton with a second successive win.
Mandron was a part of a youthful Sunderland side at the King Power Stadium, while Leicester included first-teamers Anthony Knockaert, Zoumana Bakayogo, Ignasi Miquel and Ben Marshall.
And it was the Foxes who made the early running, with striker Tom Hopper crashing a header against the crossbar.
But against the run of play, the Black Cats took the lead in the 16th minute when Billy Knott smashed home Liam Marrs’ pull-back.
Duncan Watmore saw a shot saved from the edge of the area, although Leicester could have drawn level before the interval, with Marshall and Harry Panayiotou both failing to hit the target.
Just 45 seconds after the re-start though, the Foxes found an equaliser when half-time substitute Joe Dodoo scored with his first touch, converting Bakayogo’s cross.
By the 53rd minute, Leicester were ahead after trialist Ryan Watson fired into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
But with six minutes remaining, Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Watmore was fouled at the back post by Bakayogo.
Substitute Laidler converted the resulting spot-kick for his second in as many games.
Then in stoppage time, it got even better for Sunderland, with Mandron firing low into the corner.
Sunderland legend Micky Horswill claims he was sacked from Three Legends phone-in by Newcastle hero Malcolm Macdonald
BLACK Cats FA Cup hero Micky Horswill has been shown the red card from the Three Legends football phone-in.
Micky revealed on his Facebook page that he had been thrown off the Star Radio show, on which he fielded calls alongside former Newcastle striker Malcolm Macdonald and Middlesbrough’s Bernie Slaven.
“Sacked by Mal McDonald (sic) on three legends for having banter with Bert from Hartlepool, who along with Bernie and Mal, have hi em (sic) me stick for years,” he wrote.
The show is produced for Star by an independent production company, headed by Malcolm Macdonald.
Micky confirmed he had been turfed out on Monday afternoon.
“I have been sacked, more or less. Malcolm asked to see me, he came down and told me I was not wanted on the show any more.”
Asked whether his former co-host had outlined the reasons for the decision, Micky said: “He did, but I can’t really say anything at the moment.”
Malcolm confirmed Micky had left the show, but refused to go into details of the reason behind the decision.
“It is always important to keep the standards of the programme being broadcast at the very highest level,” he said.
“I am not really prepared to go into details with regard to another person. That is not the way I work at all. Micky is certainly entitled to his opinion.
“But we wish him all the very best of luck whatever he does and wherever he goes.
“Quite simply, we are just looking at perhaps moving in something of a new direction.”
The ex-England player added: “What’s gone is gone – we always need to be looking towards the future and that’s exactly what we are looking to do.”
The company aims to soon reveal who would be taking over SAFC duties.
“Hopefully there will be an announcement, and an exciting one, in the next week,” said Malcolm.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-21 12:32
>>314
When you become more popular than the Boss your days are numbered. Malcolm Macdonald was a kerb crawling drunk who was rescued from the gutter, I bet he does not like being reminded of that,
It would not surprise me if Eric "Gatesy" Gates is brought back.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-21 16:38
Fenerbahçe 0 - 3 Arsenal
51 Min. Gibbs - Arsenal
64 Min. Ramsey - Arsenal
77 Min. (p) Giroud - Arsenal
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-21 16:39
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Phil Bardsley 'joke' no laughing matter at Sunderland
SUNDERLAND yesterday suspended defender Phil Bardsley after he mocked the club following their 1-0 home defeat against Fulham.
Scotland international Bardsley, the club’s longest-serving player, has been ostracised by manager Paolo Di Canio in May after being pictured covered by £50 notes in a casino in the early hours of the morning.
But he was suspended, pending a club enquiry, after Scott Harrison posted a picture on his Instagram account – a site which allowed the posting of photos – to which the defender replied on Twitter: “Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!”
The remark has now been deleted, but Bardsley has been told to stay away from the training ground.
Di Canio was hoping to sell Bardsley, 27, this summer, with Fulham, Hull and Sheffield Wednesday interested. But he broke his foot playing for the club’s Under- 21 team last week and will be sidelined until January.
Manager Di Canio yesterday revealed he began his career as a boss in England instead of his native Italy because of trigger-happy chairmen in Serie A, who fire managers on a whim.
But Di Canio admits the Premier League is increasingly mirroring Italy due to the influx of foreign owners – with Newcastle manager Alan Pardew second in the list for long service, despite having been at the club for less than three years.
Di Canio said: “There are many more foreign general directors and foreign chairmen in England over the last few years. If something goes wrong, who has to pay? The manager.
“The chairmen are busier. They have their own big businesses far from here. They have to be honest and, in three months time, not panic. Now, there is not this genuine way any more.
“But I don’t want to say this is a problem in Sunderland. I’m not worried.”
There are many more foreign general directors and foreign chairmen in England over the last few years. If something goes wrong, who has to pay? The manager
Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland makes further strides in the transfer market but are still missing that creative spark
It has been a week of intrigue on Wearside ahead on Saturday’s first away trip of the season, to the south coast to face Southampton.
Earlier in the week the dramatic fall from grace of former Player of the Year, Phil Bardsley, was pretty much complete as the ostracised fullback took to Instagram to mock his club’s opening day defeat. Bardsley was swiftly called to the boardroom and suspended with immediate effect in a scene that probably played out like the final moments of an episode of The Apprentice.
Unfortunately, having picked up an injury whilst playing for the reserves, Bardsley looks likely to remain a drain on resources, continuing to pick up his £30k a week. Thirty-thousand pounds a week, for Phil Bardlsey, take a moment to let that one sink in.
In more positive news there looks set to finally be a resolution to the perennial left-back issue that has plagued the Black Cats for, well, ever it seems.
Danny Rose set a high standard last season during his loan spell last term, so high in fact that he played his way out of a move to the North East, breaking many a heart on Wearside such was his impact on the side.
However it seems that either Juventus’ Paolo De Ceglie or perhaps Toulouse’s Chiekh M’Bengue will be drafted in to fill that particular void, which will be a weight off everyone’s shoulders.
Sunderland seem no further forward whatsoever in securing the services of the much heralded creative midfielder
Another summer transfer saga looks set to come to a positive conclusion as the pursuit of Panathinaikos’ teenage Greek winger, Charis Mavrias, finally set to come to an end. It would seem that third time is indeed lucky for Di Canio as a move last month stalled an attempt to secure a loan deal failed last week for the player’s signature.
However Sunderland seem no further forward whatsoever in securing the services of the much heralded creative midfielder.
Last weekend served as further evidence that this really is the key addition to complete the puzzle. Cabral looked dominant in the middle of the park and able to dictate the tempo of the game, however the middling Sebastian Larsson is certainly not the creative outlet we need alongside him, not by a longshot.
Quite who is on the radar to bring some creativity to the centre of the park is somewhat of a mystery however. Di Canio’s desire for an English influence in this position now look unlikely to come to fruition following Tom Huddlestone’s move to Hull and there aren’t many other players that fall within Sunderland’s remit that fit the bill. The net will surely have to be cast to foreign shores yet again.
Southampton have been busy themselves, recruiting the brilliantly barmy Pablo Osvaldo to further swell their attacking ranks for a club record fee.
The Saints will prove to be a tricky opponent for Sunderland yet Di Canio will be desperate not to further derail any positivity on Wearside with another defeat.
CONFIRMED: Liverpool end left-back search by pipping Sunderland to Aly Cissokho
LIVERPOOL have pipped Sunderland to the signature of Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho on loan.
Aly Cissokho after completing his loan deal to Liverpool/TWITTER
The deal, which is subject to the completion of paperwork, will be of relief to Brendan Rodgers as he has finally ended his search for a player in that position.
Cissokho, who has experience of playing at the top level and in the Champions League with the La Liga side, Porto and Lyon revealed he is delighted that Rodgers came calling for him.
Speaking to the club's official website, Cissokho said: "I feel extremely proud to be here and I'm proud of all the hard work I've put in so far throughout my career.
"I've always dreamt of one day signing for a really legendary club.
Liverpool, Aly Cissokho, ValenciaAly Cissokho has signed subject to the completion of paperwork/TWITTER
Liverpool, Aly Cissokho, ValenciaSunderland were also credited with an interest in Aly Cissokho
Liverpool, Aly Cissokho, ValenciaAly Cissokho will now provide Jose Enrique with competition
Liverpool get Aly Cissokho on season-long loan deal
"I've been lucky enough to play for a few top sides and so to now get the chance to play for a club like Liverpool, it's just fantastic.
"I've always said, along with a lot of other French players, that I really love the English league, and although I've been fortunate enough to have played at some big clubs, in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to play in England.
"It's really pleasing when a club like Liverpool shows interest in you, and when that interest becomes more serious, you really can't wait for the move to go through. Now that the transfer has been completed, I'm really happy."
The 25-year-old will now provide stiff competition for Jose Enrique in that position.
Adam Johnson looking for England return at Sunderland
ADAM JOHNSON has admitted he faces a “huge season” as he bids to reignite his England career and stand a chance of playing at the World Cup.
Johnson lost his England place last season due to his patchy, inconsistent form with Sunderland, but is now determined to add to his 12 full caps.
Winger Johnson, 26, said: “This is probably as good as I’ve felt for a while now and I’m excited for this season. Hopefully I’ll get even fitter and stronger. I’m feeling good.
“England is still burning inside me. It’s a massive season for me, just as it is for every player who has represented their country.
“To be on standby for the last two major tournaments and to miss out both times was really disappointing and somewhat tough to take, particularly with the way I was playing at the time.
“If I can deliver some good performances, then you would like to think that the England people will take notice. That’s how it has to be, but first I have to do it for Sunderland.
Adam Johnson, England, career, World Cup, SunderlandJohnson in action in Sunderland's match against Fulham
This is probably as good as I’ve felt for a while now and I’m excited for this season
Adam johnson
“But my sharpness is definitely a lot better and I feel quicker and stronger in myself.
“I’m driven to prove myself. I know what it takes to be at the top, to win the league, to play for my country. I haven’t been with England for a year now – but that just drives me on more. Not to prove other people wrong so much, but to try and play well and get back into that set-up.”
Greek teenage winger Charis Mavrias, meanwhile, has arrived in Sunderland for a medical ahead of a £2.5?million move from Panathinaikos.
The 19-year-old Greece international, who has two caps to his name, is the second youngest player to play in the Champions League – at the age of 16 years and eight months – and has since made more than 60 appearances for his club side, scoring six goals.
Reports: Sunderland Explore Ligue 1 Alternative As De Ceglie Bid Stalls
I am trying to remember a day there wasn't a new story about Sunderland and left backs. I can't.
According to widespread reports in France, Sunderland are exploring the possibility of signing Toulouse left back Cheikh M'Bengue.
Juventus' Paolo De Ceglie appeared to be the main target, and could well still be, but talks with the 26-year-old are apparently faltering with the player himself said to be asking for a bit of a wage-hike as an incentive to leave his comfort zone of Turin.
Ellis Short stressed in his programme notes on Saturday the importance of finding value in the transfer market and Director of Football Roberto Di Fanti also recently laid down the law to potential new recruits who appear intent upon seeing the club as an easy pay-day:
The player must not think ‘I’m going to Sunderland to earn a lot of money’. If they perform, they will earn.
Whether or not a resolution can be found remains to be seen, however there looks to be a contingency in mind should De Ceglie opt to stay at Juventus. The Journal first brought M'Bengue's name to the discussion two weeks ago, insisting that he had been offered to Sunderland and had come under some serious consideration by the club's new recruitment staff.
Now it seems that option is being explored more fully, with a knock-down price of €2.5m being suggested for a player entering the last year of his contract.
I remember the day well that Sunderland last signed a genuine specialist left back. I think I was sat in front of the TV watching The Fresh Price of Bel Air whilst winding up a repaired Blur cassette with a pencil, wondering 'who is this Martin Scott, like?' or something . What's an extra couple of weeks?
Sunderland have completed the signing of Greece winger Charis Mavrias from Panathinaikos on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £3million.
The Black Cats have spent much of the summer chasing the teenager's signature and he joins the 10 new arrivals in a busy summer at the Stadium of Light.
Mavrias, who has been capped twice by Greece, made his Panathinaikos debut in the Champions League as a 16-year-old in 2010, becoming the second-youngest player to play in the competition.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio had been coy about revealing too much ahead of securing the 19-year-old's signature.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "Until a player signs, I would prefer not to say too much about them.
"But what do I know about Mavrias? I know him, I know that he is a very good prospect, I know that he's a very exciting player.
"But I don't want to talk about him, or any more about what was said about (Stephane) Sessegnon at the weekend because things you say about transfers can easily cause problems and confusion, so I would prefer to wait and see."
Despite his youth, Mavrias made 70 domestic and European appearances for Panathinaikos, scoring six goals.
Aside from his two full international appearances, he has also been capped at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.
Mavrias has been assigned the number 35 shirt by the Black Cats.
Southampton - Sunderland Preview: Osvaldo set for Saints debut
The Italy international could start on the bench for Mauricio Pochettino's side, while Greek winger Charis Mavrias could make his first appearance under Paolo Di Canio
Osvaldo, who signed from Roma on Sunday for an initial £12.8 million fee which could rise to £14.5m after bonuses, is in line to play some part in the fixture against Paolo Di Canio's side.
But it will not be from the start, with Pochettino cautious of throwing his star man in at the deep end.
"He played an international match last week with Italy, so he is fit," Pochettino told the club's official website.
"It's also logical that he needs to establish and integrate himself into a new structure. Also, he needs to learn how Southampton plays.
"He needs to learn a new structure, but we still have one training session left, so after that we will see if he has a chance to get into the 18 players that have been called up for Saturday."
Osvaldo – who scored 28 goals in 57 appearances over two seasons at Roma – replaced Kenyan Victor Wanyama as the club's record signing.
Wanyama, who joined from Celtic for £12.5m in July, played 90 minutes in Southampton's 1-0 win at West Brom last Saturday.
Rickie Lambert scored an injury-time penalty for Southampton at the Hawthorns, with academy graduates James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw particularly impressive.
Southampton have a clean bill of health but Sunderland will be without striker Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Lee Cattermole (knee).
Phil Bardsley (foot) remains on the sidelines for Sunderland but Wes Brown (knee) could feature.
Sunderland made a poor start to their Premier League season, slumping to a 1-0 defeat against Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have not won in their last five Premier League fixtures and they travel to Southampton having triumphed just twice on the road in 2013.
Di Canio handed five players their debuts on Saturday, and their busy transfer window continued on Thursday with the signing of Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
The two sides have played each other just four times in the last 10 years, with Sunderland winning two of them, and the others ending in draws.
Southampton's last win against Sunderland came in March 2002 and the most recent meeting finished in a 1-1 draw in May.
Southampton - Sunderland Preview: Osvaldo set for Saints debut
The Italy international could start on the bench for Mauricio Pochettino's side, while Greek winger Charis Mavrias could make his first appearance under Paolo Di Canio
Osvaldo, who signed from Roma on Sunday for an initial £12.8 million fee which could rise to £14.5m after bonuses, is in line to play some part in the fixture against Paolo Di Canio's side.
But it will not be from the start, with Pochettino cautious of throwing his star man in at the deep end.
"He played an international match last week with Italy, so he is fit," Pochettino told the club's official website.
"It's also logical that he needs to establish and integrate himself into a new structure. Also, he needs to learn how Southampton plays.
"He needs to learn a new structure, but we still have one training session left, so after that we will see if he has a chance to get into the 18 players that have been called up for Saturday."
Osvaldo – who scored 28 goals in 57 appearances over two seasons at Roma – replaced Kenyan Victor Wanyama as the club's record signing.
Wanyama, who joined from Celtic for £12.5m in July, played 90 minutes in Southampton's 1-0 win at West Brom last Saturday.
Rickie Lambert scored an injury-time penalty for Southampton at the Hawthorns, with academy graduates James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw particularly impressive.
Southampton have a clean bill of health but Sunderland will be without striker Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Lee Cattermole (knee).
Phil Bardsley (foot) remains on the sidelines for Sunderland but Wes Brown (knee) could feature.
Sunderland made a poor start to their Premier League season, slumping to a 1-0 defeat against Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have not won in their last five Premier League fixtures and they travel to Southampton having triumphed just twice on the road in 2013.
Di Canio handed five players their debuts on Saturday, and their busy transfer window continued on Thursday with the signing of Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
The two sides have played each other just four times in the last 10 years, with Sunderland winning two of them, and the others ending in draws.
Southampton's last win against Sunderland came in March 2002 and the most recent meeting finished in a 1-1 draw in May.
SOUTHAMPTON v SUNDERLAND: All the latest team news and stats as Osvaldo prepares for Saints debut at St Mary's
St Mary's (Saturday, 3pm)
Southampton team news:
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed new signing Dani Osvaldo is in contention to play some part in Southampton's Barclays Premier League clash at home to Sunderland.
Italy international Osvaldo became Saints' club-record signing when he joined from Roma earlier in the week and the forward is likely to be involved at St Mary's.
Teenage defender Calum Chambers could retain his place with Nathaniel Clyne short of fitness following a pre-season injury.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio looks set to keep faith with central defender Valentin Roberge for his side's Barclays Premier League clash with Southampton at St Mary's.
Roberge marred an otherwise encouraging debut with a mistake which sent his side to defeat against Fulham last week but Di Canio has been quick to give the Frenchman his full support.
Defender Craig Gardner is back from suspension but Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Wes Brown (kneee) are both still ruled out.
Southampton have scored just three goals in their last six Premier League matches.
Sunderland have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches away from home (W1 L6).
The Saints have averaged just 0.74 points per game in the month of August in the Premier League; only Crystal Palace and Swindon Town have lower averages.
The last three Premier League meetings between these two sides have seen just four goals scored in total.
No English player has scored more Premier League goals than Rickie Lambert since the start of 2012/13 (16).
Following his winning goal against West Brom last weekend, Rickie Lambert has now scored 29 out of 29 league penalties he has taken for Southampton.
Sunderland have won four of their last six trips to Southampton in league competition (L2).
The Black Cats have failed to score in two successive Premier League games. They haven’t failed to score in three in a row since April 2012 (four games).
There have only been six goals scored in the last four Premier League games involving Southampton (F3 A3).
Pablo Osvaldo scored 16 goals in Serie A for Roma last season; only Edinson Cavani (29) and Antonio Di Natale (23) netted more.
Boost for Sunderland boss Di Canio with striker Fletcher ready to return to training
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is ready to make his return to training today and could even return to action in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup tie against MK Dons.
The Scotland international has been out for six months after ankle surgery but is on the verge of challenging Jozy Altidore for a starting place.
Fletcher, linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light this summer, has yet to play for Paolo Di Canio but the Sunderland manager is delighted to have him in contention at last.
Di Canio said: 'I'm very happy. The staff are very happy. He will finally join the group in the next few days and start training. Not full sessions but practice with the team when we have technical and tactical moments. He can speak with his team-mates again; sometimes we have seen him from 50 yards away.
'You can see his desire his enthusiasm but we have to be sensible, intelligent. It's better to take another week after a few months out because to accelerate him too much now would be very very stupid.
'It's very important he is right. The net is there and he can see the net and score goals now. That is very important, otherwise we don't win many games.'
Di Canio has completed the signing of Greek winger Charis Mavrias in a £2.5million deal from Panathinaikos.
The 19-year-old has signed a three year deal. The Sunderland manager also has bids in for Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yeung and Juventus defender Paolo de Ceglie.
Di Canio said: 'Mavris is a young prospect and a talent. He's full of energy and he has good quality. I'm very happy because he is more mature than his age. He is a guy whose enthusiasm is infectious - he has a good future.
'We have five wingers now. There is an international break coming but we will play three games in a week and we will use all of these players. I will try to rotate my players.’
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-24 9:14
>>333
He will deliver for the fans,I believe they are well aware of it, the manager is correct in saying if he is ready on x date, we will leave it another couple of weeks, there is a history from the Hibs when he was perhaps reintroduced on the deadline only for the season to be stop start thereafter, given time and a structured reintroduction it will pay off, as for moving on in the Summer are you nuts ?
Southampton V Sunderland at St. Mary's Stadium : Match Preview
Youth policy important - Pochettino
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the club's policy of promoting players from the youth system is just as vital as the heavy investment in the squad.
The Argentinian has added Dejan Lovren, Victor Wanyama and Dani Osvaldo to his squad in recent months, running up a total transfer outlay of around B#36million.
But despite breaking the club's transfer record on two occasions this summer, after last year also splashing out on Gaston Ramirez and Jay Rodriguez, Saints fielded four products of their youth academy in Saturday's 1-0 win at West Brom.
Calum Chambers, Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse and Adam Lallana all started, as did Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined the south coast club as an 18-year-old.
Pochettino is keen to keep blooding such youngsters from the same academy that has produced the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent times.
"I'm very happy with all the players who have come through the academy, we are very pleased about what we are doing in that sense," he said ahead of Saturday's game at home to Sunderland.
"It speaks volumes of the good job that [chairman] Nicola Cortese has been doing in terms of promoting the academy going up.
"I think you need a good mix between youth players and older, more experienced players. If you do have that equilibrium then it is going to bring a good energy to the club.
"It is tough because we have 22 to 23 players who are looking at getting in to the side."
However, while he is happy to utilise his fledglings, Pochettino is also aware that he has to nurture their talents in the coming years.
"We have to be careful with young players," he added.
"We need to be patient with them and gauge how much they can give and what their potential can be for the club.
"But it is also true that the academy has not started recently, there has been a solid project there for four or five years and we just want to carry on that tradition."
Osvaldo is in contention to play some part against the Black Cats.
Italy international Osvaldo became Saints' club-record signing when he joined from Roma earlier in the week and the forward is likely to be involved.
Chambers could retain his place with Nathaniel Clyne short of fitness following a pre-season injury.
Defiant Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has struck back at critics quick to question his Stadium of Light revolution in the wake of his side's disappointing start to their new Barclays Premier League campaign.
The Black Cats head to Southampton anxious to claim their first points of the new campaign after falling to Pajtim Kasami's second-half header in their opener against Fulham last week.
Di Canio knows he has yet to convince some after his wholesale summer changes - including an entire team-full of new signings, a room-key lottery on away trips and bans on everything from Marmite to drinks with ice cubes.
Di Canio insisted: "I don't mind having people against me because it is very satisfying when you win at the end and prove them wrong.
"What is important is that you don't give up. Don't listen to the ones who keep putting the club down - they are like crows. Everyone should stay positive because we are going to have a very good season - I'm sure about that."
Di Canio completed his 11th new signing this week with the addition of Greek midfielder Charis Mavrias from Panathinaikos, although he is unlikely to feature in the Italian's plans to face the Saints.
Craig Gardner's return from suspension gives Di Canio defensive options but he is likely to keep faith in last week's line-up, with Ondrej Celustka impressing at right-back and Valentin Roberge forgiven for the blunder that led to Fulham's winning goal.
Striker Steven Fletcher is still some weeks away from a first-team return but continues to make good progress with his ankle injury, while Wes Brown is nearing full fitness but will not be rushed back from his knee problem.
Jozy Altidore will get another chance to impress up front after an encouraging debut.
Big Match Verdict: Southampton’s a testing trip for Sunderland
IT WAS a critically costly clanger which overshadowed every other aspect of his debut.
When Valentin Roberge got his body position unfathomably wrong in his challenge – or lack of it – with Fulham’s Pajtim Kasami last weekend, the Bosman arrival’s contribution was stigmatised.
Roberge had looked genuinely encouraging until then; showing plenty of confidence in bringing the ball out of defence and distributing crisply and astutely.
But his error was the fatal blow to Sunderland’s hopes of starting the season on a positive note and now Paolo Di Canio must decide whether the French centre-half can cope with the far more testing aerial threat of Rickie Lambert tomorrow.
After that thumping header on his England bow and the last-minute penalty at West Brom last Saturday, Lambert has a “can do nothing wrong” aura about him at present.
It is not without reason.
Speaking to Danny Rose last season, the on-loan Spurs left-back said Lambert was the most challenging targetman he had ever faced.
There will be none of the languidness of Dimitar Berbatov this weekend.
Lambert will be in the faces of Sunderland’s centre-halves and inevitably will sense a weakness in whoever lines up alongside John O’Shea.
Given Di Canio’s encouragement towards Roberge this week, he may well opt to stick with the former Maritimo man.
And with Wes Brown still absent, neither of the two alternatives to Roberge are without concerns.
Carlos Cuellar has little football under his belt after being limited to a fringe role during pre-season, while Modibo Diakite’s fitness is similarly in question.
Tuesday’s Capital One Cup second round tie against MK Dons may be a more feasible opportunity for both.
It is not the only decision to be made at the back either.
The return from suspension of Craig Gardner, along with David Vaughan, gives Di Canio options at right-back.
Ondrej Celustka is likely to remain there after an encouraging debut against the Cottagers.
Yet Gardner played in that role throughout pre-season and is more familiar with Sunderland’s system, even if the Czech is the more natural defender.
Neither of Sunderland’s full-backs will enjoy an easy ride against Southampton.
As the Saints showed in the final Stadium of Light encounter of last season, Lambert’s supporting cast of Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez are always busy, always on the move and will drift off their flanks in the pursuit of picking gaps.
It is a fluent, interchanging brand of football which Mauro Pochettino has overseen during his seven months in charge, and similar to the one Di Canio is attempting to implement at the Stadium of Light.
Pochettino has also addressed Southampton’s deficiencies with his big-money moves in the transfer market.
Last weekend’s £15million capture of Italian international Danny Osvaldo provides an alternative to Lambert, while Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren provide brute strength down the spine of the team in central midfield and central defence.
It was that soft underbelly which was too often Southampton’s Achilles heel last season after conceding nine more goals than Sunderland.
But the Saints now look a more resilient unit and that has given Pochettino licence to introduce the latest graduates of the club’s hugely successful academy, with three 18-year-old’s starting at The Hawthorns.
Given the investment made at St Mary’s, it is easy to overlook that this is only Southampton’s second campaign back in the Premier League.
Yet this suddenly looks a much more testing fixture than the one Sunderland faced three days before Christmas last term and one where a point has to be considered a reasonable outcome.
Cattermole could still have a future at Sunderland if he stays beyond window
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio says Lee Cattermole could still have a future at the club – if he is not sold or sent on loan before the transfer window closes.
Cattermole’s days on Wearside have looked numbered throughout the summer and one move for the former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder has collapsed.
Sunderland captain under Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill, Cattermole was stripped of the armband by Di Canio in the summer. Ireland international John O’ Shea is now skipper.
Future: Lee Cattermole could still have a future at Sunderland, says Paolo Di Canio
Future: Lee Cattermole could still have a future at Sunderland, says Paolo Di Canio
Out of favour: The former club captain's days have looked numbered under the Italian manager
Out of favour: The former club captain's days have looked numbered under the Italian manager
The midfielder is currently recovering from another knee injury picked up in his latest game for Sunderland’s Under 21 squad last week and is expected to be fit next week, just before the transfer window closes.
Di Canio said: 'He’s working. He had a problem eight days ago, in the Under 21s, and now he’s in recovery. Obviously, we’re going to see what’s going on. At the end of the window, the picture is going to be clearer for everybody. Then we are going to work on him.
'At the beginning he wasn’t fit. He wasn’t here, then when we came back he also had a problem. There was a chance he had to move somewhere, it didn’t happen for different reasons, we can’t say why, it is between the club and player.
'He didn’t train with us, but now we are waiting to see what is going on. If, at the end of the window he’s gone, he’s gone. If he stays, we are going to work on him.'
Process: Di Canio refused to be drawn on the Cattermole situation but insists there is a process to deal with it
Process: Di Canio refused to be drawn on the Cattermole situation but insists there is a process to deal with it
Di Canio has denied any involvement in the decision to change Cattermole’s squad number from 6 to 36 in the official Premier League squad list.
He added: 'The squad numbers are decided by the players. They have a meeting to decide, I don’t go in. It belongs to them. I don’t invade their area which is the dressing room. It is their kingdom.'
But the Sunderland head coach refused to comment on the future of Phil Bardsley who has been suspended by the club after mocking Sunderland’s opening day defeat to Fulham last week.
He added: 'I’ve got nothing to say, because there is a process for this. We will see what is going on.'
Harold Howey Division Two side Ryhope B sealed the title with a 3-1 win over second-placed Washington A, while Roker Marine A drop to the third tier.
The other relegation place is dependant on an outstanding result from the Pemberton A and Usworth game.
Whitburn are the Division Three champions and will be joined by Barnes Park A, who pipped Pennywell B by only half a point.
In the Storey Bowl, Seaham Town’s 7-0 win over Hylton CW sealed their first Storey title in 17 years, with a game to play.
In the Earl Cup, Division One side Houghton Dairy Lane cemented second place with rearranged wins over Hetton Workmen and South Hylton.
Dairy Lane finished on 88 points, which over the last seven years would have been enough to seal the title, however, they finished five points behind the champions Silksworth.
Roker Marine defeated Seaham Town 7-0 to finish third, some 20 points behind the winners.
Barley Mow are relegated, but the remaining relegation place depends on the outstanding result involving Hylton CW.
In the Second Division, Whitburn go up as champions alongside Sunderland, who pipped Herrington Workmen by 1½ points.
Usworth retained their Swan Cup title by two points from Silksworth, while Thompson Park’s 6-1 win over Roker Park condemned Ryhope and Grindon Mill to Division Two.
Silksworth clinched their first Harold Howey Division One title since 1992 from Houghton Dairy Lane B, albeit by 2½ points.
Houghton Town A and Seaham Town A are confirmed as relegated.
The majority of the Sunderland & District leagues are now completed, with only the odd result card outstanding.
Latest League Results: Earl Cup Division 1: Barley Mow 5 Barnes West End 2, Hetton Workmen 1 Houghton DL 6, Houghton DL 5½ South Hylton 1½, Roker Marine 7 Seaham Town 0 , Ryhope 5 Thompson Park 2. Swan Cup Division 1: Thompson Park 6 Roker Park 1. Swan Cup Division 2: Barley Mow 5 Washington 2. Harold Howey Division 2: Thompson Park B 3 Ryhope B 1, Thompson Park B 3½ Pemberton A ½, Ryhope B 3 Washington A 1, Usworth 0 Houghton Town 4. Harold Howey Division 3: Mowbray 4 Barley Mow 0. Storey Bowl: Hetton Workmen 6 Thompson Park 1, Houghton Town 6 Roker Park 1, Seaham Town 7 Hylton CW 0.
BBC Sports: Southampton 0-1 Sunderland - Emanuele Giaccherini (3 mins)
No crisis at Sunderland either on this evidence. Italian striker Emanuele Giaccherini gets on the end of a Seb Larsson corner to head the Black Cats into an early lead. That is Giaccherini's first Premier League goal - not sure about the Saints marking, though. It was non-existent.
Police Deny Reports Of Mass Brawl At Sunderland Team Hotel
Police have denied a mass brawl broke out at the Sunderland team hotel hours before they played Southampton at St Mary's.
A 20-year-old man suffered a split lip in the incident at just after midnight in the Solent Hotel and Spa and was one of three men including a 45-year-old and a 47-year-old spoken to by Hampshire Police.
It was reported that 15 people had been involved in a fracas at the four-star hotel in the upmarket suburb of Whiteley, near Fareham in Southampton.
Police arrived at the hotel at around 12.15 after receiving a report of an assault.
They said two groups of men were involved in an incident involving 15 people, and that a number were spoken to but no arrests were made.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the Solent Hotel in Whiteley just after midnight on Saturday, August 24 following reports of an assault involving guests at the hotel.
"A 20-year-old man from Southampton suffered a cut to his lip during the incident.
"All parties were spoken to and the matter was resolved by way of community resolution. No-one was arrested."
A spokeman for the hotel refused to confirm whether the incident occurred. He said: "The hotel has no comment on that."
A Sunderland club spokesman denied the team was involved in any incident.
She told The Southern Daily Echo: "I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed."
Police investigate fight at Solent Hotel hours before Sunderland play Saints at St Marys in Premier League
Police have launched an investigation into a mass brawl at the Sunderland team hotel last night - just hours before they play Saints at St Mary's today.
Officers attended a fracas involving 15 people at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, near Fareham, just after midnight.
But a club spokesman denied the team were involved in any incident.
She said: “I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed.”
Police would not confirm if anyone from the club was involved.
Inspector Scott Johnson said: “We did attend after a report of an assault at the hotel where the Sunderland football team was staying.
"No arrests were made at the scene but 15 people were involved and officers are continuing to make enquiries.
“We arrived at 12.15 and found no one was fighting. There were two groups of people. A number were spoken to.”
A spokesman for the hotel refused to confirm whether the incident occurred.
She said: “We are not able to comment on any matters relating to our guests.”
But the drama didn't seem to affect Paulo Di Canio's Sunderland side who managed a 1-1 draw with Saints at St Mary's this afternoon in the Premier League.
Jose Fonte scored an equaliser for Southampton with just two minutes to do.
Police launch investigation into 'mass brawl' at Sunderland's Hampshire hotel on eve of Southampton game
Police have launched an investigation into a 'mass brawl' at the hotel where the Sunderland team stayed on Friday night ahead of today's Premier League match at Southampton.
At 12.15am in the morning police arrived at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley where a fight involving 15 people had broken out.
Inspector Scott Johnson said: 'We did attend after a report of an assault at the hotel where the Sunderland football team was staying.
'No arrests were made at the scene but 15 people were involved and officers are continuing to make enquiries.
'We arrived at 12.15 and found no one was fighting. There were two groups of people. A number were spoken to.'
They would not confirm if anyone from Sunderland had been involved and officials at the club are unaware if any Sunderland players or staff had been involved.
It is understood Sunderland players were supposed to be in bed by 9pm the night before the match.
It is believed there was a wedding being held at the hotel.
A spokesman for the hotel said: 'We are not able to comment on any matters relating to our guests.'
Southampton 1 Sunderland 1: Fonte grabs last gasp equaliser as Saints deny Di Canio first win of the season
Jose Fonte denied Sunderland a first win of the season with a last minute header that earned Southampton a hard-earned point.
It had looked like an early goal from the diminutive Emanuele Giaccherini would see Paolo Di Canio's men take three points back to the north east.
Standing at just 5ft 5in, the smallest player of the pitch headed home a Sebastian Larsson corner unmarked in just the third minute.
Poor finishing, fine goalkeeping from Keiren Westwood and plain old bad luck looked set to deny Saints, only for centre-back Fonte to head home two minutes from time.
It was just reward for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who came into the clash buoyed by a fine opening-day win at West Brom and another big-money acquisition.
Following moves for Dejan Lovren and Victor Wanyama, Dani Osvaldo arrived this week from Roma for a fee that could reach £15million.
The forward was named amongst the substitutes at St Mary's, where another Italy international struck the first blow.
Larsson sent across a corner from the left found Giaccherini unmarked and he nodded home to the delight of the hardy 1,867 travelling fans.
It was hardly the start Southampton wanted but one they responded well to.
Rickie Lambert slipped through a fine ball to Jay Rodriguez, who slotted past Westwood and wheeled away in celebration - only for the linesman to rule the sixth-minute leveller out for offside.
Saints again came close 10 minutes later, with Westwood this time the man in the way.
James Ward-Prowse, one of three 18-year-old academy graduates in the starting line-up, sent over a looped cross to Lambert, with only an exquisite Westwood save down to his right preventing the England international heading home.
Neither side was managing to dominate play but Sunderland were looking the more confident, epitomised by a cheeky in-swinging Larsson corner that almost caught Artur Boruc off guard.
A Rodriguez snap shot deflected wide off Craig Gardner when play returned to the other end, with Jozy Altidore proving a handful for Southampton's defence.
Lambert powered a header over at the back post, while Altidore, Fonte and Adam Lallana all had penalty appeals waved away before half-time.
Nathaniel Clyne and record-signing Osvaldo were introduced for the second period, with the latter close to having an immediate impact.
The Italian's deft pass saw Lallana with a clear shot on goal, only for Modibo Diakite to swoop in with a fantastic, late tackle.
The Saints captain saw a right-footed half volley curl just wide shortly afterwards, before an Osvaldo cross found Rodriguez, only for the Saints attacker to head straight at Westwood from close range.
Westwood did well to tip a long-range Lambert strike around the post but Saints were still struggling at the back, with only the onrushing Boruc preventing Altidore doubling the Black Cats' advantage.
It was Southampton in the ascendancy, though, and they kept knocking on the visitors' door.
Lambert and Rodriguez were the next to threaten, although the intensity began to peter out with 15 minutes remaining.
Osvaldo headed into the ground under pressure from John O'Shea as the match entered the closing stages as tempers began to fray.
Ironic cheers met referee Lee Mason's award for a foul on the new boy late on - a decision that led to Saints equalising at the death.
Ward-Prowse floated in the free-kick and centre-back Fonte met the ball with a powerful header that at last beat Westwood.
Rodriguez saw a shot deflect wide as Saints pushed for another in stoppage time, but there was to be no further goals.
Sunderland bid for Roma’s USA international Michael Bradley
The American anchorman would be a superb addition at Wearside as Roma’s fire-sale continues.
Italian daily Corriere Dello Sport report that Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has faxed an offer to AS Roma for their holding midfielder Michael Bradley.
The offer for the USA international is reported as being in the range of £5m-£6m.
The bid is unlikely to succeed however, as Roma hold a firm valuation of Bradley between £8.5m-£10m.
The suggestion of Roma even considering an offer for Bradley is bad new for the club’s fans though, as the asset-stripping in the Italian capital seems to continue.
The club already sold Pablo Daniel Osvaldo to Southampton for £12.8m earlier this month, whilst Argentine star Eric Lamela looks set to join Tottenham Hotspur for approximately £30m. Not only that, but should Spurs fail to land Anzhi Makhachkala’s Willian then they may well approach Roma for playmaker Miralem Pjanic, too.
Roma have also sold ‘keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to Fulham and young defender Marquinhos to Paris St. Germain (for a staggering £30m).
Should Bradley join Sunderland he could add real quality to the heart of their midfield. Manager Paolo Di Canio has so far focused on improving his side’s attack, with the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini and Bradley’s compatriot Jozy Altidore joining in this window.
Sunderland team hotel at centre of mass brawl ahead of Southampton clash
Police confirm they attended a brawl at Sunderland's team hotel at midnight last night, as the side look to pick up their first points of the season
Sunderland will face Southampton today looking to pick up their first points of the new Premier League season, but the hotel the team were staying in prior to the match has been the centre of a police investigation.
Police responded to reports of a mass brawl involving 15 people at the Sunderland team hotel last night, and attended the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, near Fareham, just after midnight.
But according to the club, their players had no involvement in the fraca.
A club spokeswoman told the Southern Daily Echo:
“I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed.”
Police would not confirm if anyone from the club was involved.
Inspector Scott Johnson told the Echo:
“We did attend after a report of an assault at the hotel where the Sunderland football team was staying.
"No arrests were made at the scene but 15 people were involved and officers are continuing to make enquiries.
“We arrived at 12.15 and found no one was fighting. There were two groups of people. A number were spoken to.”
A spokesman for the hotel said that they could neither confirm or deny if there was a brawl at the hotel.
She said: “We are not able to comment on any matters relating to our guests.”
Sunderland, managed by Paolo Di Canio arrive at St Mary's today looking for their first win in the Premier League.
Southampton's new £15m striker Dani Osvaldo will be on the bench for today's game, looking to make his Saints debut.
Transfer talk: Swansea’s ex-Celtic star Ki Seung-Yeung linked with Sunderland
SWANSEA midfielder Ki Seung-Yeung has been linked with a move Sunderland.
The Black Cats have been desperate to add a midfield playmaker to the squad this summer after missing out on England international Tom Huddlestone.
And reports in Italy today suggested Ki could be a loan target for Sunderland, just 12 months since the South Korean joined Swansea in a £6million move from Celtic.
Ki was not involved in Swansea’s Europa League clash with Petrolul Ploiesti tonight, although that was not unexpected, with the 24-year-old slipping down the pecking order at the Liberty Stadium.
Jose Fonte's late header earned a point for Southampton and denied Sunderland their first win of the season.
The Black Cats had been on course for victory thanks to Emanuele Giaccherini's second-minute header.
Jay Rodriguez had an early effort ruled out for offside, with replays proving inconclusive, while Saints team-mate Rickie Lambert had several chances.
But in the 88th minute, Fonte headed home James Ward-Prowse's free-kick from close range for a dramatic equaliser.
Sunderland, who were beaten by Fulham on the opening day of the season, took an early lead with Italian Giaccherini heading home Sebastian Larsson's corner from close range.
Southampton responded well and spent the next 45 minutes peppering the visitors' goal.
First Rodriguez had a goal disallowed for offside while Lambert saw his low header kept out at full stretch by Keiren Westwood before heading over from close range later in the half.
Rodriguez then had a prodded effort from 12 yards deflected wide before Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc had to be alert to keep out Larsson's inswinging corner.
Southampton felt they should have had two penalties in a half they completely dominated with Ward-Prowse adding to his growing reputation with a fine 45 minutes for the south-coast club.
Fonte was dragged down in the area when trying to get his head on Ward-Prowse's free-kick while, just before the break, Adam Lallana was manhandled by Sunderland defender John O'Shea, with referee Lee Mason waving away both appeals.
The hosts introduced record signing Dani Osvaldo and Nathaniel Clyne at the break, with Morgan Schneiderlin and Luke Shaw replaced.
Sunderland also made a change, bringing on Ji Dong-Won for Stephane Sessegnon - and the South Korean almost made an immediate impact, latching onto a long ball before volleying a weak side-foot shot towards goal.
Lallana went close to an equaliser, with his half-volley from Lambert's knockdown flying just past Westwood's far post.
The game continued at a frenetic pace and Sunderland winger Adam Johnson, who had been relatively quiet, came in from his flank to send a shot just over Boruc's crossbar.
Forward Osvaldo's first contribution came just before the hour, with his fine cross headed straight at Westwood by Rodriguez, while at the other end Ji's pass played in Altidore but his shot was smothered by the legs of an on-rushing Boruc.
Southampton continued to press, with Lambert forcing a fine full-stretch save from Westwood with a driven shot from 20 yards and the England international then heading another chance straight at Sunderland's keeper.
Osvaldo was booked for unsporting behaviour late on and was lucky not to see red for a late tackle soon after as it looked as though Sunderland would hold on.
But defender Fonte's late heroics meant Paolo Di Canio's side are still searching for their first victory while Saints remain unbeaten after a 1-0 win at West Brom last weekend.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio forced to call police after confrontation with Southampton fans in team hotel
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio revealed on Saturday night how he was confronted by three drunken supporters and was forced to call the police in an incident at the team hotel hours before the Premier League match at Southampton.
Di Canio and members of his staff were harassed by the Southampton supporters as they attempted to take a lift to their rooms after a late-night meeting at the Solent Hotel and Spa in Whiteley, near Fareham on Friday night.
The supporters attempted to photograph Di Canio with their mobile phones and tried to stop the lift doors closing.
No players were involved in the incident.
Di Canio said: "At midnight we walked out of a meeting to go to a lift. We heard people shouting.
"I don't think they wanted to attack us because they wanted fun. They were three young drunk guys after a wedding party.
"Once we were inside the lift they had mobile phones and were screaming.
"We tried to push the button but they tried to stop us. They weren't really aggressive but you can imagine, they would not let us go. So then we called the police.
"They did not try to punch us in a clear way. Two lads of the three ran away, one remained there.
"The police arrived and we clarified the situation. We gave our version and we had to spend two hours with the police. But they are only youngsters – drunk, silly guys. So we said, 'Ok, we don't want to proceed'."
The police are continuing their investigations into incidents at the hotel on Friday night that included a 15-man fracas and allegations of an assault but have made no arrests.
Asked whether any Sunderland players were involved in the iincident, a club official said: "I have no knowledge of anything like that.
"I'm sure the players would have been tucked up in bed."
Paolo Di Canio said he and Sunderland staff were abused by drunks at the team hotel in Southampton on Friday night, as he played down the incident following reports of a 'mass brawl' in the hotel lobby.
Di Canio was with his coaching staff when "three young, drunk guys" who had been at a wedding began to shout abuse.
A 20-year-old man suffered a split lip in the incident at just after midnight in the Solent Hotel and Spa and was one of three men including a 45-year-old and a 47-year-old spoken to by Hampshire Police.
Di Canio told his post match press conference that no Sunderland players were involved and was keen to stress no blame could be attached to anyone at the club.
He said: "There were no footballers and no fight. This is the real situation of what happened.
"It was three young drunk guys. We got into the lift and then were taking photos with their camera and stopped the lift. We weren't aggressive and they took advantage of the fact that we weren't aggressive.
"We pushed them away. They attacked us verbally. It was us who called the police. Two of the three ran away. One remained.
"The police arrived after about 15 or 20 minutes - and for two hours I was speaking to a policeman. I don't know if he loves me. I went to bed at 2am. I wanted to go at midnight."
Police said 15 people were involved in the fracas at the four-star hotel in the upmarket suburb of Whiteley, near Fareham in Southampton.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the Solent Hotel in Whiteley just after midnight on Saturday, August 24 following reports of an assault involving guests at the hotel.
"A 20-year-old man from Southampton suffered a cut to his lip during the incident.
"All parties were spoken to and the matter was resolved by way of community resolution. No-one was arrested."
A spokeman for the hotel refused to confirm whether the incident occurred. He said: "The hotel has no comment on that."
A Sunderland club spokesperson had denied the team was involved in any incident.
She told The Southern Daily Echo: "I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed."
PAOLO Di Canio knows that his style since taking over at Sunderland has ruffled more than a few feathers.
Less than six months after his appointment, he has had to fight with the media over politics, with players over just about every aspect of their conduct and latterly, perhaps, with the club leadership over player recruitment and retention.
But the Italian head coach makes no apologies for that – pointing out that the club wanted to take bold steps after half-a-dozen seasons in the top flight without making any really meaningful impression, despite owner Ellis Short spending millions to do so.
“Our strategy, our philosophy, is very different to the one that has existed at Sunderland in the few years previously,” acknowledged Di Canio.
“But the club wanted to change things.
“The club wanted to get rid of players with bad habits, they wanted to bring in better players, they wanted to change all kinds of things.
“I’m not talking about Martin O’Neill here, I’m talking about many people over the years who have spent big money.
“And that’s why I was brought in.”
Since taking over, Di Canio has overseen a radical transformation in the way that Sunderland players, live, train, eat and socialise.
And in the summer, half-a-dozen first-team squad players were shown the door, Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole have been sidelined, and 11 new players brought in.
On top of that, Di Canio has sought to change Sunderland’s whole style of play – ultimately hoping to successfully install a 4-2-4 formation throughout the club.
This is change on a huge scale, but the former Swindon boss says he is prepared to put in the long hours and days needed to give it the best possible chance of working.
And he believes that he has the backing of Sunderland supporters in looking to make it happen.
“The fans are intelligent and I think they care that we are trying to do things well now,” he said.
“I think that they can smell that things are being done right at the club.”
Eyes on Altidore: Sunderland striker fires another blank in Southampton draw
United States international still to score his first goal for the Black Cats.
Frustration will undoubtedly be the overriding emotion coursing through Jozy Altidore after he fired another black for Sunderland in their 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The United States striker failed to open his Black Cats account on his debut against Fulham last week and endured another miserable afternoon, this time at St Mary’s where he was starved of service and chances on the south Coast.
Altidore had four opportunities to break his duck against the Cottagers seven days ago but was restricted to just one sight of goal on Saturday, a tame close range effort that was saved, compared to the eight shots Saints striker Rickie Lambert was permitted.
Sunderland’s insufficient crossing accuracy didn’t aid his cause (only 21% of their deliveries were successful), while he struggled to contend with a stream of high balls, connecting with just three of the 13 that were knocked up towards him as he was marshalled well by the Southampton rearguard.
A contributing factor in a dismal 90 minutes for Altidore was the failure of Paolo Di Canio’s side to play to his strengths as a front man, but on the rare occasion the ball did land at the 23-year-old’s feet he failed with his two attempted take-ons.
Although he’s still feeling his way back into the Premier League and a new team more will be expected of Altidore in the coming weeks.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio lamented the lack of physicality in his side at set-pieces after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Di Canio's men conceded an 88th-minute equaliser to a Jose Fonte header from James Ward-Prowse's free kick.
Emanuele Giaccherini had nodded home an early corner unmarked to give Sunderland the lead, but Di Canio underlined his desire to add a greater physical presence to his squad, regardless.
"There was a reason I asked for another centre midfielder with a physical presence, possibly British," he said.
"I played here for a number of years and know this league more than some managers who have managed here for 20 years."
Sunderland have been busy in the transfer market over the summer, but Di Canio insisted he still needed to make further signings.
"I've asked continually for two more additions to this team but British with a physical presence," he said.
"I had the same situation at Swindon. We brought in a revolution of 12 or 13 players from abroad but straight away I said I want two or three British players with a physical presence.
"At the end of the season we won the league. I can't promise we will win the league here but we would have less problems.
"At the moment we only have two centre-halves and one striker who can use their bodies to mark opponents."
Sunderland AFC's scouts have been looking at bringing Dundee United’s teenage wonderkid Ryan Gauld to Wearside
Sunderland are eyeing a move for Dundee United’s teenage wonderkid Ryan Gauld – a 17-year-old forward nicknamed the ‘Baby Messi’ in Scotland.
The Journal understands that a senior scouting delegation from the Black Cats watched the Tannadice club’s under-21 game against Partick on Tuesday, and Scotland under-19 international Gauld was the prime reason for their presence.
Sunderland are keen to add more quality to their development squad and swooped for El-Hadji Ba and Duncan Watmore over the summer, but there are more funds available to strengthen the group – and the Black Cats want more talent that can challenge their first-team squad.
Gauld is seen in that mould and he has been earning rave reviews and already made 13 first-team appearances. He particularly impressed in the 3-0 defeat of Partick’s youngsters before being taken off in the second half.
The Black Cats were also running the rule over Scotland under-19 international defender John Souttar, who made his first-team debut for Dundee United at just 16 back in January, and 18-year-old midfielder Darren Petrie.
Gauld is contracted to Scottish Premiership club until 2016 but the lure of a move to the Premier League would undoubtedly appeal for a player who is a key member of Ricky Sbragia’s talented Scotland under-19 side.
Sunderland’s presence north of the border also illustrates that Paolo Di Canio’s summer “revolution” is not just intended as a short-term fix at the Stadium of Light.
Ellis Short wants the Academy and the development squad to continue feeding the production line that has seen Sunderland supplied with first-team players Jordan Henderson, Jack Colback and Grant Leadbitter in recent years.
The presence of Di Canio’s scouting staff – with chief scout Valentino Angeloni understood to have taken a personal interest in the Scottish scouting mission – is further evidence that the club is attempting to build for the future.
A more pressing concern for Di Canio is completing the rebuilding work that was started during the close season and Sunderland made their tenth senior signing of the summer yesterday, sealing a deal for Greece winger Charis Mavrias.
The 19-year-old signed a four-year contract after finally completing an on-off transfer from Panathinaikos. The fee was officially undisclosed but is understood to be around £2.5m – with Sunderland making a down-payment of just £1.5m.
It is good business for a player who has played more than 70 times for his club and has appeared twice for his country as a teenager.
Di Canio is delighted with the signing of a player full of enthusiasm, with the squad now having true competition for places.
“He’s a young – a prospect and a talent. He’s full of energy and he has good quality,” he said. “I’m very happy because he is more mature than his age. He is a guy whose enthusiasm is infectious – he has a good future.
“We have five wingers now. There is an international break coming but we will play three games in a week and we will use all of these players. We want to be protagonists in the Cup and the league. It’s not easy but with more quality comes more desire for places and I will try to rotate my players.”
Sunderland have again been linked with Toulouse left-back Cheikh M’Bengue as well as Swansea’s creative midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung.
The Agenda: What is Paolo Di Canio thinking at Sunderland?
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. As a keen student of Roman history, Paolo Di Canio will recognise the sentiment – even if the Latin words don’t immediately register to Sunderland’s workaholic head coach
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. As a keen student of Roman history, Paolo Di Canio will recognise the sentiment – even if the Latin words don’t immediately register to Sunderland’s workaholic head coach.
“I shall either find a way,” the words translate as. “Or make one.”
In those first frantic weeks in charge of the Black Cats, Di Canio was finding a way. Compromise was the watch-word as the manager charmed and chivvied his squad in equal measure. Mission accomplished by mid-May, he is now right in the thick of “making a way”. There is a sort of brutal, beautiful logic to the Black Cats overhaul – but there is a high stakes game being played by Sunderland here.
The good news for Sunderland supporters is that while there may appear to be a sort of chaos about the sheer number of enquiries being made by their club, this is months in the making. As far back as the Queens Park Rangers defeat, when Sunderland were at the their lowest ebb, Ellis Short was preparing to radically overhaul the club and even went as far as introducing his latest recruit to Martin O’Neill.
Roberto De Fanti is the son of one of Ellis Short’s closest associates. He is the architect of this Italian revolution and has been advising Short from the start on where to go, assuaging the owner’s anxiety that his club might never be able to scout as ingeniously as others in the Premier League.
Fearing that the domestic market offered little value, Short wanted to go abroad. But he was being told by his existing scouts – along with his reluctant former manager – that to gain traction in many European markets that have traditionally provided Premier League players would require years of patient ground-work and investment. It was time that Short, a voraciously ambitious and successful man who wants things done yesterday, couldn’t afford.
De Fanti’s answer was to look to Italy, a market that has never been properly explored by English clubs. There has been Italian influence in the Premier League, of course, but no club has ever gone deeper than established first-team players. Sunderland, De Fanti believes, could do that – if they employed the right person.
Bringing in Valentino Angeloni was clearly a coup. He is respected in Serie A circles, and the mere mention of his name opens doors. Sunderland have found that their enquiries are taken very seriously in Italy now that he is attached to the club – and it is driving their recruitment policy to places they didn’t expect it to. Promising young Italian players are being offered to them now. CNN’s Italian correspondent Tancredi Palmeri says that in Italy, the perception of Sunderland has altered dramatically in the last few weeks.
Viewed as a curiosity when Di Canio was first handed the job, their activity in the transfer market has added substance to the profile according to the Gazetta dello Sport writer.
“The perception of Sunderland in Italy is not that they are an Italian club. We think more about the ownership than the management but they have been followed with more interest since the end of the season because the bids they have made are pretty specific,” he said.
“They have made contact about Duncan and Ibrahim M’Biaye. They are not the kind of players you would have expected anyone to bid for this summer, never mind an English club. That is not because they are bad players but because very few people in the game would have had the knowledge to bid for these players with the confidence that Sunderland have done.
“Look at Liverpool buying Coutinho. That was a surprise because I did not expect them to sell him but he was a player with the Brazilian international side so the knowledge is there for teams in England. The fact that they have bid for the players they have bid for, that changes everything.
“In England they are unknown but in Italy, we know they could be the next two big things to come out of Inter. That news really changed the idea of Sunderland – they are now seen as a major player in Italy.”
This work is being done with Di Canio’s knowledge, but his concern is how to turn his squad into a fighting force in time for the start of the Premier League season.
Privately, there was doubt about whether he would follow through with the fury of White Hart Lane, but he has backed it up by telling several high-profile players they can leave. He was pragmatic enough to let Simon Mignolet go too, having decided that he wants his Black Cats to exhibit total commitment to the cause next year. That couldn’t be guaranteed by a player anxious to be his country’s number one in time for the World Cup. Stephane Sessegnon’s sorcery did more than anyone to keep Sunderland in the Premier League. But he has also been counseled on the forward’s lack of form in the early weeks of the season, which might explain a willingness to sell at the right price. Lee Cattermole, too, is available.
Here in England, there are sceptical voices. One agent who has worked with Sunderland in the past is uncertain about where it will go – and says that sense of the unknown probably extends to the manager. He feels it might even be a deliberate ploy as Di Canio tries to tackle the complacency that has clouded Sunderland’s progress in the past. He told The Journal : “None of us know what kind of Sunderland will line up next season – not even the manager. That is my honest belief. If he brings in ten and none are English, that’s a big upheaval. How can that possibly work?”
Di Canio would love to hear that. It has been a common complaint among recent Sunderland managers, attracted by the potential of a club that brings in big gates and has spending power, that the job has turned out to be a bigger one than they first assumed. For Di Canio, the size of the challenge is half the fun of it. Whatever happens next year, no one could accuse him of shying away from the obvious changes that needed to be made.
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show on Wednesday at 2335 BST, BBC One.
Manager Paolo Di Canio could make several changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Southampton at the weekend.
Full-back Jack Colback was substituted after taking a knock and might not be risked.
As they did in their first-round win over Northampton, MK Dons are expected to give some of their younger players a run-out.
Goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin is likely to deputise for David Martin between the posts.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
These two teams met for the first time in the third round of the League Cup at the Stadium of Light last season. Despite having Lee Cattermole sent off in the first half, Sunderland won 2-0 with second-half goals from Craig Gardner and James McClean.
Sunderland
Sunderland have alternated between progression and elimination in their last 10 home League Cup games. They are due a victory here.
The Black Cats are looking for their first win of the season, having drawn one and lost one so far in the Premier League.
MK Dons
MK Dons have progressed in each of their last three second round matches, scoring 10 goals in the process.
The Dons have reached the third round just four times in their history, defeating a side from a higher division on each occasion.
Paolo Di Canio warns Sunderland against Capital One Cup slip-up against MK Dons
Di Canio knows Karl Robinson's League One side well from his time as Swindon manager
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has warned his players they can take nothing for granted as they attempt to launch a Capital One Cup run against MK Dons.
Di Canio knows Karl Robinson's League One side well from his time as Swindon manager and, while he believes their style of football might suit the Black Cats, he is expecting a difficult evening at the Stadium of Light.
He said: "They are good, they are good. I know Karl, I know the way they play - they are a similar team to last year.
"I have told my players, 'Remember this team'. They now have some youngsters, but it's a traditional club where you can find ex-Premier League and Championship footballers with quality and pedigree and in one game. They can cause problems to any side in the Premier.
"Probably in League One, you have a different habit. If you want to play too much football, sometimes you can have a problem.
"But it's a team that will fight for the top six places and they play football like you don't see often in League One.
"With them, we know we are going to have difficulty because they have physical presence, they are strong, they have good athletes and a good system.
"They play very well. But in some ways, it will be easier for us. Once we get the ball, we can play football like we want, like we did at home in the first game against Fulham.
"But anyway, it will be tough, a tough challenge."
MK Dons will arrive on Wearside boasting an unbeaten five-game start to the campaign in all competitions, although they have won only twice, beating Northampton in the first round of the same competition and Crewe in the league.
The two clubs met in the third round of the League Cup last season with goals from Craig Gardner and James McClean securing a 2-0 victory for the Barclays Premier League side at Stadium MK despite Lee Cattermole's first-half dismissal.
However, Sunderland failed to build on the victory and were dumped out of the competition by derby rivals Middlesbrough.
That came as a major disappointment to manager Martin O'Neill, and his successor is placing an equally high priority on the Capital One Cup.
Di Canio said: "If you want to build a winning mentality, it goes in line with the league. It's very, very important.
"It's obvious that, from a company point of view, to maintain the league is crucial.
"To have life, not in terms of the economic situation, but in terms of results, in terms of delivering a winning mentality, we have to take every competition seriously with maximum effort and determination - otherwise we are never going to change the mentality.
"Obviously, you can lose, you can win, you can draw, but we can see if there is desire in facing MK Dons like we have to do against Manchester City.
"If we can change this mentality, we are going to be okay for the future also in the league because a winning habit is very important."
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup second-round clash with League One MK Dons.
Left-back Jack Colback limped off early in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Southampton, but, while remaining coy, the Italian insisted he had no fitness problems other than Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Wes Brown (knee).
However, Di Canio is likely to use the depth of a squad which has been boosted significantly by a summer recruitment drive.
MK Dons' young players are expected to get another chance to impress against Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.
As they were for the first-round win over Northampton, the likes of Tom Flanagan, Brendan Galloway, Dele Alli and George Baldock are all thought to be in the squad that has travelled to the north east.
Goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin is also likely to deputise for David Martin between the posts at the Stadium of Light.
McLoughlin made his first start for the Milton Keynes club in the same competition against Sunderland last year.
On that occasion the Black Cats were reduced to 10 men when Lee Cattermole was shown a straight red card in the first half at stadium:mk, but the Premier League side still progressed through to the next round thanks to goals from Craig Gardner and James McClean.
Everton could hijack Sunderland loan deal for midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic
SUNDERLAND have agreed a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, but fear Everton could make an 11th-hour bid to scupper the move.
Kuzmanovic is willing to go to Sunderland, but is holding out for interest from the Toffees, who will move for the 25-year-old if they lose Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United.
Sunderland have been told to up their £5million bid for US international Michael Bradley by Roma, while manager Paolo Di Canio is also tracking Swansea midfielder Ki Yeung-Sung.
MK Dons carry a physical threat and they pass the ball wel
Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland host League One MK Dons in the second round of the Capital One Cup bidding for a first win of the season and Di Canio added: “MK Dons carry a physical threat and they pass the ball well.”
A late brace from Connor Wickham completed a remarkable comeback as Sunderland came from 2-0 down to defeat Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup.
Patrick Bamford fired the League One side in front from 20 yards and Izale McLeod's deft chip doubled the lead.
Jozy Altidore's first goal for Sunderland began a stunning fightback.
Substitute Wickham levelled from a Sebastian Larsson cross and made it 3-2 to the hosts with a deflected strike, before Adam Johnson wrapped up the win.
Sunderland 4 MK Dons 2: Wickham late show rescues Di Canio's blushes in six-goal thriller
Sunderland were rescued from an embarrassing Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League One MK Dons by substitute Connor Wickham.
The visitors needed only seven minutes to take the lead through Patrick Bamford and then doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the break through Izale McLeod.
Jozy Altidore, however, ensured a nervy finish when he pulled a goal back in the 78th minute and then Wickham struck twice in the final five minutes and Adam Johnson added a fourth to send the Premier League side through.
Liverpool Consider Surprise £11m Bid For Sunderland Winger Adam Johnson
Reds eye up England international after missing out on prime targets.
Liverpool could be set to make a surprise bid to Sunderland for former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, CaughtOffside understands.
The 26-year-old is seen as a decent option on the flanks for Liverpool after the sale of Stewart Downing to West Ham and Oussama Assaidi’s season-long loan move to Stoke City.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been keen to add quality in the wide areas for much of this summer, but has so far missed out on the likes of Willian and Scott Sinclair, whilst seemingly not making any progress in the chase for Porto’s Christian Atsu.
After successfully reviving Daniel Sturridge’s career since signing him from Chelsea in January, Rodgers is confident that he can help Johnson regain the fine form he showed at points during his Manchester City career, which saw him become an England regular.
The former Middlesbrough youngster joined City in 2010 as one of the brightest prospects in the country, and seemed to adapt quickly to life in the Premier League, looking a lively and exciting player and fitting in well among the many big-money signings made by City during this period.
However, with former City manager Roberto Mancini continuing to splash the cash, Johnson’s place in the side became increasingly under threat, and a slight dip in performances saw him moved on to Sunderland last summer for around £10million.
Although Johnson is one of the most naturally gifted English players, he has continued to struggle to reach his best form in a Sunderland side that fought against relegation for much of last season, and although better things are expected of them this time round under new manager Paolo Di Canio, the Stadium of Light is arguably not the best stage for the winger to display his true potential.
Liverpool are expected to try their luck with an offer of £11million, and may bid higher if Sunderland are reluctant to sell. With much of Liverpool’s game under Rodgers based around skillful and technical players, Johnson could prove a useful addition to their squad as they look to mount a strong challenge for a top four place this year.
Some Liverpool fans may worry that the signing of Johnson could be an echo of the club’s recent failure in bringing in English talent, with the likes of big signings Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson all failing to cope with making the move to Anfield.
However, Johnson’s ability to play right or left should give him plenty of opportunities to impress, and this could be the ideal move for him to get back to his best and put himself back in contention for an England place ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Danny Graham out of Hull City's cup clash after Sunderland refuse permission to play
DANNY Graham has been ruled out of Hull City’s Capital One Cup clash at Leyton Orient tonight after Sunderland refused to grant him permission to play.
The striker is on a season-long loan from the Black Cats, with a recall clause inserted in January, and it appears Mackems manager Paulo Di Canio does not want to see his player cup-tied.
Danny Graham can't believe he is not allowed to play after travelling to Brisbane Road
Graham had travelled to Brisbane Road for the game and was expecting to lead the line for Steve Bruce’s side, until the decision came to the attention of City officials during the warm-up.
Bruce was left bemused by the decision and said: “Is it Di Canio, being DiCanio? I’m not so sure.
“But when you think about it, he’s here until January at least and the final is in March.
“I don’t know whether it’s him being difficult, I don’t know. He didn’t allow him to play so well abide by it.”
Hull City to face Leyton Orient (4-4-2): Harper, Rosenior, Bruce, McShane, Dudgeon, Mclean, Meyler, Boyd, Stewart, Fryatt, Proschwitz. Subs: Jakupovic, Davies, Chester, Brady, Jahraldo-Martin, Townsend, Aluko.
Sunderland 4-2 MK Dons: Late, late show from Sunderland ends Dons’ run
A late fightback from Premier League Sunderland broke Dons’ hearts as they let slip a two goal lead to go down 4-2 at the Stadium of Light, ending their Capital Cup run.
Patrick Bamford fired Dons into a seventh minute lead before Izale McLeod sensationally doubled it early in the second half. But Jozy Altidore pulled one back for Paolo Di Canio’s men with 14 minutes remaining, sparking a monumental fightback. Substitute Connor Wickham had earlier missed a sitter but couldn’t miss from six yards with four minutes to go before his strike took a cruel deflection off Ben Reeves put Sunderland 3-2 up with a minute remaining. Adam Johnson added another in stoppage time to make it 4-2.
As expected, Karl Robinson made wholesale changes to the side which started on Saturday against Bristol City. Among others, Izale McLeod and Alan Smith were handed their first starts of the season, while Ian McLoughlin came in to replace David Martin in goal.
Robinson said he’d be going through the motions in this game, not especially worried about the result, though there was a beaming smile across his face after seven minutes when Patrick Bamford fired his side into the lead.
After a stray pass was picked up by Dele Alli on half way, he broke forward and found Bamford on the edge of box. Spinning his man with a brilliant touch, Bamford fired in left-footed and low passed Vito Mannone in the Sunderland net.
It could have been even worse three minutes later when Alan Smith, who received an unsurprisingly hostile reception from the home supporters, got the last touch on Stephen Gleeson’s free kick from the left flank, forcing keeper Mannone into a fine save, diving to his left.
The home side were really struggling to get going, and the fans were quick to let them know. Misplaced passes were met with jeers of disgust as early as the fifth minute, and their mood barely changed in the opening 20 minutes as Sunderland failed to create anything of worth against their lower league opponents. Jozy Altidore’s long range free kick straight at McLoughlin was as close as they came.
At the other end, a brilliant move featuring four one-touch passes made space for Izale McLeod who came within inches of doubling Dons lead when he shrugged off the attentions of Jack Colback but fired his shot just wide of Mannone’s goal.
From there, the tie developed into a messy midfield scrap. Both sides put together some decent moves in the middle of the park, but found their killer ball was distinctly average.
Sunderland though should have been level a minute before the break when Jozy Altidore worked himself some room on the edge of the box and curled in a right-footed effort across McLoughlin. His strike beat the keeper but not the frame of the goal, but as it bounced back into play, David Moberg-Karlsson couldn’t control the loose ball, stabbing at it and lofting it comfortably back into McLoughlin’s arms.
Dons came close to making it 2-0 once again just 90 seconds after half time when Bamford’s step-overs held up play long enough for Gleeson to arrive on the edge of the box, grazing the top of the bar with his strike.
But it wasn’t long before it was 2-0. With the Sunderland line up on halfway, Carruthers picked up on the loose ball in midfield and spotting the run from McLeod, played him in behind. Racing through, McLeod showed no signs of rustiness in front of goal as he brilliantly dinked the ball over the despairing Mannone to double the lead.
Sunderland should have pulled one back immediately though, but McLoughlin pulled off a fine stop to keep out Moberg-Karlsson’s shot on the turn, and substitute Connor Wickham was inches away from the follow-up as the ball was blasted back across the face of goal.
The home side kept on coming too, with Adam Johnson the next to chance his arm with 22 minutes remaining. Mugging Ben Reeves on the edge of the area, Johnson turned and sprinted through on goal, but his close-range shot was well saved by McLoughlin.
Some fans were heading for the Stadium of Light exit doors with 14 minutes to go, but they’d have missed Jozy Alitdore get his side right back in the mix. Latching on to Wickham’s deft lofted ball over the top, Altidore no second invitation to rifle into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
And few would have predicted Wickham’s equaliser with four minutes to go as Ondrej Celustka overlapped Johnson on the right to set up the tap in equaliser to send the game towards extra time.
But it wasn’t to be with a minute of normal time remaining, and it shattered Dons’ hearts. Wickham shook off Antony Kay and fired a shot towards goal. It looked to be safely heading to McLoughlin, but a deflection off Ben Reeves’ backside wrong-footed the keeper and the ball tamely trickled over the line to put Sunderland into the lead.
Adam Johnson fired the final nail in the coffin as he raced clear and smashed past McLoughlin from a tight angle in stoppage time.
Robinson probably would have taken the result at the beginning of play, but having seen his side take a two goal lead, arguably will feel more than a little aggrieved on the bus on the way home.
Four late goals brought Sunderland back from the brink of defeat against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Patrick Bamford’s early goal put the away side ahead after seven minutes from Ji Dong-won’s error, stunning the home crowd.
A much-changed Sunderland side struggled to find a foothold in the match andafter half time, it got worse for them.
Izale McLeod profited from Cabral’s mistake after 55 minutes to give the League One side a two-goal advantage.
Jozy Altidore’s first Sunderland goal then put Paolo Di Canio’s side back in it and Adam Johnson’s first of the evening restored parity.
Substitute Connor Wickham then scored to give Sunderland the lead against the run of play.
Johnson’s second of the night then rounded off the win that sent Sunderland through to the third-round of the cup.
KEVIN Ball’s side maintained its 100 per cent start to the season tonight with a third successive victory.
And the win was fair reward for a display of energy and commitment from the whole side across the course of the game.
Ball fielded a young team with no senior players involved either in the starting line-up or on the bench.
But that did not prove a drawback for a side full of youthful intent and exuberance from the start.
The Black Cats problem though lay not in endeavour, but in finishing.
For the first 50 minutes of the match, Sunderland’s junior side mirrored the first team so far this season in producing some fine attacking football but without a cutting edge.
Adam Mitchell set the pattern, lifting a shot across goal from the left in the fifth minute after some good work.
And five minutes later striker Mikael Mandron’s shot was blocked and Duncan Watmore’s follow up saved by Rovers keeper Simon Eastwood.
Watmore was particularly lively and busy in the opening half-hour and in the 31st minute he linked well with Mandron before lifting a ball over a defender with one foot and volleying across the face of goal with the other.
But despite that effort and a couple of others before the break, Sunderland went into the break with nothing on the scoreboard to show for an opening half of near complete domination.
They finally made the breakthrough in the 50th minute when Mandron forced the ball through several challenges in the Rovers area before stroking a low left-foot shot across keeper Eastwood from right of goal.
The goal lifted the home team and a couple of minutes later the young Frenchman burst through again but then drove straight at Eastwood.
Alex Gorrin fired wide in the 63rd minute when well-placed but atoned two minutes later when a Rovers handball in the area allowed him to stroke home Sunderland’s second from the spot – confidently striking a rising shot to Eastwood’s left.
That looked as though that might be that as a contest but Rovers showed great spirit and striker Devran Green pulled a goal back with a composed finish from a breakaway move in the 68th minute.
But Sunderland held their nerve and restored their two-goal advantage in the 75th minute when Liam Marrs went on a fine run down the right and pulled the ball back for Carl Lawson whose shot was parried by the keeper, only for Adam Mitchell to nip in smartly and toe-poke the loose ball home from a couple of yards out.
Late substitute George Honeyman might have added a fourth goal for the home side in the closing stages but it was ruled out for offside.
That would have been harsh on a Rovers side though which never gave up and went close with the last shot of the game, a low drive which flashed wide of Joel Dixon’s goal.
SUNDERLAND staged a dramatic late comeback to progress into the Capital One Cup third round after coming from two goals down against MK Dons.
Paolo Di Canio’s side were facing Stadium of Light humiliation against the League One outfit after Patrick Bamford’s first half strike was doubled by Izale McLeod after the break.
But substitute Connor Wickham turned the game in Sunderland’s favour, with the England Under-21s striker making one and scoring two in a stunning 12-minute spell.
Wickham fed Jozy Altidore for the American international’s first goal in Sunderland colours in the 78th minute, before he found the net himself with an 86th minute equaliser from Ondrej Celustka’s cross.
A fortunate third then arrived with a minute remaining of normal time when Wickham’s shot from the edge of the area took a huge deflection and nestled in the far corner.
Adam Johnson completed the 4-2 win in stoppage time when he smashed the ball home from an impossible angle on the right-hand touchline.
Paolo Di Canio made six changes from the weekend’s draw at Southampton, with Vito Mannone and David Moberg-Karlsson both handed their Sunderland debuts.
Cabral, Valentin Roberge, David Vaughan and Ji Dong-won were also introduced, with Stephane Sessegnon, Craig Gardner, Modibo Diakite and Emanuele Giaccherini left out entirely and Seb Larsson and Keiren Westwood dropped to the bench.
There was also a place among the substitutes for Steven Fletcher after five months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, while new signing Charis Mavrias was included on the bench too.
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson also made six changes to the side, with former Newcastle United man Alan Smith included in the starting line-up.
It was the visitors who took a shock seventh minute lead after Ji Dong-won gave the ball away cheaply midway inside the Sunderland half.
Dele Alli fed Patrick Bamford on the edge of the Black Cats area and his right-footed shot wrong-footed Vito Mannone, who was caught out at his near post.
Three minutes later, MK Dons almost doubled their advantage when Stephen Gleeson whipped in a free-kick from the left flank, which glanced off the head of Cabral.
The ball was heading towards the far corner, but at full-stretch, Mannone managed to parry it away superbly.
MK Dons went perilously close to doubling their advantage again in the 19th minute when Izale McLeod got in behind the two Sunderland centre-halves.
McLeod burst away from those tracking back, but from the edge of the area, the frontman scuffed his left-foolted shot a yard wide of the post.
Moberg-Karlsson struck a shot on the turn two yards wide of the far post in the 25th minute after inadvertantly taking Jack Colback’s drive effort under control.
A minute before the break, Sunderland created by far their best effort of the first half when Jack Colback teed up Jozy Altidore on the far left-hand side of the area.
Altidore let fly with a powerful right-footed shot across goal which crashed back off the inside of the far post, with Moberg-Karlsson unable to scramble home the rebound.
HALF-TIME Sunderland 0 MK Dons 1
MK Dons went close again just a minute into the second half when Gleeson unleashed a right-footed drive from 20 yards which cleared the bar by inches.
But in the 55th minute, a second did arrive for the visitors after Cabral cheaply gave the ball straight to Alli, who played a first-time pass in behind the Sunderland defence for McLeod.
McLeod had no-one in close attention and kept his composure superbly to lift the ball over Mannone into the net.
Sunderland almost pulled a goal back immediately when Moberg-Karlsson met Johnson’s cross 12 yards out, but saw his shot pushed away by Ian McLoughlin.
The hosts re-grouped and Altidore picked out the overlapping Colback whose driven cross was directed high and wide by substitute Connor Wickham.
Sunderland went close again in the 68th minute when Johnson robbed left-back Ben Reeves, drove inside from the right, but his shot towards the far corner was blocked well by McLoughlin.
Di Canio’s side finally did halve the deficit in the 77th minute when Wickham sent Altidore clean through on goal with a first-time half-volley.
Altidore kept his composure as he raced into the area and slotted a right-footed shot beyond McLoughlin into the far corner.
Wickham then turned from provider to scorer in the 86th minute, with his first Sunderland goal since January.
Substitute Seb Larsson picked out Johnson on the right-hand side of the area and the winger fed Celustka on the overlap.
The Czech delivered a low cross into the six-yard box and Wickham was there to squeeze the ball inside the near post.
Three minutes later, Sunderland were ahead, albeit with more than a touch of fortune.
Wickham scuffed a right-footed shot from the edge of the area which took a huge deflection off Ben Reeves - wrong-footing McLoughlin as the ball rolled into the far corner.
Sunderland then sealed their passage in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Johnson burst down the right flank and smashed the ball across McLoughlin from an impossible angle on the right-hand touchline.
FULL-TIME Sunderland 4 MK Dons 2
SUNDERLAND: Mannone, Celustka, Roberge, O’Shea, Colback, Moberg-Karlsson (Mavrias 65), Vaughan, Cabral (Larsson 61), Johnson, Ji (Wickham 49), Altidore. Subs not used: Westwood, Fletcher, Ba, Cuellar. Booked: Johnson (90)
Say what you want about Paolo Di Canio. But at 2-1 down on 87 minutes, if we'd have scored to make it 2-2, my team NUFC with Alan "retarded" Pardew as manager would have told them to sit back and play for extra time.
Paolo Di Canio pushed them to get not just another, but another 2 goals in 4 minutes.
I don't know why people think Sunderland are considered relegation fodder at all, in all honesty. I rate Di Canio very highly and feel his strict, fitness intensive regime will pay dividends, especially when other sides in the division have numerous cup and league fixtures close together. The new signings will need a bit of time to find their feet and/or gel as a unit, but I believe Sunderland will finish comfortably in mid-table, i pick the other north-east team to go down first.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:52
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Capital One Cup, round two: Palace out, scares for Liverpool, Sunderland and Fulham and chaos at Yeovil
Bristolian Holloway's homecoming turns sour as his Eagles lose to League One City and the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday's action
Capital One Cup, round two: Palace out, scares for Liverpool, Sunderland and Fulham and chaos at Yeovil
Bristolian Holloway's homecoming turns sour as his Eagles lose to League One City and the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday's action
Into the last 32: Will one of Tuesday's winners lift the trophy?
Ian Holloway saw his Barclays Premier League new boys Crystal Palace embarrassed by League One Bristol City in the Capital One Cup at Ashton Gate.
Second-half strikes from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Scott Wagstaff sealed a 2-1 victory for the home side, with Owen Garvan grabbing a consolation for Palace in stoppage time.
Defeat was a blow for Holloway, but perhaps not entirely surprising - he made 11 changes from Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stoke.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio avoided a similar upset as the Black Cats hit back from 2-0 down to beat League One Milton Keynes Dons 4-2 at the Stadium of Light.
Goals from Patrick Bamford and Izale McLeod put the visitors in control before Jozy Altidore finally got the home side on the scoresheet with 12 minutes left.
The home side's dramatic revival soon kicked into gear with Connor Wickham equalising three minutes from time and netting Sunderland's third in the 89th minute.
Adam Johnson completed the comeback deep into injury time.
Birmingham beat Yeovil on spot-kicks, but only after a bizarre 3-3 draw.
Blues players and staff were incensed when Byron Webster scored to take the match into extra-time.
They felt the home side should have returned the ball to them after goalkeeper Colin Doyle had kicked the ball out of play following an injury to Birmingham defender Dan Burn.
Yeovil moved ahead in extra-time through Luke Ayling, but then immediately allowed the visitors to walk in an equaliser from Lee Novak, apparently as compensation for Webster's controversial effort, before Tom Adeyemi's penalty in the shoot-out took the 2011 League Cup winners into the third round.
Ravel Morrison marked his full West Ham debut with his first goal as the Hammers edged past League Two strugglers Cheltenham at Upton Park.
Ricardo Vaz Te's direct free-kick gave Sam Allardyce's men the lead three minutes before half-time and then Morrison struck moments into the second half after a precise cross from Stewart Downing.
Cheltenham fought their way back through a Matt Richards penalty on 58 minutes, but the Hammers held on for a 2-1 win.
Sweden international Johan Elmander marked his full Norwich debut with a brace in the Premier League side's 6-3 win over Bury.
Elmander set up Martin Olsson for a 23rd-minute opener and Anthony Pilkington made it 2-0 on the half-hour before Elmander got on the scoresheet himself seven minutes into the second half.
Bury pulled one back through Anton Forrester before Elmander hit his second and, after a second Bury goal through William Edjenguele, another Canaries new boy, Leroy Fer, made it 4-2 to the hosts.
The scoring continued into injury time with Norwich substitute Steven Whittaker grabbing a sixth for the hosts before Jessy Reindorf hit another consolation for the visitors.
Goals from Steven Davis and Jay Rodriguez sent Southampton on their way to a 5-1 romp at Championship bottom club Barnsley.
Stephen Dawson pulled a goal back before further goals from Emmanuel Mayuka, a Davis penalty and an injury-time effort from Gaston Ramirez.
Liverpool survived a scare as League One strugglers Notts County battled back from the dead to force extra-time at Anfield.
The home side appeared to be cruising after Raheem Sterling celebrated his senior England call-up by putting his side ahead in the fourth minute and Daniel Sturridge scored his third goal in as many games to make it 2-0 before half-time.
But County hit back through a Yoann Arquin header and substitute Adam Coombes fired an equaliser with six minutes of normal time remaining.
Liverpool recovered their poise in the extra half-hour and wrapped up a 4-2 win with a second from Sturridge and a fourth from Jordan Henderson.
Martin Jol's Fulham edged past League Two Burton on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Pirelli Stadium.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale saved the crucial spot-kick from Phil Edwards to send the top-flight club through after they fought back from behind in extra-time.
Adel Taarabt scored his first goal for the Cottagers to put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute, but Jack Dyer forced extra-time with an 85th minute equaliser.
Michael Symes put the League Two side ahead in the first period of extra-time, but Hugo Rodallega forced spot-kicks when he levelled with three minutes to spare.
Robbie Brady's 106th-minute effort proved enough as Steve Bruce's Hull battled to a tough 1-0 win over League One leaders Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.
Brady had been on the field for barely a minute after replacing Aaron McLean in the added half-hour before slotting home the only goal of the game.
Brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi saved Newcastle's blushes by securing a late win at Morecambe.
Shola came off the bench to open the scoring with a deflected 84th-minute shot, with Sammy making sure of the Magpies' progress in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
It was a first win of the season for manager Alan Pardew, whose much-changed side looked unconvincing in setting up a home tie with Leeds.
Elsewhere, Kenwyne Jones-inspired Stoke saw off League One side Walsall at the Britannia Stadium.
The Trinidad and Tobago striker put the hosts ahead, but Ashley Hemmings levelled in the 57th minute.
There was to be no shock, though, with Jones netting a further two to secure his hat-trick and a 3-1 win.
Aston Villa went some way to laying to rest the ghosts of last season's semi-final exit to Bradford by easing past Rotherham 3-0.
Andreas Weimann opened the scoring with a fine 20-yard effort at Villa Park, where Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph also netted.
Nicky Maynard and Rudy Gestede, who had earlier come on for the injured Andreas Cornelius, struck to ensure beaten 2012 finalists Cardiff a 2-0 win at Accrington.
Two matches went to extra-time on Wednesday, with the home sides eventually triumphing in both.
Everton looked like they could suffer an embarrassing exit to Stevenage when Luke Freeman put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute.
On-loan Barcelona prospect Gerard Deulofeu managed to level on the stroke of half-time, but the Toffees were unable to stop the match going to extra-time.
It was not until Marouane Fellaini's goal five minutes from time that eventually saw Everton through 2-1 - Roberto Martinez's first win at the Goodison Park helm.
Nottingham Forest are also through, 2-1 victors after extra-time against Millwall at the City Ground.
Liam Feeney levelled Matt Derbyshire's goal late in normal time, only for Jamaal Lascelles to head home the decider.
League One Peterborough pulled off the biggest win of the round with a 6-0 thrashing of Championship Reading at London Road.
Lee Tomlin scored a hat-trick for Posh and further goals came from Britt Assombalonga, Danny Swanson and Jack Payne.
Former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger scored his first goal for Swindon in a shock 2-0 win over Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
An Elliott Ward own goal and Cristian Battocchio chip saw Watford past Bournemouth 2-0 at Vicarage Road.
Chris Martin and Conor Sammon both scored twice in Derby's 5-0 thrashing of Brentford, while Chris Wood scored a hat-trick as Leicester also hit five in a 5-2 win at Carlisle.
Ross McCormack's late penalty sealed a 3-1 win for Leeds in their Yorkshire derby at Doncaster, and Adam Hammill scored a late winner as Huddersfield twice came from behind to beat Charlton 3-2.
Tranmere edged out Championship Bolton 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park and Burnley overcame Preston 2-0 at Turf Moor.
Paolo Di Canio: Win cannot hide poor Sunderland display
Manager Paolo Di Canio has said Sunderland cannot allow Tuesday's late comeback against MK Dons to overshadow a disappointing overall performance.
The Black Cats were 2-0 down with 12 minutes to go, before a four-goal burst ensured unlikely progress to round two.
Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson scored either side of Connor Wickham's brace.
"If we don't focus attention on the first 75 minutes we will lose two or three games in this next period easily," Di Canio told BBC Newcastle.
"We're trying to develop a winning mentality but we were very poor for 75 minutes. We are going to work on it, I have to make sure that my players don't just celebrate this one win."
Victory hands the Italian his first success of the season after a defeat and a draw in the Premier League.
Meanwhile boos rang around the Stadium of Light at half-time with the Black Cats trailing 1-0 and when striker Ji Dong-Won was substituted midway through the second period.
South Korea international Ji has struggled to find form at Sunderland, with just two goals in 24 games during his time in the north-east.
He returned to the club after a fruitful spell of five goals in 17 matches at Bundesliga outfit Augsburg this summer but has failed to find the mark in three outings in 2013-14.
"He [Ji] never causes a problem at the club, in terms of professionalism, Di Canio is never going to play a player who behaves badly so I am the guarantee for the fans," Di Canio added.
"He's a good lad and a good talent, we need to use him. Today he did bad, otherwise I wouldn't have taken him off but I tell Ji he has to help himself.
"I know how to handle my players. Fans have to be sure that we do the right decision for this club, not just for one game but for the future.
"I can tell you I hope the fans understand because we would like to keep him, he's a free agent at the end of the season but until then he belongs to the club."
Sunderland in 2013-14
Aug 17: Premier League - Fulham (H) L 0-1
Aug 24: Premier League - Southampton (A) D 1-1
Aug 27: Capital One Cup - MK Dons (H) W 4-2
PAOLO DI CANIO is confident that Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher can form a lethal strike partnership after the Scot’s return to fitness.
Last season’s top scorer, Fletcher, was involved in Sunderland’s first-team squad for the first time since March on Tuesday night after being included as an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup victory over MK Dons.
In Fletcher’s absence, £6million summer signing Jozy Altidore (pictured, right) has led the line during the opening three games of the campaign, with the American international grabbing his first Sunderland goal against the League One Dons.
But head coach Di Canio is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pair his two big-money strikers together and believes they both have the natural scoring instincts to be a success.
Di Canio told the Echo: “Fletcher is a player who give us another option.
“Jozy and him are the two players in the squad who are natural goalscorers.
“The others, yes, everyone can score – Ji (Dong-won), Connor (Wickham) and Sess (Stephane Sessegnon) – but they (Fletcher and Altidore) are the players who score goals on instinct, players who smell the goal.
“So he’s (Fletcher) important to us.
“You need players who can spot mistakes in the box and capitalise on them.
“We will be putting a lot of balls into the box this season and we need players like Fletcher, like Jozy, who will thrive on them.
“Together they can be a very good partnership I feel.
“And so, yes, I’m looking forward to it because, in my opinion, Fletcher is intelligent, he understands what you ask.”
Fletcher netted 11 times for Sunderland last season before suffering ankle ligament damage on international duty. It was the third successive Premier League campaign that Fletcher had netted double figures, after tallies of 12 and 10 respectively in the previous two seasons at Wolves.
All four of Fletcher’s seasons in the English top flight have been relegation battles – at Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland.
But Di Canio believes the Scotland international can “enjoy” his football this season, with the Italian aiming to avoid a place in the dogfight at the bottom of the table.
“I am going to offer him the chance to feel important for all the right reasons and to enjoy his football,” said Di Canio.
“In the four seasons he has been in the Premier League, he has been important because his goals have been needed trying to keep a side in the division.
“For me, I want him to enjoy his football, not because his goals are needed to stop a side getting relegated – not that sort of pressure.
“But that he is scoring goals for a club that is pushing higher up the table and is in a much more optimistic, positive frame of mind.
“He’s 26 and is still very young and can have some good seasons ahead playing good football and enjoy it in a team which has a very good future.”
Sunderland land Peterborough in Capital One Cup draw
Sunderland have been handed another home draw against League One opposition in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
Fresh from their dramatic, late 4-2 win over MK Dons, the Black Cats were tonight drawn to meet high-scoring Peterborough United at the Stadium of Light – probably on Tuesday, September 24.
Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough side routed Reading 6-0 in a sensational second round tie last night.
Sunderland last met Posh in the FA Cup third round two seasons ago, when the Black Cats eased to a 2-0 away victory.
Newcastle, winners at Morecambe tonight, will host Leeds United, while the big tie of the round sees Liverpool away to Manchester United.
PAOLO Di Canio praised Connor Wickham and defended Ji Dong-won as he reflected on a tale of two strikers at the Stadium of Light last night.
The South Korean put in an abject display in the Capital One Cup game against the MK Dons and the only surprise when he was subbed in the 50th minute was that the hook had not come sooner.
In contrast, his replacement Connor Wickham went on to enjoy an excellent game – producing an assist for Sunderland’s first goal and then going on to score two more himself.
“Connor took his chance to play well,” acknowledged the head coach.
“He did well at Southampton and he turned the game against the MK Dons.
“I have been impressed with him over the last couple of weeks, he has shown a lot.
“I’m very happy because he’s another player we can use in the future. I hope now that Connor does not switch off – he has to use this as a starting point.
“He has fought hard to get a position in the side and that’s what he needs to do now, to carry it on from here.
“But this was a very good game for him and he had a big say in us getting the win.”
As for Ji, Di Canio chose not to be too hard on the South Korean.
“He’s a very good quality player but it is difficult for him to play in this environment where every mistake causes a reaction.
“I understand how the fans fell because I was fan once.
“But I cannot fault his attitude – he gives everything in training and he’s technically a very good player – and I need to build his belief.
“This wasn’t a good game for him and he knows that as a striker he has to hold on to the ball better and look to play it simple.
“But he could still be an important player for us.”
As the transfer deadline days draws ever closer, we look at the deals Sunderland and Paolo Di Canio have made so far this summer
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio promised he would make changes to his squad over the summer, after a season which saw the Wearsiders narrowly avoid relegation in to the Championship.
True to his word, the Italian has (to date) made 11 signings and got rid of players he deems not fit for purpose.
Already Di Canio has overhauled his squad and bolstered it with some international household names, and a scattering of names unknown to most English football fans.
Ahead of the transfer deadline day we look back at the deals Sunderland and PDC have already made this summer.
Sunderland turn to Toulouse for want-away Senegalese left-back
Toulouse are resigned to losing the player with his contract up at the end of the season, meaning Sunderland will compete with Rennes for his signature.
Sunderland could soon add Cheikh M’Bengue to their ranks, as Paolo di Canio chases the Toulouse left-back.
There is no doubt that the Italian has done remarkably good business in the transfer marker so far this summer, bringing in full internationals Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini to strengthen their attack, but now it seems that Sunderlands troubles lie in a weak defence.
The Black Cats have only managed a loss and a draw in their opening two Premier League fixtures. Di Canio’s men have conceded two goals from set pieces to rob them of results, so it is clear where the need to strengthen lies.
In fact, the side are currently without a true left-back of any sort. Danny Rose enjoyed a successful loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light last season, but di Canio has failed to bring in a replacement since.
Sunderland will face competition from Rennes for M’Bengue, but fans should feel confident that the Premier League side’s financial power will be enough to come out tops in the tug-of-war for the player.
M’Bengue is was born and raised in Toulouse, and has been on the club’s books since he signed on for the youth academy in 1996 at just eight years of age. He has since gone on to play 137 Ligue 1 games for Le Tef.
Despite his French origins, M’Bengue declared for Senegal in 2011, for whom he has made ten international appearances.
M’Bengue’s contract is set to expire next summer and, with the player already declaring he wishes to leave, Toulouse would be foolish not to cash in on the player while they still can.
Connor Wickham rescues Paolo Di Canio for Sunderland
CONNOR WICKHAM scored a double as Sunderland capped an amazing comeback last night.
With the MK Dons leading 2-0 and poised for victory, Jozy Altidore got them back on track with their first goal after 78 minutes.
Then Wickham came off the bench to produced a brace within two minutes to put the Premier League club ahead. Adam Johnson added a fourth in the dying minutes.
Both sides made half a dozen changes, and it was the League One side who were first into their stride, stunning their Premier League hosts by taking a seventh-minute lead.
It came from a mistake from forward Ji Dong-Won, who lost the ball inside his own half, allowing Dele Alli to feed Patrick Bamford on the edge of the Sunderland area.
Teen midfielder Bamford had time and space to turn before firing a low, swerving 20-yard shot into the bottom corner past a static Vito Mannone in the Sunderland goal for a shock lead.
It almost got worse for Paolo Di Canio’s stunned troops when Mannone – one of two players making his Sunderland debut – was forced into a stunning save low to his left to prevent Cabral from an embarrassing own-goal, when the recalled midfielder inadvertently glanced Stephen Gleeson’s free-kick towards the bottom corner.
Altidore fired a long-range free-kick straight at Dons keeper Ian McLoughlin, but it was a rare Sunderland raid and Karl Robinson’s slick-passing side should have doubled their lead in the 20th minute.
Bamford and Alan Smith linked up well in midfield for the former Newcastle man to release Izale McLeod through on goal.
The big striker had the pace to hold off back-tracking defender Jack Colback, but screwed his low shot inches wide past a stranded Mannone to Sunderland’s relief.
David Moberg-Karlsson shot narrowly over on the turn on his debut as the Swedish teenager caught the eye, but he did not have much competition from his Black Cats team-mates, who were second-best for most of a low-key first 45 minutes that had Di Canio sending out his substitutes to warm up long before the half-time whistle.
Sunderland were almost level in first-half stoppage-time. Altidore was denied by the inside of the post when he latched on to Colback’s pass to send a curling 25-yarder from the edge of the area beat McLoughlin, only to bounce back off the upright.
The lurking Moberg-Karlsson should have put the rebound away, but gently lobbed the ball to a relieved Dons keeper at the second attempt.
Sunderland were almost caught cold by a sucker-punch straight after the restart, thanks to more good work by Bamford.
The teenager surged past two defenders into the Black Cats’ box to provide a tempting cut-back for Gleeson, whose angled drive from 18 yards flew just over with Mannone struggling to cover.
The Wearsiders failed to heed the warning, as the Dons took a crucial two-goal lead 10 minutes after the break.
Sunderland surrendered possession on halfway, allowing Samir Carruthers to free McLeod, who made no mistake this time as he sped through to find the net with a cheeky chip over Mannone.
Sunderland had chances to fight their way back after McLeod’s all important second goal.
McLoughlin did well to save low down to his right to deny Moberg-Karlsson and, seconds later, Wickham should have pulled one back from Colback’s cross, only to sky his effort from inside the six-yard box.
Sunderland legend Niall Quinn in line for Freedom of the City
SUNDERLAND legend Niall Quinn is in line to be given the keys to the city.
Sunderland City Council leaders are to discuss honouring the former Sunderland player, manager and chairman the Freedom of the City.
Joël Batteux, the Mayor of Sunderland’s twin-town St Nazaire, is also in line for the honour. Sunderland’s ruling cabinet will discuss the plans next week.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Here are two notable individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Sunderland and life in our city.
“I am looking forward to next Wednesday’s meeting and recommending that we agree this at Cabinet.
“Subject to cabinet, the proposals formally seal the relationships between the nominees and the City of Sunderland and would recognise their contributions to the well being and community spirit of the city.
“The proposal will also further strengthen the relationship between the city and its twin town St Nazaire.”
Monsieur Batteux participated in one of the very first school exchange visits to Sunderland as a teenager in the late 1950s, spending a week at Bede School.
As well as supporting the direct international partnership that Saint-Nazaire shares with Sunderland, Monsieur Batteux’s commitment to Anglo-French relations has included significant work with British veterans.
He was awarded the Order of the British Empire on behalf of Saint-Nazaire by the then-British Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Westmacott, in Paris in 2008.
Sunderland’s then Deputy Mayor Councillor Dennis Richardson was delighted to represent the city on this occasion and hear Sir Peter praise ‘the exceptional relations that Saint-Nazaire has with Great Britain’.
Distinguished Irish international and former Sunderland AFC player Mr Quinn broke with tradition in 2002. He donated all proceeds from his testimonial game to charities including children’s hospitals in Sunderland, Dublin and India.
He was made an honorary MBE in 2003 and after retiring became chairman of the club and helped spearhead the growth of Sunderland AFC’s global profile as its head of international development. He stood down from the club in 2012 to further his business interests and spend time with his family. He is now a regular commentator on Sky Sports.
Subject to Cabinet, it would be only the fourth time that individuals have been conferred with freedoms since Sunderland gained city status 21 years ago.
Monday 11 November has been provisionally lined up as the date for the freedoms to be conferred.
In 2006, Dr Ram Bannerjee, Sir Tom Cowie and Denise Robertson were granted their freedoms, and in 2007 Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE.
In 2011, former councillor Mr John Mawston, Sir Bob Murray CBE and Sir Peter Vardy were made freemen for the significant contributions they have made to the city.
Other freedoms of Sunderland include television reporter Kate Adie, 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, 3 Rifles and the crew of HMS Ocean.
Liverpool Consider Surprise £11m Bid For Sunderland Winger Adam Johnson
Reds eye up England international after missing out on prime targets.
Liverpool could be set to make a surprise bid to Sunderland for former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, CaughtOffside understands.
The 26-year-old is seen as a decent option on the flanks for Liverpool after the sale of Stewart Downing to West Ham and Oussama Assaidi’s season-long loan move to Stoke City.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been keen to add quality in the wide areas for much of this summer, but has so far missed out on the likes of Willian and Scott Sinclair, whilst seemingly not making any progress in the chase for Porto’s Christian Atsu.
After successfully reviving Daniel Sturridge’s career since signing him from Chelsea in January, Rodgers is confident that he can help Johnson regain the fine form he showed at points during his Manchester City career, which saw him become an England regular.
The former Middlesbrough youngster joined City in 2010 as one of the brightest prospects in the country, and seemed to adapt quickly to life in the Premier League, looking a lively and exciting player and fitting in well among the many big-money signings made by City during this period.
However, with former City manager Roberto Mancini continuing to splash the cash, Johnson’s place in the side became increasingly under threat, and a slight dip in performances saw him moved on to Sunderland last summer for around £10million.
Although Johnson is one of the most naturally gifted English players, he has continued to struggle to reach his best form in a Sunderland side that fought against relegation for much of last season, and although better things are expected of them this time round under new manager Paolo Di Canio, the Stadium of Light is arguably not the best stage for the winger to display his true potential.
Liverpool are expected to try their luck with an offer of £11million, and may bid higher if Sunderland are reluctant to sell. With much of Liverpool’s game under Rodgers based around skillful and technical players, Johnson could prove a useful addition to their squad as they look to mount a strong challenge for a top four place this year.
Some Liverpool fans may worry that the signing of Johnson could be an echo of the club’s recent failure in bringing in English talent, with the likes of big signings Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson all failing to cope with making the move to Anfield.
However, Johnson’s ability to play right or left should give him plenty of opportunities to impress, and this could be the ideal move for him to get back to his best and put himself back in contention for an England place ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Paolo Di Canio did not know whether to laugh or cry after seeing Sunderland stage a dramatic fightback to book their place in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
The Black Cats were hurtling out of the competition at the hands of League One MK Dons when they finally slipped into top gear with just 12 minutes of normal time remaining to drag themselves back from 2-0 down to win 4-2.
Di Canio said: "It was very bad, but I know also it is easy to play badly in this game. Unfortunately, it happens even to the top clubs who play with the top players in this league.
"It's something that have thought for many years, why do top teams in the cup in England have to go out easily against League One and League Two sides? I don't understand.
"But I understand [now]. I was worried, and I was right, but I took something really good from the last 15 minutes, the ambition, the desire, the pride and the goals that we scored in style.
"I am very, very happy for 15 minutes; I am very, very angry for 75, so the balance is not very good."
Sunderland looked to be dead and buried after MK Dons took the game by the scruff of the neck and established a 2-0 lead within 55 minutes.
Neither Patrick Bamford's seventh-minute opener nor Izale McLeod's cool strike 10 minutes of the restart came against the run of play with the Black Cats distinctly second-best.
By that point, the cavalry had arrived in the shape of substitute Connor Wickham, although the visitors had negotiated their way to within 12 minutes of the final whistle before their defences were finally breached.
It was Jozy Altidore who sparked the fightback, running on to Wickham's through-ball to claim his first goal in English football, but it was the former Ipswich striker who broke MK Dons hearts with a quick-fire double inside the last four minutes with Adam Johnson completing the job in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Napoli have secured talented left winger Lorenzo Insigne to a new five-year deal, putting an end to the interest shown in him by Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, Sky Sports reports.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis announced on his Twitter account that the 22-year-old had put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at the San Paolo until 2018.
He tweeted: “This morning I met Lorenzo Insigne and we extended the contract for five years. Since this season Lorenzo will earn 700,000 Euros plus bonus.
“I wish ‘Lorenzinho’ a great career in Napoli.”
The news will come as a blow to Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, though, as he had been hoping to bring the player to the Stadium of Light this summer as a major part of his rebuilding process. However, Insigne will now continue his fledgling career with his home town team.
Insigne came through the Napoli youth system and has made 38 appearances since gaining a regular first team place in 2012, scoring five goals.
His impressive performances for Napoli has already seen him bag two caps for the Azzuri and he can now concentrate on impressing new boss Rafa Benitez.
Premier League Preview: Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Crystal Palace and Sunderland will both look for their first win of the Premier League season when they meet at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Palace - who beat Watford in last season's Championship play-off final - have made a poor start to life in the top flight, losing both of their fixtures to Tottenham and Stoke City respectively.
Last week's defeat to Stoke was particularly disappointing for manager Ian Holloway, given they held a half-time lead, but Palace's defensive frailties were exposed after the break.
Holloway still feels he is short of the requirements needed to survive in the Premier League and a 2-1 League Cup defeat to Bristol City on Tuesday will have reinforced his thoughts on the club's squad.
The former Blackpool boss revealed on Thursday that he was holding talks with veteran defender William Gallas and Reading winger Jimmy Kebe, as he looks to bring in more players ahead of the transfer deadline on September 2.
Palace have been relegated in their last four top-flight seasons and Holloway will be hopeful his side can belatedly get their campaign going with a home win.
Jerome Thomas (ankle) could return for the match, but fellow winger Yannick Bolasie (hamstring) is sidelined for the foreseeable future, as is Jonathan Parr (ankle).
Glenn Murray (knee) and Patrick McCarthy (groin) are not expected to return soon either.
Sunderland have also started slowly in the Premier League, slumping to a 1-0 home defeat against Fulham on the opening day.
But they responded in a 1-1 draw at Southampton on Saturday and manager Paolo Di Canio will hope their 4-2 League Cup win over Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday can spark their season into life.
Sunderland were on the verge of an embarrassing exit to the League One side, trailing 2-0 with just 12 minutes to go at The Stadium of Light.
But a late double from Connor Wickham, and further goals from Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson, sealed their progression.
Sunderland duo Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown (both knee) could return for the match but, out-of-favour defender Phil Bardsley (foot) is sidelined indefinitely.
However, Di Canio has confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher will travel with the squad.
Fletcher injured his ankle on international duty for Scotland in March and has not featured for Sunderland since. He scored 11 Premier League goals in 28 appearances last season.
Palace and Sunderland have never played each other in the Premier League, with their last top-flight meeting coming in March 1991, a fixture Sunderland won 2-1.
The two sides have met on 10 occasions since, with Sunderland winning five of them.
David Jones considers Crystal Palace's Premier League clash with Sunderland
Sunderland's season sparked to life 78 minutes into their Capital One Cup tie with MK Dons on Tuesday night.
That was the moment Jozy Altidore grabbed his first goal in the red and white stripes - swiftly followed by three more from gleeful team-mates eager to avoid an early cup exit.
It was a happy conclusion to what could have been a miserable night on Wearside and it means Paolo Di Canio's side now head to Selhurst Park on Saturday in upbeat mood - particularly after holding on for a first point at St Mary's seven days earlier.
For Crystal Palace, the cup dealt different cards.
Losing away to League One opposition having changed your entire team is no disaster, but given Bristol City welcomed Palace without a win so far suggests the evening did not go entirely to plan.
So here we are, two weeks into the season and Ian Holloway already has a job on his hands to lift spirits at Selhurst.
Scrap
But any despondency that may creep into the always raucous terraces this weekend would be swiftly banished by victory over Sunderland.
And history is in their favour.
"Beating teams in your mini-league is paramount."
David Jones
David Kelly was the last man to score a league winner for Sunderland in South East London - 18 years ago - and since then the Black Cats have contrived various ways to lose; from having their goalkeeper sent off, to shipping last-minute winners.
According to bookmakers, these two teams will be scrapping it out for survival in eight months time and much could depend on games like these.
Sunderland took six points off relegated Wigan last season and finished three points above them: beating teams in your mini-league is paramount.
Desperate
But it's hard to see what pattern this game will take.
Sunderland dominated Fulham and lost but were outplayed by Southampton and drew.
Palace scrapped against Spurs without reward but were let down by defensive mistakes at Stoke when their play warranted more.
Both sides will be desperate for their first Premier League win of the campaign and both managers will kick every ball from their technical areas.
And if all else fails, touchline cam will keep us entertained!
Sunderland are facing a battle with French side Rennes for Toulouse’s Cheick M’Bengue, according to talkSPORT.
The 25-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is eager to continue strengthening his squad ahead of the transfer deadline next week, having already signed 11 new faces at the Stadium of Light this summer.
But Rennes are also in the market for a left-back and Sunderland face a battle to persuade the defender to switch France for the Premier League.
The Senegal international, who switched allegiance from France U-21s to Senegal in 2011, has spent 17 years with Toulouse and it is thought he would prefer to remain in Ligue 1.
M’Bengue has twice been at the centre of controversy in France. He was banned for 13 matches by the French Football Federation in 2007 after seriously injuring a Monaco player when playing in the Championnat de France amateur league, which is the French reserve league.
Just two years later the defender was banned for almost three months after another serious challenge, this time against Monaco’s Alejandro Alonso when playing in Ligue 1.
M’Bengue has made over 130 appearances for Toulouse since breaking in to the first-team in 2007, scoring two goals, and he has represented Senegal on 10 occasions.
Paolo Di Canio says Steven Fletcher will travel with the Sunderland squad this weekend.
The Black Cats face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday and Fletcher is again set to be included after being named as an unused substitute for the midweek win over MK Dons.
Fletcher missed out on Sunderland’s pre-season after sustaining an injury in March which required surgery.
But the striker is now back in training after working hard on his rehabilitation over the summer and Di Canio will leave it late before making a decision on his status.
“He is obviously part of the squad,” Di Canio said. “If I brought him with us on Tuesday that means he is available to travel with us also for the next game.
“Steven will join the rest of his team-mates on the trip and then I will decide if I will play him, but he will be with the group.”
Di Canio added: “He is an important player and joined us in full training just 10 days ago. For 25 days we were abroad during the pre-season and he couldn’t go, so it’s obvious he needs to practice.
“With the fitness level and the belief he has he can stay with the group and maybe have a part in the game.”
Everton are reportedly set to rival Sunderland in the race to sign Lazio's Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Reports in Italy suggest that the Biancocelesti are ready to sell the 27-year-old in order to raise funds for Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz. Ederson only moved to the Stadio Olimpico last summer after spending seven years in France with Nice and then Lyon. However, he struggled to dislodge fellow Brazilian Hernanes and also Antonio Candreva in the Lazio midfield for much of the campaign. As a result, boss Vladimir Petkovic may be prepared to let the player go in order to raise vital transfer funds. The report states that Everton and Sunderland have showed tentative interest in the €5million-rated player this summer but could now step up their efforts to sign him now Lazio appear willing to sell. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is keen to add to his squad before the transfer deadline though much will depend on the futures of Manchester-targets Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.
Midweek hero Wickham ready to fill breach for Sunderland at Crystal Palace
IN-FORM Connor Wickham could be the biggest beneficiary of Stephane Sessegnon’s midweek misfortunes, with the England Under-21 man likely to start at Crystal Palace tomorrow.
Sessegnon was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving on Tuesday night at roughly the same time Wickham was scoring two goals and providing an assist for another, in the 4-2 Capital One Cup win over MK Dons.
And while the exact nature of Tuesday night’s off-field incident has yet to be clarified, Sessegnon has not travelled with the squad today amid rumours he might be rapidly sold on.
That will leave Di Canio to consider his options up front tomorrow.
With Ji Dong-won having had a stinker against the Dons, and Steven Fletcher not yet 100 per cent fit, that is expected to leave the door open for Wickham to continue his partnership up front with Jozy Altidore.
Di Canio was pleased with the England Under-21 frontman’s display as a second-half substitute in midweek.
“We did a fantastic job to score four goals, especially the two from Connor,” said the Italian.
“And it was good for him because he also did well when he came on as a substitute against Southampton last weekend.
“I know now that we have, in Connor, a player who will push and push for a first-team start.”
While Wickham is likely to get the nod this weekend, Di Canio is also buoyed by the fact main striker Fletcher’s first-team return is imminent.
The Scotland international was an unused sub in the cup game – his first appearance on Sunderland’s team sheet in five months after ankle ligament damage sustained on international duty back in March.
And the Italian noted: “We have Fletcher back, which is very good, and that means I have different options up front.
“Fletcher was on the bench against MK Dons and it might not be for another couple of weeks before he is ready to play properly, but it does not mean he will not travel with us this weekend.
“He trained hard after the game on Tuesday and again on Wednesday and Thursday, so he will come with us to Crystal Palace.”
Rowell Report: Fitness a major factor in Sunderland’s cup progress
WHAT AN unbelievable night of cup football we had on Tuesday at the Stadium of Light.
If we are talking about the last 15 minutes, then we had it all – goals, excitement, sheer drama and a comeback that puts us into the next round of the Capital One Cup.
Unfortunately, to get there, we had to endure the first 75 minutes which were riddled with errors, dull and at times inept.
Sunderland at the moment are a team posing more questions than giving answers.
Are we the team who for long periods were outplayed by a team two divisions below us?
Or are we the team who finally clicked into gear, got some momentum and then blew MK Dons away? Who knows?
At the moment, the old cliché of being a work in progress certainly applies to Sunderland.
Individually, Jozy Altidore and Connor Wickham got off the mark for the season and that is so important for strikers, giving them more confidence and putting them in a far more positive frame of mind.
Adam Johnson also scored and it was my personal favourite of the night after a lung-bursting run.
I’m still not quite sure how he squeezed it in from that angle!
It seems to be the Sunderland way that we don’t deal well with teams from lower divisions in the early rounds of the cup.
But at least this time we got through, even if we did it the hard way.
Maybe we saw for the first time the rewards of Paolo Di Canio’s new training and fitness regime, as we definitely were the stronger team in the closing stages and that could have been a big factor in the win and progress into the next round.
Sunderland winger Johnson pleads for patience with Di Canio's new-look team
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson says Paolo Di Canio's new signings will need time to adapt to the Barclays Premier League, but he would still welcome even more by the close of business on Monday.
Di Canio has signed a whole team of players since rescuing the club from the drop last season and brought the majority of them in to embrace his methods and the physical demands he perceives necessary to compete.
While bringing improved performances against Fulham and Southampton, the new-look Sunderland have just one point for their efforts ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.
They also toiled for 75 minutes against League One MK Dons on Tuesday, before three goals in 11 breathless and very encouraging minutes earned them a third round tie at home to Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United.
Johnson scored the fourth late in added time, with a brilliant solo run from near halfway and an unstoppable drilled near post finish. But like old and new team-mates, his midweek performance was nervy, frustrating and, at least in his case, eventually brilliant.
The England international, still hoping to meet Roy Hodgson's World Cup requirements, is one of the inherited players to witness, and be very much a part of Di Canio's revolution.
And as an experienced Premier League regular, the former Manchester City and Middlesbrough man knows the new additions need time, and patience, to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League, not to mention their manager and Sunderland supporters.
Di Canio has not ruled out more signings before the transfer window closes – and the last three games have demonstrated his need for a creative central midfielder – which Johnson believes can only benefit the squad in the long term.
He said: 'It's tough for us at the moment. We've got a lot of new players, they've come in and we've had a lot of new starters who might take time.
'We should have three points on the board. We gave away a sloppy goal against Southampton and we struggled on Tuesday but we're in the next round of the League Cup so we've got to look on the positive side.
'We've got a good game against Crystal Palace on Saturday: it'll be tough but we've got to look forward to going there and trying to get the three points.
'Sometimes the window is good because you can strengthen your squad. Obviously I don't know what is going to happen here but the manager says he is looking to bring in even more new players and that could be a real plus point for us. The fans will be looking forward to that as well.
'We need the bodies for competition for places and that's always a good thing. When it is out the way everything can maybe settle down, I suppose.'
One additional bonus from the win over MK Dons was the performance, and goals of Connor Wickham.
The England Under 21 international has needed more time than Sunderland can afford with this summer's incumbents.
Fans and managers have persevered, although he has had his ups and downs, and injuries and a lack of opportunities from the start, or the bench, have hindered his progress.
DI Canio has seen something in the £6million investment, making him one of many pet projects destined to accept and learn from his expertise and wisdom, or find a new club.
Wickham has said he wants a place at Selhurst Park on Saturday but it is the talking he did for 40 minutes on Tuesday night which Di Canio will judge him on.
Johnson certainly believes the 20-year-old can play his part for Sunderland this season.
He said: 'He's had a tough time here, especially the last couple of months of last season. He's got through it now. I think he's been excellent for the under-21s and everyone still forgets he's only a young lad.
'He's got bags of potential but he's worked so hard this pre-season to get himself into good shape and to try and get back among the goals.
'I know the manager has worked individually with him as well on different things. That's starting to show now because he was excellent against Southampton.
'He's got everything there - he's big, he's strong and he got his goals on Tuesday. If he can keep that confidence up he can get a lot of goals for us.'
Despite all the new faces that make up the new-look Sunderland starting eleven this term, there has been one survivor from last year’s desperate campaign who has been sorely missed – Steven Fletcher.
The prolific Scottish forward has been side-lined through injury since Di Canio’s arrival having sustained ankle ligament damage whilst on International duty over five months ago.
The Sunderland manager has been keen to play down any suggestion that Fletcher would be returning to the fold any time soon just a week ago;
‘We have to be sensible, we have to be intelligent. In my opinion it’s better to take another week after a few months out. To accelerate him too much now would be very, very stupid.’
However, the tables would appear to have turned as it was suggested on Thursday evening that Fletcher will be part of the Sunderland squad which travels to Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
One player who may well secretly be disappointed to see Fletcher’s return to the squad ahead of schedule could be fellow forward Connor Wickham.
Indeed Fletcher was named as an un-used substitute for Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash at the Stadium of Light against MK Dons, where the home side overcame a two goal deficit to eventual run out 4-2 winners, and received a rapturous reception from the stands as he warmed up on the sidelines. Very much a sight for sore eyes given the abysmal performance from a pretender to Fletcher’s throne that evening, Ji Dong-Won.
Quite whether or not the returning Fletcher will feature from the start remains to be seen, with Di Canio quoted as saying;
‘Steven will join the rest of his team-mates on the trip and then I will decide if I will play him, but he will be with the group.’
One player who may well secretly be disappointed to see Fletcher’s return to the squad ahead of schedule could be fellow forward Connor Wickham.
While Ji Dong-Won fluffed his lines having been given the nod on Tuesday night, putting in a horror show of a showing, Connor Wickham entered the fray shortly after the break and made the most of his chance with a brace and an assist – very much a catalyst which helped to reverse Sunderland’s fortunes that night.
Talk in the pubs following the game centred around the young England forward’s performance and indeed how he must have surely played his way into the coming weekend’s starting eleven, especially given Stephane Sessegnon’s poor start to the season and indeed reported off-the-field misdemeanours.
That was until Steven Fletcher laced up his boots and returned to the training field.
While it would certainly be harsh on young Wickham, if Fletcher was to usurp him from the side, no-one would begrudge a fully fit Steven Fletcher his spot in the side such is his importance to the side.
Much was made, quite rightly, of Simon Mignolet’s heroics last term which helped to keep Sunderland’s head narrowly above water. However it would be remiss to overlook the importance of Steven Fletcher’s goals before his season was cut short through injury.
Sunderland star Sessegnon out of Palace clash after alleged drink-driving arrest
Stephane Sessegnon will be left out of the Sunderland side to face Crystal Palace tomorrow after his arrest for an alleged drink-driving offence.
The Sunderland midfielder was stopped by police in Newcastle on Tuesday night, just minutes after his team-mates kicked off their Capital One Cup tie against MK Dons at the Stadium of Light.
Sessegnon was rested by manager Paolo Di Canio for the cup tie and could now be facing a prolonged lay-off. He will not travel to Selhurst Park tomorrow, leaving Connor Wickham or fit again Scotland international Steven Fletcher to partner Jozy Altidore upfront.
Di Canio says Sessegnon’s brush with the law — he faces a court case in Newcastle next month — will not necessarily close the door on his Sunderland career.
However, Sessegnon could still have played his last game for the club after the Mackems agreed a £5million fee for the forward with Qatari side Al-Jaish.
The Sunderland boss said: ‘It depends what they are doing and if they are genuinely sorry. If you arrive a bit late and I fine you, if they become more professional afterwards, then that can be.
‘But if you don’t even think you are wrong, you might say sorry but don’t mean it, then that is different. I can read my players and I know the ones who are genuinely sorry if they do something wrong.
‘It is difficult to give a second chance to somebody who breaks my rules and thinks it is normal because they will do it again. If a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it then yes there is a second chance. I will judge each case on its merits.’
Sunderland have signed 11 players – but it’s still been an unsuccessful transfer window because they’re the wrong ones
Now, call me crazy, but Sunderland are on the precipice of a disappointing summer transfer window.
Yes, I know the club were frantically busy early on, bringing in a number of free transfers before moving their attention to the likes of Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini, however, as time runs out in the window, the Black Cats are yet to hit two key transfer targets; left-back and a creative midfielder.
Left-back has been a troublesome position for Sunderland since seemingly the beginning of time itself. Many would argue that the club have yet to replace Michael Gray and how long ago is it now since Micky pulled on a red and white shirt? Oh, and before you ask, no, George McCartney does not count. Not at all. Nope.
A number of targets for this spot were identified before pursuits fell short – must frustratingly with Benjamin Mendy, who looked all set to sign on the dotted line before an 11th-hour bid from Marseille was enough to see the promising Frenchman heading back to his native shores.
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At present there a couple of names in the frame, most notably Juventus’ Paolo De Ceglie and Toulouse’s powerhouse of a fullback, Cheikh M’Bengue. Most talk seems to centre around the Juve man, however each new report seems to conflict the last and any deal is far from certain at this point.
However, perhaps more pressing is Sunderland’s need for a creative presence in the centre of the park.
The Black Cats are no further forward in filling some key positions in the squad than they were in June
Again, many names have been thrown around, as is customary with the usual transfer window speculation. Tom Huddlestone looked for all the while to be the man to fill the void, however a deal for the former Spurs man was deemed too expensive and Huddlestone moved to Hull, much to Steve Bruce’s delight no doubt.
With Huddlestone’s name struck off the lengthy list of targets, Sunderland’s attention turned to Swansea’s Ki Sung-Yeung, whose future with the Welsh side looks in doubt – a loan move may suit both parties but a deal is yet to be completed at present.
Roma’s Michael Bradley was also a name bandied around lately, however the Italian club are seemingly in no rush to sell and have slapped a sizeable price tag on the American’s head, one which will likely deter the Black Cats from any further pursuit.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic of Inter Milan is also reportedly on Sunderland’s radar. A loan move has been mooted with a view to a permanent deal, however Everton’s interest is supposedly holding up any movement here as they have identified the Serbian as a replacement for Marouane Fellaini – but only if Manchester United meet the Merseysiders’ valuation of the permed one.
So, while there are a number of names in contention for a move to the north east, the Black Cats are no further forward in filling some key positions in the squad than they were in June – which is more than a tad concerning both for fans and Paolo Di Canio.
Ki Sung-Yeung set to complete loan move to Sunderland
South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung is set to complete a season-long loan move to Sunderland after heading for Wearside.South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung is set to complete a season-long loan move to Sunderland after heading for Wearside.
It is understood that the Swansea midfielder travelled to the north east on Friday night and is due to undergo a medical on Saturday morning.
Ki would become manager Paolo Di Canio's 12th summer signing with Monday's summer transfer deadline fast approaching.
The 24-year-old started his career at FC Seoul and moved to Europe when Celtic gave him his big chance in January 2010.
He won the Scottish Cup and league during his time at Parkhead, prompting the Swans to invest a then-club-record £5.5million to secure his services in August last year.
However, just 12 months into a three-year deal, he finds himself surplus to requirements at the Liberty Stadium and that has allowed Di Canio to strengthen his central midfield resources.
Sunderland are in action at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening where they will look to impress Ki by building on their midweek cup win over Milton Keynes.
Di Canio's men also drew at Southampton last weekend but know they are in for a tough examination against Ian Holloway's Palace.
Both Holloway and Di Canio are renowned for their passion, and Holloway has struggled to date to fulfil his vow to hold his tongue since his return to the top flight, where he previously enjoyed a colourful spell in charge of Blackpool.
However, Di Canio insists there is far more to his latest adversary.
He said: "I like Ian, I have followed his career because I like to know my colleagues.
"He has experience - Bristol Rovers, Queen's Park Rangers... He has had some defeats in his life, but he has done a fantastic job, in my opinion. The balance is more on his side.
"Sometimes people - it happened to me when I started just two years ago - focus their attention on the passion and the body language, and probably they underestimate his tactical skill.
"He is good, but it is clear also that the players have taken up part of his character.
"I like him. He's a good character with good tactical skill - but obviously I am going to play against him and I hope my team is going to win."
STEPHANE Sessegnon is on the verge of a quick-fire move to Qatar club El-Jaish in the wake of his arrest for suspected drink-driving earlier this week.
The move was reported to be progressing rapidly last night.
And with the Benin international not included in the Sunderland squad which set off to Selhurst Park today, there was little to impede further progress being made today.
Yesterday, Paolo Di Canio refused to comment on the situation surrounding the 29-year-old striker, who was arrested in Newcastle on Tuesday night while Sunderland were competing against the MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Di Canio told reporters at the Academy of Light in his pre-match Crystal Palace Press conference: “I have nothing to say about Sess.
“We will see what happens, and then I can tell you my feelings.
“But now I am focused totally on the next game.”
Further questions surrounding the issue were rebuffed but given the Sunderland head coach’s hardline position on any lapses of discipline or club protocol it is extremely unlikely that he would have been a forgiving mood after Sessegnon’s problems on Tuesday night.
Di Canio said barely a week ago that he did not want to sell the skilful striker, who has often been frustratingly inconsistent but is also the most talented player at the club, capable of turning a game in an instant.
The head coach said that his clear preference was to keep Sessegnon but that’s a view which might have changed radically in the light of events this week.
Phil Bardsley broke club discipline on a night out at a casino at the end of last season, and as well as being publicly denounced by the Italian days later, it was made clear that he would never play football for the club again.
If Sessegnon finds himself in a similar position in Di Canio’s thinking right now, it is clear there is no alternative but to sell him as quickly as possible.
And in Qatar side El Jaish, Sunderland have a ready-made interest with the Arabian outfit reported to have offered £5m for the striker earlier this month.
That interest looks set to be revived and completed and if that’s the case, as well as Sessegnon leaving, the club will be looking at bringing new blood in before the transfer deadline on Monday, September 2.
Di Canio said that should Sessegnon leave, he would want not his top priority signing –a central midfield play-maker brought to the club – but also a replacement striker.
The head coach has been at pains to point out that in a long and challenging season he needs five main strikers to allow him enough options in games and the chance to rotate his forwards.
Much remains to be decided but with barely 72 hours of the transfer window remaining, it seems clear that Sunderland’s deadline day weekend will not be a quiet one.
1739: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
An early sighter for Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as Palace's Jose Campana tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot is saved.
1737: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Sunderland's Italian forward Emanuele Giaccherini is dropping deep trying to get the visitors moving in the right direction and he's looking busy so far. It appears he has licence to roam this afternoon.
1734: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace are in traditional colours today, but Sunderland are in their away kit - a bright yellow effort. It's not the best kit I've ever seen.
1730: KICK-OFF - Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
The whistle goes and we are under way at Selhurst Park, where the atmosphere is absolutely rocking. Already, Paolo Di Canio has been in and out of his seat twice in sixty seconds.
1728: Crystal Palace v Sunderland (1730 BST)
I'm looking forward to this match, even if it's just to watch Ian Holloway and Paolo Di Canio on the touchline. Two absolute characters who have looked like exploding in the first two matches of the season.
The Under-21s suffered a third successive defeat in the Barclays U21 Premier League with a 3-0 reverse to Sunderland at Staplewood.
I just think their (Sunderland’s) attitude and the way they moved the ball was far superior than us today "
Martin Hunter
Saints have not recorded any points in the division since their opening-day success away at Liverpool, whilst the number of goals against has now risen to 13 as a difficult start to the season continued on Friday afternoon.
Sunderland in contrast made sure of a fourth win from four games with a lively and determined display which left Saints on the backfoot for much of the 90 minutes.
The hosts had the initial early half-chances with Jake Sinclair and Jordan Turnbull each going close inside the opening ten minutes of a competitive start to the contest.
Saints seemed to match up to their opponents in the first 20 minutes of play, but found themselves behind in the 22nd minute.
Powerful forward Mikael Mandron, who was a handful for the home side’s backline all afternoon, broke into the area on the right and forced a good low save from Cody Cropper in the Saints goal, but the ball bounced out kindly to George HONEYMAN who slammed it back into the net from eight yards out to give Sunderland the lead.
Lloyd Isgrove and Omar Rowe, who were amongst the First Team squad in midweek, sought to make amends for the goal before the break by switching flanks effectively, but the hosts went in one behind at the interval.
HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U21S 0-1 SUNDERLAND U21S
The rest gave Saints a timely boost as they were much quicker out of the traps in the second 45.
Coach Martin Hunter had made two changes to the team at the break as Corby Moore and Sinclair were withdrawn in favour of Andy Robinson and Jake Flannigan.
And Flannigan was involved in the first chance of the new half as he diverted Rowe’s corner into the path of full-back Jason McCarthy, whose header was well saved by Joel Dixon in the Sunderland goal.
The substitutes continued to make a decent impact on the game with Flannigan firing over inside the area, before Robinson had a long range strike saved by the Black Cats’ goalkeeper.
But, despite that early pressure, it was the visitors celebrating again on 58 minutes when the same combination which drew the first goal proved to be Saints’ downfall again.
Mandron used his physical strength and power to get into the box, where this time he played in HONEYMAN who struck a high shot straight into the net, giving Cropper no chance as Sunderland made it 2-0.
Saints pushed again with Harrison Reed firing over before Isgrove had a strong shot held by Dixon, but the visitors’ win was made safe with just under 20 minutes remaining.
Substitute Carl Lawson got the better of the Saints defenders before finding MANDRON and the striker hit a low drive into the bottom corner past Cropper to seal all three points for Kevin Ball’s side.
It could have been more for the visitors late on as they had an effort ruled out for offside, whilst Cropper was called upon twice more to deny both Duncan Watmore and Mandron.
Robinson’s last ditch strike at the other end was caught by Dixon shortly before the whistle went, leaving Saints with some work to do during their two-week break before they travel to Leicester.
FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U21S 0-3 SUNDERLAND U21S
Martin Hunter was frustrated by the loss and conceded that it was a bad day at the office for everyone.
“It certainly was and we were taught a lesson particularly in the first half,” he told Saints Player after the game.
“They played in a very similar way to us but they implemented it with energy and clever movement and passing which we were nowhere near.
“We just had a very long, protracted talk at the end of the game so I need to get hold of a couple of players next week to sort one or two things out in terms of their attitude.
“I made two changes at half time because it warranted it and for 20 minutes we pressed them more to what we’re akin to, but then we conceded two very, very poor goals. The first one is a long ball which we didn’t deal with and in the second one the situation came about from very poor defending.”
The number of goals to go against the team this season has raised concerns and Hunter was disappointed with the nature of all three efforts that went in.
“There are no excuses for it as they are very basic errors,” he explained. “We plan meticulously and we talked about the striker as a good player, but I have to say that he’s run all over and caused our two centre backs all sorts of problems and we couldn’t deal with them.
“In terms of ones v ones there aren’t many players who will come off the pitch today and say they’ve actually done their job and beaten their opponent.
“What you can’t forget is that this is a tough league,” Hunter added. “We play against different styles of opposition and they’ve got to be up for every game otherwise as we’re finding, you’re going to get sorted out.
“I just think their (Sunderland’s) attitude and the way they moved the ball was far superior than us today so we’ve got a lot of work to do once again in this break that we’ve got before we play our next game.
“We’ll be working very hard and putting to right a lot of the faults that we’ve had. We’ve got a lot of hard work to do.
“But I thought Jake Flannigan was very good when he came on and I also thought that Omar was bright at times. Apart from that, it was not a very good day.”
Southampton U21s team: Cody Cropper, Jason McCarthy, Jack Stephens, Jordan Turnbull, Matt Targett, Corby Moore (Andy Robinson 46), Harrison Reed, Lloyd Isgrove, Omar Rowe, Ryan Seager, Jake Sinclair (Jake Flannigan 46). Unused substitutes: Chris Johns, Fraser Colmer, Bevis Mugabi.
Sunderland U21s team: Joel Dixon, Liam Marrs, David Ferguson, Liam Agnew (Ross Holland 86), Scott Harrison, Tom McNamee, Duncan Watmore, Alejandro Rodriguez Gorrin, Mikael Mandron, George Honeyman (Carl Lawson 66), Adam Mitchell (Andrew Cartwright 86). Unused substitutes: Peter Burke.
1819: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
I think Steve's underplaying it there [see below]. I reckon the paint might be peeling off the dressing room wall once Paolo is finished. He needs to do something to get his side playing.
1816: STEVE HALF-TIME - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
"Palace boss Ian Holloway will be the more content manager. Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio, you think, would have words to say at the break."
1813: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace are so dangerous on the counter this afternoon, breaking at pace with Jason Puncheon's clever pass setting Mile Jedinak free on the Sunderland goal but the Australian curls an ambitious effort wide from 20 yards out.
1810: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Some lovely crisp passing on the edge of the area almost unlocks the Sunderland defence but Crystal Palace's latest, more skillful, move breaks down.
1809: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland are getting sloppy in possession now, giving the ball away cheaply a couple of times. Paolo Di Canio cuts a frustrated figure on the touchline. He's going to be animated at half-time if it stays this way.
1806: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
If you don't buy a ticket...
Crystal Palace continue to pile on the pressure with long-range shots but Jason Puncheon fails to trouble Keiren Westwood into making a save.
1805: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Catching practice for the Crystal Palace supporters sat in Row Z, or more like Row ZZ, as Dwight Gayle provides the perfect lay-off for Kagisho Dikgacoi but the South African fires well over the bar.
1802: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Again, poor end product from Sunderland as Connor Wickham's shot inside the area is easily blocked by Danny Gabbidon. The big man is keen for his goal to be a match-winning one, also getting back to head Emanuele Giaccherini's shot behind.
1756: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
This is turning into an end-to-end game, with neither side content to sit back, and Palace winger Jason Puncheon drives at the Sunderland defence before firing a low shot narrowly wide.
1754: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
While Sunderland's build-up play is good, with Emanuele Giaccherini pulling the strings, they appear to lack a presence up front as Connor Wickham flashes a shot well wide from the edge of the area.
1752: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland are looking more threatening as they spread the ball wide - Ondrej Celustka flashing a ball across the box which evades everyone and goes out of play. Better from the Black Cats.
1748: PENALTY APPEAL - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland appeal for a penalty when Adam Johnson's header back across goal hits Dean Moxey on the arm. It would have been harsh, however, and the referee rightly waves play on.
1744: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland are doing their best to build from the back but Crystal Palace are content to let them have the ball in such areas before closing down and winning the ball back in midfield. A disciplined performance so far from Ian Holloway's men.
1739: GOAL - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland - Daniel Gabbidon (9 mins) The Eagles have lift-off. It's not the best goal which we'll ever see at Selhurst Park, but it's got the Palace fans off their seats and singing. A corner comes in from the left and, after a goalmouth scramble, the ball appears to come off Daniel Gabbidon before nestling in the back of the net.
1739: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
An early sighter for Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as Palace's Jose Campana tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot is saved.
1737: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Sunderland's Italian forward Emanuele Giaccherini is dropping deep trying to get the visitors moving in the right direction and he's looking busy so far. It appears he has licence to roam this afternoon.
1734: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace are in traditional colours today, but Sunderland are in their away kit - a bright yellow effort. It's not the best kit I've ever seen.
1730: KICK-OFF - Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
The whistle goes and we are under way at Selhurst Park, where the atmosphere is absolutely rocking. Already, Paolo Di Canio has been in and out of his seat twice in sixty seconds.
1728: Crystal Palace v Sunderland (1730 BST)
I'm looking forward to this match, even if it's just to watch Ian Holloway and Paolo Di Canio on the touchline. Two absolute characters who have looked like exploding in the first two matches of the season.
1917: INJURY TIME - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
We're going to have four minutes added on to this match. Can Sunderland muster a late equaliser?
1917: GREAT SAVE! - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Palace want a third here to be absolutely sure, and they almost get it when Kagisho Dikgacoi's rasping shot is helped over the bar by Keiren Westwood.
1914: PENALTY APPEAL - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Why did Steven Fletcher not start the game? His persistence almost pressures Crystal Palace into a mistake when goalkeeper Julian Speroni makes a meal out of Danny Gabbidon's poor header back towards goal. Fletcher goes down under the goalkeeper's challenge but the referee is not for giving that one.
1911: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Jonny Williams should put the game to bed for Palace but his low shot from 20 yards out is parried clear by Keiren Westwood.
1911: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Crystal Palace make a couple of changes, with Dwight Gayle and Marouane Chamakh being replaced by Stuart O'Keefe and Aaron Wilbraham. Seven minutes to go now.
1906: GOAL - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland - Dwight Gayle (79 mins) Selhurst Park erupts into a cacophony of noise as Dwight Gayle hammers under the body of Keiren Westwood for his first Premier League goal.
1905: RED CARD FOR SUNDERLAND'S JOHN O'SHEA
1904: PENALTY FOR CRYSTAL PALACE They don't get any more clear-cut than that - John O'Shea being beaten all ends up by Dwight Gayle and hacking down the Crystal Palace striker in the penalty area.
1904: SOFT PENALTY FOR CRYSTAL PALACE
1902: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland
Neither side is settling for a draw just yet, a Crystal Palace goal-kick being headed back with interest by Sunderland defender Modibo Diakite and Danny Gabbidon almost pokes past his own keeper under pressure from Steven Fletcher. Fifteen minutes left for either team to find a winner.
1859: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland
Crystal Palace have responded in the right way since that Sunderland goal and are piling on the pressure looking for another goal. Jason Puncheon looks particularly dangerous, having a cross cleared by Modibo Diakite, while Jonny Williams should have shown more composure when screwing a shot well wide from the edge of the area.
1851: GOAL - Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland - Steven Fletcher (64 mins) It's against the run of play, but Sunderland don't care. Jack Colback swings in a cross from the left and Steven Fletcher delays his run before ghosting in and planting a header beyond Julian Speroni. A proper striker.
1851: GOAL- Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland - Steven Fletcher
1848: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland make another change, giving a Premier League debut to Charis Mavrias in place of Emanuele Giaccherini. Is Paolo Di Canio just trying to sign players which are hard to spell for live text commentators? Half an hour to go.
1845: PENALTY APPEAL - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Where is the Sunderland midfield? Again, Palace drive at the visitors' defence and Dwight Gayle's shot is deflected wide before home fans appeal loudly for a penalty when Mile Jedinak is pushed over from the resulting corner. The right call from the ref.
1843: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
And it almost gets even better for Crystal Palace as Mile Jedinak is given the freedom of Selhurst Park to drive at the Sunderland defence but his shot sails over the bar. He should be making the keeper work from there.
1842: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Huge applause from the home fans as Sunderland get to the edge of the penalty area before being pressed back to their own half. Excellent organisation from Crystal Palace.
1841: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
There's a party atmosphere developing in the Selhurst Park stands as Crystal Palace make their first change of the evening, sending on Jonny Williams for Jose Campana.
1837: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace continue to press in the right areas, closing Sunderland down when they get the ball in dangerous positions. Can they keep this up for 90 minutes though?
1833: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland have made a change at half-time, bringing on Scotland striker Steven Fletcher in place of Ji Dong-Won.
1832: KICK-OFF- Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
We are back under way at Selhurst Park, and I'm afraid I've come across a stat which will not fill Sunderland fans with hope: Crystal Palace are unbeaten in all their previous 17 Premier League home matches when leading at half-time (12 wins, 5 draws).
1837: Ji Dong-Won walks out of dressing room 5mins before time and sits on breach by himself, kitman comes out with shirt for Steven Fletcher.
Ki Sung-Yeung makes Sunderland loan move from Swansea
Sunderland have signed Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung on a season-long loan deal.
Ki, 24, is Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio's 12th signing of the summer.
Sunderland's summer signings
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar) Undisclosed
El Hadji Ba (Le Havre) Free
Cabral (Basel) Free
Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor) Loan
Modibo Diakite (Lazio) Free
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus) £6.5m
David Moberg Karlsson (Gothenburg) Undisclosed
Vito Mannone (Arsenal) Undisclosed
Valentin Roberge (Maritimo) Free
Duncan Watmore (Altrincham) undisclosed
Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos) undisclosed
Ki Sung-Yeung (Swansea) loan
The South Korea international joined Swansea last summer from Celtic in a £6m deal that broke the Swans' transfer record.
Ki made 38 appearances for Michael Laudrup's side last season and was in the team that won the Capital One Cup, beating Bradford City in the final.
The midfielder, who moved to Europe in 2010 when he joined Celtic from FC Seoul, has made three substitute appearances this season but finds himself surplus to requirements just 12 months into a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.
Swans boss Michael Laudrup signed central midfielders Jonjo Shelvey from Liverpool and Jose Canas from Real Betis during the summer.
Ki links up with international colleague Ji Dong-won at the Stadium of Light.
South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung is set to complete a season-long loan move to Sunderland after heading for Wearside.
It is understood that the Swansea midfielder travelled to the north east on Friday night and is due to undergo a medical on Saturday morning.
Ki would become manager Paolo Di Canio's 12th summer signing with Monday's summer transfer deadline fast approaching.
The 24-year-old started his career at FC Seoul and moved to Europe when Celtic gave him his big chance in January 2010.
He won the Scottish Cup and league during his time at Parkhead, prompting the Swans to invest a then-club-record £5.5million to secure his services in August last year.
However, just 12 months into a three-year deal, he finds himself surplus to requirements at the Liberty Stadium and that has allowed Di Canio to strengthen his central midfield resources.
Sunderland are in action at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening where they will look to impress Ki by building on their midweek cup win over Milton Keynes.
Di Canio's men also drew at Southampton last weekend but know they are in for a tough examination against Ian Holloway's Palace.
Both Holloway and Di Canio are renowned for their passion, and Holloway has struggled to date to fulfil his vow to hold his tongue since his return to the top flight, where he previously enjoyed a colourful spell in charge of Blackpool.
However, Di Canio insists there is far more to his latest adversary.
He said: "I like Ian, I have followed his career because I like to know my colleagues.
"He has experience - Bristol Rovers, Queen's Park Rangers... He has had some defeats in his life, but he has done a fantastic job, in my opinion. The balance is more on his side.
"Sometimes people - it happened to me when I started just two years ago - focus their attention on the passion and the body language, and probably they underestimate his tactical skill.
"He is good, but it is clear also that the players have taken up part of his character.
"I like him. He's a good character with good tactical skill - but obviously I am going to play against him and I hope my team is going to win."
SUNDERLAND are setting up a last-minute move for Manchester United left-back Alex Buttner as Ki Song-Yeung prepares to move to the Stadium of Light.
The South Korean midfielder said goodbye to his team-mates at the Liberty Stadium yesterday in readiness for a season-long on Wearside.
And Sunderland hope that by the time Monday’s transfer deadline passes, United defender Buttner will have joined him on loan too.
Buttner won a Premier League champions medal in his first season at Old Trafford, and the Dutchman is determined to perform well enough this season to earn elevation to the senior international squad.
Sunderland, who had on-loan Spurs’ man Danny Rose excelling in that position last season, would love to add Buttner to their squad.
But the chances of the 24-year-old coming to the Stadium of Light are believed to hinge entirely on Everton’s Leighton Baines completing a move to Old Trafford before the transfer deadline on Monday, September 2.
The young Dutchman, understudy to first-team regular Patrice Evra, is concerned that Baines’ arrival will see him completely sidelined, having already featured little in Manchester United’s pre-season games under new boss David Moyes.
And in recent weeks the former Vitesse defender has been linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas, although Southampton and Fulham have also been credited with interests.
Sunderland though are monitoring the situation of the Dutch Under-21 international, who joined United last year, and has made five appearances, scoring two goals, and are ready to press their interests once the transfer situation is resolved in the tug-of-war between Manchester and Merseyside.
Moyes believes the addition of Baines and Everton team-mate Marouane Fellaini would keep the champions at the top of the Premier League tree this season, and although a £38m joint-bid for the pair has been turned down by the Blues – the latest in a string of improved offers – United are expected to redouble their efforts over the weekend.
If 29-year-old England international Baines – arguably the best left-back in the country – move to Old Trafford, Buttner is likely to be surplus to requirements – at least in the short-term – but while Besiktas have been linked with a bid in the region of £5m, United are believed to favour a loan.
It means that going into the weekend, the Black Cats are facing a potentially frantic close to the transfer window, with Stephane Sessegnon strongly tipped to leave Sunderland in the wake of being arrested on suspicion of drink-driving earlier this week, with one or two other departures not ruled out.
Qatar side El-Jaish, who made a £5m bid for Sessegnon earlier this month are believed to be in pole position, but other interested parties are being sought.
Head coach Paolo Di Canio has said firmly in the past that he doesn’t want Sessegnon to leave, but that was before this week’s incident.
And he also acknowledged that if the club did decide to sell the Benin international, he would want a central midfield playmaker and a replacement striker to arrive at the Stadium of Light on the back of any sale.
Di Canio named a winger and a left-back as his other priority positions ahead of the transfer window closing, and he had one of those filled with the arrival of teenage Greek winger Charis Mavrias in a £2.5m move Panathinaikos just over a week ago.
Song-Yeung would fill that central midfield position if the deal goes through and if Sessegnon stays, Di Canio would only require a left-back to complete his squad rebuilding and the prospect of snapping up Buttner on loan is not to be sniffed at.
The young defender’s prefered position is left-back, an area where Sunderland have struggled in recent seasons, but he is also versatile enough to play in central midfield if required.
He signed a five-year contract with United last summer and made his debut in a win over Wigan in which he set up one goal and scored another, earning him the man-of-the-match award.
His second goal for United came in the 5-5 draw with West Brom in the last game of the 2012-13 season.
It is understandable that United would not want to let the Dutchman leave permanently.
But Buttner’s agent, Alexander Bursac has commented: ”If Baines arrives, the chances for Buttner to play are even less then last year. That would be a shame, because Alex wants to play for the Dutch national team next season.
“For Alex it would be better for a younger left-back to come so he could become first choice. He has already proved himself in the Premier League.”
Di Canio's dozen! Sunderland boss snaps up Swansea midfielder Ki on season-long deal as Black Cats overhaul continues
Sunderland have completed the signing of Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng on a season-long deal as Paolo Di Canio makes his 12th capture of the summer.
The 24-year-old Korean, who has fallen out of favour under Michael Laudrup, is understood to have told his team-mates on Friday he was heading to the Stadium of Light until the end of the season and Sunderland have now confirmed the switch.
Ki has tumbled down the midfield pecking order this summer after the arrivals of Jose Canas, Jonjo Shelvey and Jonathan de Guzman, who re-signed on loan.
Earlier this month chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed suggestions that he would sell the 24-year-old on a permanent basis.
Ki will link up with international colleague Ji Dong-won at the Stadium of Light.
Stéphane Sessègnon dropped from Sunderland squad to face Crystal Palace
• Forward was arrested on Tuesday on drink-driving charge
• Paolo Di Canio: 'Difficult to give him a second chance'
Stéphane Sessègnon will be punished for a drink-driving charge by being left behind on Wearside on Friday when Sunderland's first team squad fly to London for Saturday's Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
The Benin forward, who will appear before Newcastle magistrates on 4 October, was arrested in Newcastle on Tuesday evening while his team-mates were beating MK Dons 4-2 in the Capital One Cup.
Paolo Di Canio had rested Sessègnon, one of his most talented players, for that game but has now abandoned plans to start the African at Palace, instead excluding him from the party travelling south.
Sunderland's manager demands the utmost professionalism from his players and, quite apart from his anger at the drink driving charge, is understood to have been deeply disappointed that Sessègnon was out socialising at a time when he should either have been watching his team-mates play MK Dons or spending time at home with his family.
Whether he offers the versatile creator, the subject of interest from clubs in Qatar, a second chance remains to be seen. "I can read my players and I know the ones who are genuinely sorry if they do something wrong," said Di Canio. "It is difficult to give a second chance to someone who breaks my rules and thinks it is normal because they will do it again.
"If a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it then, yes, there is a second chance. I will judge each case on its merits. It depends what they are doing and if they are genuinely sorry.
"If you arrive a bit late and I fine you and you become more professional afterwards then there can be a second chance. But if you don't even think you are wrong you might say sorry but don't mean it, then that is different."
Sunderland attacker Stephane Sessegnon is set to join Qatari club Al-Jaish for a knock down fee of just £5 million, according to the Mirror.
The 29-year-old has seen question marks raised over his future at the club this season, with a series of yo-yoing statements relating to his future in the Northeast.
However, he now appears to be on his way out after Paolo Di Canio has deemed him surplus to requirements following a drink driving incident earlier this week.
He will now be left out of the squad that will travel down to London this weekend for the encounter with Premier League new boys Crystal Palace and be sold to Al-Jaish before Monday night’s transfer deadline at 11pm.
“I can read my players and I know the ones who are genuinely sorry if they do something wrong,” said Di Canio. “It is difficult to give a second chance to someone who breaks my rules and thinks it is normal because they will do it again.
“If a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it then, yes, there is a second chance. I will judge each case on its merits. It depends what they are doing and if they are genuinely sorry.
“If you arrive a bit late and I fine you and you become more professional afterwards then there can be a second chance. But if you don’t even think you are wrong you might say sorry but don’t mean it, then that is different.”
Di Canio also wants to raise funds as he remains keen on recruiting a left-back with Toulouse defender Chiekh M’Bengue and Juventus’ Paolo de Ceglie on his list.
Borini having Sunderland medical ahead of loan move from Liverpool
Sunderland are finalising a loan for Liverpool's Fabio Borini after the striker arrived at the club to complete a medical ahead of a move.
The 22-year-old will become Paolo Di Canio's 13th signing of the summer at the Stadium of Light - dwarfing the recruitment drive at neighbours Newcastle.
The Black Cats aren't finished yet and have also enquired about a similar deal for Napoli defender Andrea Dossena.
Liverpool have sealed deals for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho, Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori.
Moses’ arrival pushes Borini down the pecking order and the Italian feels he will get more chances under Paolo di Canio. Napoli, managed by former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez, could make a late bid for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.
Borini is Sunderland's 13th summer signing - Newcastle have just one
Sunderland - 13: Modibo Diakite (Lazio), Duncan Watmore (Altrincham), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo), Cabral (Basle), David Moberg Karlsson (IFK Gothenburg), Vito Mannone (Arsenal), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), El Hadji Ba (Le Havre), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor, loan), Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos), Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea, loan), Borini (Liverpool, loan)
West Brom make £6m bid for out-of-favour Sunderland forward Sessegnon
West Brom have made a £6million offer for Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon.
The Benin international's future at the Stadium of Light has been unclear ever since Paolo Di Canio's arrival last season.
Sunderland have already made 10 summer signings and Sessegnon now appears surplus to requirements.
Baggies boss Steve Clarke has tested the water with a deadline day offer for the attacking midfielder.
West Brom failed to score for the third consecutive game in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Swansea and Clarke is keen to improve his attacking options before tonight's deadline.
Albion have already added Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on a season-long loan today.
Sessegnon has made two league appearances for the Black Cats this season but did not feature in their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Di Canio: I'd quit if I didn't believe Sunderland could turn things around
Paolo Di Canio came out fighting after Sunderland lost to Crystal Palace, arguing that he may as well retire if he did not believe his side could get something from the horrendous run of fixtures they now face.
In four games after the international break, Sunderland host Arsenal, have an awkward trip to West Bromwich Albion, then home games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
The prospect of having no wins by October 5 was put to Di Canio after a defeat against one of the relegation favourites.
‘Why do we have to do this?’ implored Di Canio. ‘If I think about this, it is better that I retire from being a manager. If I think I will not have a chance to beat Arsenal at home or West Bromwich Albion away, Liverpool or Manchester United at home — or two wins out of four games, why not? Or one draw and one win.
‘Why do I have to have only one point? Why do I have to lose every game with this team? Obviously we can win one, two or zero, or three draws — we will see.’
If Di Canio records ‘zero’ wins he might not be given the chance to retire. This is Sunderland’s second-worst start to the Premier League after three games. Mick McCarthy was in charge in 2005-06 when they lost all three of their opening matches and went on to be relegated. No Sunderland side has ever failed to register a win in the opening seven games in the top flight.
The Italian had talked of the need for a ‘killer’ in the box, and Steven Fletcher came off the bench after a five-month layoff to cancel out Daniel Gabbidon’s opener.
Sunderland looked as if they would go on to win but John O’Shea’s foul earned him a red card and Palace a penalty which Dwight Gayle scored. When Stuart O’Keefe struck in stoppage time, Di Canio skulked from the touchline back to his bench.
‘I don’t think we’ll be getting any time off, we don’t deserve it,’ said Fletcher. ‘We need to get back in and correct what went wrong against Crystal Palace.’
Part of the problem is the complete overhaul of the squad. Ten new players have arrived and Di Canio hopes more will come on Monday before the transfer window shuts.
‘They’re professional footballers so they need to know if they are going to move club then they need to bed in quickly,’ warned Fletcher. ‘It’s the Premier League.’
Continue as they are and it won’t be the Premier League after this season.
SOMETIMES a silver lining only serves to illuminate the sheer size of the cloud.
Substitute Steven Fletcher’s sweetly-headed 65th-minute leveller – which sadly was to prove the coldest of comforts by the final whistle – showed just what this Sunderland side had been missing up to that point.
The clever, clinical cutting edge the Scot provided held out hope that Sunderland might effect a break-in at the Palace; might turn around a game in which they had struggled at times to show up.
But long before referee Lee Probert blew the final whistle on Saturday night, the weaknesses which were apparent before the equaliser conspired to overwhelm Paolo Di Canio’s men.
Suspect defending, a softness in central midfield, unconvincing wing play and a painfully poor front pairing put Sunderland in harm’s way.
Coupled with a lack of leadership and collective team spirit, those failings proved fatal.
Di Canio argued afterwards that there was little between the two sides in terms of possession, but that was to ignore the fact Sunderland created little when they were holding on to the ball.
And while it was undeniable that “two rubbish goals” cost Sunderland any chance of getting something from the game, that’s what the training ground and the talent is there to avoid in the first place.
It leaves the Italian with an uncomfortable international break to negotiate.
Two weeks in which Sunderland’s failure to prosper against the Premier League’s unleading lights – Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace – will be raked over again and again.
Sunderland needed a win over newly-promoted Palace to stave off this level of forensic scrutiny.
But they weren’t helped by three enforced changes, with Jozy Altidore (hamstring), Craig Gardner (groin) and Stephane Sessegnon (off-field problems) all unavailable.
Connor Wickham, David Vaughan and Ji Dong-won were drafted in as replacements, but none of the trio covered themselves in glory.
Perhaps it would have helped if Sunderland had avoided the early goal which was precisely what Palace needed to boost their confidence levels after losing their first three games of the season in league and cup.
But, after a scrappy start from both sides, the Eagles were handed the most welcome of gifts in the ninth minute.
Jose Campana put in an inswinging corner from the left and Marouane Chamakh’s failure to connect with a header at the near post saw the ball drop unexpectedly into the danger zone.
Jack Colback was unable to make contact with an instinctive attempted clearance and the ball flashed across him, struck the knee of Ondrej Celustka in the six-yard box, rebounded off the calf of Danny Gabbidon and past Keiren Westwood.
The fact it was the Palace centre-half’s first goal in 116 Premier League games said it all about the danger he should have represented.
It was a horrible goal to concede – Sunday League stuff.
But worse was to come when Sunderland carved out a great chance to equalise in the 20th minute and wasted it in astonishing fashion.
The groundwork was laid by Adam Johnson and Celustka, who combined well on the right for the Czech full-back to produce the perfect centre for Ji.
All the South Korean striker had to do was nod it goalwards at the near post from five yards out, but he chose to duck under it, sensing a challenge.
“What can I do? I cannot change the heart of my player,” said a fuming Di Canio who, having defended Ji in the wake of a dreadful display against MK Dons last midweek, substituted the striker at half-time and sent him out of the dressing room to languish in the dug-out ahead of his team-mates’ return.
Ji could hardly complain.
His displays against Palace and MK Dons have verged on the incompetent and brought Di Canio’s judgment into question, over the decision to reject a £4m-plus bid from Germany for the forward’s services this summer.
His replacement in the frontline, Steven Fletcher, showed exactly how it should have been done when he marked his return from a five-month lay-off with a goal of the highest quality.
Colback and substitute Charis Mavrias combined with Fletcher high on the left-flank with some skilful passing before the Tynesider centred and Fletcher, who had made the run into the box, planted the perfect header back across keeper Julian Speroni from 10 yards out.
Di Canio, who described Fletcher as “only 40 per cent fit” hoped the equaliser would bring the best out of his players and diminish the home side.
Palace had played as if their Premier League lives depended on it – which it almost certainly did.
And Sunderland needed to find a dominant figure or two, to counteract the sort of drive shown by the Eagles in general, and their skipper, Mile Jedinak, in particular.
Unfortunately, they lacked leaders, just as they had done before the leveller when Jedinak had bossed the centre of the pitch while Jason Puncheon punctured Sunderland time and again with his pace, ably supported by attacking full-backs Joel Ward and Dean Moxey.
Sunderland, meanwhile, had passed the ball around neatly enough at times but failed to genuinely threaten.
That was something underlined by the fact that though possession was shared, Palace had six shots on target, 11 off, while Sunderland troubled the keeper only twice, missing the target eight times.
Fletcher’s goal gave them a lifeline.
But, instead of seizing the initiative, Sunderland played conservatively and that encouraged the home side back into the game.
There was still little in it though, still hope in the hearts of the travelling faithful, when John O’Shea made the most routine of mistakes in the 77th minute to hand the advantage right back to the hosts.
Fatally, for Sunderland’s hopes, the skipper allowed a spinning ball to run past him into the area, not appreciating the ground Dwight Gayle had made up behind him, and O’Shea then brought down the speedy youngster as he sprinted into the box.
There could be no complaints about the red card that followed, or the low, driven penalty from Gayle which went under Westwood’s body as the keeper dived to his right.
Both goals conceded were of Sunderland’s own making – a set-piece and a penalty kick.
And it was always going to be an uphill task for the Wearsiders’ 10 men after that.
Perhaps predictably, it was Palace who produced the greater goal threat in the dying stages before scoring a cracking goal in time added on when Puncheon, on the left of the area, got the ball across to sub Stuart O’Keefe, who curled a fabulous left-foot strike in off the crossbar to Westwood’s right – the final dagger to the heart and a goal which sent Selhurst Park into meltdown.
Defeat leaves Sunderland with one point from nine after three games – joint bottom of the Premier League.
And it also leaves Di Canio facing very real question marks over the progress of the revolution he is looking to bring about at Sunderland.
Only three of his dozen summer signings featured on Saturday.
And the stodgy, unimaginative display offered little hope that this new model Sunderland is going to take the club forwards anytime soon.
All that the fans, who made the long and unrewarding journey to London at the weekend, can hope for, is that new signings made by the end of today, coupled with more work on the training ground, finally starts producing the sort of results they, and the head coach, want.
Palace verdict: Sunderland need last-day transfer blitz, but it’s not going to happen
WHEN JIM White begins to perspire as the clock ticks towards tonight’s 11pm deadline, how Sunderland would benefit from being regularly on the Sky Sports presenter’s lips.
Don’t expect it to happen more than a couple of times though.
Sunderland neither have the remaining transfer budget, nor, more crucially, the remaining leeway in the Premier League’s wage restrictions, for a sustained last-gasp trolley dash.
One, perhaps two, deadline day recruits are likely to be the limit of their activity, albeit the picture could change if there are further departures from the Stadium of Light.
It seems perverse to be talking about Sunderland’s need for further strengthening after Ki Sung-Yeung became the club’s 12th summer signing on Saturday.
But there is a smoke and mirrors element to Sunderland’s shopping spree.
There are not 12 players realistically fighting for a spot in Paolo Di Canio’s starting XI and injecting the competition so badly missing at this club for the last two or three years.
Only three of the fresh faces started the debacle at Selhurst Park, even if that total would have crept up to four had Jozy Altidore not succumbed to a late hamstring strain.
Vito Mannone is a back-up keeper, Valentin Roberge is arguably the fourth-choice centre-half and El-Hadji Ba, Charis Mavrias, David Moberg Karlsson and Duncan Watmore have all been signed for the future, not the present.
Given that Cabral appears to have instantly found himself out of favour too, the bulk of this side remains the one which limped to Premier League survival last season.
Is it any wonder then that the alarm bells, church bells and doorbells are all chiming just three games into the campaign?
Saturday’s defeat had all the hallmarks of those limp surrenders during the second half of last season which cost Martin O’Neill his job.
A doggedly determined Palace side did little to dispel the view that they are heading back to the Championship.
Ian Holloway remains hopeful of a late spending spree today and his side will undoubtedly make a fist of Premier League survival before ultimately falling short.
But Palace possessed two attributes which Sunderland STILL haven’t addressed this summer – natural pace and midfield drive.
On-loan Southampton winger Jason Puncheon and striker Dwight Gayle aren’t world-beaters, but they can burst away from a defender – as the latter did for the game’s seminal moment to penalise John O’Shea’s horrifying lapse of concentration.
There was no-one in the Sunderland side on Saturday capable of skipping away from their man and forcing them to back-track nervously towards their own goal.
And, without wishing to sound like a broken record, neither is there a midfielder who can burst forward from the middle of the park with the ball at his feet and forage deep into enemy territory.
Palace skipper Mile Jedinak did it far better than either of Sunderland’s midfielders and got a couple of shots away from the edge of the area to boot.
Of course, Di Canio has made no secret of his desire for such a player and identified Tom Huddlestone as the midfielder he wanted. He will just have to hope that Ki can provide something similar.
The Italian isn’t responsible for Sunderland’s transfer dealings and if these overseas imports ultimately flop on these shores, then the culpability is club-wide.
But Di Canio still has the final say on ins and outs and, given he made so much of the lack of aggression and determination among his players on Saturday, there has to be a question mark over why the head coach has ostracised Lee Cattermole.
Neither was Di Canio given any suggestion on his arrival that he would be overseeing a series of club record transfers, even if Sunderland have splashed out a total of around £30million in the market this summer when costs such as agents fees and signing-on payments are included.
Di Canio appealed to Ellis Short because of his coaching abilities.
The former West Ham striker was charged with polishing his players on the training field and organising them into a harmonious force.
After the slack training regime of Martin O’Neill, that is what Short felt was necessary.
But other than a bright – if shot-shy – opening day display against Fulham, the difference has been minimal.
Sunderland looked a sluggish and confidence-drained side on Saturday, reliant on Steven Fletcher’s goals to give them hope. Sound familiar?
Even after Fletcher had given them the perfect foundation to go on and win the game, they still managed to hit the self-destruct button.
Di Canio’s response was to verbally launch into his players afterwards.
On the content of his assessment of individuals, Di Canio made plenty of valid points.
But such a public tactic is fraught with danger, particularly when it extended to young players and even Di Canio’s first lieutenant, John O’Shea.
It was something Sunderland’s players were conscious of during the summer after Di Canio’s rant at White Hart Lane on the final day of last season.
And watching Ji Dong-won walk solemnly alone down the Selhurst Park touchline to take his place in the dug-out at the start of the second half, the South Korean looked like a player who didn’t need to be chastised publicly after a dressing room drumming down.
Ji again did nothing to back-up Di Canio’s argument last week that he will be an “important” contributor for Sunderland this season and the first-half diving header he pulled out of was almost comical.
But surely the 22-year-old’s self-belief must now be at rock bottom.
Laying into Ji and his team-mates is a colossal gamble by Di Canio, in the hope that it will spur some sort of self-realisation about Sunderland’s shortcomings.
But then everything Sunderland have done over the last five months has been a colossal gamble.
From the dismissal of O’Neill, to the appointment of Di Canio and a complete overhaul of the club’s managerial and scouting structure, there has been a roulette wheel element to Short’s actions.
In another half-a-dozen games or so, the Sunderland owner will know whether the club is simply suffering from early-season jitters, or something far more fatal.
Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon has completed his deadline day move to West Bromwich Albion.
The Benin international has joined for a club-record fee thought to be worth £6m.
He moved to the Stadium of Light in 2011 from Paris Saint-Germain and scored 18 goals in 97 appearances for the Black Cats.
However, it was decided that he was surplus to requirements this summer, and after he was left out of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, Paolo Di Canio decided to move him on.
Sunderland have brought in Fabio Borini on loan from Liverpool as Sessegnon’s replacement, while left-back Andrea Dossena also joined the club today.
Sunderland confirm Fabio Borini loan signing from Liverpool
SUNDERLAND have finalised a season-long loan for Liverpool striker Fabio Borini.
The Italian has become Sunderland’s 13th signing of the summer after Liverpool agreed to part company with the 22-year-old - just 12 months since he moved to Anfield for £10.5million.
Borini has been pushed down the pecking order at Anfield following the captures of Daniel Sturridge, Coutinho, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Victor Moses.
The Italian international, who was not involved in Liverpool’s win over Manchester United on Sunday, started just five Premier League outings for Brendan Rodgers’ side in his maiden campaign on Merseyside last season - partly due to a three-month absence with a broken foot - with his only goal coming in April’s 6-0 romp at Newcastle.
That prompted Sunderland to make a loan approach for Borini, who will replace West Brom-bound Stephane Sessegnon in the Black Cats’ attacking ranks.
West Brom make £6m bid for out-of-favour Sunderland forward Sessegnon
West Brom have made a £6million offer for Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon.
The Benin international's future at the Stadium of Light has been unclear ever since Paolo Di Canio's arrival last season.
Sunderland have already made 10 summer signings and Sessegnon now appears surplus to requirements.
Baggies boss Steve Clarke has tested the water with a deadline day offer for the attacking midfielder.
West Brom failed to score for the third consecutive game in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Swansea and Clarke is keen to improve his attacking options before tonight's deadline.
Albion have already added Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on a season-long loan today.
Sessegnon has made two league appearances for the Black Cats this season but did not feature in their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of a second Italian international on deadline day after agreeing a one-year deal for left-back Andrea Dossena.
The 31-year-old has arrived at the Stadium of Light on a permanent deal, for an undisclosed fee, from Italian outfit Napoli after making 24 appearances for the Serie A side last season.
It is Dossena’s second spell in the Premier League after he made 31 appearances for Liverpool during an 18-month stint at Anfield.
Dossena follows the loan signing of Liverpool frontman Fabio Borini and becomes Sunderland’s 14th capture of the summer.
West Brom break transfer record to land Sunderland’s Sessegnon for rumoured £6million fee
WEST BROM have broken their club transfer record to sign Sunderland frontman Stephane Sessegnon.
The Benin international has ended his two-and-a-half year stint at the Stadium of Light after joining West Brom for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around the £6million mark.
Sessegnon, who turned 29 in June, has agreed a three year deal at the Hawthorns after passing a medical with the Baggies this afternoon.
The former Paris St Germain forward was left out of the Sunderland squad for Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace after being charged with drink-driving in Newcastle last week.
And that came after a frustrating start to the season from Sessegnon, who struggled in Sunderland’s opening two games.
Sessegnon was similarly inconsistent last year, but on his day, was a match-winner for the Black Cats.
He won the club’s Player of the Season accolade in 2011-12, netting 17 times in his 85 top flight starts for the Wearsiders.
SUNDERLAND striker Connor Wickham has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad due to injury.
Wickham had been named in Gareth Southgate’s first squad as U21 boss, for the European Championship qualifiers against Moldova on Thursday and Finland next Monday.
But the 20-year-old is not expected to be available for either game and will remain with Sunderland during the international break.
The FA say Wickham’s fitness will be assessed again later this week.
Wickham netted twice during Sunderland’s Capital One Cup win over MK Dons last week – his first goals in red and white since January.
And he was rewarded with 90 minutes in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Transfer deadline day: Borini & Dossena join Sunderland
Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has signed for Sunderland on a season-long loan deal.
The Black Cats have also added former Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena, 31, from Napoli on a one-year deal.
Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio rates Borini highly, although the 22-year-old has scored just twice since becoming Brendan Rodgers's first Reds signing.
The Italian, who played for Rodgers at Chelsea's academy and Swansea, moved from Roma in July 2012 for £11m.
Liverpool's signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea on loan pushed him further away from first-team contention.
Capped once by Italy, against the United States in February 2012, Borini has made 20 appearances for the Anfield club.
Dossena, who made 31 appearances during an 18-month spell at Anfield from 2008, helped Napoli to second-place in Serie A last season.
Signing No 13! Borini heads to Sunderland on season-long loan from Liverpool
Sunderland have completed the signing of Liverpool's Fabio Borini on a season-long loan deal.
The 22-year-old has become Paolo Di Canio's 13th signing of the summer at the Stadium of Light - dwarfing the recruitment drive at neighbours Newcastle.
The Black Cats aren't finished yet and have also enquired about a similar deal for Napoli defender Andrea Dossena.
Liverpool have sealed deals for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho, Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori.
Moses’ arrival pushes Borini down the pecking order and the Italian feels he will get more chances under Paolo di Canio. Napoli, managed by former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez, could make a late bid for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.
Their heads are empty' - Di Canio slams Sunderland players
The fiery Italian has lambasted his players following their shock 3-1 defeat to newly promoted Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, claiming some of them are "empty in the brain"
Paolo Di Canio has slated his Sunderland team following their 3-1 defeat to newly-promoted Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Italian branded his strikers "empty in the brain" after their performance at Selhurst Park, with South Korean Ji Dong-Won bearing the brunt of his criticism following a missed near-post header in the first half that resulted in him being substituted.
And despite bringing in 11 new signings this summer, the Italian claims his side still need more players with "heart."
"I cannot change the heart of my players," the Italian told reporters. "One time we did a delivery very well and Ji didn’t push his head forward."
"I am more disappointed than him [about him being substituted]. I think also the fans [were] because the expectation on him is very high because he can do much better, even in only keeping the ball.
Di Canio also criticised youngster Connor Wickham and captain John O'Shea, reprimanding his skipper for the challenge that saw him sent off on 77 minutes for conceding a penalty.
"We don’t ask the moon: do not lose every ball under pressure. The young fellow [Wickham], he can keep the ball much better if they have more desire; and if they play less empty in the brain they can keep the ball much better.
"At this moment they are empty. Our leader [O'Shea] didn’t react in the way he should. That is terrible, because it was a crucial game for us. It’s absolutely poor and not acceptable.
"Now everybody can understand why we asked for a few players [this summer]."
Sunderland have gone seven games without a win in the Premier League and the north-east side face Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in the coming weeks, which could see them still stuck on one point.
But Di Canio says he is not preparing for the wors: "If I think about this, it is better that I retire from being a manager," he said. "We have the ability and quality to beat any side."
DEADLINE DAY: Ex-Sunderland (porn) star leaves Barnsley
BARNSLEY have confirmed that former Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick has left the club by mutual consent.
The 26-year old joined the Championship side from Tottenham last summer and he went on to make 12 appearances during his debut campaign at Oakwell.
Alnwick, a former England Under-21 international, started his career at Sunderland before moving to Spurs in 2007, although he only managed one Premier League appearance in his five-year stint.
During his time at White Hart Lane, he had no fewer than seven different loan spells until he was eventually released and signed on a two-year deal by the Tykes.
David Flitcroft has brought in goalkeepers Mike Pollitt and Christian Dibble during this transfer window, leaving Alnwick surplus to requirements and now free to find a new club.
Stuart Rayner: Sunderland splash on 14 signings - but are they Premier League class?
Stuart Rayner looks back through the summer transfer window as Sunderland close their deals on deadline day
Sunderland ended the transfer window with 14 new signings but precious little Premier League experience.
Only five signings – Jozy Altidore, Vito Mannone, Sung-Yong Ki and deadline-day arrivals Fabio Borini and Andrea Dossena – have ever played in the top-flight.
None of them have more than 30 appearances to their name in the competition.
That is a big problem.
Few leagues are harder to adapt to than the English top-flight, and this reshaped squad will need a fair bit of time to get used to it.
Yet to win their first league match of the season, that is a precious commodity at the Stadium of Light.
Mannone is set to watch most of the campaign from the bench, behind in the goalkeeping pecking order to the talented Keiren Westwood who has even less Premier League experience, although plenty in the lower leagues.
Having made more signings than anyone in the division, you might be lulled into thinking the Black Cats have been flashing Ellis Short's cash this summer.
But in fact the around £20m transfer fees they have paid for Altidore, Mannone, Ki, Borini, Dossena, El-Hadji Ba, Modibe Diakite, David Moberg-Karlsson, Duncan Watmore, Emanuele Giaccherini, Cabral, Valentine Roberge, Charis Mavrias and Ondrej Celustka have been covered by outgoings.
Sunderland have lost their best player last season, Simon Mignolet, for £9m.
Their most exciting – if infuriatingly inconsistent – attacking talent, Stephane Sessegnon, left for West Bromwich Albion in the final hour of business for a deal which could be worth £6m.
Danny Graham, Alfred N'Diaye, Ahmed Elmohamady, James McClean, Matt Kilgallon and Titus Bramble were all wiped off the wage bill, but those who stayed are significant.
Paolo Di Canio has made it pretty clear he would have liked Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley out of the door, but shifting out players on expensive contracts is easier said than done.
He tried to sell David Vaughan and at the weekend he publicly belittled Connor Wickham – not for the first time – and Ji Dong-won.
Wickham may still be able to go on loan to the Championship if Sunderland subsidise a big chunk of his wages, but Di Canio will have to work with the rest. How will they, and captain John O'Shea, respond to Di Canio's votes of no confidence in them.
Sunderland have been more decisive than anyone in this transfer window, but the question marks are as big as ever.
Sunderland transfer deadline day report card: Risky business as Black Cats make wholesale additions
Paolo Di Canio added a further two names to his squad on transfer deadline day, taking Sunderland’s summer recruitment drive to an incredible fourteen.
Liverpool’s forward Fabio Borini, was the first name to be confirmed, joining the Black Cats on loan for the season. Despite arriving at Anfield with a decent pedigree from Italian giants Roma in a deal worth over £10m, the striker endured a torrid season which was plagued by injury.
Although not a name that has got many Sunderland fans excited initially, Borini certainly has some talent, offers something a little different to what we have available in the final third and at the very least will offer some competition for places.
Sunderland’s second signing of the day, left-back Andrea Dossena, also has links with Merseyside following a spell with Liverpool, one which wasn’t particularly successful. However with the 32-year-old joining on only a year’s deal from Napoli, it would seem that he may be little more than a stop gap, especially considering Sunderland missed out on each and every one of their left-back targets this summer.
Sunderland’s best bit of transfer business this window is unquestionably Emanuele Giaccherini. The fact that a club such as ours was able to poach a full international from the Italian champions should not be overlooked for the coup that it was. The little Italian has already found his way onto the score sheet this year and from the first impressions we can expect a lot more.
Jozy Altidore has also shown, in flashes, that he can be a handful for opposition defences and along with the return of the club’s top forward, Steven Fletcher, the hope on Wearside is that the pair can strike up an effective partnership.
Much pressure also rests on the shoulders of fellow new recruit Ji Sung-Yeung, a loan signing from Swansea who will be expected to unlock the opposition’s defence with his vision and range of passing.
Unquestionably however, the major talking point among Sunderland fans on Monday evening surrounded the departure of fan favourite Stephane Sessegnon. The talented, diminutive forward has remained somewhat of an enigma during his time on Wearside, with neither Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill or in turn, Paolo Di Canio, able to bring out his full potential.
The forward has thrilled and excited during his spell in the North East, but quite simply not often enough, going missing for two, three or even four games following an eye-catching performance.
What has rankled among the fan base however is his move to a Premier League rival which is seen as unnecessarily improving a near competitor, a belief which will only continue to fester should Sessegnon hit the ground running with the Baggies.
Mark: 5/10 – Decent additions of Giaccherini and Altidore may only mask what are seen as major losses in the shape of Mignolet and Sessegnon. Also only five of the 14 new names have Premier League experience, which could prove to be a risk.
ANOTHER home draw for Sunderland in the Capital One Cup and again it’s a lower division team who provide the opposition.
Peterborough surprisingly lost at home on Saturday, but are third in the table and thrashed Reading 6-0 in the last round, so they will not lack confidence when they head north.
We all know Sunderland’s vulnerability to lower division teams in the cup and with that bizarre game against MK Dons still fresh, then Sunderland will have to work hard for anything they get.
It would still be a major surprise if we didn’t progress to the next round and Sunderland must make sure that happens.
I’ve looked at the fixtures in this round, and with many all-Premier League ties, then Sunderland have a real opportunity in this competition.
Of course, Sunderland have had good opportunities in recent years and so often they’ve wasted them, especially in front of their own frustrated fans.
The bottom line is, we must win this game, there can be no excuses and whatever team we put out, must surely be able to overcome a League One team at home.
Sunderland have lifted Phil Bardsley's suspension after the defender apologised for his actions during the course of the previous few months.
Bardsley had initially been banned from both the Stadium of Light and Sunderland's training ground following a series of disciplinary incidents, including being photographed on the floor of a local casino covered in £50 notes before being found to be mocking the club on social media following their opening day defeat to Fulham.
Releasing a statement via the club's official website, Bardsley said: "I would like to apologise to the club and supporters for my comments made on social media. I understand how they may have been interpreted and it was a serious error of judgement. I accept the punishment that has been handed to me by the football club and will now focus my attention and efforts on rehabilitation and regaining my fitness."
It was thought the defender would be able to secure a move away from Sunderland this summer, with Fulham showing strong interest early on. However he suffered a broken foot during a development squad game that scuppered the likelihood of any transfer.
New Sunderland signing Dossena relishing Premier League return
The Italian full-back endured an unspectacular stay with Liverpool between 2008 and 2010, but is hoping to make a greater impact with the Black Cats under compatriot Paolo Di Canio
Andrea Dossena is delighted to have another chance at Premier League football after signing for Sunderland on Monday.
The 31-year-old, who spent a year and a half with Liverpool from 2008, put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal on deadline day, marking his return to the English top flight.
Dossena was part of the Napoli side who secured a second-placed finish in Serie A last season, although he was loaned out to Palermo in January, and says he is excited to get started for Sunderland and work under his compatriot Paolo Di Canio.
"My first game for Liverpool was against Sunderland, and I remember the stadium; the atmosphere was amazing," he told the club's official website.
"I’m very happy to come back to England, and now I can start to work with an Italian manager.
"I know his kind of football, his kind of work. He works hard, and tries to do his best on the pitch.
"The Premier League is the most beautiful league in the world. I left in 2010, but I was angry to leave this country, and now I’ve come back because I think I can do my best for Sunderland."
Liverpool boss Rodgers: Borini will benefit from Sunderland loan
The Reds manager says that the Italy Under-21s international will reap the rewards of regular first-team football after joining the Black Cats for the season on deadline day
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident that all parties will benefit from Fabio Borini's loan move to Sunderland.
The Italy Under-21s international joined Paolo Di Canio's side on a season-long deal on deadline day and the Reds boss expects the Black Cats to give him an opportunity to show what he can do, while saying he will be keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old.
Rodgers told the club's official website:"It's just to get games. He had a stop-start season last year with his injuries and I just felt this year he needed to go and play football.
"With Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Iago Aspas and some of the other attacking players, that might have been limited.
"I have a real belief in Fabio - he is a talent, and we've seen that on occasions, but he needs to be playing regularly to demonstrate that talent.
"We had a host of clubs wanting to take him but, with Sunderland having the Italian connection there and being a big club where he can go and play, I'm sure he'll get the chance to shine and we'll look closely at his development this year."
JOZY ALTIDORE has been handed a fitness boost after being cleared to participate in the USA’s World Cup qualifiers.
Altidore missed Sunderland’s defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday after complaining of a problem with his right hamstring, which was initially expected to sideline the £6million summer signing for a fortnight.
But, after linking up with the American medical team, an MRI scan on Altidore’s hamstring has shown there is no serious damage.
The 23-year-old has been given the go-ahead to resume training with the US squad and he will be eligible for the World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica on Friday and Mexico next Tuesday.
Presuming Altidore comes through the two games unscathed, the injury news on the former AZ Alkmaar man will come as a major boost to Sunderland after a rookie front-line of Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won struggled at Selhurst Park.
Wickham has since pulled out of the England Under-21 squad through injury, while both Steven Fletcher and new striker Fabio Borini are short on match fitness.
Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers against Belgium on Friday and Macedonia next week could have provided an opportunity for Fletcher to get further minutes under his belt after making a scoring comeback at Palace.
But after spending five months on the sidelines since damaging ankle ligaments in Scotland’s defeat to Wales in March, international boss Gordon Strachan has opted not to rush Fletcher back into action, particularly as the Tartan Army cannot qualify for next summer’s tournament in Brazil.
Assistant manager Mark McGhee said: “I asked Gordon could we do that (call up Fletcher) and Gordon considered it and ruled it out, that it was too early.
“If there was a lot riding on these two games, I think it might be different. In fact, I think Steven Fletcher, himself, might have been on the phone to Gordon saying he wants to come and maybe sit on the bench at worst.
“But we all felt, rightly, that he should be given time and that he will recover and get back to form and back to scoring goals again.
“We will take full advantage of Steven Fletcher in coming matches.”
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore has been cleared to resume workouts for the United States after an evaluation of his right hamstring by team medical staff, the US Soccer Federation said Tuesday.
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann is optimistic that Altidore, who has scored in his past five matches with the national team, will be available when the Americans visit Costa Rica on Friday for a 2014 World Cup qualifying match.
Altidore, who sat out last weekend's English Premier League match for Sunderland, had an MRI exam on his hamstring that came back normal.
The Americans are on a 12-match win streak that began June 2 in Washington with a 4-3 victory over Germany, Klinsmann's former team as coach and player, and included three World Cup qualifiers and a Gold Cup tournament crown.
But the US squad has never won a qualifying match against the Ticos in Costa Rica.
Doing so Friday would be a tremendous step toward clinching a berth in next year's global football showdown in Brazil, especially with a home qualifier against arch-rival Mexico set for next Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.
The United States leads the North American (CONCACAF) World Cup qualifying table with 13 points from six matches and could clinch a trip to Brazil on Friday with a victory plus a Mexico-Honduras draw and Jamaica winning or drawing with Panama.
USA CLEARS SUNDERLAND STRIKER ALTIDORE OF SERIOUS INJURY
Jozy Altidore has been cleared to continue training with the USA national team ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers.
The Sunderland striker had a MRI scan of his right hamstring after pulling up sore but has been cleared of any serious damage which will keep him available for selection by Juergen Klinsmann for Friday’s clash with Costa Rica in San Jose and Tuesday’s meeting with Mexico in Columbus.
A statement from USsoccer.com read: “US Men’s National Team striker Jozy Altidore has been cleared to resume workouts after a full evaluation from the medical staff. An MRI evaluation of his right hamstring was normal.”
Altidore has been in fine form for the US in recent times, scoring seven goals in his past five outings, including a hat-trick in the 4-3 friendly win over Bosnia in Sarajevo last month.
Sunderland's 25-man Premier League squad: Find out who has made the cut for the new season
Managers have been asked to submit names to the Premier League - and here are those who will feature for the Black Cats
Paolo Di Canio has named his 25-man squad for the Premier League, with deadline-day signings Fabio Borini and Andrea Dossena included.
The Black Cats had a busy summer in the transfer market with new boys Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore heading the list.
All Barclays Premier League managers had to submit names to the authorities yesterday following the closure of the summer transfer window.
Rules state that clubs can have no more than 17 players who are not deemed to be 'home grown', but may have as many U-21 stars as they like.
The Premier League says: "A Home Grown player will be defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)."
Changes can be made, however, when the window reopens again on January 1 2014.
And you can find out who features for Sunderland here:
25-man squad list (player name and whether they are 'home grown')
Altidore, Josmer (No)
Bardsley, Phillip Anthony (Yes)
Borini, Fabio (Yes)
Brown, Wesley Michael (Yes)
Tavares Varela, Adilson (No)
Cattermole, Lee Barry (Yes)
Celustka, Ondrej (No)
Colback, Jack Raymond (Yes)
Cuellar Jimenez, Carlos Javier (No)
Diakite, Modibo (No)
Dossena, Andrea (No)
Fletcher, Steven Kenneth (No)
Gardner, Craig (Yes)
Giaccherini, Emanuele (No)
Ji, Dong Won (No)
Johnson, Adam (Yes)
Ki, Sung Yueng (No)
Larsson, Sebastian Bengt Ulf (Yes)
Mannone, Vito (Yes)
O'Shea, John Francis (Yes)
Roberge, Valentin (No)
Vaughan, David Owen (Yes)
Westwood, Keiren (Yes)
Under-21 players (Contract and Scholars)
Agnew, Liam John
Ba, El Hadji
Beadling, Thomas
Blinco, Jordan William
Burke, Peter
Cartwright, Andrew
Colquhoun, Ross
Dixon, Joel Stephen
Egan, John
Ellison, Ryan
Ferguson, David Lee
Gooch, Lynden Jack
Greenwood, Rees
Harrison, Scott Nathan
Holland, Ross Kieran
Honeyman, George Christopher
Karlsson, David Moberg
Knott, Billy Steven
Laidler, Jordan Lee
Laing, Louis Mark
Lawson, Carl
Ledger, Michael
Lynch, Craig Thomas
Mandron, Mikael
Marrs, Liam
Mavrias, Charalampos
McCarthy, Steven Brian
McEvoy, Dylan James
McNamee, Thomas Gerard
Mitchell, Adam
Oliver, Connor
Pickford, Jordan Lee
Robson, Ethan
Robson, Thomas
Rodriguez Gorrin, Alejandro
Smith, Martin
Stinson, James Michael
Stryjek, Maksymilian
Sukar, Jassem Mohamed
Talbot, James
Watmore, Duncan Ian
Watson, Jordan
Wickham, Connor Neil Ralph
FA chairman Greg Dyke ‘alarmed’ by Sunderland’s transfer signing
Dyke also known as the man who binned Doctor Who from tv in 1989 and World of Sport's ITV Wrestling show.
FA chairman Greg Dyke has raised concerns about the high number of international signings at Sunderland this year.
Dyke cited Sunderland – who have signed 14 players this summer but only one of them English – in reiterating concerns about the level of English players in the Premier League.
“No-one can argue that the overall trend isn’t anything but alarming,” Dyke said.
“Last season the number of English players under the age of 21 who appeared in the Premier League filled only 2.3 per cent of the total number of minutes played. Only 35 English players under the age of 21 made appearances.
“This summer only 25 per cent of all new signings by Premier League clubs were qualified to play for England.
“Last weekend only 65 English players started in the Premier League with another 14 coming on as substitutes.”
The former BBC Director General gave Sunderland as an example as he told journalists he intends to have Premier League representation on the commission he will set up in a bid to find a solution to the declining numbers of English players in the top flight.
Dyke has expressed severe concerns about the state of the national game.
He is worried that, if the present trend of top-flight clubs to bring in overseas players is not addressed, England can forget about ever being competitive on the international stage.
Yet, because the FA has such limited power - Dyke recalled one recent request from a club to have a player released from a development team because he was required for first-team duty only to fail even to get on the bench - the Premier League will have to be on board for any changes to take effect.
“If we are to have any chance of success it’s important that football as a whole recognises the problem and buys into the possible radical solutions,” Dyke said.
“That is why I have invited the chairmen of both the Premier League and the Football League to join the commission along with the chairmen of the League Managers’ Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association.”
Dyke also wants input from managers, players, academics and even journalists in the search for solutions.
However, even from his own brief investigations, he is acutely aware how complex the issue is going to be.
“Some say it’s because English kids are not good enough. That technically they don’t learn enough when they are young,” Dyke said.
“Others say we haven’t got enough coaches trained to a high enough level.
“Some of the youth team coaches I have met argue we do have the kids with potential but not enough of them get a chance in the Premier League because it’s easier to sign someone from overseas.
“Then there are others who say the problem is caused by the owners of Premier League clubs being so impatient for success that no manager will put his job on the line by taking a chance on English kids.
“Another explanation put forward by a lot of people is that it is cheaper to sign overseas players.
“Others argue that if your top league is largely foreign owned with foreign managers why should those in control care about developing the England team?”
Evidently, though, the subject is worth exploring for England’s benefit because the figures are stark.
“Twenty years ago 69 per cent of all the players starting matches in the Premier League were qualified to play for England,” he said.
“Ten years later that figure was down to 38 per cent. Last season it was 32 per cent.
Dyke also gave the example of Wigan, who won the FA Cup with only one Englishman in their starting line-up.
The issue is not unique to England. The other major league also have diminishing numbers of home-grown players.
However, what England do not have are exports, with Roy Hodgson’s squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier with Moldova drawn exclusively from the Premier League - with one exception in Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
“We are not Belgium or Holland where most of their top players are playing abroad or even France, Spain or Italy who are now frequently exporting significant numbers of players,” Dyke said.
“Almost uniquely amongst the top footballing nations, virtually all of our top players are playing in their home league so if the best of our emerging young players can’t get a game here it means we do have a serious problem.”
Which team should I pick? compares the NFL with Sunderland AFC in the Premier League.
Sunderland – Miami Dolphins
Paolo Di Canio went crazy in the transfer window, bringing in 14 new faces to the Stadium of Light. In their desperation to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Miami spent big in free agency too with nine additions, among them Mike Wallace on a $60million deal.
Or New York Jets
The latest chapter of the Jets saga sees three potential starters at quarterbacks on the roster (Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith - who boldly predicted a playoff appearance after being booed at the draft - and Brady Quinn). Coach Rex Ryan is a tinder box and and a sub-editor's dream - as is the equally combustible Signor Di Canio.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio tells his foreign players to learn English
The message is clear from Di Canio, his foreign signings must learn the language and integrate as a team
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has ordered his foreign legion to speak English.
The Italian signed 14 players in the transfer window – 13 of them hailing from overseas.
And in the week that FA chairman Greg Dyke raised concerns about the number of foreigners signed by Sunderland, Di Canio insisted there will be no cliques.
The Black Cats’ head coach said: “If we are a united group, we can achieve a lot more and, for that reason, we have to mix and share as much as possible.
“It’s only natural that players who speak the same language will want to talk in that language.
“But as a group we must speak English and it’s important the players who do not speak English learn as quickly as possible.
“I will make sure we get that togetherness and not split up into little groups.” And in a swipe at predecessor Martin O’Neill, Di Canio added: “Before and after training we now spend more time together.
“We don’t arrive at the last minute and leave at the first opportunity anymore.
“We stay and talk – English with French, Irish with Swedish and so on – and we’re working hard to create the best environment.”
“There are many different languages, but the difficulty is not on the pitch – where players understand and communicate through body language – it’s about getting that togetherness off the pitch.
“But that is coming and we will continue to work on it because it’s important.
“I’m lucky that our new signings are all intelligent people and they are joining intelligent players at the club.
“We’re spending a lot of time in each other’s company, so that we can build confidence in each other.’’
Sunderland U18s 4 - Fulham U18s 4: Smith spot on, at the double
Sunderland Under-18s shared the spoils with Fulham in an eight-goal Barclays U18 Premier League classic at the Academy of Light today.
Sunderland were 3-2 up only to see the Londoners rally for a 4-3 lead, but Martin Smith’s second successful penalty of the match made it all square.
Smith’s double was backed by goals from Dylan McEvoy and a brilliant strike from Lyndon Gooch, but Sunderland still needed a fine save by Peter Burke in the last minute to ensure a point.
Fulham’s Under-18s played out a 4-4 draw away to Sunderland on Saturday morning.
The Whites fell behind in the third minute but George Williams levelled the scores just before the half-hour mark when he finished off a good team move.
Almost immediately, however, Sunderland were back in front, scoring from the penalty spot after Noe Baba had fouled a Black Cats player in the box.
Seven minutes later it was 3-1 to the hosts after a good individual goal, but Pat Roberts pulled one back just before half-time when he got in behind the Sunderland defence and slotted home.
Steve Wigley changed things around at the break, with Foday Nabay replacing Wesley McDonald in a move that saw Emerson Hyndman pushed further forward.
And the switch paid off as Fulham made it 3-3 five minutes after the restart, Moussa Dembele finishing off a fluid passing move.
Five minutes later Fulham were in front for the first time in the game when Roberts grabbed his second and the Whites saw chances to increase their lead squandered by a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
And those misses came back to haunt Fulham as Sunderland snatched a point with five minutes remaining. A long ball forward saw a Black Cats player beat the offside trap before being brought down by the onrushing Marek Rodak. The Black Cats then scored the subsequent spot-kick to ensure a share of the spoils.
Sunderland fought back to share the points against Fulham in a tremendous eight-goal thriller at the Academy of Light.
Ahead by two goals at one stage, their resolve was tested to the full as the Londoners recovered to take a 4-3 lead. However, Sunderland finally levelled to deservedly draw a game which could have gone either way.
The home side were ahead after only three minutes when Martin Smith, who shone throughout, let fly from twenty yards with a shot Fulham keeper Marek Rodak could only parry - Dylan McEvoy came in at the far post to score easily.
The lead was nearly doubled when Gooch centred accurately for McEvoy to hit a fierce volley which was tipped over by Rodak.
On 29 minutes Fulham levelled when Sunderland keeper Peter Burke could only push a poor defensive back-header into the path of Fulham's George Williams, who tapped home.
But the hosts hit back immediately with Gooch being brought down and Smith making no mistake with a spot kick.
Four minutes later, the lead was increased when Gooch scored the goal of the match, cutting in from the right to crash home a left footed strike into the far top corner.
It was unfortunate for Sunderland when Fulham reduced the deficit with Pat Roberts scoring easily from Moussa Dembele's lay off minutes before half time.
Seven minutes after the break it was Dembele who scored from close range to level, but shortly afterwards only a brilliant save by Rodak prevented Smith from putting the Wearsiders back in front.
However, it was the Cottagers who were the ones to go ahead with Pat Roberts grabbing his second after a good run down the right.
Fulham now threatened to cut loose with the Sunderland defence in danger of being overrun.
But the hosts showed great determination to come back with McEvoy bringing another super save from Rodak.
They got their reward when sub James Stinson was brought down inside the area and Smith again showed no nerves in banging home his second penalty of the match.
Only a magnificent save in the last minute by keeper Burke preserved Sunderland's hard-won point but it would have been a great injustice for the young Black Cats to have emerged unrewarded from this exciting match.
Coach Carlton Fairweather said afterwards: "We did really well building from the Arsenal game last week. We scored good counter-attacking goals but gave away some silly goals as well, but we battled on to take a point."
Sunderland: Burke, Ellison, Colquhoun, J Robson, T Robson (Lowery, 82), E Robson (Stinson, 71), Greenwood, Smith, Wright, McEvoy, Gooch.
Shocked N’Diaye will wait to decide long-term future after Sunderland loan exit
ALFRED N’DIAYE plans to wait until next summer to decide his future after being taken aback by Sunderland’s decision to allow him to leave.
N’Diaye moved to Turkish side Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan in July, just six months after arriving at the Stadium of Light in a £3.8million deal from Bursaspor.
The Football Echo understands that N’Diaye was given little explanation for Sunderland’s decision to offload him after what had seemed a promising start to his Black Cats career. The 23-year-old is now keeping his options open over his long-term future after making his Eskisehirspor debut last weekend.
Although there is a clause in the loan deal to convert it into a permanent move – as is the case with all overseas loans – N’Diaye isn’t necessarily accepting that his long-term future lies in Turkey.
N’Diaye will see what the season brings for him before deciding on the best move next summer.
A source close to N’Diaye said: “It was a surprise when Alfred was told that he wasn’t part of Paolo Di Canio’s plans at Sunderland. He was enjoying himself there and the fans seemed to like him.
“But he knew the coach at Eskiehirspor from his time at Bursaspor, so it was a good move for him. It doesn’t mean he will stay there next summer.
“He will see how he progresses over the season and then make a decision.”
N’Diaye had started 15 out of 17 Premier League games since being brought to the Stadium of Light by Martin O’Neill and seemed to have adapted well to English football by the end of the campaign.
But Di Canio opted to part company with N’Diaye and has added to his central midfield options with the summer captures of El-Hadji Ba, Cabral and Ki Sung-Yueng.
N’Diaye has denied that he had a bust-up with Di Canio though and claimed last month that he returned to Turkey to play regular first-team football.
“There was no problem with the coach,” said N’Diaye. “We talked about my expectations because I need playing time. I’m at an age where I need to play, so it was agreed to my loan and I chose Turkey.
“After the half-season I spent at Sunderland, starting on the bench was not what I wanted.
“I am only 23, but you must play every week to progress. I could have stayed at Sunderland, but I preferred the loan.”
SUNDERLAND’S new Italian left-back Andrea Dossena was so keen to move to the club that he agreed a 50 per cent cut in wages until such time as he is fit and available for selection again.
The Black Cats’ 14th and last signing of the transfer window, has a thigh injury which scuppered an earlier move to Torino this summer but which is not expected to sideline him for long.
And as a sign of good faith, the ex-Liverpool defender - surplus to requirements at Rafa Benitez’s Napoli - agreed to slash his wages until he is fit again.
The injury means that Sunderland will continue to struggle for left-back cover for Jack Colback during Dossena’s absence, although another new signing, right-back Ondrej Celustka can play there if required.
But Dossena’s representatives were keen to point out that Sunderland should be waiting only a matter of weeks before the Italian is ready to go again.
Dossena’s agent Roberto La Florio revealed: “In good faith during the Torino medical Andrea said that he felt pain and the club doctors looked deeper, finding a one centimetre lesion in the quadricep.
“At that point they took a step back, because he wouldn’t be ready for three to four weeks and Torino needed someone straight away.
“We found the Sunderland option, had a meeting and they said the lesion will take four to five weeks to recover from, so they decided to sign him anyway.”
Having agreed the move back to the Premier League, Dossena plans to set his sights on challenging Colback for the left-back place as soon as possible, determined to show he can be a valuable squad player for the Black Cats.
But he is not expected to be in contention until the end of the month and will miss the league games against Arsenal, West Brom and Liverpool as well as the Capital One Cup third round tie against Peterborough.
SKY pundit Gary Neville claims the one thing the transfer windows tends to do, is show which are the poorly run clubs.
It was a statement which threatened to come back and bite the former Red Devil before his old club managed to bag Marouane Fellaini on transfer deadline day.
Up until then, Manchester United had signed only £2.5million left-back Guillermo Varela all summer and even with the Evertonian’s acquisition, several have branded the Old Trafford club’s first transfer window under David Moyes as an embarrassment at best, and a disaster at worst.
Not as many as have criticised Newcastle United’s window mind you – the only club not to have spent money on signing a senior player permanently all summer, much to the anguish of the club’s followers.
How much that comes back to hurt the Magpies, if at all, remains to be seen.
But Neville’s barb was intended mainly for those clubs which buy in quantity and, under that criteria, Sunderland certainly comes firmly into view.
An analysis of the clubs which made the most signings this summer reads like a Who’s Who of the clubs being tipped to appear in the relegation shake-up this season: Crystal Palace, Hull City, Cardiff City, Swansea, Sunderland, Fulham, West Brom and Norwich City.
The newly-promoted clubs can be expected to bring in a whole raft of signings as they look to bridge the gap between one division and another.
But it is a strategy just as high a risk for established clubs to undergo a “revolution” which could destabilise a club.
Sunderland’s case is particularly high risk.
The club finished fourth bottom in the Premier League in 2012/13 and while no one would argue that something of a clear-out was needed, no one was thinking in terms of the three of their best four players last term – Player of the Season Simon Mignolet, Stephane Sessegnon and Danny Rose – all leaving.
If you are going to progress, the accepted wisdom is that you keep your best players and build a new team around them.
The fourth player, Steven Fletcher, remains and his value was underlined when he returned last week from a five-month absence to become the only Sunderland striker to score in the club’s opening three league games.
In the departing players’ place have come 14 new signings, 13 of them foreign, and only half of whom could be regarded as first-team starters – Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini, Emanuele Giaccherini, Cabral, Ki Sung-Yeung, Modibo Diakite and, maybe, Vito Mannone.
Early signs have not been promising for the newly remodelled side, with one point taken from nine in games against Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.
The next trio of matches will bring Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal to Wearside, followed by a trip to The Hawthorns for Sessegnon’s Baggies home debut and then the return of Mignolet with in-form Liverpool.
It’s a scary prospect.
But it is not one to daunt Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio, who is utterly convinced that his revolutionised Sunderland will start picking up points and plaudits in the weeks and months ahead.
All that Sunderland fans can do is hope that their charismatic, super-confident leader is correct.
Otherwise, after the next three games have been played out, it would be no surprise to see Gary Neville, after the Sky-televised game against Liverpool, talking about the folly of clubs which make too many changes, too quickly and buy in too many foreign players.
All we can do on Wearside – from owner Ellis Short downwards – is wait and see.
But one person at least will be convinced that Sunderland’s future is in safe hands – for Di Canio would say he has been here before.
At Swindon, the Italian endured a similarly sluggish start before seeing his methods vindicated and his side kick into the highest gear to win promotion.
He has been at Sunderland riding a torrent of negative criticism on his appointment before going on to pull the Black Cats out of a nosedive and keep them in the Premier League.
In the same context, he will feel certain that he can prove himself this time again.
He may well be right.
But what seems clear already is that, if he is going to have any success this season, there’s every chance he’ll have to weather the mightiest of storms before steering the club into more appealing waters.
All for one and one for all says Sunderland’s Di Canio
PAOLO Di Canio has promised he will not allow cliques to develop in his newly-assembled League of Nations squad.
In a week in which the number of foreigners at Premier League clubs came under fire from Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, the Sunderland head coach admitting that blending his squad into a tight-knit group remained one of his top priorities.
And the Italian will face the biggest challenge of all the Premier League managers, now that Sunderland have more nationalities in their squad than any other club in the league.
He said: “It is obvious to me that how well we do this season will depend to some extent upon how tight a unit we are as a squad.
“If we are a united group we can achieve a lot more and for that reason we have to mix and share as much as possible.
“Obviously it is going to be difficult because there has been so much change in our club but this was change that needed to happen and now we have to deal with the new situation.
“We have done a lot in terms of getting players to share rooms and mix together at the same table.
“And we will do more.
“It is only natural that players who speak the same language will want to speak that language and that’s OK.
“But together as a group of players we must speak English and it is important that the players who do not speak English learn as quickly as possible.”
Di Canio says that while he is looking for the team to gel on the pitch, just as great a challenge lies in getting them to bond completely off it.
He said: “There are many different languages but the difficulty is not on the pitch - where players understand and communicate through body language - it is about getting that togetherness off the pitch.
“But that is coming and we will continue to work on it because it is important.
“I’m lucky that our new signings are all intelligent people and they are joining intelligent players already at the club and we are spending a lot of time in each other’s company so that we can build confidence in each other.
“These are the early stages, these are the things you have to work on.
“It is hard work, it takes time, but it will come and I will make sure that we get that togetherness and not split up into little groups.
“Before and after training we now spend more time together.
“We don’t arrive at the last minute and leave at the first opportunity any more.
“We stay and we talk - English with French, Irish with Sweden and so on - and we are working hard to create the best environment we can.”
O'Shea can deal with Di Canio criticism, says fellow Black Cat Larsson
Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson says captain John O’Shea will be able to deal with manager Paolo Di Canio’s stunning criticism of him last week.
The Sunderland boss singled out the Republic of Ireland international after he was sent off in the defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Di Canio was also very critical of South Korea striker Ji Dong-Won after he pulled out of a diving header in the first-half.
Ji, who was subject of a £5million bid from Borussia Dortmund in July, which was rejected by Sunderland, was made the scapegoat for his side’s latest loss. He was substituted at half-time and Di Canio claimed he had 'no heart' after the 3-1 defeat.
But having made O’Shea his skipper, after ostracising Lee Cattermole during the summer, his attack on the former Manchester United defender was unexpected.
Sunderland team-mate Larsson, in Dublin to face O’Shea and the Republic of Ireland, said the centre-back has the experience to deal with Di Canio’s unusual methods.
Larsson said: 'He’ll cope with that fine. He’s been about long enough and he’s a strong enough character not to be affected at all.'
Former Arsenal and Birmingham City midfielder Larsson will come face-to-face with former team-mate James McClean, who quit the Stadium of Light and Di Canio, to join Wigan last month.
The former Derry City wideman was a surprise choice to fill in for injured Aiden McGeady when Giovanni Trapattoni named his side at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday.
McClean gets the nod ahead of Robbie Brady and Anthony Pilkington, largely on the basis of an impressive performance in Stockholm in the reverse fixture last season.
And Larsson added: 'Obviously, I know a fair bit of him having played with him for quite a while. For me, it's not a massive surprise that he's starting.
'He's a very talented player who can offer something different to a lot of other players. I thought he had a good game when we played in Stockholm and he's obviously one we need to keep our eye on.
'He's got a no-fear attitude - at least that's the James that I knew when he broke through at Sunderland.
'He tries things, he goes for it, he's got a good left foot and he's not afraid to make a mistake. Not all players have got that.'
Sunderland And Newcastle United International Round-Up
A selected round-up of the Tyne and Wear players involved in matches for national sides all over the world.
Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan played 85 minutes for Wales in their 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat in Macedonia. Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett was an unused substitute alongside the world's most expensive player Gareth Bale.
Sunderland captain John O’Shea played the whole game for the Republic of Ireland while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood was an unused sub in the 2-1 home World Cup qualifier defeat to Sweden. Midfielder Seb Larsson played the whole game for Sweden.
Newcastle defender Shane Ferguson, currently on loan at Birmingham City, started at left-back and played 76 minutes for Northern Ireland in their 4-2 World Cup Qualifying defeat to Portugal.
Newcatsle had two players in the France squad for their 0-0 World Cup qualifier in Georgia. Midfielder Moussa Sissoko played the whole game for France while Mathieu Debuchy was an unused sub. Midfielder Yohan Cabaye missed out on selection totally.
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore came off the bench to replace Fabian Johnson on 71 minutes but could do nothing to stop them losing in their own World Cup qualifier 3-1 in Costa Rica.
Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini played only six minutes for Italy as he replaced Lorenzo Insigne on 84 minutes for Italy as they beat Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier.
Finally, Sunderland striker Ji Dong-won started and played the first half for South Korea as they beat Haiti 4-1 in a friendly. Ji was subbed at half time for Koo Ja-Cheol.
Phil Bardsley: Sunderland lift suspension after he apologises
Sunderland have lifted Phil Bardsley's suspension after he apologised for mocking their Premier League defeat by Fulham on social media site Instagram.
After the Black Cats' 1-0 home loss to Martin Jol's men in their first match of the season, Bardsley wrote: "Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!"
The 28-year-old defender had been linked with a move to the Cottagers, but missed the game with a broken foot.
He was subsequently suspended and says he made "a serious error of judgement".
Former Manchester United trainee Bardsley, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light in November 2010, said in a statement: "I would like to apologise to the club and supporters for my comments made on social media. I understand how they may have been interpreted.
"I accept the punishment that has been handed to me by the football club and will now focus my attention and efforts on rehabilitation and regaining my fitness."
The Scotland international previously angered Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio in May, after being photographed in a casino.
Sunderland skipper O'Shea plays down Di Canio rift
The 32-year-old centre-back says the Italian manager rang him to apologise for comments he made to the media in the wake of his red card against Crystal Palace
John O'Shea has played down talk of a rift with Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio after the Italian publicly criticised his captain.
The Republic of Ireland international conceded a penalty and was shown a red card in the 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace last month, with his boss describing his actions as "terrible".
Di Canio's decision to name and shame his skipper in the immediate aftermath of the defeat led to reports that all was not well at the Stadium of Light, but O'Shea revealed that the Italian manager his since apologised.
"He rang me the next day and all is nice," said O'Shea. "Getting criticised is one of those things and that is his style of management.
"What he had to say to me is private but let me put it to you this way, it was him calling me.
"The criticism does not bother me in the slightest. It is water off a duck's back to someone like me.
"Because he is such a passionate man, everything he does is getting hyped up.
"The only thing I am annoyed about is the fact that I let the team down."
Sunderland have taken just one point from their opening three Premier League games and sit 19th in the table.
The combustible Italian believes the multi-national nature of the Premier League can help English players to develop, and defended his own summer transfer policy
Paolo Di Canio has hit out at claims by Football Association chairman Greg Dyke that foreigners are negatively affecting English football.
In a speech delivered on Thursday, Dyke stated that young English players were not developing properly because of too much competition for places from overseas players at Premier League clubs.
However, Sunderland manager Di Canio believes the influx of foreign talent has the opposite effect.
Di Canio - arrived in England as a player in 1997 with Sheffield Wednesday - also criticised English players for not having the correct mentality to adapt quickly enough to keep up with other nations.
"It can help raise standards in England, bringing fresh techniques and ideas," the Italian said. "I admire English football but it is obvious that the country has not done as well as it should have done in tournaments in the last few decades.
"If English players buy into different techniques and ideas, they will not go out of tournaments early.
"That is what I hope for, because there are positive foreign influences on the English game."
The Italian brought in 13 players to Sunderland during the most recent transfer window, but none were English.
However, the 45-year-old has defended his approach, insisting it was necessary to help the club move forward.
"This was change that needed to happen and now we have to deal with the new situation," he added.
"If we are a united group we can achieve a lot more and for that reason we have to mix and share as much as possible.
"Together as a group of players we must speak English and it is important that the players who do not speak English learn as quickly as possible."
The midfielder says he is looking forward to working with manager Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light and is keen to impress during his loan spell with the Black Cats
Ki Sung-Yueng is hoping to make his mark at Sunderland after joining the club on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City.
The 24-year-old midfielder moved to the Welsh side at the start of last season and despite making 29 Premier League appearances, found himself out of favour towards the end of the campaign.
However, the former Celtic man is confident Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio can help to revive his fortunes.
"He [Di Canio] has done interviews about me which gives me a lot of confidence and also when I was a kid, I saw him playing so I’m really looking forward to working with the great manager in this team," he told the club's official website.
"I did well I think last season, we won the [Capital One] Cup, and then we did well in the league but I want to play some games, I want to show my quality to people but I did not get my chance this year.
"So I had to move to the club who really need me, need my quality.
"There's always pressure for the new boys but I have to overcome that and I have to show why I am here, that is the main thing I have to do."
Paolo di Canio had another of his regular explosions after his Sunderland side lost 3-1 in a behind-closed-doors game against the club's Under-21 development team.
The Mirror reported di Canio organised the practice match to give his senior players a proper workout during the international break but that the exercise went horribly wrong.
The newspaper said that di Canio was "so incensed by the performance that he went over the game in detail afterwards and also told all the players not to mention the match had even happened".
The news broke on the day Sunderland captain John O'Shea said there was no issue between him and di Canio after the manager publicly criticised his captain following a defeat against Crystal Palace.
"He rang me the next day and all is nice," said O'Shea. "Getting criticised is one of those things and that is his style of management. What he had to say to me is private but let me put it to you this way, it was him calling me.
"The criticism does not bother me in the slightest. It is water off a duck's back to someone like me. Because he is such a passionate man, everything he does is getting hyped up."
Paolo Di Canio fuming as Sunderland's behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to reserve side is leaked
The Italian has only got a point from three games and now his first team lost to the Under-21s
Paolo di Canio is fuming with his Sunderland players – after they lost a closed-door game against the ‘kids’.
The fiery Italian planned the private practice match to give his senior stars 90 minutes under their belts during the international break.
Manager Di Canio had worked hard with the team after slamming them for losing at Crystal Palace, but the latest exercise backfired.
Sunderland’s ‘big team’ were well and truly beaten 3-1 by the Under-21 side that plays in the Premier League’s Professional Development League.
Di Canio was so incensed by the performance that he went over the game in detail afterwards – and also told all the players not to mention the match had even happened.
The manager has also been left with a decision to make on right-back Phil Bardsley, who is wanted on loan by Championship side Ipswich Town.
Bardsley, 28, who has no part to play in Di Canio’s plans, will make a loan switch next month when he has recovered from a broken foot that he suffered playing for Sunderland’s Under-21 side.
Bardsley has been out of favour with Di Canio since the build-up to the final game of last season at Tottenham.
He was told by the Italian that he would not play for the club again after he was pictured lying on a pile of £50 notes at a casino two days before the game at White Hart Lane.
Last week, he was allowed to return to the club and his suspension was lifted after issuing a public apology for joking about the Black Cats’ defeat at Fulham on the opening day of the season.
After Sunderland had lost 1-0 to the Cottagers, the Scotland international posted the comment: “Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!” on social media site Instagram.
Di Canio wary of Sunderland winger Giaccherini’s Italian trip
PAOLO Di Canio admits he’s fretful of the fitness of Sunderland players away on international duty, particularly winger Emanuele Giaccherini.
The Black Cats’ head coach has made it his mission to get his players super-fit this summer, but some are further behind the others – like Steven Fletcher, for example, who only returned to first-team football last weekend, and £6.8million signing Giaccherini, who linked up with Sunderland later than the rest of the squad.
Di Canio, who described Fletcher as “no more than 40 per cent fit” after the Scot’s goalscoring return against Crystal Palace, is delighted that Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has seen sense and not called up the 26-year-old for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Belgium.
It means that Sunderland can work constructively during the international break on improving the fitness of a striker whose form and fitness will prove pivotal to the outcome of the Wearsiders’ season.
But many of the current Sunderland squad are involved in internationals across Europe and the Italian says that he will be keen to see what condition they return in, especially Italy international Giaccherini, who he has described as little more than “65 per cent fit”.
Di Canio told the Echo: “The first thing you worry about, of course, is injuries – Fletcher himself has just returned from a long spell out with an injury he picked up on international duty.
“And so, as a coach, that is always something on your mind, but you are also a little concerned about players’ fitness too, because, often when players are away on international duty, they do not do a great amount of fitness work.
“That does not matter so much when it is later in the season and players are already very fit, but, at the start of the season, you can still be working on players.
“That, for us, includes Giaccherini.
“He is going to be a very important player for us and we need him to be fully fit, which he is not yet.
“He is improving all the time, but international duty might not be great for him because it is all about the matches themselves rather than the training side of things – if you do not play or do not start the matches – you can end up doing not much fitness work.
“In his case, I’m disappointed that we have not longer to work with him on our training ground.
“When he gets back we will examine his fitness levels, along with all the other players.
“You expect them to drop back a little, but hopefully not much because we need to get the very most out of our squad this season and fitness is a crucial part of it for us.”
JOZY Altidore is out of the United States’ World Cup qualifier against Mexico tomorrow night.
But the good news for Sunderland is that the striker is out through suspension rather than injury – and will be fit to face Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The 23-year-old received a yellow card in the dying stages of the USA’s 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica on Friday and that means he misses tomorrow’s game against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio.
The booking was a massive disappointment for USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who used Altidore as a 71st minute substitute after concerns over his fitness.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, though, will be delighted having expressed concerns about his players picking up knocks on international duty.
Altidore, who travelled to America with a tight hamstring which had ruled him out of Sunderland’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. will now be able to return to the Academy of Light this week to work on his fitness with a first outing in a Sunderland shirt as Steven Fletcher’s strike partner in prospect this weekend.
The Fletcher-Altidore partnership was always going to be the Sunderland boss’s first-choice strike force – and there is now every chance supporters will see it in action when Arsenal come to the Stadium of Light.
Juventus play down row after coach blasts Sunderland Giaccherini transfer
JUVENTUS expect coach Antonio Conte to remain with the Turin giants next season despite his displeasure over the club’s summer sales.
Conte recently voiced his discontent regarding the decision made by the Serie A champions to sell several top players in order to balance their books.
Italian midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini moved to Sunderland in July while striker Alessandro Matri joined AC Milan last month.
“His (Conte’s) comments regarding the transfer market were not controversial,” said Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta to Tuttosport. “We know him (Conte) well and we will hold on to him.”
Former Juventus midfielder and board member Pavel Nedved also brushed aside reports that Conte could leave the club next year.
“I think once in a while one blows off steam and says certain things,” Nedved said. “But I think there is great harmony between Antonio and the club.
“I see no problem.
“I don’t fear a separation at the end of the season.
“It is not right to face a new season where we have important challenges thinking that the coach could leave.
“We are aware that we are very strong and we can do very well in every competition.”
Juve have strengthened their attacking line with the arrivals of Angelo Ogbonna, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente this summer.
Conte, who took the reins of Juve in 2011, has led the Bianconeri to back-to-back Serie A titles.
Di Canio’s peace call to Sunderland captain O’Shea
JOHN O’Shea has revealed that Paolo Di Canio rang him to make peace after publicly criticising the Sunderland skipper in the wake of last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Republic of Ireland defender cost Sunderland dearly in the game at Selhurst Park when he conceded a penalty.
Red-carded for the offence, O’Shea saw the penalty converted and Palace go 2-1 up in what proved to be the pivotal moment of the game.
But it still raised eyebrows when Di Canio came out and publicly criticised his captain after the match.
“Terrible,” was the Sunderland head coach’s verdict on the captain’s mistake. “Absolutely poor, not acceptable.
“He has apologised after the game, but this is the second week in a row he has apologised for a mistake and he cannot keep doing it.”
It was hard-hitting stuff, but Di Canio made a point of ringing his captain to make sure there was no misunderstanding or risk of rift.
O’Shea, on Ireland duty ahead of tomorrow’s must-win World Cup qualifier in Austria, said: ‘He rang me the next day and all is nice.
“Getting criticised is one of those things and that is his style of management.
“What he had to say to me is private, but, let me put it to you this way, it was him calling me.”
And the 32-year-old centre-half, who begins his suspension for the dismissal against Arsenal this weekend, insists that there is not the slightest hint of any resentment on his part over Di Canio’s comments.
“The criticism does not bother me in the slightest,” he shrugged. “It is water off a duck’s back to someone like me.
“Because he is such a passionate man, everything he does is getting hyped up.
“The only thing I am annoyed about is the fact that I let the team down.
“We were getting back into the game so, you know, that was the frustrating part.”
Sunderland legend Niall Quinn calls for changes in Irish football
SUNDERLAND legend Niall Quinn has called for long-term investment in the Irish game if the Republic are to avoid being cast into the international wilderness.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s hopes of guiding the Republic to a second successive tournament finals were dealt a huge blow on Friday night when they lost 2-1 to Sweden in Dublin.
The defeat proved the final straw for many fans, who are desperate for the 74-year-old Italian to go before his contract expires in June next year.
Martin O’Neill, the man Quinn appointed as Sunderland manager in December 2011, is the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Trapattoni, but the former Ireland international striker believes more fundamental issues need to be addressed.
He said: “Money has to go into an elite academy. There needs to be a six-year programme put in place to get Ireland back up to the levels of 20 years ago, to when we could and did compete.
“At the moment, there’s a reliance on getting into the top Premier League clubs, but it’s just not happening.
“You think back to the great Irish players at Manchester United - Roy Keane, Paul McGrath - and at Liverpool.
“More recently, Damien Duff has been at Chelsea, Steve Finnan at Liverpool, Robbie Keane at Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but now those clubs, by and large, aren’t even taking young Irish players.
“The pool is so much smaller, so we have to deliver change ourselves. We have to make sure our players are better equipped and in better shape if and when they move to England.
“When Trapattoni started, he had Shay Given, Robbie, Damien, Richard Dunne and John O’Shea, players of real quality, and all of them at the peak of their careers.
“The next manager won’t and in some ways will be snookered before the off. If anybody thinks our problems will be solved simply by the appointment of a new man, then they need their heads examined.
“The reality is that we should expect a long time in the wilderness if we don’t realise that we have to prepare young players better for top-flight clubs, players who can hold their own in England.
“There needs to be a long-term plan and I would like to see the appointment of the next manager reflect that, to be someone who will buy into that and to be given time, without the threat of the sack.”
Trapattoni’s Ireland only just missed out on qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals when they went out at the hands - literally in Thierry Henry’s case - of France after a controversial play-off.
They did make it to Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, but returned swiftly without collecting a point from their three group games.
Given and Duff have since retired from international football and a new generation of players, including Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and James McClean, has been blooded.
However, qualification for next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil looks a remote possibility with just three games remaining, and Trapattoni’s critics are growing in both number and volume by the day.
Scotland boss relishing return of Sunderland’s Fletcher
SCOTLAND boss Gordon Strachan admits he is relishing the international return of Steven Fletcher, five months after the Sunderland striker was injured representing his country.
Strachan bowed to the good sense of not calling up the 26-year-old up for international duty in the current round of World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and Macedonia, with Fletcher (pictured) having only 45 minutes first-team football under his belt after returning from the ankle injury sustained against Wales in March.
But Strachan, who watched his side lose 2-0 to the impressive Belgians on Friday with Wolves striker Leigh Griffiths leading the line, is coveting the Sunderland forward’s return.
If Griffiths does not get the nod again, he is likely to turn to either Jamie Mackie or Ross McCormack for the lone striker’s slot against Macedonia, with McCormack the favourite following Jordan Rhodes’ withdrawal because of a hand injury.
But Fletcher continues to occupy Strachan’s thoughts.
“When Steven returns it will be a big boost,” he said. “There is absolutely no doubt of that.
“He is a top player and can play any system.
“Steven’s game all round is top-class.
“We have to try different people, but we are not blessed at the moment with strikers saying they must play.
“Jamie Mackie has only played a couple of games for Nottingham Forest and didn’t play much last year for QPR.
“You have Jordan, whose Blackburn team were fourth bottom of the Championship last year, and Leigh, who is in League One.
“You look at that and you think it is hard work to go from where they are playing to play against a team like Belgium.”
Scotland are bottom of their section and desperately need a boost in Macedonia tomorrow, if only to help their future seedings.
Rhodes and Charlie Adam (back) are out of the reckoning, while winger Robert Snodgrass is suspended.
Defender Steven Whittaker is desperate to get a result to match the Scots’ last away qualifier, a fine win in Croatia.
The Norwich man, an ex-Hibs team-mate of Fletcher, said: “Obviously Macedonia is going to be a tough game, but we believe we can go there and get a result and we have Croatia at home and hopefully again we can get momentum going into that game.
“We’ve played some good stuff the last few games, we are getting more positive and hopefully we can start creating chances and getting goals and results to match. We keep working to progress, we feel that we have done that under this new manager.”
Ex-Sunderland loan signing Alan Hutton is keeping Whittaker out of his usual right-back role for Scotland as he continues on the opposite side of defence.
“It is obviously not my favoured position, but if I am picked there I will try my best,” he said. “I always do that. It is not ideal being a right-footer on the left side of the park but I will adapt to that as best I can.”
Sunderland’s Di Canio ready to tackle tough spell head on
PAOLO Di Canio is unfazed by Sunderland’s poor start to the season and unperturbed by the difficult games ahead.
The Black Cats have made a worrying start to the campaign, taking only one point from nine in games against Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.
Now they face three difficult league games before September is out.
This Saturday, they are at home to high-flying Arsenal, who will have record signing Mezut Ozil available, they then face a tricky away trip to West Brom, where former hero Stephane Sessegnon will be making his home debut for the Baggies, before leaders Liverpool visit the Stadium of Light.
But while Sunderland fans have been left down in the mouth by a spell which has the club in the relegation zone after the opening few games, Di Canio himself has shrugged off the sluggish start.
“I wanted a good start to the season,” he told the Echo. “I wanted us to start really well, but I was not relying entirely on getting points from the opening three games.
“This is a long season and over the course of it, the potential of teams will come out and I believe that, as a squad, we have great potential.
“That won’t happen straight away though, the real potential of clubs will only start to emerge in November, December time, after 14 or 15 games.
“It might be more, it might be 20, but I’m sure that, by the end of the season, we will demonstrate our quality.
“I’m not worried. We wanted to make a great start but we will develop and we will improve.”
Di Canio says he and his team will also go into the next few games fully confident that they can pick up points on a regular basis.
He said: “There is no point in being a manager if you don’t think you can get something out of every game you go into.
“The games ahead will be very difficult, but I think, in some ways, our style might be better suited to teams that are coming at us and therefore give us a chance to attack and create goalscoring chances of our own.”
Di Canio set to add extra spice to Harper testimonial as Sunderland boss is called up to Milan Glorie team to take on Newcastle legends
Back in April, Paolo di Canio hardly endeared himself to the St James' Park faithful by celebrating wildly on the touchline as his Sunderland team beat Newcastle 3-0.
And so the Italian will be guaranteed a hot reception if he returns as a player in Steve Harper's testimonial.
Di Canio, 45, has been announced as a late call-up to the Milan 'Glorie' squad and could take on a team of Newcastle players past and present in the fundraiser on Wednesday.
He would line up alongside other Rossoneri legends Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta in the match against Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla and other Magpies favourites.
Azzuri, Baresi's representatives in England, tweeted: 'Azzuri would like to announce Paolo di Canio will play in Milan Glorie team in Steve harpers charity match 11 September @NU_Foundation.'
Harper then retweeted the message through his own Twitter account.
Di Canio, who played for Milan between 1994 and 1996, making 37 league appearances, led Sunderland to their first victory at St James in over a decade back in April.
All proceeds from the game will be split between the Newcastle United Foundation, the Great North Children's Hospital and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Goalkeeper Harper retired earlier this year after two decades at St James' Park, during which time he made 199 appearances.
HE TWO SQUADS IN FULL
Steve Harper's Newcastle XI
Goalkeepers: Steve Harper, Pavel Srnicek, Shay Given
Defenders: John Beresford, Olivier Bernard, Nikos Dabizas, Brian Kilcline, Darren Peacock, Alessandro Pistone, Steve Watson
Midfielders: Joey Barton, Lee Bowyer, Nicky Butt, Lee Clark, Kieron Dyer, Ruel Fox, Keith Gillespie, David Ginola, Rob Lee, Liam O'Brien, Scott Sella-rs, Nolberto Solano, Steve Stone, Alan Thompson
Forwards: Tino Asprilla, Peter Beardsley, Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, Paul Kitson, Alan Shearer
Milan Glorie
Goalkeepers: Sebastiano Rossi, Massimo Taibi
Defenders: Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Roberto Favalli, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Mussi, Massimo Oddo, Giuseppe Pancaro, Pietro Vierchowod
Midfielders: Ibrahim Ba, Zvonimir Boban, Angelo Carbone, Federico Giunti, Christian Lantignotti, Gianluigi Lentini, Mark van Bommel
Forwards: Daniele Massaro, Christian Vieri, Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland v Newcastle United Match Kick Off Time Changed
The kick-off of the upcoming match between Sunderland and Newcastle United has been switched.
The Wear-Tyne derby will now kick off at 1:30pm on Sunday October 27.
The game will still be shown live on Sky Sports.
The last time the sides met, it was Paolo Di Canio's first time in charge of Sunderland at St. James' Park and Sunderland beat Newcastle United 3-0 thanks to goals from Stephane Sessegnon, Adam Johnson and David Vaughan.
It was the first time Sunderland had won at St. James' Park in over a decade.
The previous meeting at the Stadium of Light ended in a 1-1 draw after a late Demba Ba own-goal gave Sunderland a share of the points after Yohan Cabaye had scored the early opener for Newcastle.
Coming to a Championship ground near you - Hull, Sunderland and West Brom set for the drop
HULL CITY, Sunderland and West Brom fans be concerned - be very concerned - at least one of these clubs WILL be watching Championship football next season, according to these revealing stats.
Only Steve Bruce's Tigers have achieved victory out of the three sides so far this season, with a 1-0 home win over Norwich City.
Sunderland and West Brom are yet to record their first victory of the new campaign and remain rooted on only one point.
And according to OPTA stats, a team stuck in the relegation zone after three matches has always been relegated from the Premier League during the past decade.
Wolves found the going tough in 2003-04 and would remain in trouble throughout the season.
Dave Jones' side would slip back out of the Premier League after only one season finishing bottom.
In 2004-05 Crystal Palace would head straight back to the Championship finishing in 18th - their slow start to life amongst England's elite did not help.
Fast forward 12 months and Sunderland were heading out of the Premier League trap door - three defeats in their opening three fixtures set the tone for a season of struggle under Mick McCarthy.
Neil Warnock's Sheffield United failed to extend their stay in the top flight past one season.
A slow start which yielded only one point sent the Blades on their way back down to England's second tier.
Derby County and Birmingham City both found themselves in trouble after three matches - and there would be no escape as relegation followed in May.
Tony Mowbray's champions were sent packing in 2008-09 and a point in their opening set of fixtures - much like this year - set up a season of struggle which culminated in a 20th place finish.
Portsmouth suffered a terrible start to the 2009-10 campaign and would remain rooted at the bottom for the entirety of the season.
Avram Grant's West Ham opened with three losses against Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United - the next nine months would not get better for the Hammers, who were relegated with 33 points.
Blackburn emulated the Hammers start and under pressure manager Steve Kean failed to stop the rot with Rovers sinking out of the Premier League.
And finally last season QPR, fresh off the back of their 2011-12 escape, started poorly with a 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Swansea City.
Harry Redknapp, who replaced Mark Hughes at Loftus Road, was unable to provide another 'Harry Houdini' escape act with the R's sliding out of the division.
Watch out Hull, Sunderland and West Brom - one of you is heading for a season of struggle.
Rowell Report: Let battle commence at Sunderland vs. Arsenal
FOR the first time this season, Sunderland face one of the Premier League’s top clubs when Arsenal visit Wearside on Saturday.
A disappointing one point from the opening three fixtures, all against teams, who in all probability will be in the bottom half come May isn’t the sort of form you want to be taking into a game against a team of such quality.
Arsenal seem to have recovered well from an opening day home defeat to Aston Villa and have strengthened their team significantly with the signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
Arsene Wenger is often accused of being reluctant to spend big in the transfer market,but with the signing of Ozil, costing more than £40m, they have changed policy and perhaps made a statement of intent.
So Sunderland’s task on Saturday is a daunting one against a team who play attractive football and regard the ball as their own personal property.
The middle of the park, I feel, will be Sunderland’s biggest challenge, Arsenal are so strong there, with player comfortable on the ball and patient in their wait for the killer pass.
Paolo Di Canio will be weighing up all his options, both on his team selection and how he sets his team up tactically to face the Gunners.
Three new players, in Fabio Borini, Ki and Andrea Dossena, add to his options and I am hoping that Jozy Altidore and Craig Gardner, who both missed the last game with injuries, are fully recovered and will be available to the manager for selection.
I’m wondering if the manager will try to match Arsenal’s strength in the midfield area by changing the tactics he’s used so far.
Will he add another body in the middle, possibly at the expense of one of the strikers, to stop the risk of being over-run by the Gunners?
It would be maybe look like a negative move, jettisoning a front-man for a midfield player, but with three in the middle instead of two, this would allow Adam Johnson and Emanuele Giaccherini to operate further up the pitch and might suit them better.
Whatever tactics Di Canio goes for, it is still 11 v 11 and every game has its own unique challenges in the Premier League.
The manager will know that if he gets it right and the players respond and we can claim the scalp of Arsenal, it will give great confidence to the dressing room and send the morale of the fans into orbit.
Sunderland's Di Canio sticks the boot to Newcastle as 50,000 watch man of the moment Harper miss penalty in spotkick defeat to AC Milan
A crowd of over 50,000 turned up at St James' Park to witness a team of Newcastle legends lose on penalties to former AC Milan stars in Steve Harper's 20-year charity match.
The game, which raised money for three charities close to the former Toon keeper's heart, saw fan favourites including Alan Shearer, Shay Given, Nolberto Solano and David Ginola pulled on the black and white stripes one more time, while Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio was among those who turned out for Milan.
After the game finished 0-0, Harper was one of four Toon players to miss his spotkick as the visitors claimed a 2-1 penalty shootout victory.
Boys, 12, banned for Newcastle-Sunderland violence
Two 12-year-old boys retards have been banned from every football ground in the UK for their part in violence that followed Newcastle United's home game with Sunderland in April.
The boys admitted throwing missiles during trouble that marred the aftermath of Sunderland's 3-0 win.
They were handed into police by their parents after media reports on the disorder, Newcastle Youth Court heard.
The pair, who cannot be named, received three-year football banning orders.
District Judge Stephen Earl told them: "I hope you've got a television at home because you won't be going anywhere near a football match for a long time."
The boys, both from Newcastle, are banned from the city centre on match days and will have to surrender their passports whenever Newcastle or England play overseas.
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday Sept 14, 2013, kick-off 15.00 (BST).
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 15.00 BST.
TV: Highlights BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Sunderland (Possible, 4-4-2): Westwood; Celustka, Roberge, Diakité, Colback; Johnson, Cabral, Larson, Giaccherini; Altidore, Borini.
Out: Bardsley (foot), Brown (knee), Cattermole (match fitness), O'Shea (suspended).
Arsenal (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Ramsey, Wilshere; Walcott, Özil, Cazorla; Giroud.
Out: Rosicky (thigh), Sanogo (back), Vermaelen (back), Arteta (thigh), Podolski (hamstring), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diaby (both knee).
Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 2. R0 Y4.
Team News
Fabio Borini and Steven Fletcher could feature for Sunderland in Saturday's Premier League visit of Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
Former Liverpool forward Borini will be handed his debut while Fletcher is also pushing for his first start of the season after coming off the bench to score at Crystal Palace two weeks ago.
Jack Colback is expected to keep his place at left-back over another newcomer, Andrea Dossena, while John O'Shea is suspended after his sending-off at Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, record signing Mesut Ozil should make his Arsenal debut at Sunderland.
Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (thigh) is out following injury on international duty, as is France Under-21 forward Yaya Sanogo (back), but England duo Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are expected to feature along with Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
Defender Thomas Vermaelen (back) and midfielder Mikel Arteta (thigh) continue their rehabilitation, while forward Lukas Podolski (hamstring) is a longer-term absentee as are midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee).
Match Notes
Sunderland will be the less-than-glamorous venue for Mesut Özil’s first Premier League appearance, although while it would normally be tempting to suggest the German will be given a typically robust introduction to English football at the Stadium of Light, most of Paolo Di Canio’s side are also still finding their feet in a new league.
The Black Cats, who signed 14 new players over the summer, have had a poor start to the season and Arsenal are strong enough to expose any cracks in the home side’s make up.
Betting: Home 19-5, Away 8-11, Draw 13-5.
Stat of the game: In 24 Premier League games against Arsenal, Sunderland have won just three, most recently in November 2009.
Paolo Di Canio tells his Sunderland players to stop being shy and to communicate better
The Italian has told his foreigners that they need to stop worrying about their accents and just communicate in English
Paolo Di Canio has ordered his 14 new players to stop being so "shy" and to learn English quicker - with the basic words of defending being drummed in to the team in training this week.
It may seem astonishingly basic, but Di Canio has had to stop training to drill the words "Hold, drop, squeeze up, right shoulder, left shoulder," into his foreign stars.
He says too many are worried about their pronunciation and need to "communicate better".
Di Canio said: "There is no communication. No player that I can see who says 'squeeze up,' 'hold,' 'drop,' 'come close.' No-one. This is why I ask also for more British players, but it didn't happen for some reason.
"You tell me! After two months I still thinking about this... you can imagine! It's driving me crazy.
"For example in training a British player says you squeeze up, and the French or the Italian can't understand. I stop. I stop. I don't say the word I used. Italians, French, Ukrainian, no. We speak English because we are in England.
"We are a group of players who can only gel together more, speak more English, communication, then we are going to be OK.
"We knew before with 14 players, 11 or 12 foreigners, can be a problem. Shy, not sure about talking English because their pronunciation the other might make fun of.
"I ask, who's got the character to get close to the others? To explain. On the field, in training sessions, in the shower, in the bed, wherever they want. This can be the worst problem.
"We practise every day, we are going to be one of the best teams, forget the top six, the other teams we're going to be one of the best teams in terms of playing football for sure. Not tomorrow, not the day after, but in a few weeks' time you're going to see the team play more effective."
Adam Johnson has admitted that Di Canio's criticism could "kill" a player's confidence.
The Sunderland boss has defended his tactic of publicly hammering stars for mistakes, saying it is "natural selection" and only the strongest would react and improve.
Di Canio's side face Arsenal with just a point from three games, and the manager having won just twice in ten games in charge.
Winger Johnson says his team mates have to deal with criticism but admitted: "It could kill players confidence, but with other players it could inspire them. It is all about how you take it really. You might not even listen to it.
"You just have to accept he is the manager and get on with it. It depends on which type of player you are, and how you take it.
"You have to just get on with it and go with the manager's ways. We have seen in a few games where it has really worked. In others it hasn't, so he has to just stick with it. We need to do the best we can and start to pick up some points - and deal with criticism.
"My biggest critic is myself. If you don't know by my age - you don't need your dad to tell you. If you do I think you are struggling. There are always times when a manager is not happy. As a young lad you probably get more criticism because they want you to learn. That will always stand you in better stead for the future.
"You know when you have not done well, but getting told is still getting told. You are disappointed when you are back home after a poor game. Some nights you tend to go over the game again and again in your head. I have learned it is about the next game now. The sooner you forget the last game the better. You can't really dwell on the past."
Sunderland v Arsenal: Where to Watch Live, Preview and Team News
Mesut Ozil has reportedly fallen ill and missed training on Friday but the German was part of the team that travelled to Sunderland and is expected to make his Arsenal debut today.
Follow IB Times UK's LIVE minute by minute coverage of all the Premier League action here.
The spotlight will be on Mesut Ozil, when Arsenal visit the North East to take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Saturday. The Germany playmaker is in line to make his bow for the Gunners, after making a club-record £42.5m move from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day.
Mesut Ozil
Where to Follow Live
Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. There is no live television coverage of the match in the UK. Follow live updates of the game on BBC One and BBC One HD from 4.30pm and also on BBC Radio 5 Live. Watch the highlights of the match on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10.30pm.
Overview
Ozil has reportedly fallen ill and missed training on Friday but the 24-year-old was part of the team that travelled to Sunderland and is expected to make his Arsenal debut today, at least as a substitute. The midfielder's arrival has been touted as a massive coup for the Gunners by pundits and fans, as he is widely regarded as the best no.10 in the world at the moment.
Ozil spoke confidently of Arsenal's title chances at his unveiling on Thursday, while Arsene Wenger compared the German's arrival to the landmark signing Dennis Bergkamp back in 1995, which acted as the first step of the north London club's rise to the top under the French tactician.
However, Ozil is not the only player expected to make his bow in this clash. Sunderland have a midfield debutant of their own in Ki Sung-Yueng, the South Korea international loaned by Swansea City. Meanwhile, Italian striker Fabio Borini, also on a season-long loan, is set for his Black Cats debut as well, after joining from Liverpool on deadline day.
Arsenal have bounced back strongly from their defeat at home against Aston Villa in the season opener and are now on a fourth-match winning streak, capped by a 1-0 win over archrivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby just before the international break.
Mesut Ozil
Sunderland, on the other hand, got off to a disappointing start to the season, managing just one point from their first three League matches. Defeat at home against Fulham in the season opener and a draw against Southampton the following week, preceded a 3-1 loss away to newly promoted Crystal Palace, which has put Paolo Di Canio and his men under pressure to get a result today.
Arsenal beat Sunderland 1-0 in the same fixture last season, hanging on to a Santi Cazorla first-half goal, after Carl Jenkinson was sent off following the break.
What Players Say
Fabio Borini: "The headlines are going to be around Ozil, but that puts a little bit of pressure on them because they've got this new player who they've spent a lot on. There will obviously be a lot of hype around him. But maybe that will be good because no one will be focusing on us."
Bacary Sagna: "He [Ozil] is a quality player and we need players like him to come to Arsenal. Hopefully he can make the difference offensively. Now we are ready to go even further because we started the season quite well, except for the first game. We've done well until now so I'm looking forward to playing with him."
Form Guide
Sunderland
Last Five Games: (most recent first): L W D L L
Last Match: Crystal Palace 3 - 1 Sunderland
Arsenal
Last Five Games: (most recent first): W W W W L
Last Match: Arsenal 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
Team News
Sunderland captain John O'Shea serves a one-game ban, although the Irishman could be out for longer after injuring his ankle on international duty.
New signing Fabio Borini is in line for his debut, possibly partnering fit-again striker Steven Fletcher, who has not started a game since March.
New Arsenal signing Mesut Ozil missed Friday training, but may still replace the injured Tomas Rosicky.
Per Mertesacker misses out with illness, and Yaya Sanogo is not fit.
MATCH PREVIEW
Paolo Di Canio's appearance and every subsequent touch was unsurprisingly booed during his generous turnout for Steve Harper's testimonial match at St James' Park on Wednesday. Unless Sunderland's results improve quickly, it's a sound he might start hearing on home turf too.
One point from the first three games of the season is a miserable return so far, but a slow start shouldn't be wholly unexpected with so many new players brought in at once.
By the end of the transfer window the newcomers count stood at 14, with nine already having played a part. Two more are likely to be involved here, with Ki Sung-Yueng and Fabio Borini loaned in from Swansea and Liverpool respectively.
If they get their debuts against Arsenal they'll do well to upstage the new man in the Gunners ranks, with German midfield maestro Mesut Ozil set for his Premier League bow. At £42.5 million, Arsene Wenger's only major signing of the summer cost well over twice as much as all of Sunderland's put together!
His abilities are well known, as are his assist statistics over the last five years (see below), and there seems to be genuine disbelief amongst some at Arsenal that they've got him AND some at Real Madrid that he was allowed to leave.
Olivier Giroud - the club's only currently fit senior striker and in fine goalscoring form - must have a permanent grin at the thought of service from Ozil in addition to the help he already gets from Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott.
What a contrast to the Arsenal mood from just four weeks ago after their opening-day defeat to Aston Villa. What a difference a signing makes - even before he's played!
Sunderland's mood very much depends on how soon their signings can gel, and how well they tackle their next seven home league games - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Seven points would be magnificent.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Sunderland's only win in their last 19 league meetings with Arsenal came at the Stadium of Light in November 2009, when Darren Bent scored the decisive goal.
The Black Cats have only scored two first-half goals in the 24 Premier League meetings between the clubs and have never been ahead at the interval.
However, they did beat Arsenal 2-0 in the fifth round of the FA Cup in February 2012.
Sunderland
Sunderland's two Premier League goals this term have both been headers, meaning they have already matched their tally of headed goals in the 2012-13 season.
The Black Cats won two of their first three games under Paolo Di Canio, but since then have claimed three points from seven league matches (D3, L4).
They have won only two Premier League games at the Stadium of Light in 2013 (against West Ham in January and Everton in April).
After taking on Arsenal, Sunderland have home games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Last season the Black Cats collected five points from those corresponding seven fixtures.
Arsenal
The Gunners have won six successive Premier League away games for only the second time. It is their best form since winning their final eight away matches in the 2001-02 season.
Olivier Giroud has yet score a Premier League goal outside of London, with 12 of his 14 strikes netted at the Emirates Stadium.
Only Fulham (21) have allowed their opponents more shots on target in the Premier League this season than Arsenal (17).
The Gunners have conceded two goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season - as many as they let in during the entire 2012-13 season.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson
Mark Lawrenson
Football analyst
"Mesut Ozil is an outstanding piece of business for Arsenal. He is a similar signing to Dennis Bergkamp in terms of stature, it is that big for Arsenal. Just look at the noises coming out of Real Madrid - they can't believe they let Ozil go."
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Mesut Ozil debut against Sunderland plunged into doubt after midfielder misses Arsenal training due to illness
Team-mate Per Mertesacker also missed the session and has not travelled for the game at the Stadium of Light although Ozil could still feature
Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal debut has been plunged into doubt after both he and defender Per Mertesacker failed to take part in training today, with the latter not traveling to Sunderland ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture.
Arsenal completed the £42.5m signing of Ozil on transfer deadline day, smashing the club’s previous record as they looked to make a serious statement of their ambition this year.
Ozil is due to make his first appearance for the club when they take on Paolo Di Canio’s side at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, but after reporting for training earlier today feeling under the weather, he was instructed to sit out the session held in wet weather conditions at their London Colney base.
The 24-year-old German has travelled with the rest of the squad, although Wenger may choose to start him from the bench – if at all – as he looks to introduce him to the rigours of the Premier League.
Wenger did not mention that Ozil and Mertesacker had missed training earlier, and he still hopes that the attacking midfielder will feature against the Black Cats.
His hand could be forced through the thigh injury picked up by Tomas Rosicky that has ruled the Czech Republic captain out of this weekend’s clash, although both Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott are expected to start after Wenger confirmed they are fit following England’s match in Kiev on Tuesday.
Mertesacker also sat out the session, and is said to have stayed in London as the rest of the squad head north for the encounter. The Germany international scored for his country along with Ozil in the 3-0 victory over the Faroe Islands on Tuesday, but his absence will be felt by the Gunners defence.
Mertesacker has had an impressive start to the season having formed a reliable partnership with Laurent Koscielny in the run in to the last campaign, where the north London side went 10 matches unbeaten on their way to securing the final Champions League spot.
The news was slightly eased with Thomas Vermaelen’s return to fitness, although having missed the entire pre-season and start to the new campaign, there will be serious questions over if he is ready to feature. With Vermaelen’s history with injuries, Wenger will be concerned with throwing him straight into the starting line-up.
He could therefore choose to start Bacary Sagna alongside Koscielny and bring in Carl Jenkinson at right-back – a tactic he has utilised in previous years as well as in pre-season. Another option would be to start Mathieu Flamini at full-back, with the Italian returning to the Emirates towards the end of the transfer window.
Mark Lawrenson's Premier League predictions
Sunderland v Arsenal
I backed Sunderland to go down on the opening day of the season and I haven't seen anything so far to make me change my mind. Manager Paolo Di Canio has gone through so many players that nobody could tell you their best XI right now.
He criticised some of his players in public after the defeat at Crystal Palace, which I just don't get. In the dressing room that's fine, you can slaughter them all day long - but in public after the third game of the season? I don't understand it at all.
Di Canio added even more players on deadline day. Fabio Borini has come in from Liverpool, but he has got an awful lot to do to prove that he is cut out for the Premier League. He cost Reds boss Brendan Rodgers a lot of money but from what I've seen so far he can't handle it.
John O'Shea is suspended after he was sent off at Palace, and that won't help Sunderland either.
For Arsenal on the other hand, Mesut Ozil is an outstanding piece of business. He is a similar signing to Dennis Bergkamp in terms of stature - it is that big for Arsenal. Just look at the noises coming out of Real Madrid - they can't believe they let Ozil go.
I expect he will play just off Olivier Giroud but he's not a luxury number 10 - he will work his socks off for the team. Everyone knows how many chances and goals he will create and he has a great attitude to go with it.
At the start of the season, there was no way Arsenal could possibly challenge for the title. Now - with Ozil - I think they can. I don't think they will win it but they can mount a challenge.
Arsene Wenger also signed a goalkeeper, Emiliano Viviano, which is what they needed to put the pressure on Wojciech Szczesny. Things are looking good at last for Wenger.
Sunderland v Arsenal (15:00 BST)
BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan reports: "Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio makes five changes to the side that lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace before the international break. Ki Sung-yeung makes his debut after his loan move from Swansea, and Steven Fletcher is back in attack after a long lay-off and will be supported by Jozy Altidore. Fabio Borini is on the bench.
"Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil gets his first taste of Premier League football as he comes in for the injured Santi Cazorla, who is not in the squad. Mathieu Flamini replaces Tomas Rosicky and Bacary Sagna captains the side and will play instead of centre-back Per Mertesacker."
1514: HITS THE WOODWORK - Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
What a chance for Sunderland to equalise! Defender Modibo Diakite gets up at a corner to flash a header against the crossbar. Arsenal caught napping.
13:12 Modibo Diakite delivers the ball.
13:04 Corner from the left by-line taken by Charis Mavrias. 12:44 Charis Mavrias produces a cross.
12:43 Clearance by Bacary Sagna.
11:41 The ball is delivered by Adam Johnson.
10:14 Assist on the goal came from Mesut Ozil.
10:14 Goal scored
Goal! - Olivier Giroud - Sunderland 0 - 1 Arsenal
Olivier Giroud scores with their left foot. Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal.
1510: GOAL - Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal - Olivier Giroud
9:08 The ball is sent over by Carl Jenkinson. 8:11 Jack Colback manages to make a clearance.
7:39 Clearance made by Laurent Koscielny.
7:10 Laurent Koscielny restarts play with the free kick.
6:58 Laurent Koscielny fouled by Jozy Altidore, the ref awards a free kick.
5:14 Clearance made by Modibo Diakite.
5:06 David Vaughan manages to make a clearance.
5:04 The ball is crossed by Aaron Ramsey.
4:57 Clearance by Steven Fletcher.
4:50 Corner taken by Mesut Ozil from the left by-line.
4:07 Kieran Gibbs takes the free kick.
3:45 Foul by Modibo Diakite on Olivier Giroud, free kick awarded.
3:37 Bacary Sagna manages to make a clearance.
3:33 Clearance made by Carl Jenkinson.
3:31 The ball is swung over by David Vaughan.
3:23 Clearance made by Laurent Koscielny.
3:20 Centre by Steven Fletcher.
2:35 Free kick taken by Keiren Westwood.
1502:Sunderland 0-0 Arsenal
Mesut Ozil drifts over to the right flank in the opening exchanges as Jack Wilshere charges on through the middle of the defence before running out of grass. I imagine he'll be fairly flexible as the game wears on.
2:06 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jack Wilshere on Jack Colback. 0:56 Sung-Yeung Ki fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick. Mesut Ozil gets a block in. 0:12 Mathieu Flamini concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Fletcher. 0:00 The game gets underway.
Sunderland v Arsenal (15:00 BST)
Our first glimpse of Mesut Ozil in an Arsenal shirt, as he lurks at the back of the line. Adam Johnson skippers Sunderland today, can Paolo Di Canio's men shut the German playmaker out?
21:01 Free kick taken by Ondrej Celustka.
20:49 Modibo Diakite fouled by Olivier Giroud, the ref awards a free kick.
20:32 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.
19:58 Steven Fletcher fouled by Laurent Koscielny, the ref awards a free kick.
19:53 Corner from the left by-line taken by Mesut Ozil.
19:33 Clearance by Valentin Roberge.
19:30 Shot by Aaron Ramsey went wide of the right-hand upright. 18:43 Jack Colback manages to make a clearance. 18:03 Clearance made by Jack Colback.
17:31 Shot by Jozy Altidore. Wojciech Szczesny parries the effort to safety.
1521:Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light
Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
"Arsenal are breaking with pace and it is a very open game already. It's not going to finish 1-0 is it?"
16:44 Kieran Gibbs produces a cross.
1516: GREAT SAVE! - Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
Theo Walcott gets in behind the defence for Arsenal, but his shot is too close to Keiren Westwood and he is able to make the save. Jack Wilshere provided the pass, as Arsenal's midfield look to pick open that defence again.
14:19 Valentin Roberge manages to make a clearance.
14:14 Theo Walcott takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Keiren Westwood parries the effort to safety.
Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light
Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal - Olivier Giroud (11 mins)
"There was lots of space to Mesut Ozil to run in to and I didn't have any doubt he would make the right pass. It was another fine near-post finish by Olivier Giroud but I'm absolutely stunned by how open Sunderland were for the goal."
45:00 +1:20 Half time
Half Time The ref blows to end the first period.
45:00 +1:06 Olivier Giroud takes a shot. Blocked by Sung-Yeung Ki.
45:00 +1:01 Corner from the right by-line taken by Theo Walcott. 45:00 +0:14 Mesut Ozil takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Valentin Roberge gets a block in.
44:13 Laurent Koscielny takes the free kick.
44:03 The assistant referee signals for offside against Steven Fletcher.
43:39 Ondrej Celustka makes a clearance.
43:37 Jack Colback makes a clearance.
43:35 The ball is swung over by Carl Jenkinson.
43:11 Aaron Ramsey takes the free kick.
42:45 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sung-Yeung Ki on Olivier Giroud.
42:01 Header at goal by Theo Walcott goes right of the post. 41:53 Free kick taken by Aaron Ramsey.
41:17 Unfair challenge on Mesut Ozil by Sung-Yeung Ki results in a free kick.
40:27 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.
39:57 Aaron Ramsey challenges Adam Johnson unfairly and gives away a free kick.
39:48 Corner taken by Theo Walcott.
Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
"Ki Sung-yeung has hardly touched the ball yet in midfield but if Sunderland can get him on the ball, he can certainly create something."
39:22 The ball is swung over by Carl Jenkinson.
37:50 Mesut Ozil decides to take the corner short.
37:23 Clearance by Ondrej Celustka.
37:22 Kieran Gibbs crosses the ball.
34:24 Centre by Kieran Gibbs.
33:20 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball.
33:15 Bacary Sagna manages to make a clearance.
33:12 The ball is swung over by Adam Johnson.
Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
"Mesut Ozil just tried a slide-rule pass through about five or six Sunderland players and although it didn't come off I don't know many players in British football who would have even considered that pass. It won't be difficult for the Match of the Day guys to pick out some examples when they are analysing him tonight and I'm sure they will be."
33:20 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball.
33:15 Bacary Sagna manages to make a clearance.
33:12 The ball is swung over by Adam Johnson.
32:18 Laurent Koscielny manages to make a clearance.
31:15 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick. 30:50 Handball decision goes against Aaron Ramsey.
29:49 Clearance by Sung-Yeung Ki.
29:47 Theo Walcott crosses the ball in from the free kick.
29:17 Jack Wilshere fouled by David Vaughan, the ref awards a free kick.
28:51 The ball is swung over by Charis Mavrias.
28:35 Laurent Koscielny manages to make a clearance.
28:33 Steven Fletcher produces a cross.
28:23 Bacary Sagna makes a clearance.
GREAT SAVE! - Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
Theo Walcott once again finds himself clean through on goal after a clever pass from Mesut Ozil, but Kieran Westwood makes the stop. Arsenal turning the screw in search of a second goal.
26:41 Free kick taken by Carl Jenkinson.
26:30 Steven Fletcher gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mathieu Flamini.
25:34 Mesut Ozil has an effort direct from the free kick. Keiren Westwood blocks the ball.
24:46 Handball decision goes against Jozy Altidore.
22:45 Clearance by Bacary Sagna.
66:16 The ball is sent over by Mesut Ozil.
66:13 Clearance by Modibo Diakite.
66:10 Mesut Ozil crosses the ball.
65:56 Clearance made by Valentin Roberge.
65:54 Kieran Gibbs produces a cross.
65:48 The ball is swung over by Theo Walcott.
64:56 Clearance made by Jack Colback.
64:55 Kieran Gibbs sends in a cross.
64:02 The ball is swung over by Carl Jenkinson.
63:58 Modibo Diakite manages to make a clearance.
63:19 Adam Johnson takes a shot and went wide left of the target.
62:03 Mathieu Flamini makes a clearance.
62:00 Corner taken by Sung-Yeung Ki from the left by-line.
61:28 Adam Johnson takes a shot. Blocked by Mathieu Flamini. 60:56 Free kick taken by Mathieu Flamini.
60:53 Foul by Jozy Altidore on Mathieu Flamini, free kick awarded.
60:51 Wojciech Szczesny takes the free kick.
60:15 Sung-Yeung Ki is flagged offside by the assistant referee.
1625: GOAL - Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal - Aaron Ramsey
Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light
Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal
"I can't believe I'm saying this but it's Sunderland that look the more likely to score now. It has been an unbelievable turnaround."
1622: Garth Crooks, BBC Sport FINAL SCORE - Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal
"Koscielny giving the penalty away has given Sunderland the impetus, and they are going for it."
1619: HITS THE WOODWORK - Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal
How has this stayed out? Craig Gardner whips in a free-kick from deep, everyone leaves it including Wojciech Szczesny, and it pings back off the inside of the post and away. Ki Sung-yueng's comedy attempts to reach the loose ball were in vain as he was offside.
60:56 Free kick taken by Mathieu Flamini.
60:53 Foul by Jozy Altidore on Mathieu Flamini, free kick awarded.
60:51 Wojciech Szczesny takes the free kick.
60:15 Sung-Yeung Ki is flagged offside by the assistant referee.
59:36 Mathieu Flamini booked for unsporting behaviour. 59:29 Mathieu Flamini gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jozy Altidore.
58:35 The assistant referee flags for offside against Steven Fletcher.
57:29 The assistant referee signals for offside against Theo Walcott.
53:49 Craig Gardner has an effort at goal. Blocked by Aaron Ramsey.
53:40 Centre by Ondrej Celustka.
53:38 Laurent Koscielny manages to make a clearance.
53:37 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball.
51:55 Valentin Roberge makes a clearance.
51:52 Bacary Sagna takes the free kick.
1616: DISALLOWED GOAL - Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal
Sunderland have the ball in the net again - but Steven Fletcher is loitering offside as he bundles home Adam Johnson's cross. Arsenal suddenly look edgy.
51:55 Valentin Roberge makes a clearance.
51:52 Bacary Sagna takes the free kick.
51:23 Craig Gardner is booked.
51:17 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mesut Ozil by Craig Gardner.
51:10 Kieran Gibbs makes a clearance.
51:08 Corner from the left by-line taken by Charis Mavrias.
50:45 Charis Mavrias produces a cross.
50:44 Laurent Koscielny makes a clearance.
50:34 Clearance made by Adam Johnson.
50:32 Modibo Diakite makes a clearance.
50:29 Carl Jenkinson sends in a cross.
49:43 Modibo Diakite makes a clearance.
49:41 Corner taken by Theo Walcott from the right by-line.
Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal
"It's a fantastic start and exactly what Sunderland needed but I didn't think the danger would come from a very silly tackle from Laurent Koscielny. Theo Walcott will be thinking about all those chances he missed in the first half now."
47:57 Goal scored Goal! - Craig Gardner - Sunderland 1 - 1 Arsenal
Craig Gardner scores a penalty. Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal.
47:12 Laurent Koscielny gives away a Penalty for an unfair challenge on Adam Johnson.
47:07 Clearance by Kieran Gibbs.
47:00 Olivier Giroud makes a clearance.
46:57 Corner from the left by-line taken by Charis Mavrias. 46:40 Laurent Koscielny makes a clearance.
46:39 The ball is delivered by Ondrej Celustka.
46:07 Laurent Koscielny takes the free kick.
1606: GOAL - Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal - Craig Gardner
He's only been on the pitch for a few minutes, but Craig Gardner keeps his cool to steer the penalty into the net. From nowhere, Sunderland are level.
1605: PENALTY - Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
45:58 Unfair challenge on Laurent Koscielny by Jozy Altidore results in a free kick.
45:01 The referee blows the whistle to start the second half.
1601: SUBSTITUTION - Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
Modibo Diakite survived his half-time chat with Paolo Di Canio, he's out for the second half. I forgot to mention that Olivier Giroud's goal for Arsenal was his first outside of London.
Here's a change though, Craig Gardner on for David Vaughan for Sunderland.
1547: Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio will not like this one bit. Defender Modibo Diakite trots over to Mesut Ozil as the players leave the pitch and wants to swap shirts after that first-half display. Ozil just laughs at him.
I can't imagine that Arsene Wenger buys enough shirts for that to happen.
1628: DISALLOWED GOAL - Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal What's going on here then? Jozy Altidore has the ball in the net for Sunderland after wrestling with Bacary Sagna but referee Martin Atkinson has already blown up for a foul by Sagna on the edge of the box.
Play advantage man! Paolo Di Canio and his players cannot believe that.
1633: GOAL - Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal - Aaron Ramsey
1631: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
I would never like to predict Paolo Di Canio's movements but surely Craig Gardner will start the next game - he has been everywhere since he came on. His latest movements see him break past Laurent Koscielny to shoot across the face of goal as Sunderland push for this equaliser.
1632: Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live at Stadium of Light
Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
"The referee has got to let that go. He's panicked and put the whistle in his mouth but he should have let play carry on for a few seconds. There's an argument that Bacary Sagna should have been sent off anyway. Sunderland deserve something out of this game because they have been playing really well."
1629: Sunderland 1-2 [s]Arsenal[s]
Our snazzy new goal-line technology cameras were able to confirm that that Jozy Altidore shot was over the line before it could be cleared - the technology works, but the referee doesn't.
Why would you give a free-kick with a striker clean through on goal?
1653: FULL-TIME - Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal & Martin Atkinson
90:00 +4:59 Full time
Full Time
The referee blows for the end of the match. 90:00 +4:00 Wojciech Szczesny takes the free kick. 90:00 +3:30 The assistant referee flags for offside against Jozy Altidore. 90:00 +2:38 Strike on goal comes in from Craig Gardner from the free kick and goes over the bar.
90:00 +0:05 Thomas Vermaelen gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jozy Altidore.
89:38 Olivier Giroud takes a shot and missed to the right of the net.
88:59 Connor Wickham takes a shot. Wojciech Szczesny makes a block.
88:56 The ball is crossed by Adam Johnson.
88:01 Substitution
Nacho Monreal is brought on as a substitute for Theo Walcott. 87:30 Clearance made by Aaron Ramsey.
87:28 Ondrej Celustka sends in a cross.
86:48 The ball is crossed by Carl Jenkinson.
85:55 Fabio Borini has an effort at goal. Bacary Sagna gets a block in.
85:22 Jack Wilshere takes the free kick.
85:00 Sung-Yeung Ki gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jack Wilshere.
83:51 Valentin Roberge restarts play with the free kick.
83:36 Foul by Jack Wilshere on Connor Wickham, free kick awarded.
83:31 Aaron Ramsey restarts play with the free kick.
83:14 Modibo Diakite concedes a free kick for a foul on Olivier Giroud.
82:45 Header at goal by Connor Wickham misses to the right. 82:43 Jozy Altidore delivers the ball.
82:02 Header at goal by Jozy Altidore to the left of the net. 81:59 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson.
81:37 Shot by Fabio Borini. Blocked by Mathieu Flamini.
81:14 The ball is delivered by Theo Walcott.
1637: SUBSTITUTION - Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal
Not a bad debut for Mesut Ozil then - and he comes off to be replaced by Thomas Vermaelen. Like for like.
1637: SUBSTITUTION - Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal
Not a bad debut for Mesut Ozil then - and he comes off to be replaced by Thomas Vermaelen. Like for like.
Pradeep: The ref bottled it again at Sunderland .. goal and red card .. play the advantage.
Christopher Stephens: Truly terrible decision by Martin Atkinson - something he'll see again and wish he had back.
Conor McMeekin: So you can have all the technology of the day, refs still manage to ruin the game
1633: GOAL - Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal - Aaron Ramsey (76 mins)
You have to say that's quite magnificent! A vintage Arsenal goal started and finished by Aaron Ramsey, who is a new man this season!
Ramsey picks it up from deep, runs at the defence and plays the ball to Mesut Ozil, who works it on to Olivier Giroud. Giroud then threads the eye of the needle to play Ramsey in and he slots home at the near post.
One-touch stuff, pass, pass, pass, goal. Magic.
76:13 Fabio Borini takes a shot and went wide left of the net. 75:17 Olivier Giroud provided the assist for the goal.
75:17 Goal scored: Goal! - Aaron Ramsey - Sunderland 1 - 3 Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey scores with a right foot finish. Sunderland 1-3 [/s]Arsenal.
72:56 Craig Gardner takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target.
71:48 Ondrej Celustka manages to make a clearance.
71:02 Craig Gardner fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick which goes right of the net.
70:37 SubstitutioncCharis Mavrias leaves the field to be replaced by Fabio Borini.
70:05 Bacary Sagna booked.
70:05 Booking
66:47 The assist for the goal came from Carl Jenkinson.
66:47 Goal scored
Goal! - Aaron Ramsey - Sunderland 1 - 2 Arsenal
Aaron Ramsey scores a right footed goal. Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal. 66:35 Mesut Ozil decides to take a short corner.
66:20 Jack Colback makes a clearance.
66:19 Modibo Diakite makes a clearance.
66:18 Clearance by Jack Colback.
66:16 The ball is sent over by Mesut Ozil.
66:13 Clearance by Modibo Diakite.
66:10 Mesut Ozil crosses the ball.
65:56 Clearance made by Valentin Roberge.
65:54 Kieran Gibbs produces a cross.
Sunderland vs. Arsenal: Final score 1-3 in the Martin Atkinson horror show
New Arsenal signing Mesut Özil had a massive influence on the match instantly, assisting Olivier Giroud to put the Gunners ahead in the 11th minute. Off a long pass down the left flank, he took the ball down brilliantly with his first touch, then played a pass into the box through the legs of Valentin Roberge with his second. Giroud made a perfect near post run and finished to score his fourth goal of the season.
Sunderland nearly hit back instantly. Some poor marking on a corner allowed Mobido Diakite to find an opening and meet the ball with a header from six yards, but he hit the top of the crossbar.
The next few minutes were frantic, though nothing came out of them. Özil set up Walcott with a through ball in the 15th minute to send him one-on-one with Kieran Westwood, but Walcott put his shot right into the Sunderland keeper's chest. Three minutes later, Jozy Altidore tested Wojciech Szczesny with a shot from 25 yards, forcing him to punch away. The rest of the half was less frantic, but Walcott did have another good chance to score for Arsenal, missing a header from close range off a cross by Jack Wilshere in the 43rd minute.
Sunderland started the half with some incredible intensity, pouring men forward into the Arsenal box, and won a penalty in the 48th minute. Laurent Koscielny slid in late and behind on Adam Johnson, catching the Sunderland winger's leg and none of the ball. Craig Gardner buried the ensuing penalty, leveling the score.
The Gunners looked a bit rattled immediately after that and Sunderland continued to look like the better side through the hour mark. The hosts had a goal disallowed in the 59th minute, at the end of a very nice move. Johnson turned Kieran Gibbs inside-out before playing a ball to the back post that was tapped in by Steven Fletcher, but the Sunderland striker was well offside when the ball was played in. Two minutes later, Craig Gardner curled in a free kick from the left flank that struck the post. It would have counted if it went in directly, but multiple Sunderland attackers were offside and play was whistled dead when they attempted to capitalize on the rebound.
Not long after that, the tide turned and Arsenal settled down, beginning to take control of possession in the attacking half as they normally do. Once they started to play their game, it wasn't long before they were back on top. Aaron Ramsey restored the Gunners' lead in the 67th minute with a fabulous strike from just inside the penalty area, assisted by Carl Jenkinson, who found him with a low cutback pass. Ramsey took his shot on the half-volley perfectly, snapping a vicious shot past Westwood.
Altidore scored an equalizer for Sunderland in the 70th minute, but it was called back by Martin Atkinson following a serious error in judgment. He whistled for a foul on Bacary Sagna while Altidore was still fighting him off and in on goal, stopping the play before Altidore could nudge the ball over the line.
Sunderland wouldn't get a chance to score again and make up for that officiating error before Arsenal doubled their lead through a gorgeous piece of play in the 76th minute. Ramsey was the man behind the goal again, both starting the attack and finishing off the move. He played a pass to Özil before starting a run into the box and was found by Giroud with a through ball before he placed a gorgeous finish into the back of the net.
Through some combination of having no bench and wanting to shut things down at the end, Arsenal made a couple of defender-for-attacker subs and had no problem holding on to the 3-1 scoreline.
Aaron Ramsey scored twice as Arsenal & Martin Atkinson beat Sunderland in contentious circumstances.
Arsenal debutant Mesut Ozil set up Olivier Giroud for an early strike, with Craig Gardner equalising from the spot after the break.
But after Ramsey volleyed in, the game turned when Jozy Altidore was denied a goal after referee Martin Atkinson failed to play an advantage.
Ramsey scored a fine second to earn Arsenal's fifth consecutive win.
1659: PLAYER REACTION - Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal Arsenal goalscorer Aaron Ramsey on Mesut Ozil: "You've seen what he is all about slipping those balls in, he has one of highest assist-rates in Europe and he is going to create a lot of opportunities for us.
"I'm delighted to be on the scoresheet again. In the last few seasons I've been getting into right positions but maybe I've been lacking a bit of composure but I'm enjoying it now."
Sunderland hit back at FA chief Dyke for singling out their foreign recruitment policy
Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne has hit back at FA chairman Greg Dyke for his attack on the club’s transfer policy.
As revealed by Sportsmail, Byrne was 'absolutely furious' that Dyke had singled Sunderland out for criticism in his speech highlighting problems with the English game.
Sunderland signed only one Englishman of the 14 new additions made in the summer window. But Altrincham striker Duncan Watmore is not even in the first team squad.
But in her programme notes today Byrne said the English transfer market was ‘over-inflated’ and forced clubs to 'explore all options available'.
She wrote: 'I have to say I was very disappointed by some comments in Mr Dyke’s speech and in particular reference to Sunderland.
'I am sure that when Mr Dyke has had opportunity to speak with clubs and familiarise himself with the rigorous process involved with EPPP, he will become more knowledgeable as to the efforts we are making.
'All Premier League clubs (and indeed all clubs in England) want to develop players that can play for England. We are fully committed to developing young English talent, and our pledge to this was cemented from the moment we embarked on the Elite Player Performance Plan and indeed our significant capital investment into our indoor training facility last year.
'We hope players such as El Hadji Ba and David Moberg Karlsson will help our younger players to develop.
'We have signed a number of established players with the intention of them being involved at first team level immediately, but the wider picture is that we have committed to the playing squad as a whole, something that we recognise we need to do.
'Of course players have also left the club. Despite offers not being received or accepted until the latter end of the transfer window, the decision to buy or sell any player is not something that we do at the last minute.
'There were certain things we’ve been working on for a considerable period of time with a team of very experienced scouts. We have to look at the style of football Paolo wants to play and how any individual fits into that.
'In summary, we are pleased with the work we have done over the summer, both in terms of re-shaping the first team squad and the development squad too.
'We have achieved this in the light of this being the first year that we have financial constraints due to the new Premier League regulations.
'We have to make sure our wages cannot go above £52million and we also have to ensure we are reducing our losses each year in order to comply with the regulations it is a balancing act getting the books to balance and having the best tea, you can afford to have.
'We have given the tools to Paolo and now he needs the time to work.'
Meanwhile, manager Paolo Di Canio has insisted he did not apologise to skipper John O'Shea for publicly criticising his performance at Crystal Palace.
The Republic of Ireland defender, who conceded a penalty and was sent off during the 3-1 defeat at Selhurst Park, revealed that he had received a telephone call from the Italian the following day.
However, Di Canio told the Sunderland Echo: 'It is not true that I rang John O'Shea the next day to apologise.
'That's not because I feel that it is wrong to apologise if you do something wrong - if you do something wrong, you should apologise.
'But there was nothing for me to apologise for. The way that phone call was interpreted by the media shows that people do not understand my relationship with my players.'
Name:
Anonymous2013-09-14 12:46
Sunderland were Robbed .atkinson should be fined
Name:
plop2013-09-14 12:47
>>427 Martin Atkinson has failed his fitness test for the elite group of UEFA referees last week, Maybe that's why he couldn't keep up today?
Name:
Anonymous2013-09-14 12:49
>>428 Absolutely disgraceful referring! How was Altidore's one not a goal and how was Ramsey not offside is beyond me! Extremely unlucky Sunderland and extremely extremely lucky Arsenal.
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Anonymous2013-09-14 12:49
>>429 goal line technology is useless, after watching today's game
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Anonymous2013-09-14 12:50
Well done Arsenal and your MOTM Martin Atkinson. Disgraceful. If Sunderland play as they did 2nd half they'll be alright this season
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Anonymous2013-09-14 12:52
Apart from some of the worst officiating I've seen yet this season, I am VERY proud of the Gunners performance in spite of all else. The assist from Ozil was an absolute stunning bit of speed, measure and placement - the finish from Giroud was yet another threading the eye of the needle on the skinny side of the keeper and post, much like the Spuds goal. Thanks be to Odin for Ramsey getting a double ... we should have had 3 goals off Theo alone in the first half! The pen against Kos was not a pen in my view but Kos does this time and time again it seems and the decision always goes against him. A bleedin nerve racking game when we started to fall apart at the back, I felt the absence of Mertesacker today played some part in our wobbles, as Sunderland are a tall team and we were getting muscled off the ball in the second half. The score line was fair at the end of the day but the Cats gave us a tougher match than I think was expected.
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Anonymous2013-09-14 12:56
>>432
we got lucky. Altidore out muscled Sagna and went on to score, but the ref decided to call play back for a free-kick for whatever reason. Had the ref made the correct call and allowed play to go on, the game would have ended a lot differently.
Our performance in the second half wasn't as good as it was in the first, perhaps due to Sunderland not giving us as much time and space they did in the first half. We definitely needed another goal to kill the game off and thankfully got it with Ramsey starting and getting on the end of a slick move.
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Anonymous2013-09-14 12:59
Top of the EPL so early in the season, haven't had that for a while, scoreline makes it look more comfortable than it was thanks ref, especially in the second half. They pressed us well and we just couldn't get into the game, we were a bit more composed after their goal since we didn't really have anything to lose and they started to back off a bit. Got our game going and Ramsey being in the form that he is, scored a sublime goal. Great win, still don't think we will win the title, but a challenge is in order.
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Anonymous2013-09-14 13:01
>>434 Sunderland had 20 minutes in the second half where they literally played us off the park, Thank god the ref helped us.
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Anonymous2013-09-14 13:01
>>435
Jenkinson was good offensively, but i was worried everytime Sunderland went forward. He looked a bit shaky.
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Anonymous2013-09-14 13:03
There was a lot of talk about luck on the opening day, well it certainly evened itself out with that disallowed goal for Sunderland, very fortunate. A real game changer after that.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio on referee Martin Atkinson denying Jozy Altidore's goal: "This is a big mistake. It's obvious, this is not Paolo Di Canio's opinion, the referee has to wait and see how the action finishes. When it is body to body with Jozy Altidore and Bacary Sagna, he has to wait until how it finishes and not stop the game. It was a big, big mistake."
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio on being sent off: "He came to me and said if you keep going with your manner I sent you up to the stand. I said to him 'if you want to complete a perfect job, you send me off.' And that is what he did. I will never invite the referee to send me off again."
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore on his disallowed goal: "I was just tussling back and forth with Bacary Sagna but I thought the referee was going to let us play, I got the better of him and then finished it off but I didn't hear the whistle and it was brought back. The keeper didn't either as he played 100% and I think Kieran Gibbs tried to clear it too. It was a good time to score and it would have been a good reward for us."
BBC 606: Plenty of things to discuss on 606 tonight. Should Jozy Altidore's goal for Sunderland have stood? Was the foul that led to Manchester United's penalty outside the box? Give your views by calling the show on 0500 909 693.
Southampton U18s 2 Sunderland U18s 1: Gooch strike’s not enough for young Black Cats
SUNDERLAND Under-18s are still searching for a first win of the Barclays U18 Premier League season after going down to an unfortunate defeat at Southampton today.
An own goal by full-back Ryan Ellison gave Saints the lead, but Lynden Gooch smashed home an equaliser after good work from Dan Pybus.
Southampton’s Ryan Seager grabbed the winner after Sunderland – who played well throughout – gave the ball away in midfield.
Ryan Seager’s second half strike saw the Under-18s earn a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Staplewood on Saturday afternoon.
Seager was the 18s’ top scorer last season and has gone on into the Development Squad this year. He was given a full run-out for the youth side, and marked his return with a 61st minute strike, converting substitute Sam Gallagher’s cross to give Saints all three points and make it back-to-back victories in the Barclays U18 Premier League.
It wasn’t all plain-sailing for the hosts however, as there was a hard-fought nature to the success on home soil against a good visiting side, who made life difficult for Saints at times.
In a cagey opening half, Saints took a 22nd minute lead when as the visitors put through their own net. Sunderland’s goalkeeper Maks Stryjek rushed out of his goal to collect a pass from one of his defenders, but the over-hit ball back to the shot stopper had too much momentum on it and crept over the line before the ‘keeper could rescue it for a fortunate opening strike.
Saints had chances to double the lead with the best couple coming in quick succession after Ryan Seager had broken through to work Stryjek, and the rebound from that save was blazed over by Dan Demkiv from close range.
A minute later, Sunderland drew level with a well-crafted move in the final third. Ethan Robson played the ball out wide to Daniel Pybus, whose low cross into the six yard area was converted by Lynden GOOCH to restore parity heading into the interval.
HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U18S 1-1 SUNDERLAND U18S
Straight after the restart Jake Hesketh had a good opportunity to put the hosts back in front, but he scuffed the ball wide from inside the area.
In a more open second 45 Ethan Robson fired over for the Black Cats, but Saints appeared to gain the upper-hand with a double substitution just before the hour mark.
Armani Little and Sam Gallagher replaced Charlie Higgins and Dan Demkiv with 57 minutes on the watch.
Four minutes later, Saints re-took the lead. A strong run down the left by Gallagher created the opening, and he then showed great composure to tee up teammate SEAGER for a low arrowed finish into the bottom left corner to make it 2-1.
Thereafter, the hosts looked likely to add to their lead, with both Seager and Josh Sims working the ‘keeper inside the area with low strikes.
But it was a pair of quality saves from Saints stopper Harry Isted that kept the lead intact for the home side. First saving from a direct free-kick which he pushed to safety, and then denying a shot off the back of a corner from the edge of the area.
FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U18S 2-1 SUNDERLAND U18S
U18s coach Jason Dodd conceded that the youngsters were below their best, but was pleased to collect successive wins heading into next weekend’s trip to Manchester United.
“We’re pleased with the win but that’s all we’re pleased with though, as the performance we’re a little bit disappointed with,” he said after the game.
“We didn’t do what we’ve done in the previous two games against West Ham and Newcastle so we didn’t really show what we’re about which was disappointing, but as we said to the boys the pleasing thing is we’ve won the game.
“We could have been two up at half time,” Dodd assessed. “Ryan had a great chance and Dan put one over from a few yards, then Sunderland broke up the other end and scored, so that probably would have been a fair result. Even though Harry (Isted) didn’t have too much to do, the disappointing thing is that they (Sunderland) controlled the game a little bit better than we did which is an area we concentrate hard on the training ground every day.
“The disappointing thing is that we’ve had two weeks now in training where it’s been fantastic and we’ve not been able to transmit that work onto the match, so we’ve got some work to do, but it’s great to get the victory because you can see on the players’ faces that they’re actually disappointed which is a good thing for me.
“We’re about making these players better and improving performances. Results for us are a bonus and that’s the only thing we can take from today is that we won the game, but it wasn’t comfortable.
“Sunderland were tidy on the ball got it down and played, and really did the things that I wanted us to do, so we’ve got a lot of work to do next week before we go to Manchester where we want to put on a better performance that we’ll hope to get the win.”
Reuniting Ryan Seager with Sam Gallagher yielded the winning strike, but the 18s coach revealed that there was a balancing act to be made given that both players have trained at higher levels in recent weeks.
“Sam had trained a couple of times with the First Team and he did again yesterday when they were doing prep,” Dodd highlighted. “The only reason why he didn’t start is because he’s had a really tough week and the plan was always to bring him on rather than start him so that he didn’t get injured.
“He’s always a threat and the goal proves what a good player he could be. He is a good player but could be so much more and we’ll continue to work on that.
“We knuckled down second half and it was a terrific run from Sam to create an opportunity for Ryan, and it was nice for Ryan too as we wanted to give him a game as no.9 because when he gets in the box he scores goals which we saw with the finish today.”
Southampton U18s team: Harry Isted, Tom Leggett, Kyle Clinton, Josh Deabayo, Will Wood (Isaac Nehemie 80), Charlie Higgins (Armani Little 57), Niall Mason, Jake Hesketh, Josh Sims, Ryan Seager, Dan Demkiv (Sam Gallagher 57).
Unused substitutes: Jake Hallett (GK), George Mells
Wycombe extend loan stay of Sunderland midfielder Billy Knott
WYCOMBE have extended the loan stay of Sunderland midfielder Billy Knott until November 27.
The 20-year-old, whose initial deal was due to end after Saturday’s clash with Plymouth, has excelled in his four games for the Blues, playing a vital role in their recent run of fine form.
STEVEN FLETCHER will need at least another fortnight before he is up to speed after being left breathless by Sunderland’s training regime.
Fletcher has been back in full training for almost three weeks now after missing the start of the season while he continued his rehabilitation from March’s ankle injury.
The Scotland international is now fit enough to start games and demonstrated that he has lost none of his goal-scoring prowess after netting in his comeback from the bench in Sunderland’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace two weeks ago.
But head coach Paolo Di Canio admits Fletcher is still not in peak condition and has faced a chastening time at the Academy of Light after making the leap to joining in full training.
Di Canio told the Echo: “He’s worked so hard, but he gets tired, although that’s normal.
“In the last few days, we’ve reduced intensity and made the sessions more technical and tactical.
“He’s okay. But it’s obvious for him that it will take him another two or three weeks to see him fully fit.
“He had sessions with Claudio (Donatelli, Sunderland fitness coach) before, but they were not tactical or technical.
“In the last two weeks, he’s been full-time, a real full-time player in training with high intensity.
“But even if he can give us 100 per cent for 45 minutes, or 80 per cent for 65 minutes, it could be crucial.”
Di Canio has benefited from having Fletcher at his disposal during the international break, with Scotland boss Gordon Strachan opting not to call up the 26-year-old for the World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and Macedonia.
But Fletcher is expected to return to the international fold for next month’s clash against Croatia, with Strachan admitting Fletcher is a key part of his plans.
“When Steven returns it will be a big boost. There is absolutely no doubt of that,” said Strachan.
“He is a top player and can play any system. Steven’s game all round is top class.”
Sunderland boss Di Canio: I invited red card against Arsenal
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has admitted he talked himself into a sending-off at the end of a stormy home defeat by Arsenal.
The 45-year-old Italian, already fuming at a disallowed Jozy Altidore goal which would have levelled the scores at 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining, was incensed at the length of time it took Olivier Giroud to leave the pitch as he was replaced by Chuba Akpom.
However, his efforts to persuade referee Martin Atkinson to hurry things up simply landed him in hot water.
Di Canio said: “I never was calmer than today, even with this wrong decision. I said only that the opponents’ player took two minutes to walk from the middle of the field, 40 yards.
“We lost time and I invited the referee, I tried to persuade him to push him quicker out because there was four minutes of added time and we had a free-kick at the edge of the box. You never know what is going to happen.
“That was my protest. I said, ‘You have to tell them to go out quicker’. The problem was that he told me, ‘If you keep going with your mouth, I will send you off, I will send you up to the stand’.
“My mistake was that I invited him. I said, ‘If you want to complete a perfect job today, you have to only send me off’. He said, ‘Go off’. They were the words.
“I am sure that he is a good, a good professional. I can recognise that he made two mistakes: the first one at this crucial moment, the second one, I don’t know if it was a mistake from his point of view because he would probably say, ‘You invited me to send you off, I sent you off’.
“We can smile now, but that was our conversation - ‘If you want to complete a perfect job, you have to only send me off’. ‘Now you go up to the stand’.”
PAOLO Di Canio says he was happy to let Stephane Sessegnon leave Sunderland after becoming increasingly convinced the striker’s time at the club was up.
The Benin international, a fans’ favourite and former Player of the Year, was a transfer deadline day departure from the Stadium of Light, joining West Brom in a £6m record deal for the Baggies.
The striker’s future had been cast into doubt when he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving in Newcastle on the night of Sunderland’s League Cup win over MK Dons - just days before the window closed.
But his sale was still something of a surprise with Sessegnon recognised as Sunderland’s most exciting and creative player and Di Canio having said in previous weeks that he wanted to keep the African at the cub.
Speaking about the sale publicly for the first time today though, Di Canio told the Echo: “Always know this - that purely as a player, I wanted to keep him.
“But he did not make me enjoy the first three games in the league this season - he was a surprising negative in our performances.
“And then I said, OK, I think after three years, if a player is not showing the desire, if he is not home-grown or does not belong to this club, it is easy for a big player to lose his desire.
“He becomes so that he struggles to give more than 60 per cent in anything - on or off the pitch.
“So when they told me there was this chance for him to move, I decided we should take it.
“Best of luck to him.
“It gave us a chance to bring in players who can give us more options, more energy, more quality and more dedication.
“His time has gone.”
Di Canio had fought Sessegnon’s corner during the summer when the top echelons of the club approached him about the striker’s potential sale.
The Italian made it clear that he wanted to keep a player who was a proven match-winner on his day and looked as if the Italian would get his way.
But events on and off the pitch in the opening few weeks of the new campaign finally altered the head coach’s thinking, with Sessegnon’s arrest on a night Sunderland were playing being the final straw.
Di Canio revealed:“I tried to keep him but then I saw how he was in our games and I was not impressed with his desire, or his attitude.
“And then in our cup game - a crucial game for us, a game to give confidence to everybody - he was 20 miles away from the Stadium of Light and not with family
“That was the final situation which gave me the chance to decide that I couldn’t insist on him staying, because as a manager I have to be more intelligent.
“He was not at the stadium, he was not at home and to me it suggested that he did not care enough and so I say ‘go and good luck’.”
As well as Sessegnon leaving on deadline day, Sunderland brought in left-back Andrea Dossena from Napoli and striker Fabio Borini on loan from Liverpool.
And Di Canio added: “We took the opportunity to bring in a couple more players that have increased our options as a squad and I am very pleased about that..
“I know that they are hungry to prove themselves here and have a great desire to succeed, which is what I need from my players.”
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Giroud2013-09-16 11:06
Let's just say, Arsenal were lucky and Sunderland got screwed.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio accepts FA charge of misconduct and will pay £8,000 fine
Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio has been fined £8,000 by the FA, having accepted a charge of misconduct following his side's 3-1 loss at home to Arsenal on Saturday.
Di Canio clashed with referee Martin Atkinson towards the end of the Premier League fixture because he was angered by perceived Arsenal time-wasting and an earlier refereeing decision.
The Italian was eventually sent to the stand by Atkinson and informed the media after the match: "I said (to Atkinson), 'if you want to complete a perfect job, you can send me off'.
"He took it seriously and sent me off."
tkinson had infuriated Di Canio earlier in the match by disallowing a Jozy Altidore goal which would have made it 2-2, pulling the game back for an earlier foul on the forward by Bacary Sagna when he could have played the advantage.
And an FA statement on Monday read: "Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has been fined the standard penalty of £8,000 after he admitted an FA misconduct charge in relation to his behaviour during his side's game against Arsenal."
However, Di Canio has not been banned from the dug-out, a Sunderland statement adding: "He (Di Canio) is free to take his place on the touchline when Sunderland visit West Brom this weekend."
"We have to be intelligent because many times I have experienced that, if you stay at the bottom, some belief can go far from your brain."
Paolo Di Canio
Di Canio's side sit bottom of the Premier League table after the opening four games, having only accumulated one point.
But he is remaining upbeat and said: "After 20 games, if you are still at the bottom and you are 10 points, 12 points from the fourth place from the bottom, you can start to think, 'Eighteen games to go, OK, plenty of points, but it's difficult'.
"But now we are starting to play good football. We just have to be intelligent because many times I have experienced that, if you stay at the bottom, some belief can go far from your brain.
"But the fact is that they are intelligent and we are a work in progress. We will be knuckling down and working hard together for the next few weeks."
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio 'invited' referee Martin Atkinson to send him off against Arsenal
Paolo Di Canio will pay for his sarcastic criticism of referee Martin Atkinson’s performance during Sunderland’s defeat by Arsenal with a fine and the threat of a touchline ban.
Di Canio was infuriated by Atkinson’s decision not to let a goal by Sunderland's Jozy Altidore stand as he had already blown for a foul on the striker before he won his tussle for possession with Bacary Sagna.
Altidore went on to beat Wojciech Szczesny with a shot that trickled over the line, but rather than celebrate Sunderland’s second equaliser of the afternoon they were given a free-kick which Craig Gardner wasted.
Di Canio’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time as Arsenal delayed making a substitution and he was ordered to leave his technical area by Atkinson when he mocked the referee’s performance during a brief exchange on the touchline.
Di Canio implied it had been a light-hearted exchange, but Atkinson has included it in his referee’s report, which means the Sunderland manager will face disciplinary action from the Football Association.
“The referee told me: 'If you keep going with your manner I’ll send you up to the stand,’” said Di Canio, who will also have to pay a club fine as a result of his dismissal. “My mistake was that I said to him: 'If you want to complete a perfect job you only have to send me off.’ He said: 'Go off.’
“I’m sure he is a good man. He is a professional, he can recognise he made two mistakes. First one was a crucial moment, second one, I don’t know if it was a mistake, I invited him to send me off and he sent me off. We can smile now, but that was our conversation.”
Di Canio has bigger things to worry about as the defeat on Saturday saw his side slip to the bottom of the table. Sunderland travel to West Bromwich Albion next weekend knowing a defeat will turn a poor start into a damaging one.
“The fans might not be happy,” Di Canio said. “We only have one point and they might be thinking 'what is going on?’ But we are going to win more games than last year and if we do that we stay up.”
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has been fined £8,000 after accepting a Football Association charge of improper conduct.
The Italian was sent to the stands by referee Martin Atkinson during Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal.
Di Canio, whose side sit bottom of the Premier League, later admitted inviting the official to dismiss him.
"I said if you want to complete a perfect job, you can send me off," the ex-Swindon manager said after the game. "He took it seriously."
An FA statement read: "Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has been fined the standard penalty of £8,000 after he admitted an FA misconduct charge in relation to his behaviour during his side's game against Arsenal."
Di Canio served two touchline bans while Swindon manager - first for celebrating a goal on the pitch and then for a third red card of the season.
The Black Cats are rooted to the foot of the league table, one of only two teams yet to win a match this season, but the 45-year-old is convinced his side will recover
Paolo Di Canio is confident his Sunderland side can reverse their fortunes despite sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
The Italian is undeterred by Sunderland's slow start, which has seen them earn just a single point, and believes his players will improve when the squad become more familiar with one another.
"To be bottom isn't very good," Di Canio told reporters after the match. "But I am not worried. That might sound strange but it is only the fourth game, not the 20th.
"The performance [against Arsenal] made me more confident. If we don't light this fire we will have a problem. We have to be more angry with ourselves.
"We need to fight more at West Brom [on Saturday] otherwise we will have a problems. We have still not gelled completely. They haven't got the confidence to scream at each other but at this stage of the season I can't be angry.
"In 20 games' time, if we are still at the bottom, we lose, then I am angry. Now? No.
"Once we win three, four games in a row, listen to me now, we will play good football, we need to keep going and work together, maybe keep the same team for three or four games.
"We are going to get some points I am sure. We will have John O'Shea and Emanuele Giaccherini back, and I have many options to choose from to get the right subs.
"We'll get enough points and another three games will make a big difference for us and then, after the international break, we have 31 to play."
Sunderland says FA chairman Dyke 'lacking knowledge' about their player development
Greg Dyke has come under fire from Sunderland for criticising their recruitment policy but is set to get a helping hand from Jose Mourhino in his bid to transform the national team’s fortunes.
Sunderland have accused the new Football Association chairman of lacking the knowledge to comment on their plans for developing young English players, after Dyke highlighted the fact the Black Cats only recruited one English player — former Altrincham striker Duncan Watmore — during the transfer window.
‘I was very disappointed by some comments in Mr Dyke’s speech and in particular his reference to Sunderland AFC,’ wrote Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne in response to Dyke singling out her club for criticism in a speech about declining numbers of English players in the Premier League.
‘I am sure that when Mr Dyke has had an opportunity to speak with clubs and to familiarise himself with the rigorous process involved with EPPP [Elite Player Performance Plan], he will become more knowledgeable as to the efforts we are making.
‘All Premier League clubs [and indeed, all clubs in England] want to develop players who can play for England.
‘We are fully committed to developing young English talent and our pledge to this was cemented from the moment we embarked on the Elite Player Performance Plan and indeed our significant capital investment in our indoor training facility last year.’
Dyke will contact Mourinho to ask him to contribute to the FA Commission on English football that will convene in the next few weeks.
Dyke read Mourinho’s comments offering his expertise and the FA chairman is expected to call the Chelsea manager this week to arrange a time to speak about the issues.
EVEN though his side lost to Arsenal and dropped to the bottom of the Premier League table yesterday, Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio was pleased with what he saw from his players.
He has described his squad as “a work in progress” as he tries to introduce a raft of new signings to the attacking style he wants Sunderland to play this season.
And against Arsenal he felt there were genuine signs that the pieces are beginning to fall into place.
“In the first half, we were too shy, but I can understand that with five new players coming into the team,” he reflected.
“Charis Mavrias and Ki Sung-Yeung were making their debut and it wasn’t easy – there wasn’t a great deal of communication – and it’s difficult for them at this stage.
“But, in the second half, we played good football with desire and dedication.
“The players should take encouragement from that.
“I want us to extend that quality over the full 90 minutes.
“I know we are at the bottom and it is not very good to see the table.
“But the Arsenal game was important for us in terms of seeing the good second-half performance and I’m very confident that we will do well over the course of the game.”
The head coach also thought his side might have got something out of the game had referee Martin Atkinson not wrongly chalked off a valid equaliser from Jozy Altidore which would have made the scores 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining.
Di Canio, who was sent to the stands after complaining to the official about Giroud’s dawdle from the pitch when he was substituted in injury time, said: “It was a mistake.
“The referee has the power to wait to see how the action finishes, and then he can come back to his decision.
“They have to wait. It’s not Paolo Di Canio, it’s the rule, so he made a mistake because he stopped the game early, especially in the balance of the action.
“You could see Altidore is much more powerful than Sagna, he was shielding the ball well. It was clear he was near to winning the challenge.
“That was a key moment because we can’t imagine that we would have many more opportunities to score, so that decided the outcome of the game.
“That can happen. He is a man. It’s important that he accepts this - I make mistakes every single moment when I make decisions with my players; my players make mistakes in front of goal.”
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Anonymous2013-09-16 16:57
Meanwhile the incompetent Martin Atkinson gets another premier league game this weekend. You can bet your life that had he got it wrong in sunderlands favour Professor Wenger would have made sure he didnt get a game this weekend.
Lee Cattermole still part of Paolo Di Canio's plans at Sunderland
Paolo Di Canio will offer a clean slate to Lee Cattermole at Sunderland, but Cabral faces an uncertain future.
Di Canio has overseen an extensive rebuilding project at the Stadium of Light, with the summer transfer window seeing 14 fresh faces drafted into the Black Cats' ranks.
Inevitably, an influx of new arrivals has forced some of those already on Sunderland's books down the pecking order.
Cattermole - who skippered the side under Martin O'Neill - fell into that category and looked set to be on his way out of the club at one stage, with Hull City, West Ham United and Cardiff City all reported to be keen.
The combative midfielder has, however, remained on Wearside and will be given an opportunity to force his way back into first team contention by Di Canio.
The Italian said: "I have to be honest, he wasn't in my plans. I told him, to have a future here he had to convince me.
"I need British players, I need the quality, the intensity. I need the fire. He's full of enthusiasm and it's a new start for him."
While Cattermole is back in Di Canio's thoughts, Cabral - who joined Sunderland as a free agent over the summer - finds himself out of favour after just one competitive appearance.
Di Canio said of the 24-year-old midfielder: "At the moment he's behind three other players who have got ahead of him. It's very difficult for him.
"Maybe one day, if he can show me that he understands football, then yes he will play again.
"Otherwise, in the middle, especially against top sides, we will get beaten. At this moment, Cabral has got difficulties."
"Maybe one day, if he can show me that he understands football, then yes he will play again."
Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio fined £8,000 after accepting FA fine following Arsenal clash
SUNDERLAND manager Paolo Di Canio has been fined £8,000 after admitting a Football Association misconduct charge following the Premier League game against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Black Cats boss was sent away from the touchline during his team's 3-1 defeat to The Gunners, after a decision not to award the Mackems a penalty.
Speaking after the match, Di Canio revealed he regretted telling the referee to send him off
He said: "He came to me and said 'if you keep going with your manner I will send you up to the stand'.
"I said if you want to complete a perfect job, you can send me off. He took it seriously and sent me off."
FIRST-TEAM fringe players Cabral and David Moberg Karlsson got useful game time with Kevin Ball’s development squad last night but were powerless to prevent the U21s from crashing to their first defeat of the season.
Ball’s side had a chance to go top of the table by racking up their fifth win in five games this season, but instead went down 5-2.
They had the misfortune to come up against a Liverpool side featuring five first-teamers, including England winger Raheem Sterling, who was in sensational form.
Sunderland started brightly and took the lead on the half-hour after Liverpool failed to clear a Duncan Watmore cross and Alex Gorrin scored with a half-volley on the edge of the area.
They doubled their lead in the 42nd minute with Watmore again the creator, the youngster going on a great run before feeding Moberg Karlsson, who rounded the keeper and fired home from an acute angle.
It would have been a great lead to take into the break, but Sunderland were not as strong defensively as they should have been on the stroke of half-time and Jack Dunn clipped a shot home inside the six-yard to keep his side in it.
The second half was very much the Sterling show with the England man pulling the ball back for £6.8m summer signing Luis Alberto to fire home an equaliser.
And then Sterling scored himself to put his side ahead for the first time in the game midway through the second half.
Despite trailing, Sunderland’s hopes looked to have brightened considerably just after the hour when Lloyd Jones was sent off for head-butting Mikael Mandron – the French striker being yellow-carded for his initial foul.
But with Cabral fading in the second half and Sterling outstanding, Liverpool made light of their disadvantage and the 10-men Reds went on to score twice more.
Sunderland had been pushing for an equaliser when Alberto grabbed his second of the game.
And then, when Sterling was brought down in the area by keeper Joel Dixon, the Spaniard stepped up to the penalty spot to complete his hat-trick.
Sunderland kept on pressing gamely towards the final whistle with Liam Agnew and Mandron producing hopeful attempts in the dying stages but the game was long gone by then.
Liverpool U21: Ward, Kelly, Jones, Ilori, Flanagan, Rossiter, Brannagan, Ibe, Alberto, Sterling, Dunn Subs: Mersin, Sama, Morgan, Roddan, McLaughlin.
Premier League - Sessegnon set to face Sunderland after being granted work permit
Record signing Stephane Sessegnon could make his West Brom debut against former club Sunderland this weekend after he was granted a work permit on Wednesday.
The attacking midfielder made a deadline-day move to the Baggies but was unavailable for last weekend's 1-1 draw at Fulham as he awaited the required paperwork.
That has now been granted to free the 29-year-old Benin international, who cost an initial B£5.5million, to make his Baggies bow against the club with whom he spent two-and-a-half seasons.
"Stephane Sessegnon has today (Wednesday) been granted a work permit," a West Brom statement read.
"The Baggies' club-record signing is now available to make his debut against his former club Sunderland, at The Hawthorns, on Saturday."
Sessegnon, who signed a three-year deal, is set to bolster West Brom's attacking options following a barren start to the campaign in front of goal.
Defender Gareth McAuley's late header against Fulham on Saturday was their first goal in the Barclays Premier League this term.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio defended by Gardner against 'grudge-bearing' critics
"A lot of the people writing him off have got something against him. It’s not just his management skills" claims midfielder
Paolo Di Canio is battling a vendetta against his Sunderland reign, according to Craig Gardner.
Stadium of Light boss Di Canio is under mounting pressure with his side bottom of the Premier League after taking just a single point from their first four matches this season.
Despite the out-spoken Italian singling-out players out for public criticism during a stormy first six months at the helm, straight-talking Gardner insists the Black Cats' squad is fully behind the 45-year-old's bid to turn round the nightmare start.
The midfielder reckons the Sunderland chief - who added to his worries after being hit with an £8,000 fine for clashing with referee Martin Atkinson in the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal - has the added difficulty of fighting the critics who have a personal agenda against him.
Di Canio is favourite to be the first Premier League manager axed this season, and Gardner claimed: “A lot of the people who’ve been writing the manager off have got something against Paolo Di Canio.
“It’s not just his management skills, there’s always something to knock him about.”
Di Canio launched his coaching career by steering Swindon up from League Two as champions in 2012 at the end of his first season in charge, and then into the League One promotion chase before leaving in February.
Critics have since questioned if he can hack it in the top flight with so little managerial experience.
Gardner hit back, adding: “Of course he’s a Premier League manager - he’s managing in the Premier League and he’s trying to change things here.
“We’ve still got faith in him as a squad. The lads want to go out there and put in as much hard work as we can on the training pitch and go and get that first win that we want.”
Sunderland travel to fellow strugglers West Brom on Saturday, before hosting Liverpool, Manchester United and arch-rivals Newcastle in three of their next four league games.
Despite the winless start and growing concern from supporters that the club’s seven-season stay in the top flight could be under-threat, Gardner refuses to push the panic button just yet.
He is confident Di Canio’s 14 signings in a summer of huge upheaval on Wearside will soon start to click as they adapt to life at the Stadium of Light.
Gardner added: “I don’t think we should be too worried about it yet. It’s too early to be getting into the league table too much.
“The league is tight - one win and you’re in the top half. You can’t really worry about it too much at the moment.
“It was the same last year - 12 or 13 teams were in the middle and there was hardly anything between them.
“As long as we keep putting performances in like we did in the second half against Arsenal we’ll pick up the points.”
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has been boosted by the return to action of two of his stars for this weekend's match at West Brom.
Club captain John O'Shea has served a one-match ban while recent arrival Emanuele Giaccherini is back after missing the home game with Arsenal through injury.
O'Shea's suspension allowed him to shake off the injury he picked up playing for the Republic of Ireland in the recent World Cup qualifier against Austria.
Speaking to the club's official website, former Swindon boss Di Canio said: "They are ready to be selected.
"We know Giaccherini is crucial, and O'Shea, who is our captain, is a crucial player.
"There is no doubt that they will be in the game."
Sunderland manager wants subservience from Lee Cattermole if midfielder wishes to be picked
Paolo Di Canio wants Sunderland’s former captain Lee Cattermole to prove he is ready to accept his absolute authority as manager before he considers him for selection.
Cattermole has not played for the Italian since he replaced Martin O’Neill in April, ostensibly because of a knee injury, although Di Canio also identified the midfielder as a potentially troublesome member of the squad and a source of resistance to his strict disciplinary regime.
Sunderland informed Cattermole at the end of last season that they were willing to let him go, but the former England Under-21 international, who only signed a new contract until 2016 last season, has resisted attempts to force him out.
That could be a blessing in disguise for Di Canio, who, having stripped him of the captaincy and his squad number, admits his side lack a combative presence in midfield and need a player of Cattemole’s ilk after Sunderland failed to sign an alternative in the transfer window.
"We have to be honest he wasn't in the plan, but I spoke with him for half an hour. Man to man. I told him, to have a future here, he had to convince me because I told him my regime is completely different to what you had until last year.
"You failed to find another club because you refused to go somewhere, but I will treat you right. Like the most important player, because Paolo Di Canio is honest.
"I said ‘I know what you feel, you are upset about losing the captaincy, but now you have a big occasion. You have one of the most honest managers in the world who tells you I look at you like you are one of the most important players because it's the truth.
"If you train bad or behave badly off the pitch, like you did in the past, you can't stay in the squad. I want a positive guy, who even after being skipper and now maybe only being on the bench.
"But I said you can be a part of a squad that wants to play good football. You can be better than before. It's up to you. You have to jump. You have to back my regime. I decide the discipline, the behaviour, the rules."
Di Canio has been impressed so far with Cattermole attitude and he is training with the first team again after he was left out of all their pre-season friendlies, but he wants to make sure it is not temporary obedience.
"I need British players," said Di Canio, who signed 14 foreign players over the summer. "I need the quality, the intensity. I need the fire. Show me you have this character, this quality, this professionalism, this desire and you will start games.
"It takes time to change, but I like parts of his character. I told him you have to speak my language on the pitch, but if you do this you are welcome, more than welcome. It's important we agree.
"He was more than positive. I'm happy. Now he's back, he's full of enthusiasm. In a few weeks, maybe he will be on the bench. It can be a new start for him. He can become a much better footballer, because he's only 25, he's still young."
Gardner confident Sunderland boss Di Canio can answer critics and lead Black Cats away from danger
Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner is backing manager Paolo Di Canio to guide the club away from trouble.
Di Canio’s side sit rock bottom after four games and have won just one point.
This weekend they face former star Stephane Sessegnon, who was controversially sold by Di Canio on transfer deadline day to nearest rivals West Bromwich Albion, the only other team yet to win a Barclays Premier League game this season.
Di Canio, who has won just twice since taking over from Martin O’Neill, has come under fire for his controlling methods over his players, as they are failing to bring success to a team which faces Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham in their next six home games.
Gardner, whose penalty and second half appearance gave Sunderland a lift against Arsenal on Saturday, said: 'I think a lot of the people who've been writing the manager off have got something against Paolo Di Canio.
'It's not just his management skills, there's always something to knock him about. Of course he's a Premier League manager - he's managing in the Premier League and he's trying to change things here.
'We've still got faith in him as a squad, of course we have. The lads want to go out there and put in as much hard work as we do on the training pitch and go and get that first win that we want.
'I don't think we should be too worried about it yet. It is too early to be getting into the league table too much. The league is tight, one win and you're back in the top half or whatever. You can't really worry about it too much at the moment. It is very tight.
'It was the same last year, 12 or 13 teams were in the middle and there was hardly anything between them. As long as we keep putting performances in like we did in the second half against Arsenal we will pick the points up.'
NEW Sunderland signing Andrea Dossena is making a swifter recovery than expected from injury – and could be pushing for a first-team place by the end of the month.
That will be good news for Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio who believes the former Liverpool and Napoli left-back could prove a big asset to Sunderland this season.
Dossena was a transfer deadline day signing for the Black Cats, along with countryman Fabio Borini – both brought in largely as back-ups to first-team regulars, but both challenged to prove themselves at Sunderland this season.
The late signing of Dossena was particularly handy for Di Canio, who has been looking for a specialist left-back since Danny Rose returned to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, and he admits he will breathe more easily when the new man is challenging for a place.
The Black Cats’ head coach told the Gazette: “Dossena has been in Italy undergoing treatment but he came back last Sunday and has impressed us with his progress.
“He has been running with us and going through his fitness work and he is much better than we expected in terms of closeness to full fitness.
“When we signed him on deadline day we thought we were looking at five weeks out with the thigh injury but it is now looking as though it will be more like three before he is fully fit to be selected.
“And it will be good to have him available because we need more than one left-back, and at the start of the season Jack Colback was the only player who could perform solidly in that position.”
Colback is on a learning curve, adjusting full-time to the role of Premier League full-back after a career at youth and under 21 level spent in midfield.
Di Canio has praised the 23-year-old’s application but at the same time is glad he will soon have another left-back to call on over the course of the campaign.
“Jack has done very good at left-back – even though occasionally he still thinks like a central midfielder,” smiled the Sunderland boss.
“He is learning that left-back role and doing very well at it – as he showed with his cross for Steven Fletcher’s goal at Crystal Palace – and I have decided he has to concentrate on left-back because he will find it difficult to play central midfield under me here.
“He is competent and solid in central midfield but he is not a creator.
“He will hold on to the ball and pass it sideways and back – and that too can be an important job in a team – but I’m looking for my central midfielders to create for me.
“Jack can be more valuable at left-back and will get better there the more he starts to think like one.
“As for Dossena, he is a natural left-back.
“He defends but he loves to attack and I think that the way we want to play this season both Colback and Dossena will enjoy their football because we want them to attack.
“Dossena enjoyed his time in England with Liverpool and he is another player – like Borini – who is not English but plays in the English style. He has been here and he knows what is going on in terms of what is expected.
“He has experience and desire and he’s a very fit player when he’s healthy and he can give Jack Colback help because Jack can’t play every game this season.
“He will need a rest at times and then Dossena will look to take his chance and show what he can do.”
Lee Cattermole in Sunderland squad for West Brom clash
LEE Cattermole has come in from the cold and will be included in the Sunderland squad travelling to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Paolo Di Canio told the Echo he plans to include the former skipper in the squad travelling to The Hawthorns and that means Cattermole could be be involved in first-team action for Sunderland for the first time since February.
The Teessider’s days on Wearside were believed to be numbered when it was made clear that he would be allowed to leave over the summer.
But the 25-year-old did not move on and, after recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the start of the season, he has been allowed to return to the fold by Di Canio.
Sunderland’s head coach told the Echo last week that the door was open to the ex-captain providing he accepted the Italian’s regime wholeheartedly.
And after another week of progress on the training pitch, Cattermole is set for inclusion in a Sunderland squad for only the third time this year.
Di Canio said: “We all know what might have happened with Lee during the transfer window and that’s why he wasn’t really included in our plans.
“But, at the end of the day, when he doesn’t move, you don’t just stick him in a corner and say he’s not our player.
“It’s important you use the squad available to you if you can and to be fair to him, he has shown character.
“I am not prejudiced in this respect.
“It was the same with Wes Brown – he’s a fine centre-half who I wanted to move on from, but he was absolutely determined to prove me wrong and he came back in pre-season to really impress me and was on the bench last week.
“Lee has shown real desire too.
“He hasn’t just come back in to suffer, he has embraced it enthusiastically and that is important.
“If you are intelligent and you buy into it, you have a chance and now Lee has a chance.”
Cattermole’s recent career at Sunderland has been blighted by a knee injury.which ruled him out from last November onwards – letting him down in comeback games against Bolton in January and Arsenal in February.
He strained a knee in Sunderland Under-21s’ first game of the new season against Bolton.
But he has looked good on the training pitch in the last few weeks and Di Canio said: “Is it too soon to travel with the squad to West Brom? No.
“He will come with us and when I take the players with me to travel to the game, they go under the assumption that any one of them can play straight away.
“They might play from the start, or they might come on as a substitute, but if you travel you have a chance of playing, and he will be in the squad.
“I will make a final decision on the first team on Friday.”
Sunderland epitomise the decline of the English game.
Out of Di Canio's 14 imports this summer, not one player was English (This is untrue, bad writing, not known what he is taking about)
In recent weeks, the state of English football has been questioned formidably.
With uninspiring performances from the national team in the most recent winter break, and the new FA Chairman Greg Dyke setting targets for 2022, the future looks bleak for English football. But why?
The popular answer to the question is the sport's grass roots. This refers to more money being invested into younger age groups to enhance skill at a lower level, then developing the talent further as the player's mature.
This would signify that the current crop of players aren't good enough to compete at the international stage, and neither are the U21s. Is this the answer? Maybe, but we won't feel the effects of that change for a good number of years. Next please.
Coaches! That seems to be the next popular answer. Apparently, it's only taken people 21 years to realise that an English coach hasn't won the English Premier League.
Clearly there is only one solution to this problem, spend thousands of pounds at England's new shiny headquarters, aka St. Georges Park, to train hundreds and hundreds of English coaches with the hope that they will achieve success.
It's almost ludicrous to think that if the FA invest in these coaches that they'll be given the managerial jobs at the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Neither solution is a quick fix and if anything, it's more of a cop out on the FA's part. They would rather avoid any confrontation with the Premier League about these issues and have done for the past decade. With the two being run by separate organisations, it's not easy for them to always come to a consensus, but if the FA don't step in, the decline of English football will only increase.
As much as we hate to say it, there are too many foreign players in the Premier League. Although the majority bring variety, flair and skill, this only dampens the progress of young prospective English players trying to break through into the game. This is not to say foreign players shouldn't play in the Premier League, but we must find a balance.
The worst possible thing English clubs can do right now, is do a Sunderland. Di Canio wanted to change his sides' team dynamics majorly this season compared to last, and he wanted to refresh his squad. Bringing in 14 players is exciting for any club but not when you're a mid-table club with a limited budget. We all saw what happened with QPR last season.
Signing player after player in the summer, Di Canio kept strongly coming out saying how he wanted to sign an English midfielder, in an interview with the Shields Gazette he said: 'The club is working on the two full-backs, but more important to me is the need to get a key player in central midfield - someone who's English.
"He needs to be English, with a physical presence because we have analysed that is a need we have."
"English, because he needs to know English football inside out. And also a player with very good quality - because we want to play attractive football which gets results."
Not one of Sunderland's 14 incoming transfers this summer were English, or even British. With the likes of Cattermole and Wickham being used sparingly, and Brown in his 30s, the only real player with England aspirations is Adam Johnson, and his form has dropped from the end of last season.
If clubs are bringing in star players such as Ozil, Eriksen and Lamela, then that's a definite plus for the Premier League, but most of Sunderland's imports are not well known, such as Cabral who was bought on a free transfer.
The midfielder is known for his combative attributes and his quick passing. Is English football so mediocre that Di Canio couldn't find an English midfielder with the same attributes?
Huddlestone? Livermore? He was consistently linked with Huddlestone in particular, but rather looked elsewhere to players such as Ki who was signed on a season-long loan. One could argue Huddlestone is more talented and still has more potential to nurture then any midfielder at Sunderland. With his long passing and shooting always improving, and his continuous engine, the box-to-box midfielder would've been a great asset to Di Canio's team.
This isn't to say Sunderland are a bad club, as they're doing what they think is best for their club and fans, but if this is a sign of the future of other English clubs, the FA will be worried.
We've seen QPR, and now Sunderland, make wholesale changes, ensuring English players are neglected. Whether this is wrong or right isn't the debate. The debate should be; are English players players wrongly overlooked or are they just not talented enough?
Make up your own opinion, but if this continues, the FA's problems will only increase over the next few years with the pressure going to be cranked up as the number of English players in the Premier League is continually decreasing.
One would think that the debate that the English clubs should have a cap on foreign players or would be a welcome addition. The FA need to stop cowering in a corner and stand up for the English game. With the new chairman, Gregg Dyke looking like the man to lead the recovery, he must seek talks with the Premier League to look to made adjustments to aid the English game, as it is above all, the English Premier League.
Chris Young’s column: Loans vital for club’s like Sunderland to help youngsters progress
THE LOAN market is a perverse beast. But it is an animal which new FA chairman Greg Dyke must tame, rather than spending his time blustering about Sunderland’s transfer policy.
How can it be right for a Premier League heavyweight to hurl a wad of cash on a transfer fees and wages, but then be given a get-out clause if the player falls out of favour?
The unwanted figure’s salary is a barrier towards selling him, so a subsidised loan to a top-flight rival provides the opportunity to recoup a few quid on that initial outlay.
Far from being punished for spending recklessly in the first place, the parent club can at least ensure they don’t slip too far into the red by having someone else cover his wages, as Sunderland have done by sending Danny Graham to Hull.
And then there is the emergency loan window.
Deep-pocketed Championship clubs can offer an escape route for discarded Premier League superstars, but still pay just a fraction of their wages.
Cardiff did it with Craig Bellamy from Manchester City and QPR were this week linked with a loan for Emanuele Adebayor, despite the Togo frontman’s six-figure weekly salary at Spurs.
Doubtless, Sunderland will attempt to do likewise with Phil Bardsley next month, once the full-back recovers from his broken foot.
Both of these loan scenarios are dubious and in an ideal world, neither should be permitted to exist.
Certainly, Fifa have had their eye on the Football League’s emergency loan window for several years and the expectation is that it will be outlawed from next summer.
But for Premier League clubs outside the top six, such as Sunderland, it is imperative that some version of this loan mechanism remains open.
It’s not so they can recoup four or five grand on Bardsley’s weekly wages before they continue their efforts to sell him in January.
No, the availability of short-term loans to the Championship, League One and League Two is vital for developing the club’s academy products. Some may think there is little wrong with Sunderland’s Under-21 side after last week’s reports of the rookies beating the first-team in a training ground friendly.
The reality was slightly less dramatic.
The game went on for around four hours, with Paolo Di Canio stopping and starting the action regularly to convey his message.
It was very much a training exercise, rather than a training game.
In their actual fixtures, it has been a hugely encouraging start to the season from Kevin Ball’s side, even though their 100 per cent record was ended by a 5-2 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday.
But a year on from its formation, there remain question marks over the U21 Premier League.
The antiquated reserve team system undoubtedly needed a shake-up and the U21 initiative does indeed provide a more organised bridge from the youth team.
But the gap to first-team football is still seismic.
Sunderland were forced to include a fleet of youngsters on the bench at the end of last season, simply to make up the numbers. Yet none of those had genuinely been knocking at the door for Premier League inclusion.
Even Mikael Mandron, the big hope of the club’s academy and someone who has impressed Di Canio with his attitude, only netted once last season for the U21s.
The FA clearly realise there is a problem and will introduce a promotion/relegation element to the U21 league from next season, in a bid to make it more competitive.
But with those senior players on the fringes at first-team level still rarely involved with the stiffs, these youngsters remain devoid of men’s football experience.
That is why Sunderland have been so proactive in sending their academy products out on loan, and continue to do so.
A move to the no-nonsense world of League Two is clearly seen as more beneficial for someone like Billy Knott, than remaining on Wearside.
But if the emergency loan window becomes an outlawed avenue, then these temporary departures will surely dry up.
Those who have made a name for themselves at youth level or have proved themselves on previous loan spells will continue to attract suitors during the summer and January.
But consider the likes of Liam Marrs, Adam Mitchell or Alex Gorrin.
These are players who have no notable loan experience.
Is a League Two club really going to make a conscious effort to take them on temporary stints during the transfer window, rather than looking around for fresh blood when short-term loans are the only option available to boost their threadbare squads?
An emergency loan provides an avenue; a chance for these kids to make a point over a month or so, without financially crippling the club involved.
That is something which should – although it probably won’t – cross Fifa’s minds.
For all the loopholes of the loan system, it cannot come at the punishment of youth progression.
That is an upcoming problem which Dyke should be spending his time on, rather than headline-grabbing statements.
West Brom’s Sessegnon fired up for Sunderland clash
WEST BROM boss Steve Clarke insists Stephane Sessegnon will need no extra motivation this weekend.
The former Sunderland frontman is expected to make his debut against the Black Cats on Saturday after leaving the Stadium of Light in a £6million deadline day deal.
Sessegnon was unable to make his West Brom bow in last weekend’s draw at Fulham after the Benin international had to wait until Wednesday to have his work permit renewed.
But the club record buy is now available and Clarke says Sessegnon is eager to begin the new chapter in his career, regardless of the opposition.
Clarke said: “I won’t have to motivate Stephane.
“He’s got a new club, he’s got a new challenge.
“You can see every day in training he’s excited about the prospect of playing here.
“He’s looking forward to the game at the weekend and I don’t think it would matter who he was playing against – he would still be looking forward to the game at the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Clarke brushed off the effects of Paolo Di Canio’s comments after the Sunderland head coach had criticised Sessegnon’s attitude, following his departure.
“I haven’t read the comments because I tend not to read the media,” added Clarke.
“I’m not really sure what the context was but sometimes when a player leaves a club the manager will choose to make some critical comments.
“But that’s for every individual to decide how they want to deal with it.
“I’ve only known Stephane for 10 days and I’ve not had too many chats with him.
“He’s quiet but when I was young I was quiet as well – it doesn’t make you introverted or a difficult character.
“Some people are quiet, some are loud, everybody has their own character.
“On the pitch Stephane is quick, direct, lively, he likes to take people on.
“He’s a dribbler, an entertainer and hopefully he’s gets many chances here to entertain the crowd.”
Sunderland supporters on Di Canio's talent drain and the argument over Redknapp for England rages on
Greg Dyke wanted to spark a debate over the future of English football – although everyone in the game has been having that for a hundred years – so here is just one instalment. Dyke made negative reference to the foreign influence at Sunderland in his state of the nation speech, Margaret Byrne, Sunderland’s chief executive reacted angrily, and that disagreement was the basis of Wednesday’s column. You can read it HERE and the fall-out below.
Simple answer: go back to the three foreign player rule, forcing the clubs to find and use British players. The Truth, Cupar.
You can’t. European Union employment law will not allow it – and that is the truth.
Sunderland have had years of buying overpriced, overpaid British players and still ended up near the bottom of the league, so this is just a change of policy to keep within the financial fair play rules. Give me two free transfers from Europe who can pass a ball over Titus Bramble any day. We do have three local lads playing with reasonable regularity in Adam Johnson and Jack Colback, plus Lee Cattermole if he gets back into the team after injury. That's more than Newcastle United and plenty of other English clubs. The academy has suffered over the years from the London-biased Football Association academy rules. Up until last year's rule change clubs could recruit players within one hour’s travelling time of the academy - which is fine if you are based in the capital and have the whole South-East to draw on, but a hard penalty to overcome if you're based in a region of a million people. No wonder Sunderland produced so many duff academy players. Barry, London.
You forgot one of the other issues there, Barry. What about clubs on the coast, like Sunderland, Newcastle or Southampton? They have a whole swathe of locality underwater. Think of the radius that counts as an hour from Birmingham or Chelsea, and then consider that same radius from Sunderland’s point of view. It’s a fraction of the territory because much of it is sea.
Well done for highlighting a vital issue. The problem with English football is not the influx of foreigners. It is the influx of mediocre foreigners. Players like Mesut Ozil, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Gianfranco Zola are welcome to come to our shores. Sadly for every one of those wonderful talents, there are a dozen like Sebastian Squillaci, Bebe, Sebastian Coates, Steve Marlet and Corrado Grabbi who have long since faded from memory. Go look up the list of foreign Premier League players. There are maybe even a couple of thousand now – and see how many you remember, and how many have made a truly positive contribution. The first thing that needs to be done relates to non-EU nationals. They are supposed to have played 75 per cent of national team games but few meet that criteria. This must be enforced without exception.
Steve Norman, Bexleyheath.
With the odd exception, Steve, I’d say. Willian of Chelsea, for instance, has not played 75 per cent for Brazil but should still be an asset to our league, long-term. But, largely, we agree.
Sunderland will go the way of Queens Park Rangers, buying too many new players who won’t go together. MrBratt2, Brighton.
It’s early days yet, sir, but certainly there are troubling signs. It isn’t just the number but the quality. QPR were overloaded with chancers, who were passing through Premier League football en route to the next payday. That can happen when a club is not dealing with the top echelon of imports. One hopes Sunderland have bought more wisely but this has hardly been a promising start and we know what can happen from here. The agent whispers that he can get the player another move in the summer when the club will want to cut its wage costs, so the player knows relegation will have few personal consequences and becomes demotivated, waiting for the next contract. So exactly like Rangers last season – and a good few other relegated clubs, too.
Well, you can hardly whistle down the pit nowadays, can you? That's what they used to do in the Black Country, and it must've been similar in the North East. Is the answer to bring back coal mines? Jim Baggie, Bromham.
It is if they’ve cut your gas off. And now, another satisfied customer.
I used to admire Martin Samuel’s point of view but he's clearly jumped on the gravy train with the likes of Dyke, Lawrenson, Francis and the rest. Sunderland have been scouting local talent for years with limited success, and Jack Colback and Jordan Henderson are products of that system. However they have found it difficult lately – just ask Stuart Pearce about getting young talented Englishmen to turn up for internationals. With a lot of British talent as soon as they get offered a lucrative contract, football becomes secondary, while fast cars, tattoos, Z-list wags and late nights become the norm. We bought Wickham a couple of seasons ago for £8m and he's done nothing except score against Milton Keynes Dons, which may be his level. You can't say we haven't tried. How many Englishmen did Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool buy? I think you will find we bought one more than most. Juan F, Thailand.
Dyke, I get. I’m presuming Lawrenson is Mark. But Francis? Come on Juan, give me a clue. Trevor? Lee? Of Assisi? I’m stumped. Why does questioning a transfer and youth policy place me on some sort of gravy train, too? Indeed what is a gravy train? It would spill, surely? You’d be better off on a gravy boat. Steadier. Anyway, I digress. There is a lot of presumption about young English footballers in your viewpoint, mate, and a lot of generalisation too. Who knows why Wickham has disappointed? Maybe he was never good enough, maybe he was massively overpriced from the beginning (which I believe he was). He might be trying his hardest and lesser opponents are indeed his level. I think it is easy to label all young English players as flash little twerps or slackers, but a lot of the imported ones seem no better. Henderson, though, is improving season on season and it was a shame you lost him so early. Anyway, to take your mind of that, here’s my favourite Francis. Black Francis of Pixies. And possibly the finest rock out in the history of guitars.
Is there a case that as the Premier League is becoming a global game, where 20 clubs are not just vying for league positions but also the money that comes from supporters abroad, there is more financial value in getting an average Swiss or South Korean international, than an average English player, unknown and unlikely to represent his country? Zak Adams, The Elephant.
Could be, Zak. There is no value in getting relegated, though. Ask any fan, it is as if your club has fallen off the map in terms of its profile, and commercially the Championship is a disaster compared to the opportunities in the Premier League.
Is Martin aware that, since 2007, Sunderland have bought 25 English players and Newcastle United only nine? Lee, Sunderland.
Greg Halford, Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson, Andy Cole, Danny Higginbotham, Phil Bardsley (2007-08); Anton Ferdinand (2008-09); Frazier Campbell, Darren Bent, Lee Cattermole, Michael Turner, Matthew Kilgallon (2009-10); Danny Welbeck (loan), Nehum Onuoha (loan), Titus Bramble (2010-11); Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner, Roarie Deacon, Wayne Bridge (loan), Wes Brown (2011-12); David Ferguson, Wade Joyce, Adam Johnson, Danny Graham (2012-13); Duncan Watmore (2013-14). So the 25 does include loans, Fair enough. I accept that is a reasonable number but, equally, the fact that the 14 players arrived this summer included just one Englishman could also be analysed statistically to produce another set of figures. For instance, in 2007-08, 16 players were bought and six were English, working out as an average of 37.5 per cent. This summer, the percentage of English players purchased fell to 7.1. I take your point about Newcastle but this is surely a bigger issue than simply scoring points off the team up the road. Greg Dyke, the FA chairman, mentioned Sunderland, and a few others including Newcastle actually, in his State of the Nation address but it was Margaret Byrne, Sunderland’s chief executive, who gave the most forceful reaction. The column looked at why Sunderland is becoming a for the soul of English football and conceded that, for all the flaws in speech, Dyke may have had a point. It didn’t just focus on the negatives about Sunderland, but highlighted positive contributions, too, and allowed the club its say. To then switch the argument to one about whether Sunderland have done more for English football lately than Newcastle turns this into a very local squabble – and it’s more important than that.
Sunderland asked for trouble as soon as they appointed Paolo Di Canio. Eugehop10, Cardiff.
No, this isn’t about Di Canio either. It’s bigger than him, too.
Last year, Sunderland signed Gateshead boy Danny Graham for £5m. How many goals did he score again? Mark38, Gateshead.
None in 11 appearances, Mark. But I suspect you know that. Now tell me, when using Graham’s failure to denigrate all English footballers, can we then take from Juan Sebastian Veron’s disappointing spell at Chelsea that fellow Argentinian Lionel Messi must, too, be rubbish?
Sunderland supporters on Di Canio's talent drain and the argument over Redknapp for England rages on PART II
What is the point in producing good local talent when it has got next to no chance of playing for England because players at Manchester United get picked on name, not merit. For instance, Ashley Young. InTheKnow, Newcastle.
Well sometimes, Mr Knowledgeable, producing your own players can save your club a lot of money, and you wouldn’t need Joe Kinnear to delve into his big book of top contacts to conduct imaginary transfer business.
You've already lost the argument when you are blaming foreigners for your own failure. Imported inferiors? Honestly, has a single one of those academy graduates played for Juventus? Have any netted 20 or more goals in Holland? They haven't done anything. But the English are scared to go abroad. That's the difference. Nothing stopping those kids from going abroad and proving their worth. Be honest, if there was an Englishman in the Eredivise that had done what Jozy Altidore did, Sunderland would have jumped at the chance to buy him. There wasn't. I've been on the Sunderland boards. They aren't even yet convinced by Wickham so to act like he's proven is wilful ignorance. Hell, even Fabio Borini has done more than the academy players. And sorry, you can bring up Paul Gascoigne and Bryan Robson all you want, but when was the last World Footballer of the Year from the area? They aren't exactly minting the next Messi. The real problem in England is blaming others rather than working hard. Derrick4real, Los Angeles.
Have the Sunderland academy kids played for Juventus? Well, of course they haven’t. And the Juventus players haven’t turned out against Middlesbrough’s academy either. It’s a stupid question. The difference is opportunity. Emanuele Giaccherini played 40 games in a very successful Juventus team that included mostly Italian players. Italian football, with its financial woes, is not as fixated on foreign imports now as it once was, so he got that chance. The fact he is now at Sunderland suggest he did not take it as successfully as some, despite your glowing praise. As for Jozy Altidore, he was a complete flop in English football during his season-long loan at Hull City in 2009-10. He then went to Holland and thrived in an inferior league with AZ Alkmaar and has now been given another chance. Lucky old Jozy. Where do you think Wickham would be if he played a whole season, got booked three times as much as he scored (six yellow cards, two goals including one at Southend United in the Carling Cup) and was then sent off in the crucial match that as good as saw his club, Hull City, relegated? He wouldn’t be back in the Premier League, that’s for certain, no matter what happened at AZ. And Borini, two goals for Liverpool last season? Where is the evidence that he has any greater quality than many English footballers of his age? Nobody said Wickham was the finished article, or that any of Sunderland’s academy boys are going to be World Footballer of the Year, but don’t kid us that Altidore or Borini represent players that can attain that status either because they most certainly don’t.
Sunderland had five British players in their starting XI for the last game, including two local players, and brought two English players on in the second half. Why is Sunderland the target for this article? David, Newcastle.
Margaret Byrne’s outraged reaction to Dyke’s comments. Had any of the other clubs Dyke mentioned appeared so affronted, it would have been just as timely to inspect their claims. As for the British players you mentioned, this is about English football – an Irish goalkeeper, for instance, is about as much use to Roy Hodgson as David De Gea.
Jack Colback, a local lad, has started every game for Sunderland this season. Jordan Henderson was sold to Liverpool for £20m. It might not be great, but it's not as bad as you are making out. Micks11, Sunderland.
I didn’t write about the past Mick, and even to focus on the present is missing the point slightly. This is about the future and where the club goes from here. Also, if you can reel off every player the club has produced in recent seasons, and grind to a halt at two, we are not exactly talking a production line.
The likes of Sunderland and Manchester City are a disgrace to English football.
Rednotbitter, Manchester.
And I didn’t say that, either. My instincts still tell me that a good kid comes through and businesses should be able to make their own decisions on staff. I merely questioned how much opportunity will remain as clubs turn their technical development arms over to foreign scouts and directors.
Premier League handbook: Rule U1. A Player shall not play for a Club in a League Match unless that Club holds his registration with effect from at least one hour before kick-off and for League Matches to be played between the close of the First Transfer Window and the end of the Season either (U.1.1) his name is included on the Squad List or (U.1.2) he is an Under 21 Player. So exactly why would Sunderland register those players? MooleyMoo, Taihape.
Well, they registered Mikael Madron, who would also count as an under-21.
The desperation in the media to see Paolo Di Canio fail is getting quite unbelievable. After reading that article I'm actually embarrassed for you. Let's run through a few facts: there were Premier League teams last weekend with no British players in them, but not Sunderland. There were Premier League clubs that bought no British players over the summer, but not Sunderland. Sunderland have two young Englishmen who are first choice players, Jack Colback and Adam Johnson, as well as more on the bench in Connor Wickham plus Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown on the treatment table. But for some reason, Sunderland are singled out. It's so blatant, it's comical. The next time you complain about there being no characters in football, please remember the hatchet job your newspaper is attempting against Di Canio and kindly shut up. Ste, Manchester.
Don’t be embarrassed for me, Ste, although you might feel a little embarrassed yourself. It’s Paolo Di Canio, not De Canio as you wrote. Don’t worry, I corrected it. Our little secret. No-one will ever know. Oh, damn. Me and my big mouth. As for your second point, there is no hatchet job against Di Canio. The column wasn’t even about Di Canio but a subject of far wider interest. By all means get paranoid and think your team is bottom of the league because of some bizarre newspaper vendetta, but believe me it is more likely to be a series of mundane issues such as Colback, one of the players you mentioned, being used out of position, or Wickham not scoring enough goals or the 14 signings needing more time to become a fluent team. Still, finding the real reasons requires a little thought and it is far easier to just get your knickers in a twist at any perceived slight. And now, a bonus debate. I started replying to the comments from Monday’s column this week but when British Airways messed up my travel arrangements and I couldn’t get to Marseille’s match with Arsenal, I had a little more time and took on the Sunderland posts instead. Seems pointless to just delete the stuff about Roy Hodgson’s long ball tactics, though. I had started it. And it’s sitting there on my computer, so you might as well have it. Just a few, mind.
Sunderland supporters on Di Canio's talent drain and the argument over Redknapp for England rages on PART III
Did they play like this under Fabio Capello? No . And were they any more successful? No.
Michael, London.
And your point is what, Michael? That is doesn’t matter because we are going to get knocked out anyway. Tell you what, if that is the outcome, couldn’t we at least play a little football on the way – because if we’re going to lose, at least go down having a bit of fun, or trying to bring some joy to the world. Like this chap.
Roy Hodgson managed his successful teams in a different era. These days, he is a mid-table manager locking minds and tactics with more adventurous, up-to-date managers who will know that the England midfield will be bypassed with long balls to a lone striker. Roy and his tactics were actually found out at Liverpool, but that didn't matter to those who hire the England managers. Forrestleigh, Lincoln.
To some extent I have sympathy for Hodgson. As Jamie Redknapp stated last week, the Football Association knew the style of manager he was when he got the job. I have always believed the manager of England needs to be by nature adventurous because there are so many matches in which the opposition are happy to play for a draw. Fabio Capello was a pragmatist, too, but his England team still played on the front foot and he would not have dreamed of going long from the kick-off. As you say, we knew where and how Hodgson experienced his greatest success but that was ignored. He was a conservative choice and it is a pity to see him genuinely bemused when what he regards as a good performance, such as the 0-0 draw in Ukraine, meets with criticism. There is disconnection. He doesn’t get why people are unhappy, we don’t get why he is satisfied with that level of performance.
The Football Association had two clear choices: the right one, Harry Redknapp, and the safe one, Hodgson. They don't like people pushing the boundaries on or off the pitch. We were sold short, before my time, when Brian Clough wasn't given the chance, and now the only English manager capable of taking the team in a progressive direction has been overlooked. We will qualify, we will play poorly, people will blame the players but the truth is the buck stops with Roy.
The Facehead, Newquay.
Redknapp would certainly have been my choice for the reasons detailed above. In Europe with Tottenham Hotspur he played with gusto and took the team further than any imagined. In the head-to-head match with Manchester City, that decided qualification to the Champions League the following season, he went to their place and won by being aggressive, On a good day, his Tottenham team played the most exciting football in the country. This was the manager that the FA passed over, not the guy who took over a doomed mission at Queens Park Rangers. It made no sense to me then, and it still doesn’t now.
We may have only lost on penalty kicks to Italy at the 2012 European Championships, but it was evident then that there was only one team playing football, and Italy deservedly progressed. The same players do it week in week out with their clubs and can't do it for England. I believe the blame lies with the manager and coaching staff. Ian Holloway for England. Splashback, London.
You lost me at the end there, Splash, but I have never understood why we kid ourselves that our players are inferior, when their Premier League and Champions League performances provide evidence to the contrary every week.
No long ball, no place for Steven Gerrard because that is his strength. Have him on the bench just in case long ball football is needed. Brian44, France.
Except it wasn’t Gerrard playing long passes against Ukraine. England’s direct approach started deeper than that. He was blameless. And I would add there is a difference between a long ball struck into a general area and a long pass which is what Gerrard plays, most times.
Valid point on Hodgson, although I do believe in most of the games he has insisted England remain patient in possession and knock it about. However, he is yet to resolve the problem that arises when England are pressed up the field. Why do England defend so deep? They have aggressive players that can run all day, surely they should be the ones pressing up field? Dreadnought, Belgrade.
It comes back to caution. We keep delaying playing in an aggressive fashion in this group and now we must win two games. Let us hope we remember how.
Sunderland supporters on Di Canio's talent drain and the argument over Redknapp for England rages on PART IV
I thought Martin Samuel was harsh when he was initially sceptical of Roy Hodgson's appointment 19 months ago, but this stale qualification campaign has proven him right. Hodgson's tactics against Ukraine made Stoke City look like Holland in 1974 and gave the Ukrainians respect their talent did not merit. No one expected him to turn England into world beaters but Hodgson could at least implement a style of play which would look out of place on Hackney Marshes on a Sunday morning. KennyA87, London.
Oh, everyone thinks I’m harsh, Kenny. They thought I was harsh about Hodgson, harsh about Sven Goran Eriksson, and now a lot of the same people tie themselves in knots defending football that we know is sub-standard because the alternative is to admit they got it wrong. Look, I still hope we will qualify. I want Hodgson to get England to Brazil and to have a good tournament and, if he does, and people think I’m wrong, I’ll still be happy. But my criticism at the time was that England went for the middle of the road option, and that would deliver middle of the road football, and I’ve seen little to contradict that. England are top of the group with two games left but, considering the opposition, so they should be. Hodgson is only par for the course so far. Par wins very few tournaments.
Did anyone watch the documentary about Swansea City under Roberto Martinez? He told the board of directors that he wanted to play a close control, fast passing brand of football. The centre-halves and full-backs said at first they were nervous at having to play tight balls into midfield but eventually the whole team bought into the idea, they played some great football and got promoted with players previously considered very mediocre. If Swansea can do it, England can do it. I’d rather go out of a competition playing football, rather than 50-yard balls. Sunnydays, Stockton.
The most ridiculous argument is the one about winning the World Cup playing rotten football, rather than trying to play like Brazil and getting knocked out. Nobody wins the World Cup with bad football; and nobody wins it with long ball. If we get to Brazil and play long, we will progress so far and lose to a technical team that does not concede possession with a random approach. And yes, if Swansea can do it, so can we. That is my point exactly.
The FA could not care less about how the England team plays. It's a gravy train for them. They don't want an outspoken manager coming in and rocking the boat. Chuckmeat, Reading.
Now what is it, Chuck, a train or a boat? Maybe it’s a hovercraft or a leaky canoe. Either way, I make you right. The moment David Bernstein walked in with Hodgson that day, flanked at the top table by Alex Horne and Sir Trevor Brooking, it all fell into place. Redknapp was never a fit with the FA. They wanted safe; except suddenly, safe isn’t as safe as they thought.
I am an Arsenal fan so this might be biased, but I had to defend Jack Wilshere's performance against Ukraine. He can't play unless you give him the ball and then someone shows for him. England might as well have not bothered picking him for all the good he can do if the team plays long-ball football. They should pick Kevin Nolan who at least has some experience and expertise in playing that way. RSSR, London.
I agree. Hodgson’s post-match comments put into perspective the idea that the players failed. They did what they were told – and that is why he had to defend them and the performance. Jack didn’t play well but there were mitigating circumstances.
Why are we surprised? All Hodgson's teams play like this. If we wanted flair and imagination we needed Redknapp. Steviejay99, Colchester.
I can't believe people on here are still shouting for Redknapp. Fatharry, Middlesbrough.
Why? He was the best English candidate by a mile. He probably still is. He is, however, one of those people that it is impossible to write about without being accused of being his mate, or just liking him because he is good for a quote. Terry Venables was the same. Despite the fact that Terry’s quotes were always bland, and half the media were dead set against him, he was always depicted as the journalists' mate. The decision to overlook Redknapp in 2012 made even less sense than ignoring Clough, considering the paucity of the candidates. We had been waiting for years for an English manager who competed at the top of the Premier League and in the Champions League, we finally got one, playing marvellous football to boot, and we ignored him.
You said that Italy and France had not dissimilar matches to England last week. How are Belarus (ranked 76th) similar to Ukraine (ranked 26th)? Also, France drew with Georgia (97th), three days before but I see you conveniently didn’t mention that. Jason89, Surrey.
Ukraine and Belarus are not dissimilar because they are both republics that were part of the Soviet Union and are technically efficient. I didn’t mention France’s result against Georgia because I was only comparing Tuesday’s matches and just passing and possession statistics, not the results of the games. Hope this clears that up. Anything else you don’t understand, feel free to drop me a line.
The FA aren't interested in the style or quality of play. They just want the financial rewards from qualifying for major tournaments and that, in their eyes, will justify Hodgson's appointment.
Andy, Wigan.
Only if he gets there, Andy. Only if he gets there. Anyway, that’s all he wrote. Until next week, at least.
Hard work can make Sunderland’s Altidore a Premier goalden boy
JOZY ALTIDORE can emerge as one of the Premier League’s star strikers if he fulfils his promise on Wearside, says Paolo Di Canio.
But the Sunderland head coach has warned Altidore that he must up his work-rate if he wants to reproduce the prolific goalscoring form he enjoyed in Holland.
Altidore was denied a first Premier League goal in Sunderland colours last weekend after referee Martin Atkinson’s failure to play an advantage against Arsenal.
The American international, who netted 31 times for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season, has shown glimpses of the attacking prowess which persuaded Sunderland to shell out £6million during the summer, with the 23-year-old breaking his Black Cats duck in last month’s Capital One Cup success over MK Dons.
But Di Canio believes Altidore is still to prove what a lethal frontman he can be in the Premier League after netting just once during his first spell in English football as a teenage loanee at Hull City.
The Italian told the Echo: “Now I need him to show that he can be one of the attractions in this league.
“He has fantastic potential but he has to transfer that potential into reality. You do that by working very, very hard in football, otherwise it is difficult.
“I know it is difficult – Jozy found it difficult in this division a few years ago when he was very young but he needs to use that experience as motivation to do better this time around.
“That should spark his desire and his ambition to prove that he wasn’t just an average player in this league.
“He might think it was a case of wrong time, wrong team last time he was here and he can prove that by making a real success of his time at Sunderland.
“Now he is at the best place and if he trains hard and learns then he can do well.”
Di Canio believes the return of fit-again Steven Fletcher will ease the burden on Altidore after the two frontmen were paired together for the first time against the Gunners.
“I think he is trying his hardest and hopefully it will become easier for him now that Steven Fletcher is back,” added Di Canio.
“Now you have two players who can have a good combination on the edge of the box and who are willing to work hard and run for each other to create space and opportunities.
“Jose has to understand that this league is tough and because of that you have to run more, move more to be available, still alert with his brain - otherwise it is difficult.
“He needs to do all this if he is to fulfil his potential.
“He needs to use his energy in every single moment of the game.
“He has to attack the space, attack the channels. He has to work hard to receive the ball and then he has to work hard even if he is not going to receive the ball.
Sunderland skipper John O'Shea back from suspension ahead of West Brom trip
Midfield duo Lee Cattermole and Emanuele Giaccherini return from injury but Wes Brown misses out on Hawthornes visit
John O'Shea is back in the Sunderland squad for their visit to West Brom.
The Black Cats skipper missed last weekend's 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal after receiving a red card at Crystal Palace, but returns to squad along with midfielder Lee Cattermole who is fit again after an ankle injury.
Italian midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini also returns following the hamstring problem that made hit sit out the clash with the Gunners, but Wes Brown misses out due to a calf problem.
Paolo Di Canio will be present on the touchline after he was given an £8,000 fine for misconduct in the Black Cat's Arsenal loss.
“It’s not my opinion, the referee made a mistake," he said after the final whistle.
“The referee has the power to wait and finish the moment and come back with the decision. He made a mistake and he has to accept that.
“It is not my opinion because you can’t say ‘no I don’t agree’. It is clear.”
Newcastle, Villa, Sunderland and Palace track Burnley hitman Danny Ings
BURNLEY striker Danny Ings has attracted the interest of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Crystal Palace after a prolific start to the season.
Ings has scored seven goals in just nine appearances for Burnley so far this term, adding a brace to his haul during Tuesday night's 3-0 win over Birmingham.
And the 21-year-old has attracted admiring glances from the Premier League already, with Newcastle, Villa, Sunderland and Palace all monitoring the Englishman ahead of the January transfer window.
Ings scored just three goals this season, but has stepped up this term to help fill the void left by Charlie Austin at Turf Moor, after he joined QPR.
And the ex-Bournemouth marksman's suitors will be encouraged to raid Burnley for another one of their forwards, with the Championship outfit viewed in some quarters as a selling club.
The Clarets sold star striker Jay Rodriguez to Southampton last year, before letting Austin move on this summer.
Manager Sean Dyche is desperate to keep hold of Ings though, and is prepared to slap a £7million asking price on his head to ward off interest.
Danny Ings has stepped up this term to help fill the void left by Charlie Austin at Turf Moor
Sunderland face a ‘must-win’ game as they travel to West Brom
Saturday should make for an interesting afternoon of football for a number of different reasons.
Firstly, if the murmurings in the press during the week are anything to go by, Lee Cattermole looks set to complete his startling return to the first team fold. If you’d have dared suggest such a situation little more than a month ago you could quite easily have found yourself belittled, mocked or even locked up, such is the unbelievable turnaround in the former captain’s fortunes.
Paolo Di Canio will hope that his midfield general can provide some bite in the centre of the park, breaking up the play and winning possession which in turn will give licence to Ki Sung-Yeung to work some magic ahead of him.
Secondly, the God’s of football have thrown another interesting story into the mix as former Sunderland fan favourite, Stephane Sessegnon, having received clearance to play looks set to make his debut for West Brom.
Sessegnon cut a mercurial figure on Wearside. Capable of the sublime, magical and match-winning moments of brilliance one week to barely even breaking sweat or looking interested for the following two or three. I can’t remember a player as frustrating as Sessegnon at Sunderland for many a year. There is no doubting his ability whatsoever and indeed he should really be plying his trade at a higher level but that is purely a result of his maddening inconsistency.
Never the less you wouldn’t put it past Sessegnon to have one of those days on Saturday, coming back to haunt his former club, that’s just what happens in football isn’t it? I suppose the best we can hope for is that the little fella “does a Shelvey”.
Finally, Saturday is quite simply a must win game for Sunderland. With only four games gone of the new season I am perfectly aware of how preposterous that will sound, but with Sunderland facing Liverpool, Manchester United and a tricky trip to Swansea before the small matter of the Wear/Tyne derby, Di Canio really needs to get some points on the board as soon as possible.
West Brom, much like Sunderland, find themselves at the wrong end of the table at this stage of the season, although the Baggies have an additional point for their efforts, having snatched an injury time equaliser last time out at Craven Cottage.
Despite having come undone against Arsenal last weekend, there were reasons for Sunderland fans to be positive from their side’s second half performance which produced a display that could very well have earned a share of the spoils. Should Sunderland present West Brom with such a challenge from the first whistle, as opposed to waiting until half-time before getting going, they may very well have a chance of victory and in turn ease some of the pressure that has been mounting on Di Canio.
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: The Hawthorns Date: Saturday, 21 September
West Brom's Stephane Sessegnon could make his debut against his former club after receiving a work permit.
Forwards Shane Long and Matej Vydra are doubts with respective knee and hamstring problems.
Sunderland captain John O'Shea is back from suspension, while fit-again midfielder Lee Cattermole could feature for the first time this season.
Emanuele Giaccherini has recovered from a hamstring problem but Wes Brown is ruled out by a calf injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
After just a month of the new season it would seem churlish to attach too much significance to a meeting of the Premier League's bottom two.
However, history has shown that recovering from a bad start can be problematic in the world's most unforgiving division.
This time last season, for example, both Reading and QPR already languished in the bottom three; the die cast, they barely moved for the remainder of the campaign.
This weekend's loser may feel decidedly insecure and a look at the challenges that lie ahead will only add to that concern.
For West Brom, who only celebrated their first league goal of the season last weekend, trips to Old Trafford, the Britannia Stadium and Anfield are lined up, with a visit from Arsenal sandwiched in between.
Sunderland host Liverpool and Manchester United before a 350-mile trip to Swansea precedes their derby with Newcastle. It all points to Saturday's events taking on greater importance than they might otherwise have done.
Both clubs are winless in their last eight games stretching back to April. The Baggies have actually only won one of their last 13 and none in front of their own fans since 9 March. Paolo Di Canio's two victories early in his reign are the only wins Sunderland have recorded since January!
Statistics aside though, the potential debut of Stephane Sessegnon adds a final delightful twist to this fascinating tale.
A work permit delay means that his long-awaited bow will now come against the manager who deemed him surplus to requirements - surely his name will be the first on Steve Clarke's team sheet?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Brom are chasing a fourth successive win against Sunderland, and have won six of their previous seven Premier League games against the Black Cats (W6, D1).
Sunderland have only won one top-flight game at the Hawthorns in 31 years - a 1-0 victory in January 2006 when Anthony Le Tallec got the only goal.
West Bromwich Albion
With two points from four games, the Baggies have made their worst start to a top-flight season since 1985.
West Brom are winless in eight league games (D3, L5).
They claimed 33 of 49 points in the first half of the 2012-13 campaign, but since then have taken just 18 points from 23 games (including this season).
Nicolas Anelka has scored seven goals in 10 Premier League appearances against Sunderland.
Sunderland
The Black Cats won two of their first three games under Paolo Di Canio, but since then have claimed three points from eight league matches (D3, L5).
They have failed to keep a clean sheet in those eight games, conceding a total of 17 goals.
Their win at Newcastle in April is their only victory in their last nine away league games (W1, D1, L7).
Steven Fletcher has scored three goals in four Premier League games against West Brom.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Mark Lawrenson
Football analyst
"I am getting vilified by Sunderland fans because I said before the season that I thought they would be relegated and I didn't think the manager would still be there at Christmas.
"In all honesty, though, I cannot see how anything has changed. Paolo Di Canio's antics on the touchline do not help and the problem for Sunderland is that everything seems to be all about him."
Steve Clarke: No guarantee Nicolas Anelka will face Sunderland
Steve Clarke today insisted Nicolas Anelka is not guaranteed a starting place at Albion ahead of tomorrow’s Hawthorns showdown with Sunderland.
But the Baggies head coach defended the performances of his star summer signing as he considers his attacking options for the crucial meeting with the Black Cats.
Anelka has struggled to carry his superb pre-season form into the opening four games of the Premier League season and Albion go into tomorrow’s game without a win and with just one goal to their name.
Stephane Sessegnon and James Morrison are both placing pressure on Anelka.
Asked whether the Frenchman’s place was guaranteed, Clarke said: “It’s a squad game. Some players will play and some will be on the bench and some will be out of the squad completely.
“They all have to make sure if they are selected they are ready to go as maybe they won’t get two chances this year.
“Maybe it’s a different challenge for some. If you’re not ready for your chance, your chance passes you by.
“I have a big squad of players – I asked for that – and I have to manage them, but they have to be ready when selected.”
However, Clarke defended the role of Anelka, who returned to the first-team fray after briefly hinting at retirement just one game into his Baggies career.
“Nicolas’s form, by and large, has been good,” said Clarke. “He’s been OK and he’s brought a different dimension to the team.
“I think it’s wrong that people single out Nicolas as ‘the name’. He’s part of the team that has struggled to create chances.
“It’s not just about Nicolas creating chances and scoring goals. It’s about everybody else chipping in.
“We have tightened up a bit and now we need to find more creativity going forward. That does not apply just to Nicolas Anelka but everyone in the team to step up to the mark to create more chances and score more goals.
“When you’re a star – and Nicolas is a star in world football – you will grab the headlines. But football’s a team game.”
“We’re delighted that he’s here and he’s raised the profile of the club but it’s everybody’s job to create and score chances, not only Nicolas.”
West Bromwich Albion blog: Scarred for life by Sunderland defeat
There are certain football scars that will never heal no matter how long ago the wound was opened.
You may think instantly of wounds relating to giant killing acts or bitter blows at the hands of local rivals.
But, I was scarred for life in 1969 at the hands of Sunderland.
While I was cutting my teeth on the nuances of following my beloved Baggies, as a 10-year-old I was heavily influenced by my Uncle Derek.
Not only did he play football every Saturday afternoon, but he had a way of talking about our club. He was passionate about all things relating to the Baggies.
So, one Saturday evening as he announced he was about to fetch the latest copy of The Sports Argus I jumped at the chance of travelling with him, in his mini, to a newsagents in Leabrook Road, Ocker Hill.
He was in a good mood, he had played his part in a winning team that Saturday.
But once he returned to his mini, Sports Argus in hand, he threw the paper down in disgust.
“I just don’t believe it!” he kept saying, over and over again.
“What’s the matter, Uncle?” was all I could offer.
“Sunderland beat us 6-0 and have won the FA Youth Cup!” he shouted.
“Not only that, but we had already beat them up here 3-0!”
Of course, as soon as we returned to my nan’s everyone knew Uncle Derek was the bearer of bad tidings as soon as we walked through the door. The result was written all over his face.
To put the heavy defeat at the hands of Sunderland into context, West Bromwich Albion’s youth team featured quite a few decent players.
Also the Baggies had seen off Manchester United in the semi-final winning 5-3 on aggregate.
Albion’s FA Youth Cup team versus Sunderland was: Gordon Nisbet; Roger Minton; Syd Bell; Lyndon Hughes; Jim Holton; Alistair Robertson; Stuart Woolgar; Asa Hartford; Keith Morris; Len Cantello and Hugh Maclean. Sub: David Butler.
Perhaps a win tomorrow against Sunderland would go some way to healing my scar incurred 44 years ago!
West Bromwich Albion's Scottish manager Steve Clarke awaits kick off in the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England.
West Bromwich Albion host Sunderland at the weekend as both teams look to register their first Premier League win of the season.
The Baggies and the Black Cats currently sit in the bottom two positions in the league table, with a victory apiece in the League Cup all that they have to show for their season so far.
West Brom head coach Steve Clarke will have new signing Stephane Sessegnon at his disposal after the former Sunderland man was finally handed a work permit earlier this week.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio will be able to call upon defender John O'Shea, who missed the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal through suspension.
The Italian could also recall midfielder Craig Gardner, who came off the bench to score last weekend.
West Brom vs Sunderland EPL Projected Lineups include Anelka and Altidore
Last season West Brom were the surprise package of the year under Steve Clark. However, so far this season injuries and lack of form have stopped the Baggies in their tracks and have seen them only manage two points from their opening possible 12.
Sunderland likewise are yet to still see themselves make any real progress as Paolo Di Canio's side continues to struggle with a major lack of continuity in the side due to so many personel changes in the past few seasons, especially this summer.
Nicolas Anelka is yet to get his campaign off to a real start for West Brom as various circumstances have seen him miss matches and time with the club. The arrivals of Scott Sinclair and Stephane Sessegnon for the club are positives but once again it is taking time for them to find their feet in a new squad.
Sunderland so far have shown more attacking threats this season as their wingplay has seen many scoring chances created or resulted in the creation of set pieces where they have been dangerous as well.
West Brom are strong if they are defending a lead but have not yet really shown that they can go out and get a win like they did last season as the only dominating victory of their campaign thus far was against Newport in the Capital One Cup back in late August.
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland: Five players under the spotlight
This matchup sees two teams who have had poor starts to the seasons go head to head at the Hawthorns.
Baggies manager Steve Clarke will believe his side has the quality to overcome the Black Cats but Paolo Di Canio’s side will be out to prove a point.
I could see this one ending in a draw as neither side will have the confidence to go for the win because of the risk of leaving their defense exposed and potentially losing the game.
It may not be a thriller but it will be a tight tense affair, not one for the neutral.
Odds: West Brom 11/10, Draw 5/2, Sunderland 29/10
Last meeting:
West Brom 2-1 Sunderland – 23rd February 2013, The Hawthorns
Two goals from on loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku powered the home side to victory despite a late strike from Stéphane Sessègnon that made it 2-1. At the time it sent Sunderland further into relegation trouble as they a poor run of form saw them clinging on to their Premier League status, West Brom on the other hand were on their way to a Premier League best finish for the club.
Five players to watch on Saturday:
Stéphane Sessègnon
He impressed for Sunderland when he first signed but he fell out of favour over the summer and was eventually sold to West Brom. He can certainly bring some quality to the Baggies’ midfield. In the past he has shown the ability to change games with his goals and assists. He didn’t feature last week against Fulham because of his work permit but he is now available for selection against his old team/
Victor Anichebe
The Nigerian striker never really got an extended run in the Everton side, when he did play he couldn’t quite score the number of goals required to be a success as a striker, his finishing often let him down. He may make his West Brom debut after joining the club on deadline day; he will be hoping that a fresh start will give him a new lease of life. He certainly offers something different for West Brom.
Steven Fletcher
Paolo Di Canio stated this week that he could be Sunderland’s saviour this season, the Scot has scored one goal in the Premier League this season and he will be looking to add to that tally against West Brom with his side in desperate need of a win. If they do get the three points then they could see themselves climb off the foot of the table.
Lee Cattermole
There were reports the former captain would be sold in the summer with the player himself wanting to leave but no deal was completed. Di Canio has made it clear that he will use Cattermole this season and if he can regain his fitness he can play a big role at the Hawthorns and for the rest of the season.
John O’Shea
The club’s captain returns to the Sunderland defence after suspension kept him out of the loss to Arsenal. He’s one of the clubs most experienced players and his presence will help the team get over their poor start. Di Canio stressed that he would go straight back into the side despite a poor challenge that received a red card against Crystal Palace.
Stephane Sessegnon is in line to make his West Brom debut against his former employers Sunderland at The Hawthorns.
The Benin international has his work permit now in place and is in contention to start against his former club.
Victor Anichebe made his debut last time out against Fulham but he or Nicolas Anelka could make way for Sessegnon.
Morgan Amalfitano, who also made his bow at Craven Cottage, could also be dropped to the bench with fit-again James Morrison and loanee Scott Sinclair pushing for starts.
Strikers Shane Long (knee) and Matej Vydra (hamstring) remain doubtful for the match while Steven Reid, Zoltan Gera and George Thorne are still working their way back to fitness. Goalkeeper Ben Foster is recovering from surgery on his foot.
Sunderland have Italian star Emanuele Giaccherini available again after his hamstring problem kept him out of their 3-1 loss to Arsenal last week.
Giaccherini is set to replace Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
Club captain John O'Shea has served a one-match ban and is also likely to come into the starting XI.
Another player back in contention having been brought in from the wilderness is former skipper Lee Cattermole, who has not featured since the start of the year.
The former Middlesbrough man could come straight into Di Canio's side, while Wes Brown, who had returned to the bench against Arsenal, is out with a groin problem.
West Bromwich(WBA) vs Sunderland preview - Sessegnon set for swift reunion
Steve Clarke is ready to throw Stephane Sessegnon in at the deep end should the forward make his West Brom debut against former club Sunderland.
The Benin international arrived at The Hawthorns on transfer deadline day in what eventually turned out to be an acrimonious departure from Wearside.
Sessegnon had a lot of fans at the Stadium of Light but divided opinion due to his enigmatic demeanour, with Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio questioning his commitment after selling him to Albion.
Baggies boss Clarke has yet to get to know the forward but has no doubt the player will be raring to go should he make his bow on Saturday.
"I won't have to motivate Stephane," he said.
"He's just joined a new club and he's got a new challenge. You can see every day in training that he's excited about the prospect of playing here and he's looking forward to the game at the weekend.
"I don't think it would matter who we were playing, he'd still be looking forward to it.
"I haven't read Paolo's comments because I tend not to read the media. I'm not really sure what the context was.
"Sometimes when a player leaves a club the manager will choose to make some critical comments but that's for every individual to decide how they want to do it.
"I've only known Stephane for 10 days or so. It's not very long and I haven't had too many chats with him.
"He's quiet, but when I was young I was quiet as well. That doesn't make you introverted or a difficult character. Some people are quiet, some people are loud.
"Everybody has their own character."
Defender John O'Shea returns to the Sunderland squad, as does former skipper Lee Cattermole, who seemed set to leave the Stadium of Light during the summer, and midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini following his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Di Canio has urged his players to take responsibility for securing a much-needed first win of the season.
The Black Cats are stuck at the bottom of the table with just a single point from their four games to date.
Di Canio insists he is not concerned by a run of results which could get worse before it gets better with leaders Liverpool due at the Stadium of Light next weekend and champions Manchester United following hot on their heels.
However, the 45-year-old Italian knows how much of a boost a win over the Baggies, who are only a point better off, could provide and he is challenging his players to make a statement.
He said: "Paolo Di Canio is the first responsible because I pick my players, I choose the strategy of how we have to play. I absolutely always agree with this: the manager is the number one responsible.
"But the players have to feel a responsibility. They are adult footballers who have to have the desire and the courage to say, 'Yes, we lost, we lost, but I am sure I did my best'.
"It doesn't mean you can be bad or not give quality in training sessions, you have to be professional. Don't smile, but train harder.
"It doesn't have to come only from the manager, otherwise it's tough. This is why I hope we are going to win soon."
1508: West Brom 0-0 Sunderland
Not much to shout about in the first few minutes of the basement battle between the bottom two at The Hawthorns.
Sunderland almost found Fabio Borini, but Adam Johnson's long through-ball had just a little bit too much welly on it.
At the other end, Black Cats keeper Kieren Westwood got himself in a tangle when he waited for the ball to bounce into his box and Nicolas Anelka almost pounced. Westwood recovered, but only just in time.
West Brom v Sunderland (1500 BST)
As expected former Sunderland midfielder Stephane Sessegnon starts for West Brom after receiving his work permit, but strikers Shane Long and Matej Vydra both miss out through injury.
Defender John O'Shea returns to the starting line-up for the Sunderland after serving a one-match ban, while striker Fabio Borini makes his first start since signing on loan from Liverpool. Midfield man Lee Cattermole could also make his first appearance of the season, named on the bench after injury.
LINE-UPS- West Brom v Sunderland (1500 BST)
West Brom: Myhill, Billy Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Mulumbu, Morrison, Amalfitano, Sessegnon, Sinclair, Anelka. Subs: Popov, Yacob, Rosenberg, Camp, Lugano, Anichebe, Berahino.
Sunderland: Westwood, Celustka, Diakite, O'Shea, Colback, Johnson, Gardner, Ki, Giaccherini, Borini, Fletcher. Subs: Altidore, Ba, Cuellar, Mannone, Ji, Cattermole, Mavrias.
45:00 +1:06 Half time
Half Time
The first half comes to an end.
45:00 +0:48 Adam Johnson produces a cross.
45:00 +0:09 The ball is sent over by Emanuele Giaccherini.
44:44 Free kick taken by Modibo Diakite.
44:26 Unfair challenge on Fabio Borini by James Morrison results in a free kick.
43:49 Liam Ridgewell makes a clearance.
1547: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
At last, something for Paolo di Canio to smile about - Sunderland's best chance for some time, which comes right at the end of the first half. Emanuele Giaccherini's clipped cross is only just too high for Fabio Borini, who had timed his run to perfection.
1544: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
While West Brom are turning on the style, we have not seen much of Sunderland as an attacking force of late.
The Black Cats' bright start is a distant memory and their manager Paolo di Canio is pacing his technical area in frustration, as his side continue to give the ball away. Di Canio looks like an agitated man - I would not fancy being on the end of his half-time team-talk.
41:56 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.
41:20 The assistant referee signals for offside against Nicolas Anelka.
41:15 Clearance made by Billy Jones.
40:36 Jonas Olsson restarts play with the free kick.
40:28 Fabio Borini challenges Gareth McAuley unfairly and gives away a free kick.
40:07 Billy Jones takes the free kick.
39:49 Emanuele Giaccherini gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Billy Jones.
1541: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
West Brom are playing some lovely passing football, sweeping the ball forward and keeping Sunderland pegged back. They have created some more half-chances too, and Nicolas Anelka will be disappointed there was nobody to get on the end of his pull-back from the right of the penalty area.
38:27 Clearance made by Modibo Diakite.
38:25 The ball is crossed by Nicolas Anelka.
37:32 Clearance by Youssouf Mulumbu.
37:32 The ball is sent over by Fabio Borini.
36:06 John O'Shea makes a clearance.
36:04 The ball is delivered by Nicolas Anelka.
35:09 Jonas Olsson takes the free kick.
34:42 Booking
34:42 Sung-Yeung Ki goes into the book for unsporting behaviour. 34:30 Sung-Yeung Ki gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephane Sessegnon.
33:58 Youssouf Mulumbu takes the free kick.
33:48 The referee gives a free kick against Fabio Borini for handball.
32:34 John O'Shea manages to make a clearance.
32:33 The ball is sent over by Nicolas Anelka.
32:21 The ball is swung over by Stephane Sessegnon.
31:50 Ondrej Celustka manages to make a clearance.
31:47 The ball is delivered by Morgan Amalfitano.
31:38 Clearance by Gareth McAuley.
30:42 James Morrison manages to make a clearance.
1532: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland were on top before they went behind but the closest they have come to a reply was when a deep cross reached Adam Johnson, just inside the West Brom box. His low shot was fizzing into the bottom corner but a Baggies defender threw his body at the ball to make a vital block.
At the other end, Morgan Amalfitano, who provided the cross that led to West Brom's goal, has also gone close with a stinging shot that was deflected over the top.
1529: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
Hands up who fancied Stephane Sessegnon to score on his debut and against his former club today then? The West Brom fans are currently singing "Thank you Di Canio", just rub a bit more salt into Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio's wounds.
29:10 Clearance by Ondrej Celustka.
29:06 Corner taken by Morgan Amalfitano from the right by-line. 28:18 Steven Fletcher makes a clearance.
28:15 Corner from the right by-line taken by Morgan Amalfitano. 27:47 James Morrison has an effort at goal. Blocked by Craig Gardner.
27:45 Liam Ridgewell restarts play with the free kick.
27:26 Jack Colback goes into the book for unsporting behaviour. 27:26 Booking
27:18 Unfair challenge on Stephane Sessegnon by Jack Colback results in a free kick.
27:08 The ball is delivered by Emanuele Giaccherini.
27:02 James Morrison manages to make a clearance.
26:58 Corner taken by Adam Johnson.
26:35 Adam Johnson takes a shot. Liam Ridgewell gets a block in. 26:33 Centre by Emanuele Giaccherini.
26:25 Billy Jones manages to make a clearance.
26:20 Free kick taken by Keiren Westwood.
25:48 The assistant referee flags for offside against Nicolas Anelka.
23:47 Billy Jones manages to make a clearance.
23:30 Jonas Olsson makes a clearance.
23:27 Clearance by James Morrison.
22:39 Clearance by Fabio Borini.
22:35 Stephane Sessegnon takes a shot. Craig Gardner gets a block in.
22:34 Clearance made by John O'Shea.
22:30 Free kick crossed by Morgan Amalfitano.
21:57 Foul by Ondrej Celustka on Stephane Sessegnon, free kick awarded.
21:28 Liam Ridgewell makes a clearance.
21:17 Jonas Olsson manages to make a clearance.
20:43 Billy Jones makes a clearance.
1519: GOAL - West Brom 1-0 Sunderland (Stephane Sessegnon)
As soon as I finish typing the previous entry, Stephane Sessegnon pops up to slot home the opener against his former team. Sunderland goalkeeper Kieren Westwood blocks Scott Sinclair's shot and Sessegnon is onto the loose ball in a flash to side-foot home. No celebration from the goal-scorer. Paolo di Canio may want to reconsider those comments questioning the Benin international's work-rate.
1519: West Brom 0-0 Sunderland
Stephane Sessegnon has made a quiet start to his West Brom career and his former club Sunderland have enjoyed the best of the last five minutes, albeit without creating any clear-cut chances.
19:13 Goal scored
Goal! - Stephane Sessegnon - West Brom 1 - 0 Sunderland
Stephane Sessegnon grabs a goal with a right foot finish. West Brom 1-0 Sunderland.
19:09 The ball is delivered by Morgan Amalfitano.
19:00 Stephane Sessegnon takes the free kick.
18:46 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nicolas Anelka by Modibo Diakite.
18:09 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.
17:34 Foul by Stephane Sessegnon on Adam Johnson, free kick awarded.
17:04 Clearance by Jack Colback.
17:03 The ball is crossed by Morgan Amalfitano.
16:46 Jonas Olsson manages to make a clearance.
16:42 Emanuele Giaccherini crosses the ball in from the free kick.
16:07 Unfair challenge on Craig Gardner by James Morrison results in a free kick.
15:39 Clearance by Jonas Olsson.
15:38 Adam Johnson delivers the ball.
15:06 Emanuele Giaccherini produces a cross.
14:56 Clearance by Youssouf Mulumbu.
14:55 Emanuele Giaccherini sends in a cross.
14:51 Clearance by Gareth McAuley.
14:49 Corner from the left by-line taken by Emanuele Giaccherini.
14:31 Billy Jones makes a clearance.
14:14 Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Emanuele Giaccherini. Liam Ridgewell gets a block in.
13:11 Unfair challenge on Fabio Borini by Gareth McAuley results in a free kick.
12:39 Gareth McAuley manages to make a clearance.
12:30 Steven Fletcher takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Blocked by Billy Jones.
11:27 The ball is swung over by Emanuele Giaccherini.
10:10 Gareth McAuley manages to make a clearance.
10:01 Free kick taken by Modibo Diakite.
9:33 The referee blows for offside.
6:52 Modibo Diakite makes a clearance.
6:49 Free kick taken by Boaz Myhill.
6:18 Fabio Borini challenges Gareth McAuley unfairly and gives away a free kick.
6:16 The ball is delivered by Fabio Borini.
6:15 Gareth McAuley manages to make a clearance.
6:01 Clearance made by Billy Jones.
4:56 Clearance by Gareth McAuley.
4:52 Clearance by Jonas Olsson.
4:47 Keiren Westwood takes the free kick.
4:05 The offside flag is raised against Morgan Amalfitano.
3:58 Adam Johnson manages to make a clearance.
3:54 Corner from the left by-line taken by Morgan Amalfitano.
3:35 Clearance made by Sung-Yeung Ki.
3:35 Corner taken by Morgan Amalfitano from the left by-line.
3:13 Ondrej Celustka makes a clearance.
3:10 Nicolas Anelka crosses the ball.
1:28 Gareth McAuley manages to make a clearance.
0:59 Clearance made by Billy Jones.
0:56 Ondrej Celustka crosses the ball.
0:00 The game begins.
1626: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
A big chance for Sunderland, and a big shout for a penalty. Jack Colback cuts the ball back to Jozy Altidore on the Baggies penalty spot, but his shot is deflected wide, off Jonas Olsson's arm.
Altidore is convinced he should have had spot-kick but referee Phil Dowd says no. I wonder what Paolo di Canio is thinking?
1620: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland have made another attacking change, with Jozy Altidore on for Fabio Borini, but it is West Brom who are looking more dangerous. Morgan Amalfitano got to the by-line before firing in a dangerous cross that somehow eluded all his team-mates, then Stephane Sessegnon let fly from the edge of the box with an angled shot that rasped just over the bar.
The Black Cats' best recent effort has again come from the boot of Craig Gardner, but he saw his dipping 25-yard shot swerve away from - rather than towards - Boaz Myhill's goal.
1610: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
Unsurprisingly, Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio made a change at the break - bringing on Greek midfielder Charalampos Mavrias for the largely ineffective Emanuele Giaccherini.
The Black Cats have come out fighting at the start of the second half, and have dominated proceedings but other than a series of set-pieces - the best of which was a driven Craig Gardner free-kick that was deflected wide - they have not threatened.
West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
"Paulo Di Canio was highly critical of Stephane Sessegnon when he left the club and he may be ruing that now after he opened the scoring. He was barely involved in the first half but he did what he needed to and that was sweep the ball home for West Brom's first home goal of the season."
1633: West Brom 2-0 Sunderland - Liam Ridgewell
Things have just got even worse for Paolo di Canio. Within minutes of going down to 10 men, his side are now 2-0 down. Morgan Amalfitano's cross found Liam Ridgewell arriving late at the far post and Kieren Westwood could not keep out his shot. Game over? It looks that way.
1633: West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
Oh dear. This really is not Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio's day. He had already seen his former player Stephane Sessegnon score for West Brom, and now this:
Not only does Steven Fletcher miss a golden chance to level for the Black Cats when he volleys over from 10 yards out, the Scot falls awkwardly and appears to have dislocated his shoulder. He is in pain, and cannot continue and Di Canio had just made his third change of the game - his side are down to 10 men.
1629: SUBSTITUTION - West Brom 1-0 Sunderland
West Brom have been quiet up front for a while but Nicolas Anelka has just seen a golden chance to double his side's lead go astray. He got on the end of a gorgeous cross from the right but fluffed his header, which hit Sunderland defender Ondrej Celustka and flew wide.
That was Anelka's last action of the afternoon - he and Scott Sinclair are off, replaced by Claudio Yakob and Victor Anichebe
Sunderland have made a change too. Lee Cattermole, out of favour with Paolo di Canio until recently, is on for Craig Gardner to make his first appearance of the season.
1650: GOAL - West Brom 3-0 Sunderland - Morgan Amalfitano (90 mins) Morgan Amalfitano had a hand in West Brom's first two goals and he has just capped his side's first league win of the season with a deserved strike of his own. Victor Anichebe fed the Frenchman on the right of the area and his stinging shot fizzed past Kieren Westwood and into the opposite corner of the net.
1649: West Brom 2-0 Sunderland
James Morrison almost adds insult to injury for Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio, heading over from six yards out after making a darting run into the box.
Stephane Sessegnon will not be adding to his tally, though. West Brom's former Black Cats striker is replaced by Saido Berahino, and receives an ovation from both sets of fans for his performance on his debut.
1641: West Brom 2-0 Sunderland
Uh-oh, Sunderland are in more trouble here. Ki Sung-Yong has been on the floor and receiving treatment for a few minutes now. The Black Cats are already down to 10 men after Steven Fletcher was injured after they had used all three substitutes.
Ki is going to try to carry on - he has no choice but to limp through the last few minutes.
1638: West Brom 2-0 Sunderland
Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio could only gaze skywards after seeing his side go 2-0 down. Perhaps he was asking 'why me?' He has been unlucky today but the Baggies fans are not being too sympathetic to his plight - they are singing "you're getting sacked in the morning" at him.
90:00 +5:36 Full time
Full Time
The game is over, as the referee blows the whistle. 90:00 +4:50 Jozy Altidore concedes a free kick for a foul on Youssouf Mulumbu. 90:00 +4:45 Clearance made by Modibo Diakite. 90:00 +4:42 Morgan Amalfitano produces a cross. 90:00 +2:30 Assist on the goal came from Victor Anichebe. 90:00 +2:30 Goal scored
Goal! - Morgan Amalfitano - West Brom 3 - 0 Sunderland
Morgan Amalfitano slots the ball right footed into the goal. West Brom 3-0 Sunderland. 89:44 Billy Jones manages to make a clearance. 89:15 The ball is crossed by Jack Colback. 88:41 Substitution
Substitution
Saido Berahino is brought on as a substitute for Stephane Sessegnon. 87:52 Header by James Morrison misses to the right of the target. 87:49 Centre by Liam Ridgewell. 87:15 Modibo Diakite manages to make a clearance. 85:30 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 85:28 The ball is swung over by Stephane Sessegnon. 85:10 Billy Jones manages to make a clearance. 84:57 Modibo Diakite takes the free kick. 84:51 Victor Anichebe gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on John O'Shea. 83:27 Ondrej Celustka manages to make a clearance. 83:15 Clearance by Gareth McAuley. 83:05 Clearance by Billy Jones.
79:51 Clearance by Liam Ridgewell. 78:45 Clearance made by Jonas Olsson. 78:43 Clearance made by Jonas Olsson. 78:42 The ball is sent over by Adam Johnson. 78:38 Gareth McAuley makes a clearance. 78:36 Centre by Ondrej Celustka. 78:04 The ball is sent over by Liam Ridgewell. 75:20 Goal scored
Goal! - Liam Ridgewell - West Brom 2 - 0 Sunderland
Liam Ridgewell scores with their left foot. West Brom 2-0 Sunderland. 75:16 The ball is swung over by Morgan Amalfitano. 74:09 Clearance made by Jack Colback. 71:14 Shot by Steven Fletcher went over the crossbar. 71:12 Adam Johnson delivers the ball. 70:50 Modibo Diakite takes the free kick. 70:39 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Modibo Diakite by Victor Anichebe. 70:12 Clearance made by Modibo Diakite. 70:02 Billy Jones manages to make a clearance. 69:39 Clearance by Gareth McAuley. 69:12 Lee Cattermole manages to make a clearance. 69:10 The ball is crossed by Billy Jones. 68:53 Substitution
Substitution
Lee Cattermole on for Craig Gardner. 68:31 Substitution
Substitution
Claudio Yacob joins the action as a substitute, replacing Scott Sinclair. 68:18 Substitution
Substitution
(West Brom) makes a substitution, with Victor Anichebe coming on for Nicolas Anelka. 67:40 Clearance made by Steven Fletcher. 67:36 Corner taken by Morgan Amalfitano from the left by-line. 67:01 Header at goal by Nicolas Anelka to the left of the net. 66:58 Centre by Billy Jones. 66:17 Gareth McAuley makes a clearance. 66:01 Header by Scott Sinclair misses left. 65:59 Morgan Amalfitano delivers the ball. 65:21 Clearance by Liam Ridgewell. 65:20 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball. 64:47 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 64:26 Jozy Altidore takes a shot. Blocked by Gareth McAuley. 64:24 Jack Colback delivers the ball. 63:58 Clearance by Gareth McAuley. 63:07 Handball by Jozy Altidore. 62:52 Clearance by Gareth McAuley. 62:15 The ball is crossed by Adam Johnson. 62:02 Modibo Diakite restarts play with the free kick. 61:56 Unfair challenge on Modibo Diakite by Nicolas Anelka results in a free kick. 61:16 Shot by Craig Gardner went wide of the right-hand post. 60:26 Clearance by Liam Ridgewell. 59:50 Stephane Sessegnon has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 59:17 Clearance by Adam Johnson. 59:12 Morgan Amalfitano delivers the ball. 58:54 Jack Colback makes a clearance. 58:52 Morgan Amalfitano delivers the ball. 58:36 Substitution
Substitution
Jozy Altidore replaces Fabio Borini. 55:47 Clearance made by John O'Shea. 55:42 Free kick taken by Boaz Myhill. 55:07 Fabio Borini gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gareth McAuley. 54:20 Gareth McAuley makes a clearance. 53:05 A cross is delivered by Charis Mavrias. 52:02 Craig Gardner takes the free kick. 51:51 Jonas Olsson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher. 51:46 Modibo Diakite makes a clearance. 51:41 Free kick taken by Boaz Myhill. 50:59 Foul by Ondrej Celustka on Boaz Myhill, free kick awarded. 50:55 Corner taken by Adam Johnson from the right by-line. 50:38 Billy Jones manages to make a clearance. 50:36 Free kick crossed by Craig Gardner. 49:58 Free kick awarded for a foul by Morgan Amalfitano on Charis Mavrias. 49:43 Clearance by James Morrison. 49:40 Corner from the left by-line taken by Charis Mavrias. 49:22 Clearance by Youssouf Mulumbu. 49:19 Corner taken by Charis Mavrias. 49:03 Gareth McAuley manages to make a clearance. 49:02 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 45:01 The match restarts for the second half. 45:01 Substitution
Substitution Charis Mavrias comes on in place of Emanuele Giaccherini.
They've got rubbish in their brains! Di Canio blasts Sunderland players following bizarre stand-off with fans after West Brom defeat
Paolo Di Canio accused his Sunderland players of having 'rubbish in their brains' after they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at West Brom on Saturday.
The fiery Italian had a bizarre stand-off with the travelling fans after the final whistle, staring at them when some supporters made abusive gestures.
Sunderland remain bottom of the Premier League without a win this season as Di Canio admitted he could face the sack from the struggling side.
'It is my responsibility to receive their negative energy,' he said, somewhat improbably. 'It was a bad day for everybody. I wanted to show them I will never give up. We have to keep together. I still believe in myself. I will never change.
'The players need to release the rubbish from their brains. They have to have more confrontation, more anger with each other.
'They need to look into each other's eyes. They lost their belief after 20 minutes. They turned their faces away. They must try to discover their mentality.
'One result could be good medicine. One win and everything will become clear. As an honest, intelligent person, I know we have to quickly get out of this situation. Someone in 10th position can get sacked, but I am not worried about my job. But I am worried about the results.
'You will have to ask the board about me. They will of course ask why we are bottom of the table and think about their decisions. If we continue to lose, lose, lose, there will be consequences.'
To make matters worse, Sunderland were undone in part thanks to their former player Stephane Sessegnon who scored the opener for the Baggies.
Liam Ridgewell’s second goal and man-of-the match Morgan Amalfatino’s late third only prolonged the agony for the Italian as home fans jubilantly chanted ‘Thank you Di Canio’ and ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’.
Di Canio jeered by Sunderland fans after dismal Baggies defeat... and then admits he faces race to beat the sack
Paolo Di Canio was jeered by a section of Sunderland fans after the 3-0 defeat at West Brom kept them bottom of the Premier League and still without a win this season - and he admitted he could get the sack if the dismal form continues.
‘For any manager, if we continue to lose, lose, lose, there are natural consequences,’ he said. ‘It’s obvious it was a bad day.’
Di Canio walked over to applaud the travelling support after the final whistle and stayed staring at them when some fans responded with abusive gestures. A bizarre stand-off ensued for several minutes, with Di Canio pointing to his head as if to say “give me all your anger”.
He said: ‘It was negative but they [the fans] are absolutely right. I wanted to show them I never give up. I believe in my regime. The fans boo and insult and that is part of football. I would have been furious as well.’
With fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United to come - and striker Steven Fletcher suffering a shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out for several weeks - Di Canio will hope owner Ellis Short gives him more time.
‘It’s normal [for him] to think about what’s going on,’ said Di Canio. ‘We need that win quick.’
Struggling Sunderland line up Roberto Di Matteo if results don’t improve
Paolo Di Canio has just two games to save his job, with Roberto Di Matteo waiting in the wings to take over at Sunderland, it is claimed.
The Black Cats are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table with just one point from five matches following yesterday’s 3-0 defeat at West Brom.
The manner of the loss will be a worry for the travelling fans, who saw key man Steven Fletcher come off injured with 15 minutes remaining, and Sunderland struggling on with ten men having used all their substitutes.
Now Di Canio appears to be under pressure, with Black Cats chairman Ellis Short determined the club will not be relegated to the Championship.
Speculation today suggests he has former Chelsea and West Brom boss Di Matteo lined up to replace Di Canio should the team’s form not turnaround imminently.
Di Matteo, 43, has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in November 2012.
It is believed Di Canio, who is without a win since March, may only have two matches to save his job. However, the bad news for the Italian is those two fixtures are against Liverpool and Manchester United.
He said after defeat at The Hawthorns: ‘I am the person responsible. I want to show them I am never going to give up. I believe in what I’m doing.’
West Bromwich Albion 3 Sunderland 0 match report: Sunderland patience with Paolo Di Canio is running out
The Calvin report: Embattled manager admits that if his team 'lose, lose lose, there will be consequences'
The pin is being prised loose from the human grenade. Paolo Di Canio refused to countenance change despite a calamitous Sunderland performance against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns yesterday.
To make matters worse, his side were embarrassed by the former Sunderland player Stéphane Sessègnon, who can look upon himself as the refugee from a regime on the cusp of chaos.
Sessègnon's goal, which marked his debut and set his new employers on their way to a 3-0 success, helped to extend his former club's sequence without a win – which began with a 6-1 thrashing at Villa Park last April – to nine games. Di Canio's bizarre mime of contrition to the few away fans remaining at the final whistle convinced no one.
He spent fully three minutes standing 30 yards from supporters with his hands plunged deep into his trouser pockets. He shook his head sadly, patted himself forlornly on the chest and made some "chin-up" gestures. Perhaps wisely, he ignored entreaties to conduct an immediate inquest in the cheap seats behind the goal.
"It is my responsibility to receive their negative energy," he said, somewhat improbably. "It was a bad day for everybody. I wanted to show them I will never give up. We have to keep together. I still believe in myself. I will never change.
"The players need to release the rubbish from their brains. They have to have more confrontation, more anger with each other.
"They need to look into each other's eyes. They lost their belief after 20 minutes. They turned their faces away. They must try to discover their mentality.
"One result could be good medicine. One win and everything will become clear. As an honest, intelligent person, I know we have to quickly get out of this situation. Someone in 10th position can get sacked, but I am not worried about my job. But I am worried about the results.
"You will have to ask the board about me. They will of course ask why we are bottom of the table and think about their decisions. If we continue to lose, lose, lose, there will be consequences."
Albion, a side who would struggle to score against the proverbial team of dustbins, converted three goals with telling ease. To the surprise of only the terminally naïve, Di Canio's high-profile failure is beginning to look like a self-fulfilling prophesy. His insistence that he does not fear unemployment may quickly become a moot point.
Liverpool are due at the Stadium of Light next Sunday. They will be followed by Manchester United, whose manager David Moyes must have enjoyed the most comforting of scouting trips to the Black Country yesterday. A difficult game at Swansea will set up a Tyne-Tees derby of rare significance.
Sunderland's owner, Ellis Short, has a vested interest in bowing to Di Canio's insistence that his new-look side cannot be judged until at least halfway through the season. However, the patience of foreign benefactors in the Premier League is notoriously fragile.
Di Canio has brought so much on himself. Such eccentricities as the apparently arbitrary banning of ketchup are survivable when a team is winning or at least giving the impression of coherence. The chances of Sunderland doing either before long are remote.
Like all those with a perceived power complex and an unhealthy sense of self-esteem, Di Canio is already speaking of himself in the third person. Having turned the training ground into a boot camp, he absolves himself from responsibility for the chaos he has generated.
He and his Italian lieutenants might have signed 14 new players but, in their eyes, it is the team's fault for not gelling immediately and effectively. The laws of human chemistry and the lessons of previous sporting experience are deemed worthless.
Di Canio added a new frisson of avoidable danger by insisting he had sacrificed Sessègnon, Sunderland's player of the year in 2011-2012, because he "didn't care" and was no longer capable of "giving his best". Fate was duly tempted and delivered a grievous blow. In the 20th minute, the predictable problem occurred. Scott Sinclair's diving header from Morgan Amalfitano's right-wing cross was parried into his path by goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.
Sessègnon's simple finish made Di Canio's life immeasurably more complicated. The Benin international, warmly welcomed by Sunderland fans, obeyed the tiresome conventions of the times by refusing to celebrate, but the Albion fans had no such respect.
They launched into a gleeful chorus of "thank you Di Canio" and the tone of a fraught afternoon was set. The cameras will continue to have a fatal fascination with the Italian. His body language is too expressive to resist. He even unwittingly emulated his compatriot Fabio Capello, the former England manager, by pushing his assistant Fabricio Piccareta across the dugout.
Steve Clarke, a contrasting, almost taciturn opposite number, was understandably delighted with Sessègnon, whose work permit came through in midweek. "He did what he was brought here to do," he said. "He's clever on the ball, an entertainer who has a goal in him."
Jack Colback, brutally exposed at right-back, and Ki Sung Yeung, who was nominally a holding midfield player, were both booked for manhandling Sessègnon. Amalfitano, Albion's other debutant, hit the crossbar and was involved in all three goals.
Di Canio's afternoon was summed up when Steven Fletcher was helped off with 20 minutes to go after damaging his right shoulder in the act of volleying over from the edge of the six-yard box under the challenge of Jonas Olsson. He had already used his three substitutes.
Inevitably, Albion quickly extended their lead. Amalfitano attracted two covering defenders, who failed to stop his out-swinging cross, before another error by Westwood led to the ball landing at the feet of Liam Ridgewell, who swept it past him from an angle.
Amalfitano, signed on a season's loan from Marseilles, capped an outstanding performance by drilling a third goal into the bottom corner in added time. For all Di Canio's desperate eloquence, the stampede of the Sunderland fans to the exits was a greater statement of intent. This is turning sour, fast.
Di Canio: I wanted to let Sunderland fans vent frustration
PAOLO Di Canio said he stood in front of Sunderland fans for minutes after the game at West Bromwich Albion in order to help them vent their frustrations.
Sunderland’s head coach sympathised with their anger following yesterday’s 3-0 defeat and says he is determined to turn the bottom-of-the-table club around and get those supporters smiling again.
“When we lost and because it’s obvious I’m the person most responsible, I have to accept that,” said the Italian, who has managed to pick up just one point from the first five Premier League games.
“We did very bad and we have to accept the consequences of that.
“And sometimes you can also help people push out their anger and feel better by doing something like standing there because it is obviously a very, very bad day for everybody.
“It’s a difficult moment for people to keep on believing, but I accept my responsibility and I keep going.”
After the 3-0 defeat to an Albion side who started the day in second-bottom spot, the Sunderland head coach identified fragile confidence as a problem but said the real challenge lay in getting a vastly-changed squad to gel.
“We played well for 20 minutes but then lost our way with the goal,” he noted.
“This has happened to me at West Ham, where confidence drains away after a setback.
“You need a win or two to change that, but, at the moment, the most pressing thing for us is to get understandings in the team.
“We have 14 new players from many different countries and communication is something we need to tackle.”
West Brom v Sunderland fan view: Are sorry Sunderland set for the drop?
Sunderland find themselves on the brink of implosion after just five games of the new Premier League season as Paolo Di Canio’s beleaguered squad find themselves with a solitary point to their name so far this term, following three straight defeats.
Over the course of the summer every pundit, journalist and just about anyone with an interest in football predicted a troubling season for the Black Cats. Sunderland fans however rallied in a staunch defence of their side and labelled the club’s ‘revolution’ a necessary evil on Wearside.
However we now sit at the foot of the Premier League with our tails between our legs having to endure the taunts of all those pundits, journalists and football fans, looking like a side that is destined for the drop. ‘We told you so’ indeed.
As I wrote on these very pages earlier in the week, this was a must-win game for Sunderland. Instead we allowed a routine victory for Steve Clarke’s men. As written in the stars, the win was masterminded by a spell binding performance from former Sunderland fan favourite Stephane Sessegnon, who not only proved a point to his former gaffer but rammed it well and truly down his throat with a huge grin on his face.
Saturday’s match was one of those games which forces you as a football fan to question your devoted relationship with your side. Having started the game brightly, Sunderland gave reason for belief that we may even be able to come away from The Hawthorns with a victory. Instead we ended up on the end of a 3-0 thrashing having shown very little. We even finished the game with ten men following what looks to be a troubling shoulder injury suffered by Steven Fletcher when Di Canio had already used all three substitutes. Quite simply Sunderland looked out-thought, out-fought and easily beaten by a side that we really should be posing more of a threat to.
Make no doubt about it, these truly are dangerous times for Sunderland, who could very well find themselves cut adrift at the bottom of the table sooner rather than later.
But hey, at least we have back-to-back home fixtures to address this poor run of form, right? WRONG. Next up for the Black Cats is Liverpool and Manchester United…
Questions have unsurprisingly been raised of Paolo Di Canio’s tenure at the club. Heck, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t doubting the Italian myself. The gaffer’s bizarre display of defiance on the field after the final whistle didn’t exactly inspire confidence, beckoning the travelling fans to keep their chins up.
We were then treated to further resistance from Di Canio in his post-match press conference but I’m afraid talk is becoming increasingly cheap when both the performance on the pitch and in turn the results are non-existent.
Results are what matter now, more so than ever, although if I’m being honest, I don’t know when we’ll get one.
Paolo Di Canio bemoaned lack of leaders after Sunderland's 3-0 loss to West Brom
Paolo Di Canio bemoaned a lack of leaders in his Sunderland side as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at West Brom.
Di Canio's side started brightly but were soon behind through a goal from former player Stephane Sessegnon, but Di Canio - who approached frustrated Sunderland supporters at the end of the game and gestured that they should keep their chins up - pinpointed the second-half injury to Steven Fletcher as the turning point.
"We dominated for 20 minutes," Di Canio told Sky Sports. "The first ball in our box results in a goal. A striker alone in front of my goalkeeper.
"Then we tried to come back and created two clear chances. Fletcher then got the injury, and that is the moment we sink."
The Italian did not concentrate on Sessegnon's goal, despite the fall-out surrounding the Benin international's long-protracted move away from the Stadium of Light this summer.
Paolo Di Canio addressed angry Sunderland fans following his side's three nil loss to West Brom.
"It's not hard," he said. "We decided to sell, he's just another player. It's a part of the game. You sell players and bring in players."
On Sunderland's poor start to the season, Di Canio highlighted a lack of 'nastiness' and desire from his players.
He added: "It's obvious that we're still not gelled together.
"We don't have many leaders in terms of desire. There's no desire to play with a premier style because it's difficult.
"We need to be more nasty."
Despite the Wearside club's difficult start, Di Canio remains unfazed over questions about his future.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio believes his side let themselves down against West Brom.
He continued: "We had our chances. We missed our chances. We conceded two very silly goals. It's hard and it's tough, but as a strong man like I am, my head is always up.
"It depends on the players. I hope that they can keep going and gel together, and start scrapping. In this moment it's crucial to get some results."
Fletcher's second-half injury meant that Sunderland had to carry on in the second half with just 10 men, with the Scotsman worryingly stretchered off.
"Now we send him to the hospital for a proper check," said Di Canio. "There's a problem in his shoulder, so we'll see in the next few hours."
Di Canio accepts he may have a limited amount of time to turn around his side's poor start to the season - but is confident he will.
Di Canio approached frustrated Sunderland supporters at the end of the game and gestured that they should keep their chins up. He received a mixed reaction but appeared determined to show he could withstand any abuse.
The Italian feels that after a summer of hectic transfer activity he needs time for his influence to take effect.
"It is a natural process and it is difficult. We have made many changes, we have 14 new players from many countries.
"It is obvious one day if we keep going lose, lose, lose there will be a natural consequences, not only for Paolo di Canio.
"I don't think they will want to keep Paolo di Canio, they will probably want to change. But I don't think that now.
"Even if you see you are 10th in the table in this league someone can sack you because maybe they expect more.
"It is our job but I am not worried about that. I am worried about the result because obviously we want to deliver different results. I know it's difficult."
Sunday Supplement: Sunderland Are Going Down With Di Canio In Charge
Sam Wallace of The Independent, Neil Custis of The Sun and the Daily Mirror's Martin Litpon say Sunderland must fear for the future just five games into the season.
The 3-0 away defeat to West Brom was Sunderland's fourth of the season and saw for forward Stephane Sessegnon open the scoring.
Goals from Liam Ridgewell and Morgan Amalfitano secured the victory for West Brom, the third time Sunderland have conceded three goals this season so far.
Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League after five games with the one point they secured in a draw with Southampton keeping them within one win of fourth-bottom Fulham.
Speaking on Sky Sports Sunday Supplement, national journalists Wallace, Custis and Lipton said that the club's future is uncertain based on their performances so far this campaign and that it is based on the vast number of changes Sunderland made in the summer transfer window, both on the pitch and off it.
Sam Wallace said: "Sunderland have put all their chips on these three Italians (Paolo Di Canio, director of football Roberto Di Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni) and it's not working.
"Cabral, who they made great fanfare of getting on a free transfer, I don't think he's played since the first day of the season.
"I think in the end, if they're going to get out of this it probably will be the British and Irish players, the ones who were there before they signed all these players that will probably get them out of it, but one point, I think they're going down."
Neil Custis agreed and pointed to Di Canio's apparent unpredictability as being a problem for the squad:
"The point is, they're awful, and if they stay with him (Di Canio) they're going down. If he was your boss would you be totally sure of what was going to happen from one day to the next? I wouldn't.
"There's a litany of things that suggest that this is not going to be a stable situation and that's what you need at Sunderland."
Martin Lipton warned of being too hasty over changing the manager too early though after it was reported in the wider press that Di Canio was to be given two-games to save his job.
Lipton said: "Having given Di Canio that much to spend and the opportunity to bring in 'his' players, if they discard him now, then what do you do? That's because the new manager would have to come in with a squad you've decided isn't good enough."
Di Canio sacked by Sunderland after just 13 games in charge following dismal start to Premier League campaign
Paolo Di Canio was sacked by Sunderland after an angry confrontation with some of his players proved the final straw for owner Ellis Short.
The fiery Italian called in his squad for a crisis meeting at the club’s Cleadon training ground following the 3-0 defeat at West Brom on Saturday.
But the summit quickly turned sour after Di Canio pointed the finger at a number of his players, blaming them for the club’s poor start to the season.
Some of the squad, however, are understood to have responded angrily at Di Canio’s dressing down, telling the Italian what they thought of him.
It is believed a clutch of players told the manager they did not like him and did not want to play for him.
Sportsmail understands details of the stand-off were quickly relayed back to owner Short, who then took the decision to axe the manager after just six months and 13 games in charge.
A players’ meeting has been called for Monday morning, where the squad will be informed of the decision to let him go.
Sunderland remain bottom of the Barclays Premier League without a win — and with fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool on the horizon the task of climbing up the table will not be easier.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon and former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo will be contenders to replace Di Canio.
Sunderland have confirmed the sacking of Paolo Di Canio.
The Italian leaves the Stadium of Light after only 13 games in charge, but has been under pressure since the start of the season as Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League with no wins and just one point from their opening five games.
The defeat to West Brom on Saturday saw Sunderland fans vent their feelings towards Di Canio, with the manager going over to the away section of the ground to confront the supporters. Di Canio revealed he accepted the criticism aimed at him.
A statement from Sunderland's official website read: "Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening.
"Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."
Di Canio took charge of Sunderland towards the backend of last season, where he was tasked of keeping them in the Premier League. The highlight of his short reign came in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle at St James' Park.
The 45-year-old lasted less than six months at the Stadium of Light after agreeing to join the club on the March 31. Replacing Martin O'Neill at the helm, he faced a difficult beginning to his time on Wearside with Sunderland deep in a relegation battle with just eight games remaining.
Securing two wins and two draws during his first eight games in charge, the Black Cats were able to avoid demotion after Wigan failed to beat Arsenal at the Emirates
Premier League: Sunderland sack manager Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland have sacked manager Paolo Di Canio after less than six months following a miserable start to the season.
Defeat to West Brom at The Hawthorns on Saturday left the Wearsiders bottom of the Premier League with just one point from the opening five games.
The club confirmed on Sunday evening that they had "parted company" with Di Canio but it is understood that Saturday's 3-0 loss, which saw the Italian face up to angry fans at the whistle, forced Stadium of Light chiefs to act.
A club statement read: "Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio believes his side let themselves down against West Brom.
"Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."
The former Swindon boss had overseen just three victories since taking charge in late March.
Paolo Di Canio's turbulent reign as Sunderland manager is over after the Italian and the club parted company.
The 45-year-old's departure was confirmed by the Black Cats on Sunday, a little more than 24 hours after a 3-0 defeat at West Brom left them rooted to the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.
A statement said: "Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening."
Former Sunderland captain Kevin Ball, currently on the club's coaching staff, steps in to lead the team on a short-term basis.
Sunderland's statement added: "Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."
Di Canio arrived on Wearside amid a blaze of publicity in March as owner Ellis Short took a gamble on the former Swindon boss after deciding to end Martin O'Neill's tenure.
It proved a controversial appointment as critics cited reports of his alleged fascist sympathies, prompting the club to make a stout defence of their new manager.
However, it was never likely to be dull as Di Canio embarked upon what proved a colourful six months in charge.
Speaking when he was unveiled, he said: "I am the unique one. I am joking, actually I'm not. I am at the beginning of my career.
"One day we will discover that I am either a fantastic, good or normal manager."
On the pitch, he was handed the reins with just seven games of the 2012-13 season remaining and relegation a genuine possibility.
A 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in his first game was followed by a famous 3-0 derby victory at Newcastle in his second, and his knee-sliding celebrations at St James' Park earned him a place in Sunderland folklore with his tenure still in its infancy.
A 1-0 home win over Everton next time out persuaded many more of the doubters that he was the real deal, but it proved to be a false dawn.
Sunderland came down to earth with a painful bump when they headed for struggling Aston Villa on April 29 and returned on the wrong end of a 6-1 hammering, and they eventually secured their top-flight status, if only just, by finishing in 17th place.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:31
They haven't been playing well and he isn't exactly popular with the fans. But he needed time I reckon.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:33
This is ridiculous sacking a manager 5 games into the season having signed 14 players during the Summer, he should have been given until december
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:35
got a unlucky decision in the Arsenal game and 10 men vs West Brom due to an injury.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:37
He's done nothing wrong, except be honest with his players and Boardroom staff... They..., the players and upper management, should look at themselves and be ashamed...I am not a Sunderland supporter, but i remember a few months ago, when they smacked Newcastle's backsides...
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:39
Knew Ellis Short wouldn't be able to put up with him for long.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:40
DiCanio is a mug! Once I saw his disrespectful confrontation with the fans, I knew he would be sacked sooner rather than later.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:40
His behaviour has become increasingly bizarre.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:41
Looks like a player revolt had something to do with it, unsurprisingly.
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anon2013-09-22 17:42
So you let him rebuild the whole squad, train them all summer under his new system but then sack him after five games, unreal.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:43
This is going to upset so many people, they were so hoping it would David Moyes to be sacked first this season.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:44
>>483
To put into some perspective, Sunderland are only six points behind united!
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:44
it seems the players really hated him.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:45
A Sunderland AFC player on Twitter has just tweeted LOL so looks like he may have lost the dressing room.
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Breaking News2013-09-22 17:49
He'll still go down in Sunderland history for winning 3-0 at Wonga Park last season.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:51
>>486 Was it Phill Beardsley who tweeted? total asshole him mate!
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:54
>>488 Was a u21 player Paolo DiCanio signed El Hadji Ba. but he claiming it wasn't anything to do with the sacking.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:55
Trouble is that the next 6 home games are Liverpool, Man Utd, Newcastle, Man City, Chelsea, Spurs.so it's hard to see where the next 3 points are coming from.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:56
Sorry but the players have to take responsibility.
Instances that spring to mind are O'shea getting sent off and giving away a Penalty which cost his side the game.
Same game Ji ducked away from a header in a goal scoring chance.
Phil bardsley flaunting wealth with pictures of him lying in a pile of £50 notes, also tweeting this after sunderland lost their opening game. "Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!"
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:57
O'Shea made a mistake against Crystal Palace to get sent off, no doubt about that.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:58
Hardly surprising really
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Anonymous2013-09-22 17:59
Di Matteo being mentioned as being the front runner for the job on BBC Newcastle local radio station at the moment.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:00
He clearly underestimated player power in modern-day football.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:02
Is Alan Curbishley in the running? He always seems to be on lists like these!
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:03
>>496 The most frightening name I've heard mentioned is Tony Pullis. He'd do a job - but it wouldn't be pretty.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:03
>>497 Di Mateo is the best realistic option I've heard so far.
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:04
Why is that managers invariably get sacked after losing to the Baggies. That's 5 now, Watch out Moyes.
A look back at the career of Paolo Di Canio, who has lost his job as head coach at Sunderland.
Paolo Di Canio has been sacked by Sunderland, with Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at West Brom proving to be his last in charge. Here, Sky Sports reflects on his often controversial career to date...
1968: Born July 9 in Rome.
1985: Joins home-town club Lazio, then in Serie B, but does not break into first team.
1986: Drops down a division to Ternana, playing 27 matches and scoring two goals in 1986-87.
1987: Returns to Lazio but again fails to make a first-team appearance as they win promotion to Serie A.
1988: Makes his Serie A debut for Lazio in October and plays 30 times that season, scoring one goal.
1989: Plays 24 matches, scoring three goals.
1990: Moves to Juventus and scores three times in 23 appearances.
1991: Plays 55 games over the next two seasons, hitting three goals.
1993: Heads south to Napoli, making 26 appearances and scoring five goals.
1994: Returns to Juventus but moves on to AC Milan without playing a league game.
1994: Restricted to just four starts at Milan. Makes another 11 appearances from the bench and scores one goal against Fiorentina in January.
Di Canio: Turbulent time in charge
1996: Leaves the San Siro in June to join Celtic in a £1million deal.
1996: Becomes a firm favourite with Celtic fans, scoring 12 goals in 26 league games as the club finish runners-up to Rangers in title race. In total scores 15 times in 37 matches.
July 9 - Breaches his contract by refusing to join his Celtic team-mates at their Dutch training camp and Celtic threaten him with a three-year ban.
July 15 - Announces his intention to quit Celtic after new coach Wim Jansen says he is unimpressed with the player's attitude in training.
August 6 - Joins Sheffield Wednesday in a £4.5million deal. Scores 12 times in Premiership to finish the club's top scorer.
September 26 - Pushes referee Paul Alcock to the ground after being sent off in the clash with Arsenal at Hillsborough.
October 23 - Receives 11-match ban from the Football Association, including a statutory three matches for being sent off in the previous month's game against Arsenal. He is also fined £10,000.
November 3 - Wednesday reveal they have imposed their own fine on Di Canio for his dismissal and push on Alcock, believed to be two lots of two weeks' wages, totalling £68,000.
December 12 - Wednesday suspend Di Canio for two weeks without pay when he does not return from a break in Italy. Later says he is suffering from stress and depression.
December 26 - Is suspended for a further two weeks and docked another two weeks' wages by Wednesday when he fails to appear for home game against Leicester.
1999: January 9 - Is suspended and fined another two weeks' wages by Wednesday.
January 19 - Declared fit after Wednesday receive report into his health. But Wednesday refuse to pay Di Canio the £102,000 he was fined while he was in Italy claiming he was ill.
Paulo Di Canio has been sacked as Sunderland manager after less than six months in charge of the club.
January 27 - Joins West Ham for £1.7million.
February 9 - Charged with misconduct by FA in relation to incident during Premiership game with Villa when he appeared to make an insulting gesture. Later fined by the FA.
2001: November 29 - Awarded FIFA's Fair Play Award for 2001 in recognition of his "special act of good sportsmanship" in West Ham's game at Everton the previous season.
2002: January 6 - West Ham boss Glenn Roeder confirms Manchester United made a bid for the player which the club rejected.
2003: August 11 - Signs a one-year deal with Charlton as a free agent.
2004: Returns to former club Lazio, but his relationship with the club's Ultras generates negative headlines.
2006: Sees out his playing career with Cisco Roma, retiring in 2008.
2011: May - Appointed Swindon manager.
2012: April - Swindon are promoted from League Two with 93 points, having lost the Football League Trophy final against Chesterfield.
2013: February 18 - Resigns as manager citing issues with the club's hierarchy.
February 21 - Reportedly returned to the County Ground in the dead of night to remove photographs from his fruitful spell at the club.
Di Canio: Appointed by Sunderland on March 31
March 31 - Named as Sunderland's new head coach on a two-and-half-year deal.
He spends his first weeks in charge playing down his fascist beliefs following political statements he had made during his time in Italy.
April 7 - Loses his first game in charge of the Black Cats - a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.
April 14 - Leads Sunderland to a 3-0 victory over local rivals Newcastle at St James' Park in his second Premier League game as manager.
May 14 - Sunderland secure their Premier League status when Wigan are relegated following defeat at Arsenal. Di Canio will claim eight points from his eight games in charge by the end of the season.
July - Signs players including Jozy Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini and Fabio Borini in a extensive squad overhaul at the Stadium of Light.
September 21 - Sunderland lose the fourth of five opening Premier League games, going down 3-0 at West Brom, and when Di Canio attempts to commiserate with visiting fans at the final whistle, he receives abuse from the stands.
September 22 - Sunderland confirm they have parted company with Di Canio.
Paolo Di Canio sacked as Sunderland manager after six months in charge.
• 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion was final straw
• Sunderland at bottom of Premier League table
Paolo Di Canio was sacked by Sunderland on Sunday night after his much vaunted "revolution" yielded only one point from the season's opening five fixtures. His time in charge lasted less than six months.
In a brief statement the club said: "Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening. Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."
Ball, the youth team coach, and an abrasive former Sunderland midfielder of the type Di Canio sadly lacked, is not likely to be in post for long. Ellis Short, Sunderland's American owner, is expected to move swiftly with Robert Di Matteo, the former Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion manager, and Gus Poyet, until recently in charge of Brighton, among the favourites. Roberto Mancini, out of work after leaving Manchester City, has previously expressed interest in the job but would probably be beyond Sunderland's budget. Meanwhile Steve McClaren, currently helping Harry Redknapp coach QPR, is probably an outsider.
Di Canio can count himself unlucky after trying to incorporate 14 summer signings made by Roberto De Fanti, the club's director of football, into his squad. Of those recruits 13 were foreign and only five had previous Premier League experience. Their failure to communicate properly forfeited a series of goals – and points – at set pieces, with the former Swindon manager and former West Ham and Lazio striker's willingness to highlight players' errors in public drawing widespread criticism.
Di Canio was adamant that, given time, his bold attacking gameplans – 4-2-4 was the favoured formation – would pay dividends while his strict new disciplinary regime would transform Sunderland's fortunes.
Short, though, disagreed, with Saturday's 3-0 defeat at West Brom – which saw Sunderland's leading scorer Steven Fletcher suffer a dislocated shoulder – proving the last straw.
How Di Canio must rue his board's failure to bow to repeated requests to sign Tom Huddlestone from Tottenham last month. Instead the powerful midfield playmaker joined Hull, who are reaping the benefits. The Italian's successor faces a considerable challenge as he endeavours to repair the squad's shattered morale and steer Sunderland clear of what appears an inevitable relegation battle.
Roberto Di Matteo 5/6
Gus Poyet 5/2
Alex McLeish 8/1
Kevin Ball 10/1
Tony Pulis 12/1
Steve McClaren 14/1
Mick McCarthy 40/1
Neil Warnock 40/1
Niall Quinn 40/1
Stuart Pearce 40/1
Martin O'Neill 40/1
Henning Berg 50/1
Owen Coyle 50/1
Martin Jol 50/1
Jurgen Klinsmann 50/1
Eddie Howe 50/1
Alan Curbishley 50/1
Malky Mackay 50/1
Peter Reid 50/1 Ian Holloway 50/1
Michael Appleton 50/1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 50/1
Ralf Ragnick 66/1
Roy Keane 66/1
Bruce Arena 66/1
Bob Bradley 66/1
Nigel Clough 66/1
Next Premier League Manager to Leave: Alan Pardew 4/1
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:20
SUNDERLAND want an english manager that knows well premier league = Tony Pulis...
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:24
Lost the dressing room though didn't he, was always going to end in tears.
His old skool style management was never going to work with modern players TBH especially at the top level
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Anonymous2013-09-22 18:25
Alex Mcleish said he's ready to get back into management the other day
SUNDERLAND STATEMENT ON THE SACKING OF THE ITALIAN
‘Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with Head Coach Paolo Di Canio this evening. Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future.’
2012-13 April 7 - Chelsea 2 Sunderland 1 (L)
Apr 14 - Newcastle 0 Sunderland 3 (W)
Apr 20 - Sunderland 1 Everton 0 (W)
Apr 29 - Aston Villa 6 Sunderland 1 (L)
May 6 - Sunderland 1 Stoke 1 (D)
May 12 - Sunderland 1 Southampton 1 (D)
May 19 - Tottenham 1 Sunderland 0 (L)
2013-14 August 17 - Sunderland 0 Fulham 1 (L)
Aug 24 - Southampton 1 Sunderland 1 (D)
Aug 27 - Sunderland 4 MK Dons 2 [Capital One Cup] (W)
Aug 31 - Crystal Palace 3 Sunderland 1 (L)
September 14 - Sunderland 1 Arsenal 3 (L)
Sep 21 - West Brom 3 Sunderland 0 (L)
SUNDERLAND'S TRANSFER CAROUSEL SINCE PAOLO DI CANIO ARRIVED
INS: Modibo Diakite (Lazio, free), Duncan Watmore (Altrincham, undisclosed), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, free), Cabral (Basle, free), David Moberg Karlsson (IFK Gothenburg, free), Vito Mannone (Arsenal, £2m), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, £6m), El Hadji Ba (Le Havre, undisclosed), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus, £8.6m), Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor, season-long loan), Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos, £2.5m), Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea, season-long loan), Fabio Borini (Liverpool, season-long loan), Andrea Dossena (Napoli, season-long loan).
OUTS: Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull, £2m), James McClean (Wigan, £2m), Titus Bramble (released), Matthew Kilgallon (Blackburn, free), Ryan Noble (Burnley, free), Alfred N'Diaye (Eskisehirspor, season-long loan), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool, £9m) Danny Graham (Hull, season-long loan), Billy Knott (Wycombe, one-month loan), Stephane Sessegnon (West Brom, £6m).
DI CANIO'S FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE IN CHARGE AT THE STADIUM OF LIGHT
Not for the first time, Paolo Di Canio left supporters open-mouthed at the Hawthorns on Saturday. After the 3-0 loss to West Brom, he marched up to the 2,500 visiting Sunderland fans and attempted to communicate with them.
He shrugged his shoulders, opened his arms then finally walked away as he received a mixed reaction. Later, Di Canio tried to explain his actions. It was to be his final press conference as Sunderland’s manager:
What were you trying to say to the fans?
Pick me. Blame me. Leave the players out. I have no worries about that because they (supporters) are right. They are absolutely right. If I was in their position, I would be more furious than them.
Some of them did blame you — do you understand that?
Absolutely. I did much worse when I was a fan. I can’t tell you what I did, otherwise I will be arrested. But I hope that one day those people will celebrate with a smile. They pay, they suffer, make sacrifices. One day I will leave, the players will leave, but they will remain.
Can you turn this round?
I believe in what I’m doing. I do this because I believe in my regime. My regime is for top, top professionals.
Discipline, practice. We completely dominated the game. The first ball in our box, our opponents scored. Then we lost our belief and finished playing football.
One win could turn this round.
Do you fear for your position?
You have to ask the chairman, Ellis Short and the board. It’s normal to think about what’s going on. If we keep going lose, lose, lose, it will be a natural consequence, not only for Paolo Di Canio... but what’s the result in the end?
How do you know the players still have faith in you?
I believe they are following me. I want them to share responsibility. Don’t turn your face to the other side. It’s better to have a confrontation. Look in each other’s eyes.
Fake Di Canio? It doesn’t work.
Would you ever walk away?
What? Never. I always believe that I am the best manager in the world. Those 24 players have to adapt to me. It doesn’t work the other way round.
The fiery Italian called his stars in for a crisis meeting at the club’s Cleadon training ground on Sunday following their disappointing 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
But the summit quickly turned sour after Di Canio pointed the finger at a number of his players, blaming them for their poor start to the season.
A clutch of players, are understood to have responded angrily at Di Canio’s dressing down, telling the Italian in no uncertain terms what they thought of him.
It is believed certain players told the manager, who signed 14 players during the summer transfer window, they did not like him and did not want to play for him.
Di Canio is then said to have told his disgruntled players to tell the club’s hierarchy to sack him if they no longer wanted him in charge.
details of the stand-off were quickly relayed back to Ellis Short, who has taken the decision to axe the manager after just six months in charge.
Short immediately informed director of football Roberto Di Fanti of his decision.
A players’ meeting has been called for this morning, where the squad will be informed of the decision to let him go.
Di Canio will also return to the club’s HQ for the final time Monday to pick up his belongings.
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Anonymous2013-09-23 8:56
The one thing di Canio got right was his Sunderland side beating Newcastle 3-0 at Sid James park. The jawdeez couldn't handle it and rioted in the streets. They even punched an innocent police horse. That will live forever.
He took first team training this morning and is in charge for Sunderland again tomorrow and facing a testing League Cup tie.
But caretaker manager Kevin Ball will still stick to the day job tonight and take charge of the club’s Under 21s for a local derby.
Sunderland reserves face Middlesbrough at Eppleton Colliery Welfare tonight (7pm) and a decent crowd is now expected to see Ball take charge of the side, as previously arranged.
Under Paolo Di Canio, former Sunderland captain Ball was promoted to the Under 21 Development coaching role and they have won four out of five so far, losing at 5-2 to Liverpool last week.
Among the squad expected to feature tonight are summer signings Cabral and David Moberg Karlsson.
Ball, who also took charge of Sunderland when Howard Wilkinson was sacked, will then pick the side to face Peterborough tomorrow for the Capital One Cup tie.
Expect a certain tough-tackling former midfielder to return to the starting line-up.
Paolo Di Canio's dismissal as Sunderland manager brings to a close one of the most colourful chapters in both the history of the club and the Premier League.
But the fiery Italian is by no means the first boss to bring madness to a football club.
Sportsmail has picked nine other crazy, crazy reigns from the English game, the perfect examples of how not to be a football manager.
Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet may be the shortest odds to succeed Paolo Di Canio at Sunderland, but don’t rule out a shock move for Paul Ince.
The former England captain is desperate to prove himself in the Barclays Premier League again and has done his chances no harm by turning round Blackpool’s fortunes and defying all the forecasts of a grim relegation struggle this season.
Ince could barely raise a team at the start of Blackpool’s pre-season programme, but was finally able to strengthen his squad and has now moulded them into unlikely promotion contenders.
Budget restrictions continue to hamper his plans, though, and he would jump at the chance of revitalising Sunderland, should they make an approach.
In Swindon for Mark Cooper's press conference ahead of Chelsea's visit in the League Cup tomorrow night.
It wasn't long ago that Paolo Di Canio occupied the dugout here and his presence is still being felt after his sacking at Sunderland. The club have been inundated with calls about their former manager all morning.
They had to change the locks here at the County Ground earlier in the year after Di Canio stole into the stadium at midnight to take mementos from his office a couple of days after his resignation.
Will Ellis Short be mindful enough to tell the Italian to drop off any keys he has to the Stadium of Light when he makes his final goodbyes?
Former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Paolo Di Canio paid the price for an outdated management style after being ousted by the Black Cats on Sunday night.
Di Canio's controversial reign proved a brief one as he parted company with the club after only 13 matches, his exit coming little more than 24 hours after a 3-0 defeat at West Brom left them rooted to the bottom of the table with one point from five games.
It is believed the Italian's strict regime, unpopular with his players, was key to his departure.
When Paolo Di Canio emerged from the team bus at the Stadium of Light a fortnight ago to face Arsenal, he was all smiles, waves to the fans and handshakes for the staff standing to attention in their SAFC blazers.
His players quickly followed, dragging their suitcases and carrying their washbags. And all of them looking at the floor.
There was something strange in their demeanour that day. But their behaviour sums up the madness of the Di Canio reign.
The most important question might be what next for Sunderland, but perhaps the most intriguing is what next for Paolo Di Canio?
It was rather fitting that his crash-bang-wallop-explosion time at the Stadium of Light ended with a furious training ground row.
This will be a day to recall the mad moments - the fascism row, the instructions to canteen staff not to talk to players, the rants. The ketchup. It was all so weird.
Paolo Di Canio's tumultuous reign as Sunderland manager came to an end after his players turned on him during a furious training ground bust-up.
The fiery Italian called his stars in for a crisis meeting at the club’s Cleadon training ground on Sunday following their disappointing 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
But the summit quickly turned sour after Di Canio pointed the finger at a number of his players, blaming them for their poor start to the season.
Sam Allardyce believes it is a crazy decision for Sunderland to sack Paolo Di Canio just a month into season and feels it will be even more difficult for the man who replaces him.
The north east club are currently bottom of the Premier League and have taken just one point from their opening five games.
Di Canio has won just three of his 13 matches since being appointed back in March and Sunderland are now looking for their sixth permanent manager in the last five-years.
Kevin Ball has challenged the under-21 side to “get back on the bike” in tonight’s Wear-Tees derby at Eppleton CW.
Sunderland take on Middlesbrough (KO 7pm) looking to go to the top of the Barclays U21 Premier League.
The development squad won their first four games of the season before suffering a first reverse of the campaign at Liverpool last week, losing 5-2 at Anfield.
But overall Ballhas been delighted with the progress made and is looking for a response tonight.
“Up until now they’ve been smashing,” said Ball, who will be in the dugout as usual tonight in the wake of becoming interim head coach after the club parted ways with Paolo Di Canio on Sunday.
“There’s a been a lot of hard work and endeavour – not just in terms of running, but across every aspect of their game.
“I told them ‘yes, you fell off your bike a little bit against Liverpool and cut your knee, but now you have to get back on and start riding like crazy again’.
“We had a little session on Saturday and it didn’t quite fit with how I like to see them; we had a chat about it and they were great the next day.
“I’d like to think that’ll happen again tonight. I’m looking forward to watching them play.”
The development squad have produced some impressive football so far this season and have scored 12 goals in their five league outings.
And Ball hopes that the defeat at Anfield will have prompted some post-match questions amongst the players as they look to get back to winning ways.
“In the main we played well – we took the game to Liverpool and fair play to the players for that,” he said.
“But you can’t get away from the fact that we still lost. At this level the emphasis is not always on winning and losing – it’s about development – but you have to understand there should still be a degree of winning.
“When you come away from a game and you’ve lost, you should come away thinking ‘what could I have done to help us win the game?’”
Paolo Di Canio sacked as Sunderland manager after massive player rebellion undermined his authority.
Paolo Di Canio was sacked as Sunderland manager after a massive player rebellion which led to several squad members indicating they would refuse to play for him again.
Telegraph Sport has been given details of Di Canio's dramatic demise, after the Italian completely lost the support of his first team squad after constantly criticising them.
Di Canio has allegedly belittled his players regularly using insulting language, and questioned their professionalism and lifestyles.
That prompted a delegation of senior players to visit chief executive Margaret Byrne and director of football Roberto De Fanti on Sunday.
At a meeting they forcefully relayed their concerns about Di Canio’s management style, accused him of behaving like a dictator and revealed he had lost the dressing room to such an extent that certain individuals were so upset they were going to refuse to play for him again.
At the end of the meeting, the players were reassured their grievances were reasonable and their concerns understood. They were then told Di Canio was going to be removed from power, as he had also lost the support of the board following a run of just two wins from his 12 league games in charge.
The final incendiary catalyst for Di Canio’s sacking came on Saturday night when who was involved in a furious row with his players in the aftermath of their 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
Having incensed many supporters with his chin-up gesture after the final whistle at The Hawthorns, Di Canio marched into the away dressing room and launched in to an all-too-regular verbal attack on his players.
The stunned players were subject to an explosion of rage from Di Canio as he began an assault on former club captain Lee Cattermole, blaming him for West Brom’s third goal.
Cattermole, who had come on as a substitute midway through the second half, asked why he was being picked out for blame for the defeat and was quickly backed by team-mates.
What followed has been described by one witness as “all hell breaking loose” as several players went nose to nose with Di Canio and refused to back down when he challenged them.
Significantly, this did not just include players Di Canio had inherited like Cattermole and Carlos Cuellar, but also several he had brought to the club over the summer.
Interestingly, one of the players who felt the most aggrieved about the way he had been treated was Italian international winger Emanuele Giaccherini, who had been hauled off at half-time against WBA. The former Juventus winger was one of Sunderland’s star signings, but felt he had no support or received any sort of encouragement from Di Canio.
The row was brought to a tense conclusion when one player commented: “All you have done since you got here is criticise us and the old manager [Martin O’Neill]. The difference is we liked him and would run through walls for him. Nobody likes you here. Nobody wants you here.”
As well as alienating his players, Telegraph Sport understands Di Canio was also feared by staff members at the training ground after a series of arguments and dressing downs.
He had recently banned any staff member other than coaches talking to the players and ordered everyone out of the canteen when the first team squad were in there at meal time.
FULL TIME: SUNDERLAND U21 3 vs 2 MIDDLESBROUGH U21
CompetitionU21 Premier LeagueDate23 September 2013Game week6Kick-off 19:00
Half-time 2 - 2
VenueEppleton Colliery Football Ground (Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear)
Development squad in derby win
Youngsters go top after 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough.
Sunderland U21 3 Middlesbrough U21 2
Liam Agnew scored twice for Sunderland’s development squad as the young Black Cats returned to the top of the Barclays U21 Premier League with a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough at Eppleton CW.
Luke Williams had given Boro an early lead before Mikael Mandron levelled from the spot for the hosts.
Agnew’s spectacular 25-yard drive gave the home side the lead before Williams’ second, on the stroke of half time, levelled the scores.
Former Sunderland youngster Jonathan Burn was dismissed for the visitors for a late tackle on Mandron before Agnew struck the winner 15 minutes from time.
Kevin Ball made two changes to the side that lost at Liverpool last Monday with Agnew and Adam Mitchell replacing Cabral and David Moberg Karlsson.
Boro took the lead after just three minutes as Williams found space 25 yards from goal and drove the ball beyond Joel Dixon.
George Honeyman went close to levelling for the hosts but he fired Mitchell’s cut-back straight at Jayson Leutwiler in the Boro goal.
Mandron was the next Sunderland player to go close but he couldn’t get enough power behind Duncan Watmore’s cross to test Leutwiler.
Boro had a goal disallowed after 20 minutes as Andy Haliday fed Jordan Jones, with the latter offside when the ball was played.
Scott Harrison then headed David Ferguson’s free-kick straight at Leutwiler after Mitchell was brought down by former Black Cat Burn.
Sunderland’s best chance of the first half fell to Watmore, who found space in behind after good interplay with Honeyman, but the former Altrincham man saw his snapshot saved by Leutwiler.
Mandron levelled for Sunderland from the spot eight minutes before the break as Adam Jackson handled Mitchell’s cross.
Williams almost replied immediately for the visitors but he lost his balance and couldn’t get his shot on target from just inside the box.
Burn was sent off for Boro just before half time for a late tackle on Mandron on the edge of the area.
Agnew scored a superb goal on the stroke of half time to give the home side the advantage; the central midfielder driving a stunning strike into Leutwiler’s top corner from 25 yards.
The visitors levelled in the final minute of the half as Liam Marrs was penalised for handball and Williams stepped up to bag his second of the game.
However, Agnew grabbed his second of the evening 15 minutes from time as he followed up a goalmouth scramble to neatly volley home from the edge of the area with his left foot.
Fewster headed Andre Bennett’s cross wide as Boro searched for a reply before Mitchell nearly added a fourth for the hosts with a 20-yard drive which Leutwiler saved impressively.
Substitute Carl Lawson was denied his first goal of the season by another fine Leutwiler save as the young Black Cats exerted their dominance in the final stages.
Good play by Mandron opened up the chance for Watmore to add a fourth in the final few minutes but the winger stabbed a left-footed shot wide.
Mandron himself showed pace and power to beat Kieran Weledji to a through ball but the 18-year-old striker was denied by Leutwiler’s smart low save.
LUKE Williams scored twice, but Boro had a man sent-off which made life difficult as they slipped to defeat. GORDON COX reports from Eppleton CW.
Early Boro pressure turned into a goal with just three minutes played as Luke Williams drilled a stunning low shot into Joel Dixon's bottom right-hand corner from close on 30 yards.
A warm, still night was perfect for an open game and that's what was served up as Adam Mitchell crossed from deep out on the right, that was cleared and Jayson Leutwiler saved the follow-up.
Andy Halliday curled over before the impressive Duncan Whatmore had a shot saved.
Alejandro Gorrin saw a shot blocked as Sunderland, managed by Kevin Ball who is in charge of the first team tomorrow night, continued to try and force an equaliser.
If what had gone before had been open and entertaining, it was nothing compared to the last nine minutes of the half in which were sandwiched three goals, two penalties and a sending-off.
With 36 minutes played Mitchell crossed from the right, Adam Jackson appeared to control with a hand a penalty was given - Mikael Mandron sending Leutwiler the wrong way with a low and powerful shot the goalkeeper's left.
A well-worked move saw Jordan Jones and Williams combine to set up the latter, but he was off balance when shooting off target,
Jones was to become the sacrifice as Jamie Clapham was forced into a change following the 39th minute dismissal of former Sunderland Academy player Jonathan Burn.
He had been lucky to escape a yellow card a few minutes earlier, but when Jackson underhit a pass to him across the penalty area he was committed to the challenge. Mandron got there ahead of him and was unceremoniously tipped up a few yards from the edge of the box.
The home side capitalised three minutes later when Liam Agnew unleashed a terrific shot from 20 yards which dipped over Leutwiler.
On the stroke of half-time Boro drew level when a deep cross from the right from Andre Bennett was handled by right-back Liam Marrs and Luke Williams confidently despatched the penalty, sending Joel Dixon the wrong way.
Half-time: Sunderland 2 Middlesbrough 2
A man advantage allowed Sunderland to dominate possession in the early exchanges of the second half.
They found it hard to find a way through as Boro were organised behind the ball, but as a consequence they too made little impact in the opposition penalty area.
Haroun's return to action lasted 64 minutes before he limped off after appearing to take a blow to his right foot. Boro's final change followed eight minutes later when Halliday made way.
Eventually Sunderland made their numerical superiority count with 75 minutes played as the ball spun around close to the edge of the Boro penalty area and although not making perfect contact, Liam Agnew did enough to grab his second of the night and edge his team into the lead as he shot low from 16 yards.
Mitchell brought a flying save from Leutwiler with a cracking effort from outside the area, Gorrin saw a 25-yard effort blocked and Whatmore shot wide, then in the final minute Mandron brought a one-handed save from Leutwiler after running just of half the length of the pitch.
Boro remained competitive with Smallwood in the thick of things and not always getting the benefit of decisions.
A place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup is up for grabs tonight as Sunderland take on League One side Peterborough at the Stadium of Light.
Interim head coach Kevin Ball will take charge of the team tonight after the club parted company with Paolo Di Canio.
Ball, who also stepped into the dugout for a spell in 2006, coached the under-21 side as usual on Monday evening after taking the first team for training earlier in the day.
The former Sunderland captain is mulling over his selection options ahead of the game, which sees Sunderland face the Posh in a cup competition for the second time in three seasons.
The Black Cats ran out 2-0 winners over United, then in the Championship, at London Road in January 2012 in the FA Cup with Budweiser thanks to goals from Seb Larsson and James McClean.
Indeed, Sunderland have won each of the last four meetings between the two sides, though Peterborough’s last visit to Wearside was back in October 1993 when they lost 2-0 at Roker Park.
Tonight’s game is only the seventh occasion on which the teams have faced each other, with Posh boss Darren Ferguson hoping to cause an upset having never beaten a Barclays Premier League team during his time in charge.
'It’s a big game for us and it’s one we want to win,” Ferguson told the club’s official website. “There’s no point in even travelling up there if we didn’t think like that.
'It’s a brilliant stadium to play in and there should be a decent crowd. We’ve not beaten a Premier League team in my time at the club so I’d love that to change.”
Ferguson will be without Mark Little and Nathaniel Knight-Percival for tonight’s game but still has plenty of options within a squad which has made an excellent start to the new campaign.
United suffered relegation from the Championship on an agonizing final day last season but look all set to bounce back at the first attempt having dropped just five points during their first eight league outings.
They remain unbeaten away from home and have scored a league-high 14 goals on the road.
Meanwhile their Capital One Cup form has been just as impressive, with a 5-1 win over Colchester followed up by a 6-0 home trouncing of Reading, featuring a Lee Tomlin hat-trick.
Cash turnstiles are open for tonight’s game, with admission priced at £10 adults and £5 over-65’s and under-16’s.
Sunderland v Peterborough: James Hunter's match preview
Sunderland v Peterborough will be given an added interest after the turmoil of Paolo Di Canio's sacking. What lies in store?
Sunderland v Peterborough should on paper see the Black Cats installed as favourites - but their season so far has been anything but straight forward.
Kevin Ball will be in the Sunderland dugout following Paolo Di Canio's sacking and the atmosphere around the club is bound to be different. Whether or not they play with the shackles off, the players are bound not to be taking any chances following the scare against MK Dons.
How will the players react to the change at the top? What can fans expect from the game? The Chronicle's Sunderland writer James Hunter looks ahead to tonight's match and all the implications.
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson braced for Sunderland backlash
Peterborough chief Darren Ferguson has warned his players to be on guard as they face Sunderland less than 48 hours after Paolo Di Canio's sacking
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson expects Paolo Di Canio’s sacking to provoke a reaction tonight.
Di Canio was dismissed following a player uprising on Sunday, 24 hours after Sunderland’s defeat at West Bromwich Albion left them anchored to the foot of the table with only one point from a possible 15.
With Sunderland’s under-21 boss Kevin Ball stepping up to take the reins on a temporary basis, the Wearsiders could go into tonight’s Capital One Cup third round tie against League One Posh with a very different gameplan to the one which failed under Di Canio.
Ferguson admits he was surprised Sunderland acted so quickly to remove Di Canio, and has warned his players to expect a reaction at the Stadium of Light.
He said: “Paolo had only been there six months, which is not a lot of time, so I am surprised they have made a change.
“I guess we will find out tonight what difference the change makes to Sunderland, but it has made our preparations a little more difficult.
“Their set-pieces and their formation may now be different for a start and there is often a positive short-term reaction to a change of manager.
“The players and the fans will see it as a fresh start.
“They have been losing too many games and they will want that to change as soon as possible, so I am expecting Sunderland to fly at us from the start.
“We know we face a hard game as we are playing a Premier League side away from home, but we also knowif we play to our best we will give them a tough match.”
Posh were relegated from the Championship last season but go into tonight’s game riding high in second in the table having won their last two games - and will feel they can produce an upset.
Ferguson added: “It is a big game for us and it’s one we want to win. There is no point in even travelling up there if we did not think like that.”
Ball hoping past experience will help as he steps into Sunderland hotseat once again
Kevin Ball hopes his previous spell as Sunderland caretaker-boss will help him as he takes temporary charge for a second time
Kevin Ball believes his previous stint as caretaker-manager will stand him in good stead as he takes temporary charge of Sunderland for a second time.
Following Paolo Di Canio’s sacking at the weekend, under -21s boss Ball will be at the helm tonight as Sunderland take on League One outfit Peterborough in the third round of the Capital One Cup at the Stadium of Light.
It is a situation Ball has found himself in before, having taken charge of the club for the final 10 games of the 2005-06 season when Mick McCarthy was sacked as the Black Cats spiralled towards relegation.
Ball’s tenure is unlikely to be as long this time, but he hopes he can steady the ship before a new full-time appointment is made.
He said: “The situation last time was slightly different but it did give me some experience, whether this be for one or 10 games.
“I did enjoy it last time and I hope I feel the same way about this one as well.
“I am quite comfortable with it.
“We spoke about the importance of the game after training yesterday, but before training it was never mentioned, because heir heads were spinning a little bit. I just wanted to watch them in training and see who was focused and who was not.”
Sunderland struggled to overcome League One MK Dons in the last round of the cup and will face another testing game against a Peterborough side flying high in the league and which thrashed Championship Reading 6-0 in the previous round.
Ball added: “Peterborough have started the season very well so it will be a good test for us.
“The nice thing is we are at home and it is up to us to make sure we get the crowd behind us and make sure we make things happen.
“We had 22 players training yesterday and I will sit down with Robbie [Stockdale, Ball’s lieutenant at under-21 level] who is going to help me to pick the team we think is right.
“I expect the players to demand 100% from each other and if they do that the result has a chance to take care of itself.”
Paolo Di Canio: Sunderland players met CEO before sacking
Sunderland players approached the club's chief executive Margaret Byrne to complain about manager Paolo Di Canio before the Italian's sacking.
Di Canio held a heated team meeting on Sunday following the 3-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion.
Afterwards senior players told Byrne that the situation had become untenable because of the Italian's "brutal and vitriolic" criticism of the squad.
The Black Cats have only one point from five Premier League games this season.
Former Chelsea and West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Di Canio, with Gus Poyet, Tony Pulis and Alex McLeish also in the running.
Development coach Kevin Ball has taken caretaker charge of the first team and led training on Monday ahead of Tuesday's League Cup tie against Peterborough.
Ball, who took over in 2006 for 10 games following Mick McCarthy's departure, is ready for his second stint.
"I enjoyed it last time and I hope I feel the same way about this one as well," he said.
"It is sometimes a natural progression to be able to do all of those things, so I was quite comfortable with it."
Di Canio won only three of his 13 matches after replacing Martin O'Neill in March and took one point from five top-flight games this campaign.
The former Swindon boss immediately attracted controversy following his appointment, partly because of a fascist-style salute he made while playing for Lazio in 2005.
But he guided Sunderland to Premier League safety and led the team to a famous 3-0 win over Newcastle to earn valuable points in the fight against relegation.
However, public criticism of his squad at the end of last season was followed by bans on mobile phones, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise and ice in Coca-Cola at the club's training ground.
After Saturday's loss to West Brom, Di Canio was verbally abused by travelling supporters and further criticism of his players led to anger among the squad.
Ball now has the challenge of galvanising the squad ahead of the third-round tie but he has told them that their form this season has not been good enough.
Sunderland's only win of the season was the 4-2 victory over MK Dons in the previous round.
"The immediate priority on Monday was just to really meet the players, talk to the players, take them out, have a session with them," added Ball.
"Because of the events of the last day or whatever, there's not a great deal of stuff you could have put into their minds ready for Tuesday night.
"We didn't particularly talk about the game, but after training we mentioned it and just said about the importance of it and what we were doing."
Analysis: Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter
"Now from Sunderland's point of view there is going to be real pressure on the owner, Ellis Short, to get it right for the club in the long term.
"Roberto Di Matteo is favourite with the bookmakers with Kevin Ball as caretaker boss ahead of the Peterborough game on Tuesday but Sunderland are not going to rush into an appointment. They believe at the moment Kevin Ball is a safe pair of hands.
"I think Ellis Short needs to get this right for the long term as Sunderland need stability."
Di Canio's journey
Born in Rome, 9 July 1968
Played in Italy for Lazio, Juventus, Napoli, AC Milan, Cisco Roma
Played in Britain for Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton
Fined £10,000 in 1998 by the FA for pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground after being sent off against Arsenal
Wins Fifa Fair Play award for sportsmanship in 2001 for catching ball and stopping play v Everton to allow injured keeper Paul Gerrard to receive treatment
Criticised in 2005 for making fascist-style salute in Lazio game
Appointed Swindon boss in May 2011; guides them into League One a year later
Resigns as Swindon boss in February 2013 citing issues with the club's hierarchy after sale of star player Matt Ritchie
Replaces Martin O'Neill as Sunderland boss in March 2013; club avoid relegation
Sacked after four defeats in five league games of 2013-14
Sunderland to stick with Continental approach and appoint another head coach
Sunderland will keep faith with their Continental system and appoint another head coach, rather than change tack and appoint a traditional manager
Sunderland are searching for another specialist head coach to succeed Paolo Di Canio, in line with their much-vaunted Continental structure.
After appointing Di Canio as head coach at the end of March as successor to manager Martin O’Neill, the Black Cats completed their switch to the new structure over the summer by appointing Italian agent Roberto De Fanti as director of football and bringing in chief scout Valentino Angeloni.
Despite the decision to jettison Di Canio after less than six months and only 13 games in charge, the club will stick to their blueprint.
Former Chelsea and West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo remains the favourite to follow Di Canio into the hotseat, with ex-Brighton boss Gus Poyet also in the running, and both would fit into Sunderland’s system.
The fact the Wearsiders are searching for a coach rather than a traditional manager would appear to make a move for out-of-work ex-Stoke City boss Tony Pulis unlikely.
Sunderland have made it clear they are in no hurry to make an appointment.
Caretaker boss Kevin Ball is understood to have been told he will be in charge of Sunday’s Premier League game against Liverpool in addition to tonight’s Capital One Cup tie against Peterborough.
That indicates it will be next week at the earliest before the new man is installed.
The delay may also be because the speed of Di Canio’s exit caught Sunderland on the hop.
The weekend defeat at West Bromwich Albion - and Di Canio’s on-field reaction to it- in all likelihood sealed his fate. Instead of allowing him to continue while working behind the scenes to find someone to take his place, Di Canio’s furious bust-up with the players on Sunday forced owner Ellis Short’s hand.
Senior players approached chief executive Margaret Byrne and said they no longer had confidence in the Italian and when Short was informed he acted immediately - before a successor could be lined up.
In contrast, when O’Neill was sacked, Di Canio was appointed just 24 hours later.
Kevin Ball was in charge of Sunderland under-21s last night as they beat 10-man Middlesbrough at Eppleton.
A goal either side of half-time from Liam Agnew, and a first-half penalty from Mikael Mandron, gave the U21s their fifth victory in six games.
Luke Williams scored twice in the first half for Boro, including one from the penalty spot.
Boro also had Jonathan Burn sent off before half-time for a professional foul.
Sky sources: Sunderland players' intervention key to Paolo Di Canio sacking
Paolo Di Canio was sacked after some senior Sunderland players complained to the club about him, Sky sources understand.
The Italian lost his job on Sunday night just five games into the Premier League season - and hours after he held a training-ground inquest into Saturday's 3-0 defeat at West Brom.
In the fallout from that meeting, some of the club's senior men went above Di Canio's head to express their concerns about his management style.
And the board of directors - already considering the manager's position after he strode onto the pitch at West Brom to face down the travelling supporters - then acted to terminate his contract.
In his six months on Wearside Di Canio increased the workload in training and was at times publicly critical of his players but - this season, at least - his methods have not paid off.
Sunderland have taken just one point from their five league games to date, and academy coach Kevin Ball will be in charge for their next two fixtures - Tuesday's Capital One Cup tie against Peterborough and Sunday's home game against Liverpool.
Roberto Di Matteo is the bookmakers' early favourite to replace Di Canio, but in the meantime Ball - a player on Wearside for almost all of the 1990s - will reprise a role he previously held for 10 games following Mick McCarthy's 2006 departure.
He said: "The situation last time was slightly different to this time, but it did give you an experience, whether it be for one or 10 games.
"I enjoyed it last time and I hope I feel the same way about this one as well. It allows you to say, 'Well, I have done it before, it's not something that's unexpected'.
"I have coached for 10 years, so within that, you do so many things that a manager would do anyhow, it's not a fantastically, unbelievable step."
Sunderland owner Ellis Short is busily drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates to replace Di Canio, but is in no rush to make an appointment as he attempts to get the right man.
But whoever does eventually get the job, Martyn McFadden, editor of fanzine A Love Supreme, insists it must be a man who can knit together a dressing room decimated during the death throes of Di Canio's ill-fated reign.
McFadden said: "We have got a position where we have got 14 new players and most of them have got little or no Premier League experience.
"We need to get an experienced manager who knows how to get the best out of these players, someone who knows how to handle the players.
"Some of these players need an arm around their shoulders, a bit of man-management as opposed to lambasting them and dismantling confidence."
Di Canio managed only three victories in his 13 games in charge and just two of them in the league, although the first, a 3-0 derby win at Newcastle, granted him instant hero status on Wearside.
McFadden said: "People will always be grateful to him for the fantastic day out in Newcastle we had and that's what made him initially so popular with the fans.
"The bottom line is he wasn't given long enough and that has angered some fans, but that's Ellis Short's decision."
Sunderland's next Premier League game against Liverpool is live from 3.30pm on Sky Sports 1 this Sunday.
Who should take charge at Sunderland?
Steve McClaren Roberto Mancini
Gus Poyet
Roberto Di Matteo
Kevin Ball
Tony Pulis
Niall Quinn
Other
Celtic boss Neil Lennon refuses to be drawn on Sunderland link
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has refused to be drawn on reports linking him with the vacant manager's job at Sunderland.
Lennon has been backed into as low as 16/1 with Sky Bet to replace Paolo Di Canio, who was sacked on Sunday after a miserable start to the Premier League campaign.
But speaking ahead of the Hoops' Scottish League Cup home tie against Morton on Tuesday night, he distanced himself from the claims.
"I'm not aware of me being linked with anything. You are asking the wrong person."
Neil Lennon
"I don't like answering questions on this kind of thing," he told Sky Sports News.
"I'm not aware of me being linked with anything. You are asking the wrong person.
"Maybe you should ask the people linking me with the jobs. I'm not aware of who they are. I'm very, very happy doing what I'm doing at the minute."
Of the match with Morton, in the only domestic competition he has yet to win, Lennon revealed he would rest some of the players in action in the 2-1 victory over St Johnstone at the weekend.
"The League Cup was the first competition I won as a player here and first I won as a captain," he added, "so it does have some significance for me personally.
"We have only won the trophy 14 times. Even if you go back to Mr Stein's time, it's not been a competition we have dominated. But it's a competition we are in and one we want to win.
"There are a few players who will need a break and we will change the team from the weekend. But they won't be drastic changes and we will treat Morton with the respect they deserve."
Kevin Ball will take charge of Sunderland's game with Peterborough following the sacking of head coach Paolo Di Canio.
Ball must cope without striker Steven Fletcher, who suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder at West Brom.
Peterborough duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little were sent off on Saturday and begin three-game bans.
Midfielder Danny Kearns missed out at the weekend because of a knock and will be assessed.
MATCH PREVIEW
Sunderland's only win under Paolo Di Canio this season was their League Cup victory against MK Dons, but the Italian won't be in charge for the Black Cats' next clash with League One opposition.
The Wearsiders scored four goals in the last 12 minutes to avoid an upset in the last round, but the 4-2 victory only served to delay the inevitable, with Di Canio dismissed 48 hours before this fixture.
Sunderland's next two league games are against Liverpool and Manchester United, but League One high-flyers Posh will also represent difficult opponents.
Darren Ferguson's side have won six of their eight league games so far and are only five points behind runaway leaders Leyton Orient following Saturday's win against MK Dons.
They played the vast majority of that match with 10 men, and hung on for victory despite a second red card with 14 minutes remaining - suggesting team spirit is strong.
Moreover, Posh have 11 goals in their two League Cup matches this term - including a 6-0 humbling of Championship outfit Reading.
MATCH FACTS Head-to-head
The sides have never met before in the League Cup.
Sunderland have won five of their previous six games against Peterborough.
Posh have lost all three of their previous trips to Wearside, conceding a total of 12 goals.
Sunderland
Sunderland have alternated between progression and elimination in their last 11 home League Cup games. A defeat on Tuesday would maintain that sequence.
They were knocked out of the League Cup by lower league opposition at this stage last season, losing 1-0 at home to Championship side Middlesbrough.
The Black Cats have lost their last three games, their worst run since losing three matches in a row (to Reading, Arsenal and West Brom) in February.
Peterborough
Posh have won eight of their 10 games in all competitions this season.
They have scored 11 goals in the League Cup this season, more than any other side.
Lee Tomlin is the competition's leading scorer this season with five goals in two games.
No player has assisted more goals in this year's competition than Peterborough's Craig Alcock (three).
2034: HALF-TIME
Half-time whistles start to blow around the country. The Cupset-o-meter is registering particularly empty tonight...
2025: Calm down everyone, you don't have to sack your manager by the end of September.
Into the last 10 minutes of the first half though, and we've had plenty of goals so far.
2018: GOAL- Sunderland 1-0 Peterborough - Emanuele Giaccherini (33 mins)
The post-PDC era begins in earnest for Sunderland as they finally take the lead against Peterborough, former Juve man Emanuele Giaccherini getting on to the end of a Lee Cattermole cross to fire home.
2007: SUBSTITUTION- Sunderland 0-0 Peterborough
Peterborough suffer a setback as Lee Tomlin, reportedly a target for Celtic this summer, is forced to leave the field with an injury. Joe Newell replaces the striker. The substitute's first duties are to defend, as a couple of Seb Larsson corners test the Posh defence. Ki sung-Yueng then goes close, heading inches wide.
1958: CLOSE!- Sunderland 0-0 Peterborough
Sunderland coach Kevin Ball
So far so good for Sunderland as the Black Cats make a promising start to life without Paolo Di Canio. Seb Larsson takes an early shot at goal, though his 20-yard effort whizzes wide of the near post.
1946: KICK-OFF
We are under way around the country...
1904: Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter
Sunderland v Peterborough (1945 BST)
Paolo Di Canio
"Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne's programme notes on Paolo Di Canio: "when it became obvious it wasn't working we had to take the decision to part company with him.
"We felt it was better to do this now as we ran the risk of being cut adrift at the bottom."
1855: Sunderland v Peterborough (1945 BST)
Aimee Lewis reports: "Kevin Ball is the man in the Sunderland dugout this evening and the Black Cats' development coach is an old hand at crisis management - taking charge for 10 games following Mick McCarthy's departure in 2006. "I enjoyed it last time and I hope I feel the same way about this one," Ball has said.
"But League One Peterborough - scorers of 11 goals in their two League Cup matches this season - are capable of making Ball's second stint a far less enjoyable one."
1849: With seven previous winners on display this evening, there is plenty of League Cup pedigree for us to get excited about.
There's a repeat of last season's FA Cup final as Ben Watson and co take on Manchester City at Eastlands, Paolo Di Canio's old club Swindon host Chelsea and West Ham face Cardiff at Upton Park for the second time in two months.
1847: Sunderland v Peterborough (1945 BST)
A home tie against League One opposition - should Sunderland be unduly worried about tonight's clash with Peterborough? Yes. Yes, of course they should.
Not only have Sunderland only won five games in all competitions in 2013, they are up against a Peterborough side who make Kevin Keegan's Newcastle look conservative.
Relegated from the Championship on the last day of the season despite clocking up a healthy 54 points, Posh have set about life in the third tier in style - smashing in 19 goals in their eight league games so far to lie in second place, only behind the seemingly unstoppable Orient Express.
1845: RETURN OF THE HATCHET
Paolo Di Canio
It's easy to say in hindsight, but the Sunderland-Paolo Di Canio love affair was never going to last was it?
After a whirlwind relationship which lasted six months, 13 matches and three wins; saw 14 players come in and 12 shipped out; and started with the club in 16th place in the Premier League and ended rock bottom, Di Canio has gone.
Exactly where the Black Cats turn next is a question which will rumble on, but first they have handed caretaker manager Kevin 'The Hatchet' Ball the reins for a very, very tricky League Cup tie against in-form Peterborough.
You could say Ball has been given an underhit, bobbly 'hospital pass' here - but that was exactly what he relished as a player [see below]. He'll go in for any 50/50, starting with tonight.
HALF TIME:Sunderland AFC 1 Vs 0 Peterborough United
Live Text Commentary
45:00 +3:06 Half time
Half Time
The match has reached half-time. 45:00 +2:57 Robert Olejnik crosses the ball in from the free kick. 45:00 +2:44 Adam Johnson concedes a free kick for a foul on Kgosi Ntlhe. 45:00 +0:32 Danny Swanson restarts play with the free kick. 45:00 +0:14 John O'Shea gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Britt Assombalonga. 44:12 Jozy Altidore takes a shot and missed to the left of the net. 43:40 Jozy Altidore takes the chance to get an effort at goal and strikes the post. 43:15 Jozy Altidore manages to make a clearance. 43:08 Corner taken by Danny Swanson. 40:55 Gabriel Zakuani manages to make a clearance. 40:51 Adam Johnson produces a cross. 39:31 Danny Swanson takes a shot and cleared the net. 38:20 Tyrone Barnett manages to make a clearance. 38:15 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 36:48 Free kick taken by Michael Bostwick. 36:38 Unfair challenge on Danny Swanson by Sebastian Larsson results in a free kick. 33:12 Shot by Jack Payne missed to the left of the net. 32:00 Lee Cattermole provided the assist for the goal. 32:00 Goal scored
Goal! - Emanuele Giaccherini - Sunderland 1 - 0 Peterboro
Emanuele Giaccherini scores with a left foot finish. Sunderland 1-0 Peterborough. 29:47 Shot by Jozy Altidore cleared the bar.
29:22 Michael Bostwick manages to make a clearance. 28:04 Michael Bostwick makes a clearance. 27:52 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 26:13 Joe Newell takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the goal. 25:28 Shot by Emanuele Giaccherini went over the bar. 24:32 Emanuele Giaccherini takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand post. 23:50 Michael Bostwick takes the free kick. 23:34 The referee blows for offside. 22:36 John O'Shea restarts play with the free kick. 22:25 Britt Assombalonga gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jack Colback. 17:00 Header at goal by Craig Gardner misses to the right. 16:43 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 16:12 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 15:44 Jack Colback sends in a cross. 15:03 Clearance made by Britt Assombalonga. 14:54 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line. 14:27 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson from the left by-line. 14:06 Jozy Altidore produces a cross. 13:28 Free kick taken by Robert Olejnik. 13:19 Free kick awarded for a foul by Craig Gardner on Joe Newell. 10:42 Substitution
Substitution
Joe Newell is brought on as a substitute for Lee Tomlin. 9:40 Shot by Michael Bostwick went wide right of the net. 9:36 Free kick taken by Danny Swanson. 6:45 Booking
Booking
6:45 Booking for Sung-Yeung Ki for unsporting behaviour. 6:38 Sung-Yeung Ki challenges Lee Tomlin unfairly and gives away a free kick. 5:53 Jozy Altidore takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Robert Olejnik parries the ball away. 5:01 Sebastian Larsson takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target. 3:24 Danny Swanson takes a shot. 0:00 The match gets underway.
FULLTIME: Sunderland AFC 2 - Peterborough United 0
Giaccherini 32′ Valentin 74′
Ref: Naylor
Att: 18,126
Live Text Commentary: 90:00 +3:11 Full Time
The match has reached full-time. 90:00 +2:21 Michael Bostwick takes a shot. 90:00 +0:58 Centre by Craig Alcock. 89:13 Nathaniel Mendez-Laing produces a cross. 88:38 Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Sebastian Larsson. Robert Olejnik catches the ball. 87:48 Booking 87:48 Danny Swanson is shown a yellow card. 87:43 Danny Swanson concedes a free kick for a foul on Sebastian Larsson. 86:30 Header by Tyrone Barnett misses right. 86:24 The ball is swung over by Kgosi Ntlhe. 84:35 Substitution Connor Wickham is brought on as a substitute for Jozy Altidore. 82:45 Free kick taken by Robert Olejnik. 82:35 Jozy Altidore is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 82:24 Jack Colback restarts play with the free kick. 82:18 Foul by Danny Swanson on Sebastian Larsson, free kick awarded. 81:39 A cross is delivered by Sebastian Larsson. 81:34 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 81:12 Jozy Altidore has a direct shot on goal from the free kick. 80:41 Substitution
Fabio Borini comes on in place of Emanuele Giaccherini. 80:20 Danny Swanson concedes a free kick for a foul on Sung-Yeung Ki.
79:11 Grant McCann takes the free kick. 79:03 Joe Newell fouled by Lee Cattermole, the ref awards a free kick. 77:30 Craig Alcock sends in a cross. 75:56 Substitution
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is brought on as a substitute for Jack Payne. 74:37 Unfair challenge on Tyrone Barnett by Sebastian Larsson results in a free kick. 74:22 Sebastian Larsson takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 73:09 Goal scored
Goal! - Valentin Roberge - Sunderland 2 - 0 Peterboro
Valentin Roberge scores with a header. Sunderland 2-0 Peterborough. 72:50 Adam Johnson sends in a cross. 72:11 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 69:45 Clearance made by Keiren Westwood. 69:42 Corner taken by Grant McCann from the right by-line. 69:10 Grant McCann restarts play with the free kick. 68:57 Booking 68:57 Adam Johnson is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour. 68:49 Adam Johnson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kgosi Ntlhe. 64:48 Corner taken by Adam Johnson. 63:48 Substitution
Grant McCann joins the action as a substitute, replacing Tommy Rowe. 62:13 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 61:16 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 60:35 Substitution
Valentin Roberge comes on in place of John O'Shea. 59:29 Joe Newell takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Keiren Westwood safely holds on. 58:59 Clearance by John O'Shea. 58:56 Corner taken by Danny Swanson. 58:14 The ball is delivered by Craig Gardner. 57:58 Free kick taken by Jack Payne. 57:44 Booking 57:44 Jack Colback booked for unsporting behaviour. 57:23 Unfair challenge on Danny Swanson by Jack Colback results in a free kick. 55:39 Jack Payne takes the free kick. 55:30 Foul by Jozy Altidore on Michael Bostwick, free kick awarded. 53:36 Adam Johnson has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the goal. 52:55 Jack Payne takes the free kick. 52:47 Foul by Lee Cattermole on Tyrone Barnett, free kick awarded. 52:27 Robert Olejnik restarts play with the free kick. 52:11 Jozy Altidore is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 51:32 Keiren Westwood restarts play with the free kick. 51:04 Carlos Cuellar fouled by Britt Assombalonga, the ref awards a free kick. 50:46 Free kick taken by Gabriel Zakuani. 50:42 Foul by Jozy Altidore on Michael Bostwick, free kick awarded. 49:43 Tyrone Barnett gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Craig Gardner. 49:34 Corner taken by Danny Swanson from the left by-line. 48:36 Carlos Cuellar goes into the book. 48:36 Booking 48:31 Foul by Carlos Cuellar on Joe Newell, free kick awarded. 47:52 Clearance made by Tyrone Barnett. 47:46 Corner from the left by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. 46:55 Jack Payne crosses the ball. 46:40 Free kick taken by Danny Swanson. 46:32 Danny Swanson fouled by Craig Gardner, the ref awards a free kick. 45:01 The referee gets the second half started.
You didn't need to be a soothsayer to see that Di Canio's reign would end in tears
There is a Scott Adams cartoon strip in which Dilbert is bemoaning the fact that he can never remember a name after introductions. ‘Maybe I can use a word-association memory trick,’ he thinks. A new engineer offers his hand. ‘Hi,’ he says. ‘I’m Dee Alamo.’ The final frame shows Dilbert’s blank expression. A think bubble above his head reads: ‘Darn . . . nothing.’
It was much the same when Sunderland appointed Paolo Di Canio. If only there had been some clue, some sign that he was impossibly high-maintenance and unsuited for management at an elite level.
If only he had called his players stupid donkeys, or substituted his goalkeeper after 22 minutes, or invited his critics among the supporters to buy a season ticket with their local rivals. If only he had conducted a long-running feud with the management, threatened to walk out, walked out and then broke back in again in the small hours, forcing the club to change the locks.
f only he had behaved in a way at Swindon Town that would, quite plainly, be ruinous at a major club, with all the added attention and adverse publicity such antics would bring. Of course, he did precisely this. He did everything listed above, and probably more, because what emerges is not usually the half of it.
There was no fire so small that Di Canio could not sprint towards it with a bucket of gasoline. He escaped widespread condemnation only because Swindon do not make headlines. It was obvious that once Di Canio’s behaviour was transported to a significant club, the repercussions would be significant also.
This is not being wise after the event. Last February, in a column about the possibility of Di Canio being a Premier League manager — he was being linked with West Ham United at the time — I wrote:
‘Di Canio’s passion play unfolding in the spotlight could have a ruinous effect on a smaller Premier League club . . . there is a method for achieving success in the Premier League and starring in your very own daily soap opera should never be part of that plan . . .
Premier League managers are as good as under surveillance. In the modern game so much is out of their control that if they go rogue too, the club can quickly descend into chaos . . .
At a smaller Premier League club, confidence and stability are key to survival. Di Canio is wonderful for those who like a show, but whether a leading club can afford to be part of his next psycho-drama is another matter entirely.’
I’m not Nostradamus, it just wasn’t hard to spot. Di Canio the manager had not greatly evolved from Di Canio the player.
Harry Redknapp’s forthcoming autobiography contains several pages of stories about Di Canio’s time at West Ham. All are told with fondness because Redknapp loves Di Canio and rates him as one of the best players he has worked with but, viewed dispassionately, each reveals a selfish personality that was not cut out for life as a high-profile coach.
There is the tale in which Di Canio reacts to mild criticism of his performance by aiming a gigantic barrel of Gatorade drink at a team-mate; the one in which he alone is reluctant to board a plane for an away match because he is not happy with its technical condition; the one where he sits down on the pitch and refuses to play on, in protest at having a succession of penalty appeals turned down.
This last story is among Redknapp’s favourites. In a recent Sky TV interview, his description of Di Canio asking to come off and, when ignored, squatting cross legged on the pitch, immobile, as the game went on around him was priceless.
The punchline is that the fans start singing his name, the ball comes near him, Di Canio rises, inspired, and goes on to win the match.
And that was the difference with this second act. Di Canio, the manager, didn’t have the wit to influence the game as he did as a player.
All Sunderland signed up for was histrionics and hysterics without the redeeming genius. Di Canio could still emote and pose like any old ham — hands on hips attempting a mute, self-serving empathy with the fans after his final game — but he did not have the smarts to be more.
Di Canio always knew what was wrong. He just didn’t know how to fix it. He would talk about the players being unable to defend, or being unfit, uncommitted or having rubbish in their heads, as if he was divorced from the problem.
There is a lot of this in football; a lot of failings identified as if that alone makes them go away. Marking a test paper with a giant F is not the same as educating.
And this is the person around whom Sunderland appeared to build a long-term strategy, with an Italian backroom staff, an Italian director of football and an Italian head of scouting, all at his service.
So, the crisis does not end here, with Di Canio sacked. Short-term managerial whims will affect any club if they are allowed to melt into long-term strategy and Sunderland are not out of the woods.
At Queens Park Rangers, Redknapp inherited the residue of the Neil Warnock era, mixed in with the remains of the Mark Hughes era, and then attempted further changes of his own. The next manager of Sunderland will be the third since March and must find a coherent team out of Martin O’Neill and Di Canio’s regimes. Can Sunderland then afford to indulge his choices, too?
Di Canio brought his backroom team with him, as is correct. There is little point employing a manager without also engaging his support network. The hierarchy of a club, however, should be above short-term projects. Sunderland claim the appointments of Di Canio, Roberto De Fanti (director of football) and Valentino Angeloni (head scout) were not linked, but it is too coincidental that all three share nationality.
A look at some of the names circulating as Di Canio’s replacement suggests options are therefore limited: Roberto Di Matteo was the prime candidate and on the short-list is Gianfranco Zola, another Italian, plus Paul Ince, who played in Italy and speaks the language, and Gus Poyet, who according to Zola learned Italian in six weeks during his time at Chelsea.
There were 14 players purchased in the summer and Sunderland must hope their new manager also shares ideas and values with the recruitment staff that made those recommendations.
Sunderland are not the first Premier League club to create a continental enclave but none did it around a coach as risky and temperamental as Di Canio. Arsene Wenger was plainly at Arsenal for the long haul and Rafael Benitez won the Champions League in his first season at Liverpool, making it probable he would stay to complete a very Spanish-led project.
One imagines Tottenham Hotspur see Andre Villas-Boas finishing what he started, now in the company of Franco Baldini. Yet was Di Canio ever going to last five or 10 years at Sunderland without imploding? How could the directors of the club be so unaware of the likely outcome? And how could they base a hierarchical strategy around the presence of a manager with such a record of instability?
Di Canio’s sacking, it is said, shows the distance between his regime and that of De Fanti and Angeloni. Yet it is unimaginable that they were not consulted, even if owner Ellis Short delivered the news to Di Canio, and chief executive Margaret Byrne took the calls from disgruntled players that precipitated the end.
So this was a face-saving exercise. The only way De Fanti and Angeloni remain in credit is if they can persuade the owner that the poor form this season is wholly down to the personality of the manager, not the quality of their signings.
As ever, the director of football has 10 years, the manager 10 matches.
It is a mess, and an avoidable one. Sunderland must now hope that Di Canio’s successor does not share his dismal view of the players De Fanti bought, or does not have another 14 good ideas of his own for the next transfer window.
For that is a dangerous road and quickly runs downhill all the way, as QPR discovered.
Give me the job! Caretaker Ball fancies a crack at Sunderland vacancy after winning start against Peterborough
Kevin Ball has asked to be considered as a candidate to replace Paolo Di Canio as Sunderland manager.
The man asked to take temporary charge of the Black Cats in the wake of the Italian's departure on Sunday night guided them to a 2-0 Capital One Cup third round victory over League One Peterborough, and then revealed he would like the job on a full-time basis.
Ball said: 'Anybody who is anybody would like to be considered for it. In the sense of what I have done as a coach or a player and not only that, my qualifications I have gone out and got as a coach, I would like to be considered.
'But ultimately, that's the club's decision and I would go with that, whether it was me or someone else, they would have my full support.'
Owner Ellis Short is understood to have drawn up a shortlist of potential successors to Di Canio, with former Brighton manager Gus Poyet having replaced Roberto Di Matteo at the head of the bookmakers' field.
Tony Pulis, Steve McClaren and Gianfranco Zola also figure prominently with Ball considered an outsider before his post-match comments.
However, the players Ball inherited from Di Canio could not have done a great deal more to further his application with a confident display against Darren Ferguson's men at the Stadium of Light.
Summer signing Emanuele Giaccherini, who had been substituted at half-time in Saturday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at West Brom, fired the Black Cats into a deserved 32nd-minute lead from Lee Cattermole's cross.
But Sunderland had to wait until 17 minutes from time to cement the win when substitute Valentin Roberge headed home from Adam Johnson's delivery.
Ball was delighted with the way the men he selected responded to his call to arms, and was particularly pleased with Cattermole's contribution after he spent the summer training with his development squad after being told he had no future with the club.
The temporary boss said: 'I thought he put in an excellent performance, along with a lot of others as well.
'I just thought it was a really good performance in the sense that they worked very hard, but also played some good football and created a lot of chances as well.
'We also have to give credit to Peterborough because they came up with a decent game-plan - you can see why they are doing very well at the moment and we wish them all the best as well.'
Sunderland 2 Peterborough United 0 match report: Sunderland celebrate Paolo Di Canio’s exit with a show of unity in Capital One Cup
Caretaker manager Kevin Ball dropped four players from the weekend defeat to West Brom for Capital One Cup clash
They came from every corner of the field. Wherever you looked, red and white shirted footballers ran at pace to celebrate a third round Capital One Cup goal against League One Peterborough United with Emanuele Giaccherini. The right back, the left back, the centre halves, players on the wing, all moving in unison to jump on the goalscorer. The distance did not matter.
Formerly beleaguered Premier League players stood in united celebration next to the goal of Bobby Olejnik. Every single one of them, bar the goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, was there. It was a celebration that made a statement. It was a celebration that told everyone in Sunderland what the players thought of the manager who was sacked after a row too many on Sunday night. No more Di Canio. They could not hide the relief.
That the scorer was Giaccherini, a player who was substituted at half-time in Sunderland's defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and later clashed with Di Canio after the game, added to the intensity of the celebration. As did the fact the goal's creator was Lee Cattermole, another who rowed with the manager in the heat of the Hawthorne's visiting dressing room, when the misdirection of a football club changed. He had already been stripped of the club's captaincy for questioning the manager's abrasive style.
When the goal came, their first opportunity to show outwardly the inner dislike and turmoil, they took it. It added to the sense the players had not just scored against Peterborough, but their former manager as well.
Di Canio's treatment of his players was called a 'systematic destruction of their self esteem and self worth,' by an insider at the club to the Independent.
It was a goal despite Di Canio, almost to spite Di Canio.
At the half-time whistle, Adam Johnson, who had warned the former manager last week that he risked killing the players' confidence with his confrontational methods, turned as he walked off the field towards the dugouts and applauded all of his team-mates.
By the finish, the substitute Valentin Roberge had scored with a late header but this was no highlight reel victory. It was not about beating Peterborough, more about exorcising some of the demons that have befallen the players. What happens for the rest of this season will define much of their reputations, damaged as they currently are, rightly or wrongly, like the football club and the city they represent.
Losing to Peterborough was unthinkable, but the thought had clearly been there that it was possible.
Kevin Ball, care-taking his football club for the second time, dropped four of the players who started at West Bromwich Albion. Three of those had been bought in the summer. Cattermole was back, Carlos Cuellar was back, Seb Larsson was back. It looked more like Martin O'Neill's team than Di Canio's, although two of those were Steve Bruce signings. They are doing way too much change at Sunderland and it never works.
What did tonight was a sense of spirit.
Margaret Byrne, the chief executive, who, along with the owner Ellis Short, and the director of football Roberto de Fanti, must attempt to redeem themselves with the next appointment, spoke of her disappointment that Di Canio had failed. “After Paolo saved us from relegation, we gave him an opportunity to take the club forward this season,” she said in her programme notes. “When it became obvious it wasn't working, we had to take the decision to part company with him.”
That the decision has drawn unequivocal backing from the dressing room was undeniable. It was everywhere you looked tonight.
Gus Poyet keen on replacing Paolo Di Canio at Sunderland
Gus Poyet has made it clear to Sunderland’s owner Ellis Short that he is keen to take on the challenge of rejuvenating the team after Paolo Di Canio’s short but ill-fated reign as manager.
Poyet has told Short that he has no qualms about moving to the North East following his departure from Brighton and Hove Albion over the summer, and rather than worry about the damage done to morale by Di Canio, he is convinced he can fix it while gelling 14 new signings into a team good enough to pull clear of relegation danger.
Talks are understood to have already taken place with the Uruguayan, although Short has indicated previously that he wants to take his time making a decision as he had been stung by how spectacularly his gamble on Di Canio backfired.
This will be Short’s third managerial appointment since he became Sunderland owner in 2010 and the American is expected to speak to other interested parties in the next 48 hours.
It has been suggested that the job is Poyet’s to turn down although Sunderland’s official line last night was that this is “premature” and they will continue to look at other candidates.
Steve McClaren and Tony Pulis are two British managers who would like to be given the chance to share their ideas, but Watford manager Gianfranco Zola and early favourite Robert Di Matteo appear to be out of the running.
“As of today, there has been no contact with Sunderland,” said Zola’s lawyer Fulvio Marrucco.
“He is engrossed in the Watford project and I can confirm that as things stand he would certainly not take into consideration any job part-way through the season.”
Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne used her programme notes for the Capital One Cup tie against Peterborough last night to say that it had “become obvious it wasn’t working” with Di Canio and that it was “better to part company now” than “risk being cut adrift at the bottom of the Premier League”.
The relief among the players was obvious and they delivered their best performance of the season with the man Di Canio stripped of the captaincy, Lee Cattermole, superb in the centre of midfield.
The whole team, though, played as if a huge burden had been lifted off their shoulders and caretaker manager Kevin Ball was visibly proud of overseeing such an impressive response to the drama of the last few days. He admitted he, too, would like to be considered for the job.
“It started in training yesterday when we spoke to the players,” he said. “To come up with a performance like that, particularly Lee Cattermole who hasn’t played a lot of football, was great.
“They were fine mentally, I can’t talk about what happened before I stepped into the breach.
“The players responded in the right manner. They just want to go out there and do the best they can. That’s the way it should be.
“I’ve no idea how long I’ll be in charge for. At the moment, I’ve been told until Sunday, but it might be longer. I think anybody who is anybody would want to be considered, as a coach I’d like to be, but if they go with someone else they will have my full support.”
The Daily Telegraph exposed the full extent of the player revolt that led to Di Canio’s sacking this week, and while some have questioned their behaviour it is a rebellion wholeheartedly backed by Sunderland’s former chairman Niall Quinn.
“When you’re in a battle you need a leader who you all look up to and want to go into a fight with,” Quinn told Talksport. “Paolo Di Canio was ducking out of the battle by blaming the players and saying what a great manager he was.
“When you say all that publicly it’s bad enough, but can you imagine what was going on in the dressing room after those defeats?
“Most of his new signings felt this way as well so it’s not like there was a bad element there. It was very brave of the players to do what they did.”
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has expressed his surprise at the departure of Di Canio, which means he will face his fourth Sunderland manager when the two teams meet next month in the Tyne-Wear derby.
He does not think there will be any shortage of interest in the vacancy.
“I think this will be my fourth manager that I have played against and I have only been here 3½ years,” Pardew said.
“I am not gloating in any shape of form by the way. I am just saying it is a fact that it’s a tough job up here for Sunderland and Newcastle. But if the new manager can get that place moving, it’s a great club.”
Blackpool manager Paul Ince ‘could be looked at as Sunderland’s Paolo Di Canio’s successor
Round-up of football headlines from clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Wigan
THE SUN - Luis Suarez returns from his 10-game biting ban tomorrow with Brendan Rodgers insisting: “He’s hungrier than ever.” Also: Jose Mourinho has challenged Chelsea stars Juan Mata and David Luiz to prove themselves tonight - at League One minnows Swindon... Sunderland owner Ellis Short insists he will take his time to pick Paolo Di Canio’s replacement. Wenger still has a £50m transfer pot to spend at Arsenal even after paying £42.5m for 24-year-old midfielder Mesut Ozil.
DAILY MAIL - David Moyes, still coming to terms with the reality of managing Manchester United following Sunday’s dire derby demolition, is heading into another potentially damaging clash with Liverpool - and Luis Suarez. Also: Theo Walcott is facing a race against time to be fit for England’s make-or-break World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland... Chelsea duo Juan Mata and David Luiz have the chance to prove a point to boss Jose Mourinho against Swindon tonight. Blackpool manager Paul Ince could be looked at by Black Cats officials as Di Canio’s successor. Manager Owen Coyle has blamed TV schedules for the fact Wigan will have to play a weakened team against Manchester City on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup just two days after their Championship game with Ipswich.
THE TIMES - Luis Suarez accepts he is indebted to Liverpool’s supporters as he prepares to make his return from a 10-match suspension after a summer in which he attempted to force his way out of Anfield, according to Brendan Rodgers.
THE INDEPENDENT - Paolo Di Canio’s 175-day reign of fear at Sunderland was ended because of the “systematic destruction of the players’ self-esteem and self-worth”, The Independent can reveal. Also: Wayne Rooney has bluntly declared that his side’s display in the Manchester derby on Sunday - from which only he emerged with any credit from the United camp - was simply “not good enough”. Also: “We will see, we will see,” Brendan Rodgers said yesterday, when asked whether Luis Suarez, who is in line to return for Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow night after completing a 10-game suspension, has learned lessons from the consequences of biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic at Anfield on April 21. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he does not know when forward Theo Walcott, 24, will be fit to return from a stomach problem.
DAILY STAR - Sunderland face a fight to persuade Roberto Di Matteo to return to management. Also: Juan Mata has accepted Jose Mourinho’s criticism - and is ready to knuckle down at Chelsea... Nemanja Vidic has ordered Manchester United to show their mettle and put some pride back in their faltering season. Bristol City are interested in signing winger Luke Freeman, 21, in a £300,000 deal from League One rivals Stevenage.
Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk, 21, is wanted on loan by MK Dons and Swindon.
DAILY MIRROR - Gianfranco Zola is the shock name on Sunderland’s managerial shortlist... Roberto Martinez claims a new deal for Leighton Baines has been put aside - but insists the left-back will be rewarded for staying at Everton... Samir Nasri revealed his delight at taking “revenge” on Manchester United with the 4-1 derby win. Everton have ‘put aside’ a new deal for Manchester United target Leighton Baines, 28, but manager Roberto Martinez promises a contract will be sorted for the defender. Sunderland want Watford boss Gianfranco Zola to succeed fellow Italian Paolo Di Canio as manager.
THE GUARDIAN - As Sunderland compiled a shortlist of potential replacements for the sacked Paolo Di Canio it emerged that the two names likely to loom large in the club’s thoughts have serious reservations about the post. Unemployed duo Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet, contenders to replace Di Canio, have serious reservations.
Juan Mata will have an opportunity to demonstrate he is worthy of greater involvement in the Chelsea first team when the Spain international begins tonight’s Capital One Cup tie at Swindon.
DAILY TELEGRAPH - Paolo Di Canio was sacked as Sunderland manager after a player rebellion of unprecedented scale in this country led to several indicating they would refuse to play for him again, which made it impossible for him to remain in charge of the team. Also: Wembley is poised to halve the commitment required by debenture holders after its managing director admitted defeat in his attempt to convince enough people to renew their decade-long contracts... Liverpool are prepared to delay contract talks with defender Glen Johnson, despite the England full-back entering the final two years of his Anfield contract. Liverpool are prepared to wait before offering Glen Johnson, 29, a new contract despite the defender entering the final two years of his current deal.
DAILY EXPRESS - Ellis Short finally decided that Paolo Di Canio had become “unmanageable” after a delegation of senior players insisted they could no longer work under his bizarre regime. Wayne Rooney has warned his Manchester United team-mates to learn the lessons of their stuttering derby loss as David Moyes considers his first shake-up since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sunderland in turmoil as Paolo Di Canio's myth as a manager is laid bare
LET US start by debunking the myth that Paolo Di Canio kept Sunderland in the Premier League last season.
That is the belief the club’s hierarchy cling to as they seek to justify appointing the Italian they sacked on Sunday.
But it is tosh. Sunderland stayed up because Wigan imploded.
With their eyes fixed on Wembley and their hearts set on winning the FA Cup, Wigan took only two points from four games in April, and won just once in their last eight league fixtures.
The Black Cats stayed up by three points but finished a place lower than when Di Canio first strutted in, talking about himself far too much and in the third person.
The final weeks of Martin O’Neill’s reign were grim, and the trajectory was downwards. But they should have been persuade that O’Neill would turn it around.
Yet Sunderland ditched a man who won 13 trophies as a manager and appointed one who had only won League Two plus a fight with one of his Swindon players.
One early cameo at Sunderland convinced me that Di Canio was too fond of himself.
It came before his finest moment, the 3-0 win at Newcastle.
The players had been out, warmed up, gone back in, completed their last-minute preparations, paraded out on to the field once more, conducted the Premier ritual of shaking hands with the opposition and were readying themselves for kick-off.
Di Canio, left hand stuffed into the trousers of his suit, chin jutting and right hand beckoning imperiously, called the nearest player over to the technical area. It was Adam Johnson.
Di Canio spoke in his ear for several moments and then waved him on to the pitch with another theatrical gesture.
What did he say that could not have been said earlier? Nothing. The whole show was for the benefit of the audience.
Like so much that Di Canio did, it was designed to demonstrate his importance and self-imagined genius. Like so much that Di Canio did, it was an illusion and a delusion.Down the decades I have heard many new managers denigrate the work of the men they succeeded. For instance, when Gerry Francis became Spurs boss and garnered some decent results, he was asked if he had changed any of the training.
Despite the changes in personnel and ethos, this season’s results have been truly shocking.
“Yes”, he said. “I’ve introduced running.”
By speaking derogatorily of their predecessors, managers seek to give themselves alibis in case things go wrong but ensure they get the credit if things go well. Di Canio took this nasty, mean trait to new levels. On arrival he said Sunderland’s players were not fit. They were arrogant and ignorant. The club needed different players who knew how to behave and had a “professional ethic”. So he brought in a ferry-load of Italians for the staff and for the team.
And he introduced petty rules. Despite the changes in personnel and ethos, this season’s results have been truly shocking. Played five, one solitary point. So Di Canio rounded on the players again, infamously questioning the professionalism of John O’Shea, who appeared very nearly 400 times for Manchester United.
And the manager stressed, repeatedly, the players did not have the mentality he, the mighty Paolo, possessed. Not only does Di Canio sport a tattoo supporting Benito Mussolini, he has the same reliance on the cult of personality, the same need to rule by fear and the same swaggering self-belief as the Fascist leader.
Which brings us to Di Canio’s politics. He has espoused support for a racist, totalitarian and brutal political belief.
Yet chief executive Margaret Byrne expressed surprise when journalists wanted Di Canio to tell us whether he was still a fascist. Media and communications manager Louise Wanless even complained that I had a vendetta against the club.
I didn’t and I don’t. It is not about Margaret Clueless. It is not about Louise Wanless. It is about Paolo Winless.
It was madness to appoint him and some of us could see it straight away.
Gus Poyet in talks with Sunderland over manager's job
Sky Sports understands Sunderland have begun talks with Gus Poyet over their vacant manager's job.
The former Brighton boss was always considered one of the favourites to replace Paolo di Canio in the Wearside hotseat.
Di Canio was sacked on Sunday night, the day after their 3-0 defeat to West Brom which left them bottom of the Premier League with one point from their opening five games.
It later emerged that senior Black Cats players had complained to the club's hierarchy about the fiery Italian's behaviour.
Kevin Ball has been appointed as caretaker manager and he guided Sunderland to a 2-0 win over Peterborough in the Capital One Cup third round on Tuesday night.
Ball has stated that wants the job on a permanent basis, and he will take charge of the team again this weekend when they face Liverpool.
Sunderland caretaker manager Kevin Ball says his players enjoyed their first match without Paolo Di Canio in charge.
Ball told Sky Sports News: "Anybody who is anybody would like to be considered for it.
"In the sense of what I have done as a coach or a player and, not only that, my qualifications I have gone out and got as a coach, I would like to be considered.
"But, ultimately, that's the club's decision and I would go with that, whether it was me or someone else, they would have my full support."
Sunderland owner Ellis Short has insisted he will not rush the appointment, having sacked Di Canio after just 175 days and 13 matches in charge.
The veteran Crystal Palace forward said: "Speaking as a player that's played under many managers over the years, once you lose that dressing room you lose your players - they don't trust you.
"I think the chairman and the board had no choice but to relieve Paolo of his job and duties, because in this day and age I believe that man management is more important than actual tactics on the pitch and I think there wasn't any of the at the Stadium of Light.
"Once you lose that dressing room you're on a hiding to nothing. I would certainly say that with the regime he was running there, allegedly.
"If you believe everything you read - banning smiling, staff aren't allowed to talk to players, no tomato ketchup, no coffee - I don't believe you can do that in this day and age.
"You're talking about fully-grown men that have got their own families - you can't treat them like kids. You have to treat them like adults and I believe Di Canio's style doesn't work for me in the Premier League."
The Black Cats were derided for sacking their manager just five games into the new season but, in truth, they never expected the volatile Italian to be a long-term appointment
Sunderland have been widely derided for giving Paolo Di Canio the platform for one of the most volatile managerial reigns in Premier League history.
There has been no shortage of critics to question the club’s logic in appointing a combustible Italian with a mediocre coaching CV, an ego that exceeds his considerable playing talent and whose man-management skills seem restricted to scaring the living daylights out of his players and staff.
Yet Sunderland sources have said that there was never any great expectation among club chiefs that Di Canio’s reign would be a lengthy and trouble-free one.
“He did the job we wanted him to do last season,” one insider told Goal. “He kept us up. We knew it could all unravel at some point but the most important thing was maintaining our Premier League status.”
The gratitude extended to Di Canio was widespread on Wearside last season, even if it should be noted that Sunderland were 16th when he arrived and 17th when the campaign ended.
Yet he briefly energised the players, steered the team to a pivotal 3-0 victory over rivals Newcastle United when the club’s top-tier position was in the balance and gave those in the media business some of the most captivating copy any could remember. He pulled off the impressive feat of making Joe Kinnear look colourless and uninteresting by comparison.
For Sunderland, Di Canio was only ever a short-term fix. He provided a sticking plaster for a weeping wound and, once it had healed, he lacked the bedside manner and all-round skills to soothe the other cuts and bruises.
The board, led by American owner Ellis Short and youthful chief executive Margaret Byrne, have been criticised for ignoring Di Canio’s fascist sympathies at a club with deep roots in a working-class community, and for failing to properly research the Italian’s character and coaching style.
There is much justification for the former. Sunderland were naïve, at best, in overlooking Di Canio’s political beliefs.
However, sources say club chiefs knew they were taking a gamble in appointing Di Canio, whose only previous experience came in the lower leagues with Swindon Town. They did not anticipate he would alienate the playing staff quite so quickly but nor was there the expectation that he would be blowing out 10 candles on his Sunderland anniversary cake in 2023.
Short, who made his millionaire fortune in hedge funds, would also have calculated that the package pay-off for Di Canio, who only signed a two-and-a-half-year contract when he was appointed, is minimal compared to the windfall from being a Premier League club in the first season of the mammoth new broadcasting deal, when the bottom-placed team are guaranteed £20million more than last season.
Sunderland believe that, by dismissing Di Canio with 33 league matches remaining, the club have minimised the damage to their campaign and allowed the new man, expected to be Gus Poyet, plenty of time to address the team's failings.
Di Canio's successor will have to gel the 14 new signings from the summer into the team but the players were signed by Roberto Di Fanti, the director of football, not the former manager.
Di Canio was merely responsible for identifying the squad position he wanted to improve and the type of player for the role, but it was his countryman, a former agent, who selected the individual players.
As with most clubs who utilise this continental-style model, the responsibility of the head coach, a title that Di Canio was happy with, is to get the best possible results from the talent pool at his disposal.
Sunderland deemed Di Canio to have ultimately failed in that respect and, following a dressing room rebellion at his methods, made a quick kill to limit the long-term damage.
SHORT-TERM APPOINTMENT: DI CANIO'S PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
GAMES PLAYED 12
WON 2
DRAWN 3
LOST 7
GOALS FOR 11
GOALS AGAINST 22
WIN PERCENTAGE 17%
Premier League - Match facts: Sunderland v Liverpool
Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have scored only 12 goals in 24 Barclays Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
Seven of Liverpool’s last nine Barclays Premier League goals have been scored from Daniel Sturridge.
Sunderland have won only three of their 24 Barclays Premier League games against Liverpool but all three victories have come at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last nine Premier League games.
The Reds are unbeaten in six Premier League games away from Anfield (W4 D2), last losing on the road in March to Southampton.
Liverpool are the only team yet to score in the second half in the Premier League this season.
Livepool’s Simon Mignolet has made more saves than any other goalkeeper this season (25).
Former Sunderland glovesman Mignolet has a saves to shots ratio of 89%, the second best rate of regular ‘keepers this season.
His replacement at Sunderland Keiren Westwood has a saves to shots rate of 54%, the lowest of any keeper to feature in all five games this season.
Eight of Sunderland’s last 10 Premier League home games have seen three goals or fewer scored.
Pacy loanee Victor Moses is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance.
Sunderland’s next home league encounter sees the Black Cats welcome Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool to the Stadium of Light.
Tickets for the game, which will take place on Sunday 29th September (KO 4pm) are on sale now.
Seats range from £12 for under 16’s, £23 for over 65’s and £27 for adults.
Purchases can be made via the ticket credit card hotline on 0871 911 1973, in person at Stadium of Light ticket office, or online.
Tickets are subject to a booking fee and are all sold subject to conditions of issue and ground regulations which are available on request.
Supporters can take also advantage of the club’s ‘print at home’ facility, which is available for all home games, allowing them to book match tickets online and simply print off a barcoded e-ticket, which is then presented at the turnstiles in the same way as a standard ticket.
Ferguson Jnr admits surprise at Di Canio sacking ahead of Capital One Cup clash
Darren Ferguson has admitted his surprise at Sunderland's decision to part company with Paolo Di Canio as he prepares to take his Peterborough side to the Stadium of Light in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
In-form Posh will be looking to increase the misery on Wearside on Tuesday night but Ferguson will instead now be going head-to-head in the technical area with Black Cats caretaker boss Kevin Ball.
Sunderland's sole victory this season has come in this competition after they staged a late turnaround to see off MK Dons 4-2 in the last round.
And the managerless outfit are guaranteed another tough task against a Sky Bet League One side who have won eight of their 10 games to date, including respective 5-1 and 6-0 victories over Colchester and Reading in the Capital One Cup.
Speaking about Di Canio's departure, boss Ferguson told Posh Player on the club's official website:'It doesn't affect me, it may affect Sunderland.
'Generally, when there's a change of manager in the short-term normally there is a reaction, for whatever reason. Whether it's going to make a difference I don't know, you'll find out on Tuesday night.
'I was quite surprised, I have to say, he's only been there six months so I think most people would probably, even though the results haven't been going well, I thought he'd be there longer than that.'
Ferguson added: 'We've got to go there and make sure we put on a good performance, the aim is to go and try to get through, otherwise there's no point turning up, really.
'We know it's going to be a tough game, they've got some really, really good players but we know on our night we can give teams a game and we're going to have to perform right at the top of our game to get through the tie.'
Another League One team travelling to Premier League opposition on Tuesday night are Bristol City, who face Southampton at St Mary's.
The Robins are a side who have played their best football in the cup this season, winning all three matches including a 2-1 victory over top-flight Crystal Palace in the last round, although they have not enjoyed success in any of their opening eight league matches.
And manager Sean O'Driscoll knows his side are facing a tall order against a Saints outfit who won 1-0 at Liverpool on Saturday.
'You're talking about Premier League quality so they'll be fluid with the ball, they went to Anfield on Saturday and restricted a free-flowing Liverpool team from getting into their rhythm,' he told Bristol City Player.
'They're going to make wholesale changes, they did in the last round against Barnsley and they still managed to put five past a Championship team. I would imagine they could make more changes against us but the task will still remain a difficult one.
'It's one which we've got to come out of with hopefully some positives regardless of what result it may be.'
Wigan and Swindon also face top-flight opposition in the shape of Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, while Huddersfield go to Hull and Gianfranco Zola's Watford play host to Norwich.
The Hornets' Scotland international Ikechi Anya said: 'We're looking forward to it. It's a great game against Premier League opposition; people want to show that they're Premier League quality, so it'll be very good whatever team the gaffer picks.'
Meanwhile, there are two all-Championship ties as Leicester play host to east midlands rivals Derby and Burnley welcome Nottingham Forest.
League Cup (Capital one) Forth Round Draw
Played the 28th October 2013
Sunderland vs. Southampton
Leicester City vs. Fulham
Birmingham City vs. Stoke City
Manchester United vs. Norwich City
Burnley vs. West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion or Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Hull City Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Sunderland (1) 2–0 Peterborough United (3)
West Ham United (1) 3–2 Cardiff City (1)
Manchester City (1) 5–0 Wigan Athletic (2)
Burnley (2) 2–1 Nottingham Forest (2)
Southampton (1) 2–0 Bristol City (3)
Swindon Town (3) 0–2 Chelsea (1)
Watford (2) 2–3 (aet) Norwich City (1)
Aston Villa (1) 0–4 Tottenham Hotspur (1)
Hull City (1) 1–0 Huddersfield Town (2)
Leicester City (2) 2–1 Derby County (2)
Fulham (1) 2–1 Everton (1)
Manchester United (1) 1–0 Liverpool (1) Newcastle United (1) 2–0 Leeds United (2)
West Bromwich Albion (1) 1-1 (aet) Arsenal
Tranmere Rovers (3) 0–2 Stoke City (1)
Birmingham City (2) 3–1 Swansea City
Gus Poyet is Sunderland's WORST choice as manager, according to Football Manager
The blockbuster football management sim has had its say, and Poyet falls behind his competitors for the Stadium of Light job
The favourite for Sunderland's vacant managerial position would be the WORST man for the job, according to Football Manager.
As revealed by MirrorSport this week, Gus Poyet was installed as favourite for the job after Roberto De Fanti made him his first-choice to replace the outbound Paolo Di Canio.
While the Uruguayan is now sweating on owner Ellis Short's approval , our simulation of the 2013-14 season suggests that the former Brighton boss would in fact be the worst option of the leading candidates!
However, he would be able to keep the struggling Black Cats afloat, with them finishing 16th after a solid second half of the season.
Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo both outperformed Poyet - finishing in 14th place.
By Ed Malyon 2 Comments
Gus Poyet is Sunderland's WORST choice as manager, according to Football Manager
26 Sep 2013 15:39
The blockbuster football management sim has had its say, and Poyet falls behind his competitors for the Stadium of Light job
Gus is none too pleased by the revelations emerging from Sports Interactive HQGus is none too pleased by the revelations emerging from Sports Interactive HQ
The favourite for Sunderland's vacant managerial position would be the WORST man for the job, according to Football Manager.
As revealed by MirrorSport this week, Gus Poyet was installed as favourite for the job after Roberto De Fanti made him his first-choice to replace the outbound Paolo Di Canio.
While the Uruguayan is now sweating on owner Ellis Short's approval , our simulation of the 2013-14 season suggests that the former Brighton boss would in fact be the worst option of the leading candidates!
However, he would be able to keep the struggling Black Cats afloat, with them finishing 16th after a solid second half of the season.
Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo both outperformed Poyet - finishing in 14th place.
Gus Poyet
Sigames
*Gets off to a good start with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool followed by a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Went on a dismal run of 2 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats until the New Year.
*Wes Brown becomes unhappy at the club during this time and Poyet is forced to rotate between O’Shea, Diakite and Roberge.
Spends £8 million on Marco Storari and James Tomkins to strengthen his defensive options.
*Loses just 7 games from January until the end of the season to *lead Sunderland to 16th place finish.
*Run includes wins over Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle and Everton.
*By the end of the season Giaccherini, Altidore and Colback have handed in transfer requests.
*Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore are joint top scorers with 9 goals each.
Gianfranco Zola
Opens up with a draw against Liverpool and defeat to Man United.
Fares better than Poyet in the run up to Christmas with 4 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats.
Doesn’t sign anyone in January after a failed bid for Ashley Williams.
Loses 8 games in the second half of the season but wins 6 and draws 5 to keep consistent enough form to stay up.
Sunderland finish the season in 14th.
Zola makes much more use of Fabio Borini than Poyet and is rewarded with 7 goals from the Italian.
Zola records victories over West Ham, West Brom, Fulham, Villa, Swansea and Spurs.
Jozy Altidore finishes as top scorer with 10 goals.
Roberto Di Matteo
Sigames
Starts off with a win against Liverpool but wins just twice more before Christmas.
Does manage to draw 6 games in that time as well.
Sells Diakite in January for £3.5 million and brings in Scott Dann for £5 million as a replacement.
Sunderland remain unbeaten throughout January to propel them into 13th place before being inconsistent until the end of the season.
2 draws and a win in the final month lead them to 14th place.
Di Matteo plays both Giaccherini and Borini more frequently than both Poyet and Zola and gets them scoring with 10 and 8 goals respectively.
Giaccherini finishes as the top scorer with 10 goals.
Paolo Di Canio Sacked By Sunderland: Is Ellis Short The Biggest Villain Of The Piece?
It was an unlucky 13 for Paolo di Canio, who lasted just that many games before Sunderland's board sacked the Italian on Sunday night.
The first Premier League managerial departure of the season, the only surprise of Di Canio's reign is that he was appointed in the first place. Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has arguably emerged worse from the brief and fraught era for granting Di Canio a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Di Canio's Fascist past caused huge uproar when he was announced as Martin O'Neill's successor and having made drastic changes to the backroom and playing staff, he has "parted company" after just five Premier League games this season.
Di Canio won just three games with Sunderland
Thirteen (that number again) players were brought in during a summer of upheaval which was more chaotic than calm. Di Canio even said many of his players' lack of English was driving him "crazy".
"I need British players," said the then Sunderland boss. "I need the quality, the intensity. I need the fire."
Not one of Di Canio's 13 signings was British.
He won just three matches on Wearside, two of them in the league. Victories at Newcastle and against Everton in April saved the Black Cats from relegation but their only triumph this term is a League Cup win over MK Dons.
It seemed Di Canio's curtain call came when he confronted Sunderland fans at the end of their gutless loss at West Brom on Saturday. He stared and gesticulated at Mackems in a woeful attempt at player-manager communication.
"I won't change," he vowed after the game, and that perhaps convinced Short to sack a third Sunderland manager in less than two years.
Premier League: Sunderland play host to Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.
Managerless Sunderland play host to Liverpool at the Stadium of Light, live on Super Sunday, still seeking their first Premier League win of the season.
Kevin Ball takes charge of his first Premier League game as Sunderland caretaker boss following the sacking of Paolo Di Canio last Sunday.
Di Canio was axed last week 24 hours after the 3-0 defeat to West Brom left the Wearside club rooted to the bottom of the table.
Sunderland have just one point from their first five league outings and Ball will be hoping to boost his chances of landing the manager's job on a permanent basis with a positive result against Liverpool.
Liverpool travel to Wearside aiming to get back to winning ways after two straight defeats to Southampton in the Premier League and Manchester United in the Capital One Cup.
The gloss to Liverpool's impressive start to the season has been taken off in the last few weeks and Brendan Rodgers will be keen to see them get back to winning ways at the Stadium of Light as they strive to keep pace with the leading pack.
Sunderland
Sunderland will be without star striker Steven Fletcher after he injured his shoulder in last weekend's defeat to West Brom.
It means Jozy Altidore is expected to lead the attack and he could be supported by Emanuele Giaccherini, who scored in the midweek Capital One Cup win over Peterborough.
Defensive duo Wes Brown (calf) and Phil Bardsley (foot) remain sidelined as they work their way back to fitness.
Fabio Borini is ineligible to play against his parent club after joining Sunderland from Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
Lee Cattermole made his first start of the season against Peterborough and he could keep his place in midfield.
Liverpool
Luis Suarez is set to start his first Premier League game after coming through his return from suspension against Manchester United unscathed.
The Uruguay international played the full 90 minutes in midweek after serving his 10-match ban for his bite on Branislav Ivanovic and he is expected to keep his place in Rodgers' starting XI.
Rodgers is waiting on the fitness of vice-captain Daniel Agger after he missed the defeat at Old Trafford with a knock.
Full-back duo Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho remain on the sidelines through injury meaning Rodgers has a decision to make whether to stick to his 3-5-2 formation he played against Manchester United.
Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho is out after undergoing shoulder surgery last week, while two former Sunderland stars Simon Mignolet and Jordan Henderson are set to face their old club.
Opta Stats
Liverpool are the only team yet to score in the second half in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland have won only three of their 24 Barclays Premier League games against Liverpool but all three victories have come at the Stadium of Light.
Seven of Liverpool's last nine Barclays Premier League goals have been scored from Daniel Sturridge.
'Vulture' Gus Poyet waiting to swoop for Sunderland post
FORMER Brighton boss Gus Poyet has revealed he has the "opportunity to manage Sunderland" after Paolo Di Canio was sacked earlier this week.
Poyet is the heavy odds-on favourite to take the post with bookmakers after Roberto Di Matteo drifted in the betting.
And with reports emerging yesterday that Poyet was set to replace Di Canio at Sunderland, the Uruguayan has admitted he is close to being given the job.
"My opportunity to manage Sunderland is there," said Poyet. "I'm waiting. Nervously."
My opportunity to manage Sunderland is there. I'm waiting. Nervously
Gus Poyet
Poyet left Brighton at the end of the season after a dispute with the Championship outfit, and admits he has been eyeing up potential vacancies this season.
"Since the start of the season, I’ve dedicated myself to watching the games of teams that might call me if things weren’t going too well," he added.
Kevin Ball has taken temporary charge of the Black Cats in the wake of Di Canio's departure.
Poyet rules out potential rival candidates for Sunderland hotseat by personally calling them to see if they want the job!
Gus Poyet is pushing Sunderland into a decision to appoint him as manager, even ruling out other candidates by calling them himself.
The former Brighton boss is desperate to return to management and sees the Barclays Premier League bottom club as tailor-made for his talents.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Poyet learnt Italian in just six weeks in his time at Stamford Bridge and believes his multi-lingual talents enhance his chances of succeeding Paolo Di Canio, who was sacked at the weekend.
Although Poyet is thought to be the preferred option of director of football Robert De Fanti, owner Ellis Short will take his time over the decision. He is understood to be particularly keen to talk to former Manchester United number two Rene Meulensteen. Caretaker manager Kevin Ball will remain in charge for Sunday’s visit of Liverpool.
Former Brighton manager Poyet revealed, in an interview with South American radio station Sport 890, that he had spoken to former Chelsea team-mate Roberto Di Matteo: 'I called him and said “Really, are you interested?" and he said "No." I said "Good, thank you. One less!"
'Another was Gianfranco Zola.
'It’s a team with lots of backroom staff and scouting staff from Italy.
'It was possible it would have been easier to go down that line, for the understanding between people from the same country.
'It’s a new team, very international, and it would be convenient for the new person to speak various languages.
'You wouldn’t need to have translators continually.
'That is something that helps me, because I have that ability.
'But there are things that go against me, for example the fact that I’ve never managed in the Premier League.
'If one day you coach in the Premier League without having previously managed and it’s your first job and it doesn’t go well, generally they accuse you of not having worked at the lower level and taken the right steps required to reach the top.
'But it has to be one way or the other. It can’t be that when you have taken all the steps – been assistant to different managers, been manager yourself and improved year after year in the team you were with, that you can’t then have a chance at a higher level, that is illogical.'
Poyet has remained in England since his departure from Brighton towards the end of last season.
The Uruguayan admitted he had stayed in the hope of getting work again when a manager was sacked.
Motherwell's Simon Ramsden makes shock bid for vacant Sunderland job
MOTHERWELL defender Simon Ramsden has made a cheeky bid to become the next manager of his beloved Sunderland.
The lifelong Black Cats fan has made a madcap move to become the club’s new boss, after they sacked Paolo Di Canio on Sunday.
Ramsden might only be 31 and has no managerial experience but he has applied for the vacant Barclays Premier League post, which he describes as his dream job – although he knows he has little chance against big-name candidates like Gianfranco Zola, Gus Poyet, Alex McLeish, Tony Pulis and Roberto Di Matteo.
Ramsden admitted: “I’ve just put my CV in, I’m waiting to hear back. It’s my dream job and that’s what dreams are made of but I can’t see it happening to be honest.
“I’ve been pestering Alan Burrows, the Motherwell press officer who put the application in, but they haven’t got back to me yet.
“To be fair, I haven’t got my coaching badges yet and that might count against me.
“I’m hoping to start my B licence soon. Now that I’m getting on a bit it’s something I need to look at for the future.
“All my family are big Sunderland fans.
“We haven’t won anything since 1973 but the support is the fifth largest in the country. We’re just waiting for someone to go there and spark it all. Maybe I’m that man!”
Ramsden was surprised that Di Canio confronted Sunderland fans after the weekend defeat to West Bromwich Albion and was sacked after a player revolt.
“Something hasn’t gone right at the end of Paolo’s time there,” said Ramsden.
To be fair, I haven’t got my coaching badges yet and that might count against me
Simon Ramsden
“When he went in and we beat Newcastle 3-0 I think everyone was expecting the club to kick on.
“It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out.
“I don’t think I would have addressed the fans like he did.
“It was a brave decision but I think that might have been the final nail in his coffin.
“We’ve got Newcastle coming up again in a few weeks so you’d hope that whoever comes in gives the place a lift.
“I was a season-ticket holder as a kid and I’m going down to see them play against Liverpool this Sunday.”
Meanwhile, former Scotland and Rangers boss McLeish has confirmed his interest in the Sunderland job.
He has been out of work since his short stint at Nottingham Forest but has Premier League experience with both Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
McLeish said: “It’s a big club. I am out of a job at the moment and it is a club that would certainly fascinate me in terms of going in there and trying to inject some confidence into those players.”
Sunderland players given a say in Paolo Di Canio replacement
SEVERAL leading Sunderland players have been canvassed over who should replace Paolo Di Canio by billionaire owner Ellis Short, and the overwhelming majority say they would prefer a British manager.
Short did not seek players’ opinions in his previous two appointments, but this time he asked a number of his experienced professionals for their views.
Among the favourites for the job are former Brighton boss Gus Poyet and the former Chelsea and West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Sunderland's Steven Fletcher out for six weeks with shoulder injury
The striker sustained the problem at West Brom last weekend, but it's not as bad as first feared
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is out for up to six weeks with a shoulder injury sustained last weekend.
The striker will not feature against Liverpool on Sunday and while he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it's better than was first feared.
Meanwhile, John O'Shea, who came off with a niggle during Tuesday night's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Peterborough, should return and midfielder Lee Cattermole could also figure after coming through that game unscathed.
Kevin Ball told safc.com: “The biggest thing for us is looking at what went well, how they did it and what they need to do on Sunday.
“It was a good performance [on Tuesday] and I was delighted for the players. Now we have to take that into Sunday’s game.
“In terms of the game, it’s a fabulous occasion and every footballer would be delighted.”
Sunderland v Liverpool: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Sunday Sep 29, 2013, kick-off 16.00 (BST).
Sunday, September 29 2013
Sunderland v Liverpool
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 16.00 BST.
TV: Highlights BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Team News
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher will be sidelined for up to six weeks with the shoulder injury he suffered at West Brom last weekend.
However, while the Scotland international will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool and several games beyond, the news is significantly better than was first feared.
Defender John O'Shea, who came off with a niggle during Tuesday night's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Peterborough, is expected to be fit and midfielder Lee Cattermole could also figure after coming through that game unscathed, while full-back Phil Bardsley is close to returning from a broken bone in his foot.
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is set to return for the trip to Sunderland after being left out of the midweek Capital One Cup defeat against Manchester United because of a side strain.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has to decide whether to continue with the three centre-halves he fielded at Old Trafford as right-back Glen Johnson is still out injured.
Midfielder Joe Allen is absent while Philippe Coutinho is still recovering from a shoulder operation.
Match Notes
Kevin Ball has been left in charge of the team as caretaker manager, although it seems likely his bid to become permanent boss is doomed to fail even if he masterminds a shock victory over Liverpool.
Gus Poyet is waiting in the wings and is expected to take control early next week.
Liverpool have lost early season momentum with successive defeats to Southampton and Manchester United and will have to cope with a Sunderland side who have been invigorated by the overthrowing of Paolo Di Canio last weekend.
Betting: Home 4-1, Away 4-6, Draw 12-5.
Stat of the game: Sunderland have scored only 12 goals in 24 Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
Luke Edwards' prediction: Sunderland 1 Liverpool 2.
Mignolet: Sunderland wouldn't be in the Premier League without Di Canio... he was a good manager to work with
He has been labelled a tyrant and harangued for his overzealous approach but Simon Mignolet believes Sunderland would not be in the Premier League without Paolo Di Canio.
Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet will be in the firing line on Saturday when his old team chase their first three points of the season and it will be intriguing to see how Sunderland, who beat Peterborough in midweek, respond again without Di Canio.
Mignolet, who was arguably Sunderland's best player last season and joined Liverpool for £9million in June, has kept his distance in recent days and has not tried to find out the details about the bust-up with Sunderland's squad that hastened Di Canio's exit.
But the 23-year-old has pointed out that not everything about the Italian's short reign was bad.
Without the victories Di Canio secured against Everton and Newcastle in April, Sunderland would have slipped into the Championship and Mignolet feels a slightly unfair picture has been painted of the former Swindon manager.
'When he first came in, he observed a lot, looked at the players and what was happening around the place,' said Mignolet, who was speaking at a Sells Goalkeeper Products event. 'After a couple of days observing he changed a few little things here and there to see what his own view is about.
'That's what he did in the first few weeks and we had two massive results against Newcastle and Everton which were our biggest results last season. Those results got us safe for the next season. After that, he brought in his own style from his own way of doing things which he found important.
'If you are a professional footballer, the manager is there to point you in a direction and you follow in the direction he pinpoints out and you do the things he wants you to do as good as you can. You go with that and try to do your best. For me he was a good manager to work with.'
Liverpool will be looking to end a disappointing week on a high, following defeats to Southampton and Manchester United, and Brendan Rodgers has no doubt that Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge can work together to form a potent partnership.
'Luis' return will only help Daniel,' said Rodgers. 'Good players want to play with other good players. They can be a real threat. Their focus is on the team doing well and it's my job to manage the dynamic of the team. I've got no worries about it.'
Goal Predicts: Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea, Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool, Swansea City 1-2 Arsenal
Greg Stobart offers his predictions ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixtures - but how do you think he and the teams will get on?
The standout match this weekend comes from London, as Chelsea contest their second derby in as many league games, as they visit high-flying Tottenham.
The match sees Jose Mourinho and his former apprentice, Andre Villas-Boas, lock horns for the first time since going their separate ways back in 2009. Spurs currently boast the best defensive record in European football, but have only beaten the Blues on three occasions at home in the Premier League.
That said, the first of which, came against Jose Mourninho back in 2006 ...
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester United look to build on their midweek Capital One Cup victory over Liverpool with a home tie with West Brom, while league-leaders Arsenal travel to Swansea.
DIDI HAMANN 6 CORRECT 0 PERFECT 4 WRONG
Last time out, Didi scored six out of ten, correctly backing Manchester City to defeat rivals Manchester United. Impressive, but still not as good as Gus Poyet who continues to lead the way.
So Greg has had his say, and now you can too! Leave your predictions in the comments below and vote on how you think he will fare.
POLL OF THE DAY
How will Greg fare?
10 out of 10
9 out of 10
8 out of 10
7 out of 10
6 out of 10
5 out of 10
4 out of 10
3 out of 10
2 out of 10
Ouch, better luck next time!
45:00 +2:20 Half time Half Time The referee calls an end to the first half. 45:00 +1:41 Clearance made by Steven Gerrard. 45:00 +1:35 Shot by Sebastian Larsson. Steven Gerrard gets a block in. 45:00 +1:16 A cross is delivered by Jordan Henderson. 45:00 +1:03 Clearance made by Jack Colback. 45:00 +0:28 Mamadou Sakho makes a clearance. 44:22 Adam Johnson takes a shot and cleared the goal. 44:15 Kolo Toure makes a clearance. 44:12 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 43:43 Craig Gardner has an effort at goal. Simon Mignolet parries the ball but the danger is not over. 42:12 Adam Johnson produces a cross. 41:47 Mamadou Sakho makes a clearance. 41:43 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 41:35 John O'Shea manages to make a clearance. 40:53 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 40:44 Kolo Toure makes a clearance. 39:38 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 39:05 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 38:28 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Blocked by Victor Moses. 38:27 Free kick taken by Sebastian Larsson. 37:17 The referee gives a free kick against Mamadou Sakho for handball. 35:42 Assist by Daniel Sturridge. 35:42 Goal scored
Goal! - Luis Suarez - Sunderland 0 - 2 Liverpool
Luis Suarez scores a right footed goal. Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool. 34:51 Sung-Yeung Ki has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 34:49 Martin Skrtel makes a clearance. 34:24 Steven Gerrard makes a clearance. 34:23 A cross is delivered by John O'Shea. 34:16 Corner taken by Adam Johnson. 33:57 Sanchez Jose Enrique manages to make a clearance. 33:56 Craig Gardner sends in a cross. 33:15 Kolo Toure manages to make a clearance. 33:10 Sebastian Larsson takes a shot. Blocked by Mamadou Sakho. 32:11 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line. 31:40 The ball is delivered by Jordan Henderson. 31:00 The ball is delivered by Carlos Cuellar. 30:38 Clearance by Kolo Toure. 30:32 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 30:13 Leiva Lucas manages to make a clearance. 30:11 The ball is crossed by Sebastian Larsson. 29:19 Header at goal by John O'Shea misses to the right. 29:17 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 27:20 The assist for the goal came from Steven Gerrard. 27:20 Goal scored
Goal! - Daniel Sturridge - Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool
Daniel Sturridge grabs a goal. Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool. 27:17 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard. 26:56 Centre by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 26:56 Craig Gardner manages to make a clearance. 25:42 Victor Moses takes a shot and cleared the bar. 25:41 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 25:38 The ball is delivered by Jordan Henderson. 25:24 Jack Colback takes the free kick. 24:49 Martin Skrtel challenges Jozy Altidore unfairly and gives away a free kick. 24:18 Martin Skrtel manages to make a clearance. 23:26 Shot by Jozy Altidore. Blocked by Mamadou Sakho. 23:20 Sebastian Larsson has a direct shot on goal from the free kick which hits the bar. 22:04 Emanuele Giaccherini fouled by Leiva Lucas, the ref awards a free kick. 20:51 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 19:41 Sung-Yeung Ki takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand post. 19:16 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line. 18:52 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 18:51 Centre by Jordan Henderson. 18:21 Martin Skrtel restarts play with the free kick. 18:03 The referee blows for offside against Jozy Altidore. 17:48 Mamadou Sakho restarts play with the free kick. 17:27 Craig Gardner challenges Sanchez Jose Enrique unfairly and gives away a free kick. 17:22 Kolo Toure takes the free kick. 17:17 Lee Cattermole gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Victor Moses. 14:18 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 14:16 Corner taken by Luis Suarez. 13:41 Craig Gardner makes a clearance. 13:40 Jordan Henderson crosses the ball. 13:04 Clearance made by Leiva Lucas. 13:03 The ball is sent over by Craig Gardner. 12:47 Jozy Altidore takes a shot. Blocked by Martin Skrtel. 12:30 Simon Mignolet takes the free kick. 12:05 Jozy Altidore is ruled offside. 12:00 Shot by Craig Gardner went wide of the right-hand post. 11:58 Sanchez Jose Enrique manages to make a clearance. 11:55 Emanuele Giaccherini takes a shot. Kolo Toure gets a block in. 11:32 Clearance made by Kolo Toure. 11:31 A cross is delivered by Jack Colback. 11:14 Clearance by Martin Skrtel. 11:12 Emanuele Giaccherini delivers the ball. 9:58 Adam Johnson takes a shot and missed to the right of the goal. 9:47 Mamadou Sakho manages to make a clearance. 9:20 Kolo Toure manages to make a clearance. 9:17 Keiren Westwood restarts play with the free kick. 8:47 The offside flag is raised against Martin Skrtel. 8:42 Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Steven Gerrard. Keiren Westwood fumbles the ball. 7:47 Lee Cattermole gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Daniel Sturridge. 7:30 Clearance by John O'Shea. 7:29 The ball is swung over by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 6:29 Clearance made by Kolo Toure. 6:28 A cross is delivered by Sung-Yeung Ki. 5:54 Jozy Altidore delivers the ball. 5:29 Clearance by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 5:25 Leiva Lucas makes a clearance. 5:23 Adam Johnson crosses the ball in from the free kick. 4:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sanchez Jose Enrique on Adam Johnson. 4:31 Clearance made by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 4:30 The ball is crossed by Emanuele Giaccherini. 3:50 Shot by Luis Suarez missed to the right of the target. 3:32 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line. 3:08 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 3:07 The ball is delivered by Steven Gerrard. 2:49 Clearance made by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 2:46 Centre by Jack Colback. 0:32 The ball is sent over by Craig Gardner. 0:08 Clearance by Mamadou Sakho. 0:00 The game begins.
90:00 +1:43 Adam Johnson takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 90:00 +1:39 Clearance by Jordan Henderson. 90:00 +1:35 Corner from the left by-line taken by Emanuele Giaccherini. 90:00 +1:22 Jordan Henderson manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +1:20 Emanuele Giaccherini sends in a cross. 90:00 +1:10 Raheem Sterling manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +0:41 Mamadou Sakho manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +0:24 Kolo Toure makes a clearance. 89:49 Emanuele Giaccherini takes a shot and missed to the left of the net. 89:49 Raheem Sterling makes a clearance. 88:24 Daniel Sturridge provided the assist for the goal. 88:24 Goal scored Goal! - Luis Suarez - Sunderland 1 - 3 Liverpool Luis Suarez scores with their left foot. Sunderland 1-3 Liverpool. 88:05 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 87:46 Simon Mignolet manages to make a clearance. 87:45 Steven Gerrard manages to make a clearance. 87:41 The ball is sent over by Emanuele Giaccherini. 87:28 Steven Gerrard manages to make a clearance. 87:25 The ball is delivered by Adam Johnson. 86:59 Clearance made by John O'Shea. 86:58 The ball is delivered by Raheem Sterling.
86:46 Simon Mignolet restarts play with the free kick. 86:28 The referee blows for offside. 86:15 Sung-Yeung Ki takes the free kick. 86:06 Unfair challenge on Sung-Yeung Ki by Luis Suarez results in a free kick. 85:33 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 85:28 Simon Mignolet restarts play with the free kick. 85:01 Raheem Sterling fouled by Craig Gardner, the ref awards a free kick. 84:28 Martin Skrtel takes the free kick. 84:13 Substitution Charis Mavrias joins the action as a substitute, replacing Sebastian Larsson. 83:57 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mamadou Sakho by Jozy Altidore. 83:27 The ball is delivered by Adam Johnson. 83:15 Clearance made by Jordan Henderson. 83:13 Shot by Sung-Yeung Ki. Sanchez Jose Enrique gets a block in. 82:46 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Johnson. 82:34 Clearance by Leiva Lucas. 82:32 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball. 82:15 Carlos Cuellar restarts play with the free kick. 81:59 Leiva Lucas is booked. 81:59 Booking 81:51 Leiva Lucas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emanuele Giaccherini. 81:02 The ball is crossed by Ondrej Celustka. 80:23 Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance. 80:05 Steven Gerrard restarts play with the free kick. 79:25 Jack Colback goes into the referee's book. 79:25 Booking 79:21 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jack Colback on Raheem Sterling. 79:11 Clearance by Kolo Toure. 79:09 Ondrej Celustka delivers the ball. 78:19 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 78:17 Corner taken by Jordan Henderson from the right by-line. 77:47 Kolo Toure takes a brilliant shot. A parry by Keiren Westwood prevents the goal. 77:07 Clearance by Jack Colback. 77:05 A cross is delivered by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 75:58 Carlos Cuellar restarts play with the free kick. 75:46 Jordan Henderson challenges Sebastian Larsson unfairly and gives away a free kick. 75:12 Free kick taken by Martin Skrtel. 75:01 Jozy Altidore is adjudged to have handled the ball. 74:39 Martin Skrtel makes a clearance. 74:23 Substitution
Substitution Raheem Sterling comes on in place of Victor Moses. 73:48 Substitution Lee Cattermole leaves the field to be replaced by Ondrej Celustka. 73:04 Luis Suarez takes a shot and went wide right of the goal. 73:02 Luis Suarez takes a shot. Lee Cattermole gets a block in. 73:00 Steven Gerrard has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 72:58 The ball is swung over by Jordan Henderson. 72:12 The ball is crossed by Adam Johnson. 71:55 Kolo Toure manages to make a clearance. 71:41 Clearance by Carlos Cuellar. 71:34 The ball is delivered by Sanchez Jose Enrique. 69:03 Clearance by Lee Cattermole. 68:55 Corner taken by Adam Johnson. 68:40 Martin Skrtel manages to make a clearance. 68:38 Craig Gardner crosses the ball. 68:31 Lee Cattermole takes the free kick. 68:20 Foul by Leiva Lucas on Jozy Altidore, free kick awarded. 67:30 Clearance made by Jordan Henderson. 67:29 The ball is swung over by Emanuele Giaccherini. 66:47 A cross is delivered by Victor Moses. 66:35 Clearance made by Adam Johnson. 66:33 Corner taken by Luis Suarez from the left by-line. 65:59 Victor Moses takes a shot. Keiren Westwood parries the effort to safety. 65:50 Luis Suarez crosses the ball in from the free kick. 64:54 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jack Colback on Daniel Sturridge. 64:30 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 64:30 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson. 64:25 Sanchez Jose Enrique crosses the ball. 63:16 Steven Gerrard makes a clearance. 63:12 Free kick taken by Sebastian Larsson. 62:25 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Lee Cattermole by Victor Moses. 61:41 Jozy Altidore takes the chance to get an effort at goal. A parry by Simon Mignolet prevents the goal. 60:12 Craig Gardner manages to make a clearance. 59:35 Craig Gardner makes a clearance. 59:27 Mamadou Sakho takes the free kick. 58:53 Emanuele Giaccherini booked for unsporting behaviour. 58:53 Booking 58:46 Emanuele Giaccherini concedes a free kick for a foul on Martin Skrtel. 58:18 Sung-Yeung Ki takes the free kick. 58:06 Martin Skrtel challenges Jozy Altidore unfairly and gives away a free kick. 57:56 Steven Gerrard has an effort at goal. Blocked by John O'Shea. 57:53 John O'Shea manages to make a clearance. 57:52 Jordan Henderson delivers the ball. 57:49 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 57:48 The ball is sent over by Luis Suarez. 57:02 John O'Shea makes a clearance. 57:02 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson. 56:28 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 56:27 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson. 56:25 Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance. 56:24 Clearance by Adam Johnson. 56:20 Victor Moses takes a brilliant shot. Carlos Cuellar gets a block in. 56:13 Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar. 56:10 Simon Mignolet takes the free kick. 55:43 The assistant referee signals for offside against Emanuele Giaccherini. 54:24 Clearance by Luis Suarez. 54:21 Clearance by Mamadou Sakho. 54:19 Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. 53:51 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Simon Mignolet parries the ball away. 53:47 Clearance made by Steven Gerrard. 53:46 Adam Johnson sends in a cross. 53:06 A cross is delivered by Steven Gerrard. 53:00 Clearance by Jack Colback. 52:55 Clearance made by Martin Skrtel. 52:17 Centre by Jordan Henderson. 51:30 Goal scored
Goal! - Emanuele Giaccherini - Sunderland 1 - 2 Liverpool
Emanuele Giaccherini grabs a goal with a left foot finish. Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool. 51:28 Shot by Sung-Yeung Ki. Parried by Simon Mignolet back into danger. 51:04 Adam Johnson takes a shot and missed to the right of the net. 50:59 Jordan Henderson manages to make a clearance. 50:56 Clearance made by Martin Skrtel. 50:55 The ball is swung over by Sung-Yeung Ki. 50:50 Leiva Lucas manages to make a clearance. 50:49 Martin Skrtel makes a clearance. 50:48 The ball is crossed by Jack Colback. 48:15 Luis Suarez takes a shot and went wide left of the goal. 48:14 Clearance made by Jozy Altidore. 48:09 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line. 47:39 Luis Suarez takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Blocked by John O'Shea. 46:42 Clearance by Jordan Henderson. 46:40 Mamadou Sakho manages to make a clearance. 46:39 Emanuele Giaccherini has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 46:37 Clearance made by Kolo Toure. 46:35 Craig Gardner produces a cross. 46:08 Clearance by Carlos Cuellar. 45:55 Clearance by Mamadou Sakho. 45:50 Jack Colback restarts play with the free kick. 45:28 Jordan Henderson challenges Carlos Cuellar unfairly and gives away a free kick. 45:01 The second half kicks off.
Luis Suarez marked his Premier League return with two goals as Liverpool beat Sunderland to go second in the table.
Playing in the league for the first time since 21 April after a 10-match ban for biting, Suarez twice tapped in after being set up by Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge put the Reds ahead at the Stadium of Light with a close-range effort that appeared to hit his arm.
Emanuele Giaccherini pulled one back for Sunderland in between the Suarez efforts, but Liverpool held on.
I can save Sunderland, says former boss Reid but Poyet remains favourite for Black Cats job
Peter Reid, Sunderland’s most successful Premier League manager, wants to go back. He saved them from relegation from the second tier in 1995 and got them promoted the following season.
Gus Poyet is favourite for the job, following the dismissal of manager Paolo di Canio last week, and Sven Goran Eriksson, managing in China, is also believed to be interested.
But Reid, 57, said: ‘I kept Sunderland up before when they were in a worse state than they are now and I can do it again.’
Nothing decided yet at Sunderland as they continue to search for Di Canio's successor
Chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed Sunderland will speak to several more potential managers in the coming week as they continue the search for Paolo Di Canio's replacement.
A week since announcing the 45-year-old Italian had been shown the door at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats remain in the process of assessing their options with Kevin Ball having been handed the role of interim head coach.
Writing in her programme notes ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool, Byrne said: 'Clearly as a matter of priority, our efforts are presently focused on appointing a new head coach.
'As you would expect with a position of this magnitude, there has been a lot of interest. However, there is no definitive timescale on an appointment as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us.
'I am sure that you have read and heard all kinds of rumours and speculation about potential targets, but much of this is guesswork.
'We have had contact with some interested parties already and have others to speak to in the coming days.
'As soon as we have identified the right person to take the club forward, we will make an announcement.'
Former Brighton boss Gus Poyet remains the bookmakers' favourite after confirming his interest in the vacant post, while Stuart Pearce's odds were slashed overnight.
Ball has indicated he would like to be considered for the permanent role, and former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen also figures prominently in the betting.
Sunderland 1 Liverpool 3: Suarez back with a bang as Reds return to winning ways
Luis Suarez scored his first goals of the season after returning from his ten-game ban as Liverpool returned to winning ways at Sunderland.
Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the season in the first half before Suarez netted a second after a good team move involving skipper Steven Gerrard.
Emanuele Giaccherini pulled a goal back for Sunderland, but Kevin Ball's side were unable to mount a comeback.
Suarez then netted his second of the game by finishing off a pass from Sturridge.
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Sunday Sep 29, 2013.
Returning to Premier League action for the first time since biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic on April 21, Luis Suarez made light of a dead leg and some boos from the Sunderland fans to mark the occasion with two goals and a T-shirt tribute to his new son.
Liverpool fans responded loudly, chanting Suarez’s name at the final whistle, as the Stadium of Light DJ played “I can’t help falling in love with you”.
After a potential split in the summer, Liverpool’s passion for Suarez was demonstrated here and he responded with whole-hearted performance.
His second goal, Liverpool’s third, was particularly significant as it took the visitors above Tottenham Hotspur into second place in this open-looking Premier League.
The only negative from the afternoon was Lucas’ fifth booking of the season which brings a one-match ban, but Liverpool left Wearside in bouyant mood.
Suarez is back and they look an even more threatening team with him in the fold. He had played on Wednesday against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, showing that his fitness was good and he continued his constant running here.
He started with a neat turn and then a good pass to Daniel Sturridge, giving another reminder of their burgeoning understanding. Sturridge also scored and pushed Suarez for man of the match honours.
As at Old Trafford, Victor Moses was again in the hole behind Sturridge and Suarez. Brendan Rodgers continued with three centre-halves, Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho, and the system largely worked well.
There was occasional uncertainty out wide. Sunderland immediately targeted the space behind the wing-backs Jose Enrique and Jordan Henderson but it was Liverpool who were the more clinical.
Liverpool thought they had scored early on after Lee Cattermole fouled Sturridge. Suarez looked to be lining up the free-kick but Steven Gerrard took it, curling the ball over the ball and forcing a low save from Keiren Westwood. Skrtel turned in the loose ball but the assistant referee, Darren Cann, signalled offside.
Suarez was quietly influential, and also on his best behaviour, staying on his feet when challenged by John O’Shea in the area. Suarez then sustained his dead leg, slipping and being caught by Craig Gardner.
The Uruguayan hobbled around for a bit, rubbing his thigh, before regaining full movement.
Sunderland looked bright for a period in the first half, pressing well, and moving the ball quickly into the final third. Ki Sung-yueng shot wide. Gardner spirited the ball past Gerrard.
Then Seb Larsson curled a free-kick on to Simon Mignolet’s bar.
Liverpool stayed calm and began counter-attacking at pace, forcing a corner after 28 minutes. Gerrard lifted the ball towards the near-post where Kolo Toure flicked on towards the unmarked Sturridge.
The England striker went for the ball with his head but it went in off his bicep.
Sunderland complained but Howard Webb indicated a goal. Cann, one of Webb’s assistants from the 2010 World Cup final, had the sun in his eyes and did not indicate any offence.
“First goal maybe handball but even still it would only even out the beach ball incident,’’ tweeted Liverpool’s injured full-back, Glen Johnson, referring to Darren Bent’s bizarrely deflected goal here in 2009.
Sunderland’s frustrated fans then appealed loudly for a free-kick when Mignolet, not at his most convincing on his return to the Stadium of Light, picked up Toure’s pass but Webb waved play on. Sunderland fans’ mood darkened further
after 36 minutes. Gerrard created the goal with one of his trademark raking passes, angled right to Sturridge.
The Premier League Player of the Month for August comfortably beat Carlos Cueller for speed before flicking the ball across for Suarez, who was pointing exactly where he wanted it.
Sturridge delivered and Suarez pounced. Sunderland’s defenders were again missing. Suarez celebrated by lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt with a picture of his wife Sofia, daughter Delfina and new-boy son Benjamin. “Welcome Benja” read the message. “Los amo!!!” (“I love them’’)
Sunderland actually finished the half strongly, Gardner and Johnson going close but it was in the second half, following Ball’s talk, that they looked far more of a cohesive force until Suarez applied the coup de grace late on.
Within seven minutes Sunderland had halved the deficit. Ki shot from 25 yards, the ball suddenly appearing past Skrtel and forcing Mignolet into a hurried save. He pushed the ball straight out and Giaccherini reacted quickest, slamming the ball in.
Belief spread across the home terraces. Gardner had a shot saved. Colback and Cattermole snapped into tackles. This was the sort of committed performance demanded by Ball and the Sunderland fans.
Yet Sunderland always had to beware the combination of Suarez and Sturridge, who are building up a formidable understanding. Suarez, echoing his first-half rectitude, again stayed on his feet in the box when challenged strongly by Larsson.
Moses was also concerning Sunderland with his movement and one powerful shot that was tipped over by Westwood. The managers began to freshen up their sides.
Cattermole departed to a standing ovation from Sunderland fans as Ondrej Celustka ran on. Raheem Sterling sprinted on for Moses with Henderson looking more comfortable moving into a central position. Colback was immediately cautioned for tripping Sterling.
The Sturridge-Suarez double act hadn’t finished. From Mignolet’s throw, Suarez accelerated upfield before finding Sturridge. The compliment was returned by Sturridge who crossed for Suarez to crown his Premier League comeback.
As Liverpool fans celebrated, their Sunderland counterparts had only the consolation of an improved performance, of the memory of Cattermole’s contribution, but they need a finisher.
Pulis joins Poyet on Sunderland shortlist as owner Short weighs up candidates.
Even under Ellis Short, an owner now looking for his fifth manager in less than five years, certain people have hung on to their jobs at Sunderland.
It turns out the chap Paolo Di Canio banned from talking to the players in the tunnel has been here for 50 years, while the tea lady subjected to similar sanctions is into her fourth decade. There was a sense here yesterday that some sanity has been restored. A cloud had lifted at a sunbathed Stadium of Light.
Sadly for Sunderland, however, nice guys are not necessarily what is required to revive a side still looking for their first win of the season.
Particularly when the players know him as the guy who normally takes the Under 21 team and need only have read the chief executive’s column in the match programme to know he has little chance of landing the top job.
‘Our efforts are presently focused on appointing a new head coach,’ wrote Margaret Byrne, even if caretaker boss Kevin Ball was still expressing a desire to stay in charge after seeing Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge dismantle his fragile defence.
In those same programme notes, Byrne added that they are ‘carefully examining all of the options available’.
And well they might given the mess Short has made of things this year. Interviewed on talkSPORT on Sunday, Ricky Sbragia, not so long ago in the position currently occupied by Ball, argued that Short was too hasty in dismissing Martin O’Neill, that he should have trusted him to keep Sunderland in the Premier League last season. Sbragia has a point, given O’Neill’s record for having never taken a team down.
It is someone with genuine top- flight experience that Sunderland need now. He must be a manager of some pedigree, capable of taking on a squad boasting 14 Di Canio signings and building a team equipped to climb away from the relegation zone.
So what names were doing the rounds here last night? Well, there’s Gus Poyet; still the favourite and someone who managed to build a bit of a reputation for himself in three- and-a-half years at Brighton before his acrimonious departure in May.
But does that not all sound a bit too familiar? In fairness to Poyet, there are plenty of examples of managers who have successfully bridged the divide between England’s top flight and the lower leagues.
But on Sunday night there were some more sensible names in the frame. While an offer from Derby County was said to be on the table for Steve McClaren, he appeared to be stalling in the hope of a call from Sunderland. And after the success McClaren enjoyed at Middlesbrough, and indeed at FC Twente, the former England manager represents a decent option for Short. He will have seen a team in need of coaching as much as strong leadership.
It really depends who Short is listening to these days. Roberto De Fanti is believed to have recommended Di Canio and seems to be pushing for Poyet, too. Short, surely, would be wary of following the advice of his director of football again. Indeed if De Fanti did sell the idea of Di Canio you have to wonder how the man remains in a job.
Tony Pulis has received a mention. As has Rene Meulensteen, the former Manchester United first-team coach, Stuart Pearce and Sven Goran Eriksson. ‘I don’t think the fans would put up with Pulis or his football,’ remarked a club employee. But what kind of football is that?
Sunderland should respect the kind of football that keeps a team in the Premier League year after year. The kind that makes a club financially strong, and makes a team less vulnerable to a side of Liverpool’s obvious quality.
There were times when Sunderland attacked with real vigour but they were defensively hopeless.
Taking the players along the seafront the night before the game, as Ball did ‘so they could see the people they are playing for’, was a nice touch, but it didn’t work.
Track records do. So wise up, Mr Short, and let that be your starting point this time.
'We have tough times ahead'... O'Shea says Sunderland must move on after admitting players had a say in Di Canio departure
Sunderland skipper John O’Shea has urged the club to move on from the Paolo Di Canio debacle after confirming the players had a role in the Italian’s departure.
Di Canio was sacked last Sunday evening after a disastrous run of results, and it later emerged that a furious showdown in the dressing room following the 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at West Brom and another at the Black Cats’ Academy of Light training ground the following day had prompted a delegation of senior players to call upon the board to take action.
But as the search for the 45-year-old replacement continues, O’Shea insists that he and his team-mates must put a chaotic episode firmly behind them as they attempt to turn their season around.
Asked if the players had felt the need to have their say over Di Canio, he told the Sunderland Echo: 'That was obviously done. But we have to move on now.
'Because of the position we are in in the league, we can’t keep going back to it. We have got some difficult months ahead.
'Whoever comes in, whether it’s Bally [interim head coach Kevin Ball] or a new manager, we have got tough times ahead.
'We have to stick together and if we keep going back to it, it will soon be too hard to pull back from where we are.'
Ball guided Sunderland to a 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Peterborough on Tuesday night, but saw his side beaten 3-1 in the league by high-flying Liverpool on Sunday despite a spirited display.
He has asked to be considered for the permanent post with Gus Poyet still the bookmakers’ favourite, although chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed that discussions have taken place with several candidates and that there will be talks with more this week.
The longer that consultation progress continues, the greater the chance of Ball remaining at the helm for Saturday’s home clash with wounded Manchester United.
And should he eventually get the job, that would go down well in the dressing room.
O’Shea said: 'Without a doubt, he’s made an impact. If it does happen, the players would be very happy. But we will wait and see what the club decides.'
Sunderland currently lie at the foot of the Premier League table with just a single point to show for their six outings to date, and four adrift of West Ham in 17th place.
Sunderland vow to take their time over appointing a new manager
Sunderland will not be rushed into appointing a new manager despite slumping to their fifth defeat in six Premier League games against Liverpool.
The Black Cats are four points adrift of fourth-from-bottom West Ham United after losing 3-1, but they will continue to speak to candidates this week as owner Ellis Short is determined to assess all of the options after rushing into the disastrous appointment of Paolo Di Canio.
Short has interviewed former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet and former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, and has been impressed with both, but he is expected to leave caretaker manager Kevin Ball in charge for the game against United next weekend.
Sunderland had hoped to speak to former England manager Steve McClaren this week, although he could already be heading to Derby County to replace Nigel Clough. Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis would also like to be considered even though he is thought to harbour reservations about working with a director of football, a position currently filled at the Stadium of Light by the mysterious Roberto De Fanti.
Despite their perilous league position and a return of one point from six games Sunderland’s board are not going to panic.
“Clearly as a matter of priority our efforts are presently focused on appointing a new head coach”, wrote chief executive Margaret Byrne in her programme notes. “As you would expect with a position of this magnitude, there has been a lot of interest, however, there is no definitive timescale on an appointment, as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us.
“We have had contact with some interested parties already and have others to speak to in the coming days. As soon as we have identified the right person to take the club forward we will make an announcement.”
On the pitch there were a few encouraging signs for Ball, who would like to be considered for the manager’s job on a permanent basis but has not yet been interviewed. With Lee Cattermole back in the side Sunderland caused Liverpool a few uncomfortable moments, but they are conceding too many goals and were unable to come back from two down despite Emanuele Giaccherini pulling one back early in the second half.
“The first thing we were looking for was a performance,” Ball said. “We got that, I think, despite the result. I think I would be foolish not to be encouraged by that. I’ve not had any contact with the board about whether I’ll be in charge for the Manchester United game. We’ll take training on Monday morning and hopefully we’ll have a conversation after that. I’d like to be considered for the job, but we shall see what happens.”
Brendan Rodgers was given the evidence to argue Liverpool are in possession of the best strike partnership in the country as Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge dismantled Sunderland’s defence.
Sturridge scored one goal and created two more for Suárez, who
notched his first goals since returning from a 10-game ban. Rodgers was thrilled with the way they complemented each other.
“I’m not sure there are two better in the league,” Rodgers said, after Liverpool moved to within two points of leaders Arsenal. “There are some wonderful partnerships around. You’ve got [Robin] van Persie and [Wayne] Rooney at Manchester United, but those two are right up there with the best.
“I think they’ll only get better. We’ve done a lot of work with them together in training and they were very bright. They’re two different types of player which makes them very difficult to defend against. One has pace, two good feet and power, the other is a wriggler and can shift his body very quickly and get into the box. The dynamics are very, very good.”
Rodgers had his problems with Suárez over the summer as the Uruguayan tried his best to force Liverpool to sell him to Arsenal, but he has nothing but praise for his attitude since he was prevented from leaving. “He isn’t fazed by much,” Rodgers said. “He has a remarkable mentality, his determination, the steel of his mindset, is phenomenal.
“He is so focused. It’s great for the team and the supporters to have him back. I offered him the chance to go back to Uruguay when he wasn’t working at the training ground, but he wanted to stay so he was in the best shape possible [when his ban ended]. Our supporters deserve to see somebody of that quality playing, not sat in the stand, and that’s something we are working very hard with him on.”
Suárez may grab the attention, but the performance of the Englishman alongside him will be far more pertinent to supporters elsewhere in the country, as well as national manager Roy Hodgson.
Sturridge was once again superb, as dangerous when he drifted out wide as he was playing through the middle and Hodgson will be praying he stays fit for the crucial World Cup qualifiers next month.
“All Daniel needed was to play games and get some confidence,” Rodgers said. “It hasn’t been hard to work with him. He is an outstanding talent, he is an outstanding footballer and England are very fortunate to have him.”
Black Cats owner Ellis Short has the future of Sunderland in his hands
So, Sunderland lost. Is anyone really that surprised?
Kevin Ball’s side put in a dogged performance against Liverpool and looked bright going forward, but they were eventually undone by a side buoyed by the return of the controversial Luis Suarez.
To be completely downbeat would not be a genuine reflection of Sunderland’s application though, as the home side genuinely looked a threat on the attack but some poor defensive play would prove to be their downfall.
Then again this was a Black Cats back line which was extremely reminiscent of the very back four which proved not to be up to scratch last term, despite the mass influx of players over the summer.
The fact that we are still having to shoehorn Craig Gardner and Jack Colback into the full-back positions is nothing short of criminal and continues to infuriate. This is before even mentioning Kieren Westwood, who still flatters to deceive, but hey, at least we have Vito Mannone to fall back on!
Liverpool found themselves two goals to the good come half-time courtesy of Daniel Sturridge’s elbow and a Luis Suarez tap-in following some inept defending from the returning Carlos Cuellar.
This despite Sunderland putting in arguably their best performance of the season.
Ellis Short’s desire to take his time and do his homework over the new manager’s appointment should be admired
Sunderland would rally following the break and piled forward in search of a way back into the game and their persistence was rewarded when a stinging drive was palmed back into the path of an onrushing Emanuelle Giaccherini, who slotted the ball home with ease.
In fact come the hour-mark Sunderland had managed an impressive nineteen shots on target to Liverpool’s nine, however as is often the case, statistics failed to tell the true story and Brendan Rodgers’ men would go on to kill the game off in the 88th minute as Suarez completed his brace
Sunderland find themselves heading into October without a single victory to their name or even a manager to steady the ship. Brilliant.
With the bookmakers seemingly making a new candidate favourite for the vacant managerial hot seat with each passing day, Sunderland look no closer to appointing a successor to the ill-fated Paolo Di Canio.
However, in fairness, Ellis Short’s desire to take his time and do his homework over the new manager’s appointment should be admired.
This is a judgement call which will go a long way to determining the future of this football club and is one that the American simply can’t afford to get wrong.
So, as night follows day and as predictable as another controversial Miley Cyrus music video, Sunderland look no closer to beating the drop and while there still remains plenty of time to address the decline, this is a club with no direction until a new manager is appointed.
Daniel Sturridge ADMITS opener came off his arm as Liverpool down Sunderland
LIVERPOOL striker Daniel Sturridge conceded that his first goal during the Reds' 3-1 win over Sunderland went in 'off his arm'.
Sturridge appeared to have headed home Liverpool's opener at the Stadium of Light fairly, but replays suggested Steven Gerrard's corner went in off his arm.
And the England international admitted after the game that he had accidentally handled in order to score.
"It's a great ball from Stevie, it's gone over the defender's head and it was last minute, I've obviously tried to head it but I guess my heading's not good enough," Sturridge said.
"The ball's just gone in off my arm but I wouldn't do that on purpose. Sometimes these things happen."
Sturridge also lauded Suarez's return to top-flight action, adding: "It's great to have him back in, he gives us options and he's one of the best forwards in the league. We form a good partnership."
Suarez added to Sturridge's first goal with two close-range efforts for Liverpool, with Emanuele Giaccherini slotting a consolation for Sunderland.
I missed the ball [and] its gone in off my arm
Daniel Sturridge
QPR's Steve McClaren set for Derby with Gus Poyet destined for Sunderland
FORMER England boss and ex-Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren is set for a return to Derby after Nigel Clough’s shock sacking.
McClaren, who had a short, unhappy period in charge at Derby’s East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, first made his name with the Rams as No2 to manager Jim Smith.
He is now favourite to return ahead of Gus Poyet – who looks destined to take charge at Sunderland – Tony Pulis, Alex McLeish and Martin O’Neill.
Clough, 47, who had been in charge since January 2009, was axed after the 1-0 derby defeat at Forest on Saturday that left his side in 14th place in the Championship.
Moyes is now favourite to return ahead of Gus Poyet.
A board statement said: “We feel it is time to move Derby County forward to the next level. The ownership group remain steadfastly committed to the club and maintain their desire to compete at the top end of the Championship this season.”
McClaren is available despite holding a coaching role at QPR and seen as a manager who can both work with and improve the current style of play without vast expenditure.
Clough followed in his late father Brian’s footsteps in managing Derby and had a tough job reviving a club relegated from the Premier League in 2008.
Rumour Mill: Rangers protests | Messi out | Souttar to Sunderland?
Rangers supporters have been urged to continue their protests against the current board at Ibrox, Messi has been ruled out of Barcelona’s clash against Celtic at Parkhead and Sunderland look set to increase their offer for Dundee United’s John Souttar.
Rangers fans urged to continue protests
The shareholders group looking to force their way onto the Ibrox board have urged supporters to continue protesting in order to keep the pressure on the current Ibrox regime. Director Paul Murray and Jim McColl are set to unveil their alternative vision for the club this week. Rangers supporters protested inside and outside the stadium on Saturday where Ally McCoist’s side thrashed Stenhousemuir 8 - 0. (Mail)
Neymar to line up in place of Messi against Celtic
Barcelona’s £50m summer signing - the Brazilian forward Neymar - is poised to lead the line against Celtic in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
Messi picked up a thigh injury after scoring the first goal in his side’s 2 - 0 win over Almeria on Saturday and is expected to be out for up to three weeks.
(Scotsman)
• Barcelona will also be without Javier Mascherano , Jordi Alba and Carles Puyol
• Efe Ambrose says he is confident that Celtic can pull off another shock result against Barcelona tomorrow following their 2 - 1 victory over the Catalans last season in the Champions League
• Celtic’s match against Barcelona will be shown live on STV (kick-off 7.45pm)
• Barcelona’s 2 - 0 win over Almeria was their seventh win in seven games this season
• Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez says his side have learned their lesson and will not be on the end of another defeat in Glasgow.
He said: “If we don’t win I think it will be a big surprise”.
Sunderland set to increase bid for Dundee United’s Souttar
Sunderland are expected to come back with an improved offer for Dundee United’s John Souttar. The Black Cats had a £400,000 offer turned down by the Tannadice club for the 17 year-old but are expected to increase their offer in order to push the deal through. (Record)
Players vow to rally round St Mirren boss Danny Lennon
Gary Harkins vowed to start winning games for St Mirren and save under-fire manager Danny Lennon from the sack. Lennon could be axed if he fails to pull off a result against Aberdeen tonight. The Buddies have picked up just 1 point from 6 games this season. (Record)
Celtic handed Ajax boost
Ajax striker Bojan Krkic limped off with hamstring injury during his side’s 6 - 0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles which could mean months out on the sidelines and that he is set to miss his side’s double header against Celtic in the Champions League. (Express)
Samaras “world class” says Celtic manager Neil Lennon
Georgios Samaras scored his first hat-trick in 3 years at the Parkhead club as Celtic secured a comfortable 5 - 2 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park . Samaras was backed by his manager for his performance with the Greek international adding that Celtic will need to be more “clinical” than they were during their 2 - 0 loss against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this month. (Scotsman)
COMMENT:
Alan Pattullo: Moyes in need of more positivity
“Saturday’s defeat by West Bromwich Albion was surprising only in that it wasn’t completely surprising. Manchester United appear to be denuded at the moment and Moyes is already looking like one of the loneliest men on the planet. Relief does at least come in the form of Manchester City, who have somehow managed to lose to both Cardiff City and Aston Villa already this season.”
IN BRIEF
• Norwich manager Chris Hughton has challenged former Celtic striker Gary Hooper to replicated his SPL scoring form in the Premiership against “better players”
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short should appoint Tony Pulis to save the club from relegation.
Sunderland are taking their time searching for a new manager which, given their perilous league position, is as understandable as it is sensible, but should owner Ellis Short taking another risk after the disaster of Paolo Di Canio or play it safe?
The Black Cats, even at this early stage of the season, are in trouble. They have a bigger squad than the one that finished fourth from bottom last season, but they have a weaker starting XI.
Of their four best players last season, three have left – Simon Mignolet, Danny Rose and Stephane Sessegnon – and one, Steven Fletcher, is injured.
They have been involved in relegation battles for the last two seasons and while they have ultimately managed to avoid the drop, they may not be so lucky this time.
That is why the next managerial appointment is so crucial and it is why Sunderland would be foolish to ignore managers with a proven track record in the Premier League.
It feels ridiculous to say Sunderland are in relegation danger after just six games. It seems ludicrous for a manager to be sacked five league games in to a season – but things have gone horribly wrong and while Di Canio has rightly taken much of the blame, others are culpable.
Director of Football Roberto De Fanti recommended Di Canio and signed 14 players over the summer.
Of those, only three started for Sunderland against Liverpool at the weekend and only one, the Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini, has offered a persuasive argument he is better than what they already had.
There is sense in trying to find value in the transfer market, but Sunderland’s transfer business feels like quality has been sacrificed for quantity. Since Niall Quinn departed, Short has placed a huge amount of power in the hands of De Fanti, a former agent who has never occupied such a key role at a football club before.
Caretaker manager, Kevin Ball, has not criticised Di Canio, De Fanti, or Short, mainly because he would like to be considered for the manager’s job on a permanent basis, but sometimes actions speak louder than words.
With the exception of Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore and Ki Sung-Yueng, Ball has selected the same players Martin O’Neill had to put his faith in before he was sacked in March.
De Fanti may well have saddled Sunderland with a lot of players who are simply not good enough. The new manager has a huge job on his hands.
So far, owner Short has spoken to former Brighton boss Gus Poyet and former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen. Both have good reputations, both are regarded as innovative coaches and both could prove to be fine Sunderland managers, but neither have managed in the top flight before and, therefore, will be something of a gamble.
That seems to be the route Short wants to take. Poyet has style, kudos and a big name thanks to his playing career with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but he is very similar to Di Canio in that he has had success at a relatively small club in the lower leagues and left them in acrimonious circumstances.
Meulensteen is a revered coach and has a glittering, trophy-laden stint at Manchester United on his CV, but he was only an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Both have their appeal, but there are other candidates. Not as fashionable, perhaps, and not foreign but managers who have achieved far more in the game than either of those interviewed so far.
Steve McClaren did so well as manager of Middlesbrough he got the England job. Regardless of what happened to him after that, he did some remarkable things on Teesside.
In Holland, he won the title with FC Twente. He appears to be on his way to Derby County because Sunderland still haven’t been in touch to offer him an interview.
Then there is Tony Pulis. Few managers are likely to divide public opinion as much as the man who transformed Stoke City from a mid-table Championship side to an established Premier League club who have reached an FA Cup Final and played in Europe.
Stoke parted company with Pulis in the summer because they “wanted to go in a different direction”. In other words, they had grown tired of the direct football and did not feel the team were going to improve under him, despite significant spending in the transfer market.
Pulis was a victim of his own success and there are those at Sunderland who simply cannot accept the Welshman’s brand of football.
Sunderland fans like to think theirs is a bigger club than Stoke and capable of far more, yet Stoke consistently finished above Sunderland in the Premier League while Pulis was in charge.
They also reached the final of a major cup competition and played in Europe, things Sunderland can only dream of as things stand.
I can understand why some people will be reluctant, but Pulis should not be discounted on the basis of fashions and trends. He is a fine manager who kept Stoke out of relegation trouble year after year. In Sunderland’s current predicament, they could do a lot worse than that.
Short appears reluctant to go British again. He sacked Steve Bruce, who has steered Hull City back into the Premier League and up to seventh in the table since departing Wearside.
He replaced him with O’Neill, a manager who had been successful at every club he’d managed, and sacked him after just 18 months because he was worried about relegation.
This will be the American’s third manager in three years and if Short doesn’t get this one right, he will own a Championship club with a Premier League wage bill on the verge of financial meltdown. No wonder he doesn’t know whether to take a risk or play it safe.
Paolo Di Canio denies bust-up with players caused Sunderland exit.
Former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio insists his sacking was not a result of a training ground row with his players.
The Italian, 45, was sacked on 22 September with the Black Cats bottom of the Premier League table.
"There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting," said Di Canio.
"Many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers."
Di Canio replaced Martin O'Neill at Sunderland on 31 March and guided them to Premier League safety as they won two of their final seven games - including a 3-0 win at rivals Newcastle.
The Italian brought in 14 players over the summer but Sunderland struggled at the start of this season, losing four of their first five league games.
"When I joined the club last season with the aim of saving them from relegation, I was happy to be offered the opportunity to manage in the Premier League," added Di Canio.
"I walked into a challenging situation but achieved what I was asked to do, the highlight of which was the fantastic performance and win against Newcastle, which is something I will always remember.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped [this season], but I felt as a team we could turn things around."
During his spell at Sunderland, Di Canio was often criticised for his treatment of players.
He publicly criticised members of his squad at the end of last season, and accused some of his players of "not having the right desire" after the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in August.
Di Canio's last game in charge of Sunderland was a 3-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion on 21 September, a result that prompted him to walk over to the away end at the Hawthorns and make 'chin up' gestures.
He was sacked the following day after players approached Sunderland's chief executive Margaret Byrne to complain about him.
"I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can," Di Canio said.
"When things like this happen, it is important to take something positive from it. I have learned a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job."
There was no bust up and I'll be back! Di Canio denies Sunderland rift and wants an instant return to management after sacking
Paolo Di Canio has broken his silence on his sacking from Sunderland.
And the former head coach, sacked by owner Ellis Short after a players’ revolt, has denied there was any training ground bust-up and said he should have been given longer by the American billionaire.
Di Canio was sacked by bottom club Sunderland after their defeat at West Bromwich Albion, which had ended with a bizarre confrontation on the pitch with the club supporters.
A day later, after calling another team meeting with his unhappy players, Di Canio was stripped of his role.
After a week of legal wranglings, the former Swindon boss released a lengthy statement explaining his departure, and denying there had been any confrontation with his players.
His statement read: 'When I joined the club last season with the aim of saving them from relegation I was happy to be offered the opportunity to manage in the Premier League. I walked into a challenging situation but achieved what I was asked to do, the highlight of which was the fantastic performance and win against Newcastle, which is something I will always remember.
'When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team.
'As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire.
'There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue. There was no training ground bust up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers.
'We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around.
'I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can. When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.
'Even though my time at the club ended prematurely, I would like to thank Sunderland for giving me my first opportunity to be a Premier League manager.'
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 12:37
Di Canio stopped players drinking coke at any time, stopped them having a takeaway at any time, stopped them speaking to staff. Now I know players actually went on holiday with some of the staff, so imagine yourself at work, you are mates with someone in a different department, new boss comes in and says you cant speak to him. Imagine Saturday night in with your family, you cant have a takeaway. Whilst Bardsley's twitter comments were abhorrent, he should never wear the shirt again, Di Canio went too far, So what he won the league after 1 point in 5 games, Does that mean we were on course for a Premier League title, let's get real, the man had some good ideals but was a control freak to an extreme obviously unbearable to the players. He cannot communicate in a civilised manner, do you think these players rebelled against a regime that was likely to bring success?
Sunderland defender John O'Shea backs Kevin Ball to be a popular manager among the players should he take Black Cats job.
Ball is currently caretaker manager at the Stadium of Light and O'Shea has admitted that he's already made an impact of the squad after Paolo Di Canio's sacking
John O'Shea believes that Kevin Ball would be a popular appointment with the players if he was handed the Sunderland job on a permanent basis.
Ball saw his spell as interim head coach at the Stadium of Light extended on Monday as the club confirmed that he would remain in charge for Saturday's match against Manchester United.
The 48-year-old, who was initially asked to take up the reins for the Capital One Cup win over Peterborough and Sunday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool, will continue in the role as the club run the rule over a series of potential replacements for Paolo Di Canio.
Di Canio's departure from Wearside eight days ago was an acrimonious one with O'Shea confirming that the dressing room had played a part in the 45-year-old's demise.
But the Black Cats showed plenty of spirit on Sunday against the Reds and defender O'Shea would have no problem with Ball being handed the top job.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "Without a doubt, he's made an impact. If it does happen, the players would be very happy.
"But we will wait and see what the club decides."
Sunderland are continuing to evaluate a series of potential candidates for the vacancy with Gus Poyet, Rene Meulensteen and senior professional development coach Ball, who has indicated his own interest in filling the role on a permanent basis, figuring prominently in the betting.
However, chief executive Margaret Byrne has revealed that discussions with several contenders have already taken place and talks with others will be held this week, and it appears an appointment is not imminent.
Ball launched his spell in charge with a 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Posh on Tuesday evening, but was unable to repeat the feat against sterner opposition on Sunday.
Sunderland played a full part in the game, but were ultimately undone by the brilliance of the returning Luis Suarez and strike-partner Daniel Sturridge.
Ball was disappointed by the result, but hugely encouraged by the performance of his players in front of the watching owner Ellis Short.
He said: "That's something that whenever you come away from the Stadium of Light, no matter who is in charge, whatever the club, we have always got to see that.
"That's something that I would drum into the players in future, we must see that all the time.
"People must go away from here, irrespective of what happens, and away from home as well knowing full well that their team has put in a shift, and today, they can say that."
John O'Shea confirms Sunderland players' revolt against Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland defender John O'Shea has confirmed that several players made a stand to call for Paolo Di Canio to lose his job as manager at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio was sacked last weekend by Sunderland 24 hours after the defeat to West Brom amid reports that a number of players led a revolt against the Italian complaining to the club's hierarchy about his style of management.
Black Cats skipper O'Shea has now admitted the players voiced their concerns to the club about Di Canio which in the end led to the Italian's sacking, with Kevin Ball stepping in as interim manager.
Asked if Sunderland's players felt something needed to be done about Di Canio's regime, O'Shea told the Shields Gazette: "That was obviously done. But we have to move on now.
"Because of the position we're in in the league, we can't keep going back to it.
"We've got some difficult months ahead.
"Whoever comes in, whether it's Bally (Kevin Ball) or a new manager, we've got tough times ahead.
"We have to stick together and if we keep going back to it, it'll soon be too hard to pull back from where we are."
JACK COLBACK insists his former academy coach Kevin Ball has the qualities needed to be a Premier League manager.
Sunderland have confirmed that caretaker boss Ball will remain in charge for Saturday’s visit of Manchester United, while the Black Cats hierarchy consider their options over a successor to the sacked Paolo Di Canio.
Gus Poyet is still the firm front-runner to succeed Di Canio, while ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is also in contention, but Ball will have another opportunity to stake his claim against the reigning Premier League champions.
Former Sunderland skipper Ball is eager to be appointed on a permanent basis, despite his experience of front-line management being limited to two temporary stints in charge of the club he has served for two decades.
And Colback, who played under Ball at Under-18 level, says the 48-year-old would gain the support of the Sunderland dressing room, if owner Ellis Short opts to appoint from within.
Colback told the Echo: “I’ve worked with Bally a lot and he’d certainly be the one person who would love the job more than anyone.
“The fans love him too.
“The decision is obviously nothing to do with me, but while he’s here, he’ll get everyone’s support and commitment.
“I think it’s obvious to see he’s got the attributes of a manager.
“As a player, he showed why he was captain of teams. He’s that sort of guy.
“He’s a leader and everyone gets fired up.
“Everyone respects him and I think that’s the most important thing. We have respect for him and he has respect for us.
“It’s made a big difference since he’s come in and the players really want to do well for him, the fans and the club.”
Colback is the second member of the Sunderland squad to back Ball’s claims after skipper John O’Shea expressed similar sentiments.
The left-back has been impressed by Ball’s impact on performances after inheriting a side languishing at the foot of the Premier League table.
And although Sunderland were unable to alter that perilous situation in Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool, Colback believes there were signs of progress.
“Obviously it didn’t work out (under Di Canio)” added the 23-year-old.
“Bally is in now and it’s been good since he took over.
“He got a good result in the cup and we went into the Liverpool game with confidence.
“We were hoping to get some points, but it didn’t happen and everyone just needs to stay positive, the fans as well.
“I know it’s difficult for them when the team is losing, but if they stick with us, we’ll certainly give 100 per cent every game.
“And I think if we played like we did in the second half for periods, then we’ll be fine.”
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 12:41
>>550 I wonder who put our Jack up for this interview? He would not have been allowed to speak to the press with out club approval.
And is the echo taking an off the cup reply to a loaded question and printing it in a way that gives it greater substance that it actually had?
A look at five contenders to replace the sacked Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light
When Sunderland sacked Paolo Di Canio after just 13 games in charge on 23 September, it provided the north-east club with several problems.
Lying bottom of the table with just one point from five games was one of them, but turning their back on a manager who was allowed to invest heavily over the summer just five games into the new Premier League season was arguably the biggest issue.
Although the enigmatic Italian had a tendency to turn the limelight onto himself, and his dismissal was the result of a rumoured player revolt, it was not the treatment befitting of a man who came in and prevented a seemingly inevitable landslide to the Championship last season. The same man who went to St. James' Park and watched his side win 3-0 in their arch rivals back yard.
But football is a cruel game for managers, and for the next permanent name through the door at the Stadium of Light has the task of not only steering the side away from the foot of the table, but getting a squad overhauled this summer, to gel in the process.
Here is a look at the five frontrunners for the job:
1. Gus Poyet - Unattached. Odds: 4/9 (Favourite)
Gus Poyet's departure at Brighton at the end of last season threatened to undermine all the good work that the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder had done at the Seagulls during his near four-year spell at the club.
The Uruguayan had turned Brighton into one of the most stylish outfits outside of the Premier League, providing fans a side made of both substance and flair, with his reign starting with steering Brighton away from the League One relegation zone, and ending with a Championship play-off defeat to Crystal Palace at the end of last season.
Seemingly Poyet felt he had gone as far as he could in the position, and reportedly told his players just that, which led to his unsavoury departure from the club.
A manager with ambition and a solid start to his managerial career, sounds exactly like the former manager Di Canio, but expect a more humble and less outspoken approach if Poyet is successful. Many reports suggest it is all but signed, that Poyet is next in the hotseat, but with Kevin Ball in charge for another weekend, things could change.
2. Rene Meulensteen - Unattached. Odds: 10/1
Many Manchester United fans were disappointed to hear of the departure of Rene Meulensteen following the arrival of David Moyes and his own staff following the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson.
What has followed for Meulensteen since then has been far away from the smooth running and success of his time as United's first-team coach. Shortly following his arrival as Guus Hiddink's assistant coach at Anzhi Makhachkala, the Dutchman replaced his compatriot following Hiddink's resignation, to be sacked just 16 days later by owner Suleman Kerimov, as the Russian attempted to undo all his big spending due to lack of instant success.
A world-class coach, the Dutchman has not yet cut his teeth into the world of management, with short spells in Qatar and Brondby his only experience.
Would certainly improve Sunderland on the training ground, but may lack the managerial presence in the dugout.
3. Kevin Ball - Sunderland Caretaker Manager. Odds: 10/1
The man currently minding the Sunderland hotseat, Ball is no stranger to the position of caretaker.
Following the dismissal of Mick McCarthy in 2006, Ball stepped in for the remaining 10 games of a poor season for the club, before throwing his hat into contention for the job permanently, only to be ruled out by Niall Quinn's desire for a world-class manager.
Given the job again, Ball has the same ambition - but expect the same outcome.
However, Ball knows the club inside out, spending the vast majority of his playing career, and almost all of his non-playing career at the club, there would be far more unpopular choices than the former Mackem.
Given the reigns for two games already, a third game against Manchester United has also been given to Ball to take charge of. If a manager has not been named by then already, Ball could do his chances no harm with a result against the champions.
4. Gianfranco Zola - Watford. Odds: 12/1
The smiling Italian has become a fan favourite at current club Watford, falling just short of promotion last season. The former Chelsea midfielder looks set to make another charge with his Watford side to reach the heights of the Premier League. A move to Sunderland could provide that platform for Zola.
With Premier League experience behind him, Zola was a popular man at West Ham too, before his dismissal in 2010. A likeable figure amongst most football fans, the Italian would almost certainly be a popular choice with the Sunderland fans.
The fact he is Italian could also be of benefit, a possibility to continue the work Di Canio set upon but with less outrageousness, it could also provide marquee summer signing Emanuele Giaccherini a figurehead compatriot to truly settle in to English life.
Zola himself, however, has distanced himself from the position, seemingly happy to continue what he was doing at Watford, which makes it highly likely Zola won't be moving up north in the near future.
5. Murat Yakin - Basel. Odds: 14/1
One half of the Yakin brothers, Murat Yakin is arguably the most managerially experienced out of the five frontrunners, having been manager of three Swiss teams in the past four years.
Although he may be somewhat the unknown name thrown into the hat, Yakin comes with his credentials. Taking over from Heiko Vogel during the 2012/13 season, Yakin managed to guide Basel to their 16th Swiss league title, and so far in the new league season, Basel sit top again.
The transition in both style and quality to the Premier League is arguably the biggest risk to Yakin's chances, but the former Swiss international has faced challenges from Premier League opposition, and has done his reputation no harm; defeating Tottenham in the Europa League quarter-finals last season, then initially taking charge in the Europa League semi-final second leg against Chelsea, before falling 5-2 on aggregate.
A move to the Premier League could one day materialise for Yakin, but expect the Basel manager to fall short this time round.
There are other names with further odds that could also be of some interest to Sunderland fans. Tony Pulis, despite his long-ball reputation, is definitely a man who could stabilise their season. He is priced at around 20/1, the same price as the early favourite Roberto Di Matteo, a man with a Champions League winners' medal as a manager has seemingly distanced himself from the position, with reports he is 'unconvinced' at the job.
But all the odds seemingly point in the way of Gus Poyet, a manager who has certainly earned an opportunity at the top level.
With 33 games to go, the Uruguayan would have time to put it right, but would also need to hit the ground running or risk losing huge ground to the teams above them. Despite the other three frontrunners, it looks as though it will be only Kevin Ball who offers a serious challenge to Poyet's inevitable arrival, but with United next in the league, Ball may not get the chance to lay any more serious contention to the top job.
For all of Di Canio's live-wire entertainment, Sunderland need stability or they could once again face another mass exodus of players this summer. This time however, to drop their wage bill for life in the second tier.
The man with a personality so large he makes Balotelli look like Owen (whose performances as a pundit on BT Sport has been hilariously described as “like listening to paint dry”).
Did you know Paolo once won a talent contest to play Zorro on a national television series? Me neither.
Mayhem
Wherever he goes mayhem ensues and his latest victim is Sunderland football club.
I should know. I’m a Sheffield Wednesday fan who pinpoints Di Canio’s infamous push on referee Alcock as the beginning of a slide that is yet to relinquish for my beloved Owls.
Admittedly, Di Canio is one of the best to grace Hillsborough but some of his actions over a career marred with controversy are difficult to defend, even if Alcock’s dramatisation of the push was given a nine by guest judge Ashley Young.
Di Canio later diffused the situation, as usual, by saying Alcock went over “like a drunken clown”.
Di Canio Speak
In any interview you can hear Di Canio speaking eloquently in his favourite narrative mode, the third person. Talking of his weird shrugging in front of the travelling fans on his last game in charge Di Canio mused, “even on this day, Di Canio wanted to see the faces of the fans”.
Generally, David Pettinger dislikes speaking in the third person, it makes me sound egotistical. However I can make an exemption for the enigmatic Italian, where it seems perfectly apt for this outspoken character, especially when it’s paired with exaggerated hand movements under his chin.
This is basically a career in stories article to salute (not a fascist one) the entertainment value of the Italian but also to denounce his managerial credentials to Chairmen with managerial vacancies.
The Beginning
Di Canio has always loved his boyhood team of Lazio, so much so that on his return in 2004 he said, “I was unable to control my thoughts or my actions. I lost the power of speech. And yet I kept on crying like a baby”. This was where it all started.
Lazio Ultras
As a boy he was called “Palloca”, slang that’s roughly translated to lard-ball, mainly due to his addiction to fizzy drinks. In his town, Roma fans ruled and Di Canio wanted to be different and joined the Lazio Ultras. In this extreme supporters group he saw “bricks thrown”, has been “tear-gassed and beaten by police” and “saw a police chief knifed from five yards away”. Not to mention this was all whilst he was playing for the youth team.
Next was a move to Juventus where he developed an unfortunate susceptibility to panic attacks. After he joined, the inevitable Di Canio payer-manager row came, this time with ex-Ireland boss Trapattoni, which resulted in a move to Naples. He then miraculously managed to get on with Lippi for a while before Capello came along.
young 2524290k Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories
Capello Row
Capello and Paolo came to loggerheads at a meaningless pre-season friendly. After Capello had already agreed a move to Madrid he was, for some reason, desperate to win and replaced Di Canio with a defender when 1-0 up in front of a capacity crowd.
Di Canio, apparently the man of the people, denounced this change as a war on entertainment, which resulted in full on fisticuffs. It should be said this is Di Canio’s account but, from his England tenure, this does sound like the Fabio we all know and dislike.
Hurricane Paolo Visits Scotland
Hurricane Paolo steamrolled its way to Scotland and the forecast wasn’t pretty. The most ridiculous of his tenure here was probably his accusation that Scottish referees were biased against Celtic because “90%” of them are protestant. After his commitment with Celtic was questioned he gave the club a resounding backing by saying he has “little problem there”, before demanding higher wages and earning a move to the Premier League with Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday
Like usual, Di Canio dazzled fans for a season or two before doing something outlandish like manhandling a referee. Unlike Liverpool in Suarez’s race row, Wednesday manager Wilson decided to take a moral stance (at Wednesday’s cost) to cut all ties with Di Canio and send him back to Italy. Wilson later admitted he had no idea where he was before selling him to the Hammers in a cut price deal.
Di Canio found refuge in East London. Although Redknapp still had trouble managing the mercurial Roman, as you can see in the video below.
Homecoming
Then there was the Lazio homecoming. Once home, Di Canio received an invitation to a pleasant evening meal with the then Lazio Chairman but “inside the restaurant, I feel my anger rising. I start to scream like a madman. I turn the buffet table over. I start throwing things. The room is full of flying objects: plates, bottles and forks. Everything is flying; anything I can lay my hands on, I throw. I go up to the coach’s table and I start kicking it. They look at me as if I am mad.“
They just don’t understand you Paolo.
Management
If I was in the Career Advice sector and Di Canio was my next customer having finished his playing career, I wouldn’t have advised football management. However Swindon disagreed and rolled the dice with Paolo.
samsung 31 Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories
Politics
The fascism stories resurfaced and sponsors pulled out, much like after his future appointment at Sunderland but on a smaller scale. He claims he is a fascist, not a racist. These two terms are generally synonymous however they are not identical. Thankfully for Di Canio, Fascism is a term that is much used but below the surface its explanation is indefinite, complex and differs according to interpretation.
He has put out mixed messages regarding his political inclination and keeps the extent of his political views close to his chest (or his tattooed back) and although it is clear he has affection for Mussolini and his right wing politics, we just don’t know how much.
Swindon Stories
There are so many stories from his time as Swindon manager it’s best to bullet point.
He promised to get the Swindon badge tattooed on himself if Swindon won League Two which they did. He then said he couldn’t make anymore promises like this because he plans on winning many trophies with the Robins and will therefore have no room left on his body.
After drawing against Hartlepool Di Canio said “we were stupid and donkeys”.
He subbed young goalkeeper Foderingham after 20 minutes then gave this interview after the game (click to see the great post-match interview)
He had a fight in the tunnel with his own player Leon Clarke after he tried to diffuse an argument between his fitness coach and Clarke.
He resigned after promising to resign if there was no takeover. He and his backroom staff then crept back into his office in the late hours to remove pictures from his old office and were caught on CCTV.
Success
Regardless of these incidents, his strict regime at Swindon led to some great results. The Robins won League Two and were doing well in League One when he left. They seemed to respond to his disciplined, almost dictatorial style. I think the fact he was so revered as a player maybe meant the lower league players were more receptive to him and his regime.
Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories Part II
Sunderland
This was not the case at Sunderland. After keeping them up last year and a major summer clearout, the players had had enough of his dictatorial style. The senior players led a revolt and it was clear there was no other option.
His antics at Sunderland made his hero Mussolini look left wing. He banned mobile phones, ketchup, mayonnaise, singing and ice in drinks.
His man management method is summed up by his quote, “I told them we can win, draw or lose with dignity, respecting the club’s name and fans. But, if not, I will reduce their holiday”, which, in a way, is fairly refreshing.
DICANIOgoal 2929631 200x104 Di Canio: A Crazy Career in Amazing Stories
What next Paolo?
It seems to be the Premier League players were a little less enamoured by Di Canio than the Swindon players were and therefore less inclined to put up with his techniques. I think this is the key for Di Canio and if he ever wants to be a Premier League manager he will have to abandon his dictatorial principles. However, he could become useful again for a club in the lower leagues with seemingly limitless patience. Don’t even think about it Wednesday.
Classic Di Canio Quotes
“One second, Winterburn is barking at me like a dog. The next he is wetting his pants. All I did was look at him.”
“Doping in England is restricted to lager and baked beans with sausages. After which the players take to the field belching and farting.”
“Totti had said that he wouldn’t sit at the same table and have dinner with me. I said that was no great loss, because if you tell Totti that there are tensions in the Middle East, he’ll think that a fight has broken out on the right side of midfield.”
“When I was warming up, someone told me that my shorts were on backwards. I hadn’t noticed. Before the game, the manager said: ‘Come on Paolo, put them right.’ ‘No way!’ I told him. ‘Are you crazy?’ he said. But I knew it was a sign. We won 2-1 at Upton Park, I scored both and we beat Arsenal for the first time in 14 years.”
“I’ve said that from now if someone comes inside with a mobile phone, even in their bag, I’ll throw it in the North Sea. They’re banned.”
“Normally I can tell you I’m very angry, but today it was difficult – it was too poor that it was really difficult to say something. I don’t think that even the most arrogant player in the world could argue if you said the first two goals were absolute rubbish.”
‘The shopping is not finished and before the pre-season starts I would like to bring in another two players. I like shopping, maybe I have become a woman.”
(Regarding comments from Steve Evans) “I’ve never heard his name. I don’t have anything to say to a person who is one of a million people talking about me in the world so I’m happy for him if he has one line in the national newspaper. I laughed in the face of 70,000 Man Utd fans when I scored, you could imagine what it would be like if I was worried by the words of him.”
(On his fear of flying) “The thought of dying in a plane crash is so difficult because there’s absolutely nothing you can do. According to the Samurai philosophy, there is always a chance that you can overcome a challenge.
Let’s say that you release some lions into this room…now, in the mind of a Samurai, there is always the possibility that you could beat them. Or at least do something. Like fight and die with honour.
Die like a warrior. But what can I do on a plane that’s crashing – fight the guy next to me? I’d rather take my chance with the lions.”
NOBODY seems sure quite where Sunderland are going in their search for Paolo Di Canio's successor, least of all themselves.
"There is no definitive timescale on an appointment, as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us," chief executive Margaret Byrne wrote in her programme notes yesterday.
"I am sure that you have read and heard all kinds of rumours and speculation about potential targets but much of this is guesswork."
However, Gus Poyet has emerged as the favourite to become Sunderland's fifth manager in six years.
Stuart Pearce, Gianfranco Zola and Rene Meulensteen all figure on the bookies' shortlist.
Caretaker Kevin Ball was 14/1 to land the post before yesterday. After this defeat, his chances must be slipping.
Owner Ellis Short had Di Canio in place within hours of ushering Martin O'Neill out of the door in March.
Following the Italian's chaotic 175-day reign, the American billionaire is being careful to undertake due diligence this time around.
Nevertheless, this latest setback left the club facing another fight with relegation and hastened the need for the right appointment.
Sunderland lie bottom, having collected just one point from six matches. And they are in danger of being cast adrift.
"We have had contact with some interested parties already and have others to speak to in the coming days," added Byrne.
But Ball would not command the kind of unwanted headlines Di Canio brought. Far from it.
Having spent 20 years at the club, as player, captain, Under-21 boss and now in his second spell as caretaker manager, he is seen by some as the right man at the right time.
There is no definitive timescale on an appointment, as we are carefully examining all of the options available to us
Chief executive Margaret Byrne
He was all smiles when he arrived at the Stadium of Light yesterday, warmly greeting the staff whom Di Canio instructed his players to ignore.
It is worth remembering that Ricky Sbragia was appointed as successor to Roy Keane after first serving as a caretaker. He lasted five months. But sometimes in life you get what you deserve - and Ball has served his apprenticeship.
Sadly, his players could not deliver the victory that would have given Short something to ponder. A greater assuredness in front of goal must be found.
vociferous crowd can work for and against Sunderland. The spirit of the old Roker Park briefly flickered, especially after Emanuele Giaccherini's goal.
One banner read: 'Bulgaria Mackems'. Another: 'Guernsey Branch'. That said much for the potential of the club.
But harnessing such desire and finally making Sunderland a force to be reckoned with ultimately proved beyond Keane, O'Neill and Steve Bruce.
The players' spirit was unquestionable yesterday, but that was not enough. Not for Sunderland and nor, perhaps, for Ball.
Di Canio denies training row led to Sunderland axe
London — Former Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio issued a statement Tuesday insisting there was "no training ground bust up" prior to his recent sacking.
"The players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers," di Canio said.
The fiery Italian was sacked as Sunderland manager on September 22 after barely six months in charge with the club bottom of the Premier League table, having helped the north-east club stave off relegation last season.
"I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can," he said.
"When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job."
Ellis Short, Sunderland's American owner, brought di Canio, well known in English football as a striker after spells at Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham, to Wearside after calling time on Martin O'Neill's stint in charge.
Di Canio's only previous experience as manager was at lower league Swindon, where he oversaw their promotion into English football's third tier.
A 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in his first game in charge was followed by a 3-0 north-east derby victory at Newcastle in his second, with the outspoken di Canio's knee-sliding victory celebration endearing him to Sunderland supporters.
But di Canio became the first English Premier League manager to lose his job this season when he was dismissed last month, a day after a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion left Sunderland bottom of the table.
There were reports players had threatened strike action if di Canio remained at the Stadium of Light, with the Daily Telegraph saying the final straw came after the West Brom loss when the manager was involved in a "furious two-hour row with his players" following their fourth defeat in five Premier League games.
However, di Canio said Tuesday: "There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue. There was no training ground bust up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers."
Di Canio brought in 14 new players before the start of the season but Sunderland took just one point from their first five league games.
It left di Canio lamenting Tuesday he was not given enough time to turn things around.
"When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team.
"As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire."
Sunderland's first league match under caretaker boss Kevin Ball was Sunday's 3-1 loss to Liverpool, a result that left the Black Cats two points adrift at the foot of the table.
Paolo Di Canio has broken his silence over his sacking by Sunderland to deny reports of a training ground bust-up and insist he should have been given more time at the Stadium of Light.
Di Canio was dismissed after just 13 games in charge following the 3-0 defeat at West Brom last month, amid suggestions some of the club's senior players had been instrumental in his removal.
But, in a statement, the Italian described the reports as "wholly untrue" - and repeated his belief that he was capable of turning the club's poor start to the season around.
Di Canio said: "There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around."
Di Canio was widely credited with keeping Sunderland in the Premier League last season after replacing Martin O'Neill at the end of March.
He became an instant hero after inspiring a famous 3-0 win over north-east rivals Newcastle at St James's Park in only his second game in charge.
But despite bringing in 14 new players over the summer, his side took just a single point from their first five games of the new season.
Di Canio said: "When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team.
"As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire."
Former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has denied reports of a bust-up with his players and believes he deserved more time in charge of the Premier League strugglers, the Italian said in a statement on Tuesday.
Di Canio was sacked last month following Sunderland's 3-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion, amid reports his players had said they would no longer play for him.
He left the club bottom of the Premier League with one point from five matches, having only won three of 13 games since replacing Martin O'Neill in March.
Media reports spoke of a player revolt at his abrasive management style and his public criticism of them, with issues allegedly coming to a head in a training-ground bust-up.
British newspapers said players, led by former captain Lee Cattermole, went to club owner Ellis Short to demand Di Canio's dismissal after an angry showdown with the controversial manager, after which he was sacked by telephone. "There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue," the 45-year-old said in a statement released to Sky Sports.
"There was no training ground bust-up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around."
He also pointed to the fact the club had brought in 14 new players, many of them from outside the Premier League, as well as his efforts in saving the club from relegation last season.
"As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire."
Di Canio, who started his playing career in Serie A before spending seven seasons in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic, said that he wanted to manage in England again.
Sunderland remain bottom of the table having lost their one league match since Di Canio's dismissal to Liverpool under caretaker manager Kevin Ball.
Paolo Di Canio spat water in his own face in the dressing room rant that led to his sacking as Sunderland manager, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.
After his side's defeat to West Bromwich Albion, Di Canio took a drink of water, spat it in the air and let it fall on his face. He did this several times in front of his players.
The furious Italian reportedly yelled "that is what you have done to me - spat in my face" before ordering the players to carry out the strange act on themselves.
Di Canio then told players that if they were not happy with his methods, they should call Sunderland owner Ellis Short and complain.
A number of them took him up on the offer, reportedly leading to his sacking.
Di Canio released a statement on Tuesday to deny any claims of a bust-up with his players.
I did not fall out with players, insists axed Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio
Paolo Di Canio has issued a statement insisting there was ‘no training ground bust up’ leading to his dismissal as Sunderland boss.
The former Swindon manager was axed from the Stadium of Light following a 3-0 defeat to West Brom last month, after just six month in charge of the Black Cats.
But despite widespread reports a revolt from the players led to Di Canio’s sacking, he insists he remains on good terms with the Sunderland squad.
‘The players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them improve as footballers,’ said the Italian, who publicly criticised his players on several occasions.
‘I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can.
‘When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.’
Sunderland, currently propping up the Premier League table, are believed to be on the brink of appointing former Brighton boss Gus Poyet as their third manager this year.
Paolo Di Canio denies 'training ground bust-up' as he speaks out for the first time on his Sunderland reign being 'unfairly cut short'
The Italian was dismissed after just five games of the new season
Paolo Di Canio has put across his side of the story for the first time since he was dismissed as manager of Sunderland.
The disposed manager claims many of the stories written about him and the end of his tenure are untrue, feels he was unfairly dismissed and has expressed a desire to return to management in England.
The Italian, who was drafted in late last term following the sacking of Martin O'Neill, was given just five games of the current campaign before being given his marching orders.
The Black Cats were winless at the time - and with just one point to their name - a position they remain in after Kevin Ball took caretaker charge of their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Stories emerged of player unrest at the Stadium of Light, with Di Canio's methods being labelled 'old school' and unworkable in the modern era. It emerged that senior players took their grievances to the Sunderland hierarchy after being challenged by Di Canio to do so. However, the Italian has played down those reports.
"There has been a lot written in the media in recent days, much of it wholly untrue," he said in a statement. "There was no training ground bust up as some are reporting and many of the players have since sent me messages thanking me for my time as their manager and helping them to improve as footballers."
Sunderland escaped relegation last season thanks to two wins under Di Canio. One of those came against rivals Newcastle United, a moment Di Canio referred to as a "highlight" and "something I will always remember".
Over the summer, 14 new players were brought in to the club and Di Canio felt he deserved more time to work with and integrate the new arrivals.
"When you bring in 14 new players, many from overseas and very few with Premiership experience it is going to take time for them to adapt to the English game and to gel as a team. As I have said many times, I love English football and I feel that my time at the club has been unfairly cut short as given the chance, I am certain that had I been allowed longer, I would have been able to develop the team to achieve the success Sunderland fans desire.
"We could see that results had not gone as well as any of us had hoped, but I felt as a team we could turn things around.
Di Canio, whose only previous experience as a manager came at Swindon Town, hopes his time at Sunderland does not hamper his chances of landing another job in England.
"I remain confident in my ability and I want to manage again in England as soon as I can. When things like this happen it is important to take something positive from it. I have learnt a lot from my brief time at Sunderland and I am sure that this will only make me a better manager in my next job.
"Even though my time at the club ended prematurely, I would like to thank Sunderland for giving me my first opportunity to be a Premier League manager."
Sunderland are yet to appoint a full-time replacement.
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 13:52
Just the thought of Pulis being offered the opportunity to manage another club - at any level - makes me wanna vomit.
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 13:57
Most of the current Sunderland squad appear to be taking the piss and if I were a fan I'd be disgusted by what's going on there.
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 13:59
>>559 I don't particular interest to Sunderland or that I have any personal dislike for John O'Shea merely because he used to warm the Man United bench, every time I've seen him on the football pitch or open his Irish mouth to the press he smacks of a bloke who is going through the motions and views Sunderland AFC as a cushy pension fund rather than a new challenge.
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 14:18
Seven reasons Sunderland are a good bet to stay up.
Morale is strong after Paolo Di Canio’s departure and Gus Poyet looks just the man to tighten up the Black Cats rearguard.
Sunderland may be two points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League, but there’s still plenty of reasons for optimism at the Stadium of Light which make them worth backing at 18/25 to avoid being relegated at the end of the season.
Di Canio was axed before too much havoc was wrought
Although they’re staring up manager-less from the bottom of the division there are a healthy 32 games remaining in which to right the ship.
Better defensive organisation can stymie the flow of goals conceded
Sunderland have conceded important goals from set pieces against Fulham, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Liverpool so there’s at least one area of their malaise that can begin to be addressed instantly in training.
Gus Poyet is just the man to tighten up the backline
The Uruguayan, who is the hot-favourite to take over the reins at the Stadium of Light, was the architect of the Championship’s most miserly rearguard at Brighton last season.
There is plenty of togetherness in the team
The ousted Italian may have taken a sledgehammer to dressing room morale, but Sunderland played with plenty of desire against Liverpool, particularly in the second half when they mustered 23 shots.
Steven Fletcher is expected back in four matches
Fletcher started his career on Wearside with five goals in his first four Premier League games and a goal 19 minutes into his latest return from injury against Crystal Palace showed his predatory instincts will be a boon to his side’s chances when he’s back in contention.
There is creativity on both flanks
In Sebastian Larsson and Adam Johnson Sunderland’s next manager will be able to call upon plenty of ingenuity on the flanks.
Johnson has already laid on 14 scoring opportunities in six starts this term, while Larsson – a renowned dead-ball specialist – has played six key passes in four games.
Money has been no object for Black Cats gaffers in the past
Owner Ellis Short has been happy to plough money into the club during his period in charge parting with more than £30m during the course of 2012/13 and with staying in the Premier League a priority he’ll be sure to fund further recruitment in January if his manager deems it necessary.
Sunderland to stay up @ 18/25
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-01 14:24
I've always felt Gus Poyet would go to Fulham, and I wouldn't be surprised if he'd been tapped up by them to start this whole sorry business off, post-Reading.
Gus Poyet must be thinking the Sunderland move is not going to happen.
Be careful what you wish for! Gabbiadini warns old mate Ball over Sunderland job.
Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini has a blunt warning for caretaker boss and former team-mate Kevin Ball – take the job and you’ll only get fired.
Ball is currently attempting to reconstruct the wreckage from Paolo Di Canio’s radical reign on Wearside, which was brought to an end last week after just 13 matches.
The stand-in gaffer – currently in charge of the club’s academy - has wasted no time in declaring his desire to land the role on a permanent basis.
And there is a groundswell of support for Ball among the club’s followers, with former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet remaining the odds-on bookmakers’ favourite.
However, Gabbiadini – who played with Ball at Roker Park in the early 1990s – believes that elevation to the senior dugout only guarantees one thing – the sack.
'The fear is, as a mate, if he gets the job as manager then the one thing which is definite is that he will get sacked – so you run the risk of losing a great servant out of the club completely,' said Gabbiadini, speaking in his role as a BBC Newcastle pundit.
And the former striker, who plundered 74 league goals for Sunderland, also feels that, whoever takes charge, they will inherit problems from the previous regime.
'We've still got all of the same problems for the new man coming in which Paolo had to deal with,' he went on, Ball’s first Premier League outing having ended in a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.
'That is a squad still trying to integrate, young players coming in and players coming in with different languages.
'Bally has come in and done what a lot of people would do, stick with the tried and trusted and try to get them to grind out a result, but that hasn't worked either.
'People say that a caretaker manager always gets a lift, but it doesn't always work like that.
'I totally respect Bally for going in there but he would hardly have worked with any of these players.
'People I've spoken to perhaps think it's similar to Paolo in that, while his coaching experience is fantastic, he hasn't got that experience of leading a team at Premier League level.
'He's got the experience, the required piece of paper with the stamp on, that's not a problem.
'But what people are concerned about is whether he can do it at that level, stepping up from juniors to seniors.'
Sunderland host champions Manchester United on Saturday tea-time.
That continues a daunting run of fixtures which, following the international break, resumes with a trip to Swansea City before the visit of Newcastle United and a date with former boss Steve Bruce and Hull City.
Sunderland AFC's charity to benefit from Manchester United match
This weekend's Premier League match between Sunderland AFC (SAFC) and League champions Manchester United will benefit SAFC’s official charity, Foundation of Light.
The game, which takes place at the Stadium of Light on Saturday 5 October, has been designated Foundation Day to celebrate the work of the charity, based in the North East.
The match is expected to attract a worldwide audience. How the charity will benefit
The charity will benefit from the match in a number of ways:
During the game Sunderland’s players will wear shirts bearing the Foundation’s logo. These will then be signed and auctioned via Ebay.
Some of the Foundation’s beneficiaries will take part in a special parade around the Stadium of Light pitch before the game gets underway.
At half time activities on the pitch will showcase the charity's work.
At the match the charity will launch its new Friends of the Foundation scheme. This costs £10 to join and offers supporters automatic entry into regular prize draws to win signed SAFC items and match tickets, as well as discounts to selected Foundation of Light events and sports coaching courses.
Margaret Byrne, Sunderland AFC CEO, said: “Everyone at the football club is extremely proud of the work undertaken by the Foundation of Light and we are delighted to be able to give them the opportunity to showcase this valuable work to a worldwide audience at Saturday’s game.”
The Foundation of Light, which launched in 2001, is financially independent of the football club.
Paolo Di Canio broke us at Sunderland, says Carlos Cuellar
CARLOS CUELLAR says Paolo Di Canio “fractured” Sunderland during his 175-day reign
Cuellar, the first player to speak out about Di Canio’s bizarre style, insists things are much happier – despite defeat against Liverpool on Sunday – now that Kevin Ball is in charge temporarily.
Sunderland are rooted to the foot of the table, and the only side not to have registered a victory this season. But Cuellar is convinced they are on the right track without Di Canio.
Defender Cuellar, signed from Aston Villa on a free 18 months ago, said of life under the Italian: “The feeling that we were a family was being fractured with everything that was going on.
“I have never seen anything like it. But we have to move forward and get over one person. The badge is the most important thing, that and the history of the club. They are far more important than the history of a manager.
“Now we are pushing in the right direction. though.”
Spaniard Cuellar added: “We have to try to get that first victory in the league and we are in the right frame of mind to get it. The main difference we have seen under Kevin Ball is that we have seen more of the ball and there is happiness around the place. You could see a huge difference straight away.
“We know we can improve and stop the mistakes. But if you can hold your head up, that is important.
“We did that after the Liverpool setback. We played well in that game, and deserved to pick up a point. However, their quality up front won it for them.”
We have to move forward and get over one person
Carlos Cuellar
John O'Shea insists Sunderland need points, not plaudits
John O'Shea insists 'moral victories' are of no use to Sunderland as the Black Cats struggle to climb off the foot of the table
John O'Shea insists ‘moral victories’ are of no use to Sunderland as the Black Cats struggle to climb off the foot of the table.
Sunderland delivered a much-improved performance against Liverpool at the weekend in caretaker-boss Kevin Ball’s first league game in charge, but a 3-1 defeat – the Wearsiders’ fifth defeat in six matches this term – left them still winless and propping up the Premier League.
Skipper O’Shea says performances are all very well, but it is points Sunderland need to recover from their disastrous start. While they will be rank outsiders when they face his former club Manchester United on Saturday, O’Shea believes Sunderland are capable of springing a surprise against David Moyes’ men.
The Republic of Ireland international said: “The positives don’t count for anything.
“Believe me, anyone in the dressing room would rather play terrible and win the games 1-0.
“We have to get away from moral victories when we have done okay or done this and done that.
“We have to stand up and take responsibility, make sure we get clean sheets and go ahead in games.
“The players need to get this home crowd behind us and give them something to cheer about, rather than them having to get us going all the time.
“We did that in the second half against Liverpool, but we need to be doing that from the start.
“The sooner we get the win on the board the better, and why not against United?
“We are under no illusions it is going to be tough, but we have to start somewhere.”
Sunderland have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season and have conceded three goals in each of their last four games.
Only once – in the 1-1 draw at Southampton – have they taken the lead.
O’Shea added: “We need to start getting our noses in front.
“We need to go back to doing the simple things, like keeping clean sheets. That is the only way to turn things round.”
Sunderland fave Rae: Give Alex McLeish the Sunderland job
ALEX McLeish should be the next boss of Sunderland, says former Black Cats’ favourite Alex Rae.
Rae believes his former manager at Glasgow Rangers would be the perfect choice to pick up the pieces from the Paolo Di Canio era.
And he insists the ex-Birmingham and Aston Villa manager is under-rated in this country, saying that any analysis of his record speaks for itself.
“I know Sunderland are taking their time over their next appointment and I think that’s only right,” Rae said.
“But I hope they are looking at Alex McLeish because for me he’s an outstanding manager who has a lot to offer and the great thing for Sunderland is that he’s available at the moment.”
The former Aberdeen stalwart and Scottish international made his managerial name as boss of Glasgow Rangers from 2001-06 where he won the league title twice, the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup three times.
He left Ibrox to manage Scotland, where he recorded the biggest win percentage of any manager to lead the country for 10 games or more.
Then he moved on to Birmingham City in 2007 where in four years he won the club a promotion to the Premier League and also the League Cup trophy – the Blues beating Arsenal in the final in February 2011.
Birmingham’s relegation saw a controversial move to West Midlands rivals Aston Villa and though he kept the Villans in the top flight the 54-year-old was sacked after a poor run of results and uninspiring performances.
Rae said: “The whole Villa thing is a bit of a funny one – Big Alex kept them up at a time when they were downsizing like mad under Randy Lerner, offloading or trying to off-load the big earners, and his reward for that was the sack.
“Then Paul Lambert took over, managed the same thing the next season, and was hailed a hero!
“I think in that situation, Alex suffered from having been a successful manager of Birmingham previously.
“I know he had a relegation against him there but he also got them promoted and not many managers have managed to get Birmingham a major piece of silverware.
“Looking back, he managed Aston Villa in a very difficult situation with the finances but he was used to that at Glasgow Rangers – where I came across him as a player.
“People remember Martin O’Neill up in Scotland as one of the great Celtic managers but Big Alex won just as many trophies as him and while Martin was managing Celtic at a time when they were spending a lot of money, Alex was in charge of Rangers when they were forced to cut back after the Dick Advocaat era.
“Thankfully he got in some great bargains like Jean-Alain Boumsong and Dado Prso who brought in big profits and he gave them success on a relative shoestring.
“So I really rate him in just about every aspect of the job.
“He’s the hardest-working manager I’ve ever worked with and he’s a real man’s man who will get respect from the players.
“I think he’s just the sort of manager Sunderland need at the moment because I think they need someone British, someone no-nonsense and also someone who is very experienced.
“Given Sunderland’s situation, I think the last thing you need is someone who is still learning in many respects and who is inexperienced in the Premier League.”
Gus Poyet would fall into that category but the Uruguayan remains established as the bookies firm favourite to take over from the Italian.
Sunderland have yet to make their mind up over who will succeed Di Canio, with Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen mentioned in the running as well as Sunderland’s interim head coach Kevin Ball.
McLeish is currently rated as a 50-1 outsider by the bookies but has already made it clear in a radio interview shortly after Di Canio’s sacking that the Sunderland job would interest him.
And if Sunderland do decide to go for a safer pair of hands after the Di Canio era, McLeish would fit that bill.
Sunderland AFC's first and last venture into European football was 40 years ago when they took on Vasas Budapest in the Cup Winners’ Cup
It's been a predictably wretched start to the season for the region’s ‘big two’ football clubs.
For the ever-loyal fans of Newcastle United and Sunderland, it promises to be a long, hard, anxious season – for the umpteenth time.
If it’s been woeful for the Magpies, it’s been disastrous for the Black Cats who sit at the bottom of the Premier League with a solitary point to their name, and without a manager.
As ever at times like this, we cast our minds back to when things were much rosier in the garden.
And for Sunderland, no year in living memory was brighter than 1973.
Not only did they beat the mighty Leeds United in an incredible FA Cup final, they enjoyed - for the first and last time – the taste of competitive European football.
And while Newcastle have put to the sword the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona during the course of their 130 European games, Wearside has welcomed precious few continental footballing visitors. An examination of the soccer history books tells us why.
The fact that the long-suffering fans of Sunderland have witnessed only three top-half finishes in the top division over the last 60 years means they simply haven’t been in the position to qualify for Europe.
But 40 years ago tonight, thanks to that FA Cup triumph, European football arrived at Roker Park for the first time as Sunderland took on the Hungarian team Vasas Budapest in the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.
Already 2-0 from the away leg, Sunderland were clear favourites to go thorough.
‘Tueart Rams Home Lesson’ was the headline in the following night’s Chronicle, as our reporter wrote: “Dennis Tueart, flitting through last night’s heavy, swirling drizzle which shrouded Roker Park, rammed home a penalty against Budapest as Sunderland’s first tentative step into Europe became a positive stride.”
Newcastle-born Tueart was a fine winger who would later go on to play for Manchester City and England, and on this night he caused havoc running at the Hungarian defence.
Having had one goal disallowed, his 57th minute penalty put the tie beyond doubt.
Our reporter continued: “On the night the Hungarians were not hungry enough for goals and the only disappointment was the gate of 22,762 which, even allowing for the bad weather, was clear proof the prices were too high.”
Indeed, the Chronicle talked about “the club’s controversial decision to double the prices for the game - £2 for seats and £1 for standing”.
One fan told us: “I was really sad that only 22,000 fans turned up. It was a great pity.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Bob Stokoe appeared to have little appetite for the competition when he told the Chronicle “the club has made a rod for its own back by getting into Europe” as it brought about a-pile up in domestic fixtures.
In the event, their European adventure would be short-lived. A fine 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon at Roker Park was cancelled out by a 2-0 defeat in the away leg.
And that was that. To date, it is Sunderland’s last foray into Europe.
Fast forward 40 years, and it’s sadly evident that football fans on Wearside – and Tyneside – will not be needing their passports any time soon.
Sunderland prepared to let midfielder Cabral join Blackpool on loan
Sunderland midfielder Cabral may be leaving the Black Cats just three months after joining the club from Basle.
Championship high-flyers Blackpool are monitoring the 24-year-old, who has failed to make an impact on Wearside since leaving Switzerland in July.
Cabral has Champions League experience with Basle but failed to break into the Sunderland side under previous manager Paolo Di Canio and has not featured under interim boss Kevin Ball.
Blackpool, managed by Paul Ince, set a torrid pace at the start of the season when they rocketed to the top of the table.
But injuries have hit since then and they have dropped down to sixth – picking up just three points from the last four matches.
Cabral is a box-to-box midfielder and Ince hopes Sunderland will be keen to allow the player they signed as a free agent go out on loan in an effort to find his best form.
There's hope Sunderland can beat Manchester United, says David Jones
Some would have it that Saturday's script is already written: Manchester United don't lose three league games on the trot; they never lose against Sunderland (22 games unbeaten and counting); and Wayne Rooney will be their returning hero.
What about their opposition?
Sunderland are the only team in the Premier League without a win; their suffering fans have seen them win just twice at home in 2013; they've conceded three goals in each of their last four games; and still they're without a permanent manager.
But who would have thought West Brom would emerge victorious from Old Trafford last weekend?
Who would have thought that when United equalised they wouldn't storm towards triumph as they always used to do under Sir Alex Ferguson?
Who would have thought that seven years ago a Sunderland team vastly inferior to this one and already relegated - with a little known caretaker Kevin Ball in charge - would go to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side chasing the title and keep a clean sheet?
Certainly not this spectator viewing from the stands.
Seven years on, Sunderland are propping up the Premier League once again but one of the most bizarre stats of the season so far tells us they've had as many attempts on goal as the leaders Arsenal.
So what if one of those speculative Adam Johnson efforts nestled in the top corner? Or a Seb Larsson free kick crashed in off the bar? Or if Jozy Altidore started to prove he really can hack it in the Premier League?
And what if Kieran Westwood had the game of his life? John O'Shea, inspired against his former club, snuffed out the threat of Rooney and Robin Van Persie?
And what if United had another off day?
Stranger things have happened... haven't they?
David Jones hosts coverage of the Saturday Night Football clash between Sunderland and Manchester United from 5pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 1
Rooney will be ready for Sunderland clash, reveals Moyes
The 27-year-old was ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League draw in Ukraine with a shin injury but his manager believes he will be ready to face the Black Cats
Manchester United boss David Moyes expects Wayne Rooney to be available for Saturday’s game against Sunderland despite missing their Champions League draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
Rooney suffered a shin injury after clashing with team-mate Danny Welbeck in training and was unable to feature in the 1-1 draw at the DonBass Arena.
However, Moyes insists the England striker will be back in time for Saturday’s clash at the Stadium of Light.
"My plan wasn’t to use Wayne Rooney," the 50-year-old told reporters. "He picked up a crack on the shin and its swollen up. He was going to be on the bench but he has not been able to make it.
"I think he will be okay for Saturday. We could have risked him but we decided not to."
United’s 1-1 draw means they remain unbeaten in Group A after two games, yet Moyes suggests an air of disappointment lingers within the dressing room after the Red Devils went ahead in the first half and looked close to holding on for victory.
"We had to be harder to play against than we have in recent games and we were," the United manager continued.
"I’m beginning to understand the players a bit better. They were aware of how tough a game it was going to be and I thought we defended very well.
"There’s a bit of disappointment that we didn’t see the game out but I felt Shakhtar deserved something from the game."
Dundee United accept Sunderland’s Souttar bid - now defender faces big decision
DUNDEE United boss Jackie McNamara has confirmed that the Scottish club have accepted Sunderland’s bid for hot prospect John Souttar.
The Echo reported earlier this week that Souttar was mulling over Sunderland’s offer of personal terms after the Tannadice club accepted an improved bid from the Black Cats of around £600,000, with a hefty sell-on clause.
Souttar was at the Stadium of Light for last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool and has toured the facilities at the Academy of Light, although he still has the option to reject Sunderland’s advances.
The centre-half has been scouted by several of the Premier League’s heavyweights since breaking into Dundee United’s first-team in January, but Sunderland are in pole position after becoming the first club to make a concrete offer.
McNamara admits Souttar is contemplating his options, although he has urged him to remain north of the border after making 14 first-team appearances already, despite just turning 17.
“The latest is that he is still a Dundee United player,” said McNamara.
“The club accepted another bid from Sunderland and he went down to see the facilities.
“I think it is important now that we have that dialogue with John. If that is what he chooses to do (join Sunderland) then we will never stand in anybody’s way.
“But if you are asking my opinion then I think he would be best to stay here for the next couple of years and get a few games under his belt.
“It will be his decision. He has just turned 17, it is all about his development. He is part of our first team squad at such a young age and it would be good for him to play 100 or 200 games first and get that experience.”
McNamara added that Souttar is likely to play against Kilmarnock on Saturday, despite the uncertainty over his future.
“If anything I think it will give him extra confidence,” he added.
“He’s quite a level-headed young lad and he has a good family behind him. He won’t be fazed by anything.”
Premier League - Match facts: Sunderland v Manchester United
Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have won just eight points from a possible 72 in their 24 previous matches versus Man Utd in the Barclays Premier League.
Manchester United have conceded only four goals in their last 13 Barclays Premier League games against Sunderland.
Sunderland have conceded seven goals (half of their total conceded) in the final 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season – a league-high.
Wayne Rooney has scored only four goals from a direct free kick in Premier League history – three of those have come in his last three appearances in the competition.
Sunderland have lost four consecutive Premier League games, the last time they lost five on the bounce was in March 2006 (six games in a row).
Sunderland have picked up just three points in their last 10 Premier League games (D3 L7).
The Black Cats have scored only eight goals in their last 11 Premier League matches and never more than once in a single game during this run.
Manchester United have lost three of their opening six league games for the first time since 1989/90. United also lost their seventh game in that season.
David Moyes has only lost one of his 16 Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W11 D4), but this defeat came last season at the Stadium of Light with Everton.
Manchester United have lost two consecutive Premier League games. They last lost three league games in a row in December 2001.
Name:
Chelsea Charms2013-10-03 15:34
Well there's one team on the ropes, playing terrible football and looking demoralised and adrift since the loss of their beloved manager..........and there's Sunderland!
Hahahaha!!!
1654: Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Stadium of LightSunderland v Man Utd (1730 BST)
"Manchester United manager David Moyes will be grateful to have Wayne Rooney back in his line-up after injury ruled him out of the midweek Champions League draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Those successive Premier League defeats to Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion place even more emphasis on today's visit to Sunderland - but Moyes will face an opposite number in Kevin Ball who will be keen to make his pitch to succeed sacked Paolo Di Canio as manager."
1653: LINE-UPS - Sunderland v Man Utd (1730 BST)
Sunderland: Westwood, Celustka, O'Shea, Roberge, Colback, Cattermole, Ki, Johnson, Gardner, Giaccherini, Altidore. Subs: Cabral, Larsson, Wickham, Cuellar, Mannone, Ji, Borini.
Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael Da Silva, Jones, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani, Rooney, Januzaj, van Persie. Subs: Giggs, Smalling, Lindegaard, Hernandez, Welbeck, Valencia, Kagawa.
1714: VIEW FROM THE TOP - Sunderland v Man Utd (1730 BST)
Sunderland
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has spoken for the first time since sacking Paolo Di Canio as head coach. The Black Cats head into today's game against Manchester United with Kevin Ball still in charge on a temporary basis.
Writing in his programme notes, Short said: "Unfortunately sometimes the quest for stability can be interrupted by the absolute necessity of staying in the league. This is because the long-term aim becomes irrelevant if we aren't at the top level. We now have a very important decision to make. Our only consideration in making that decision is what is best for the club.
"The appointment of a replacement head coach is our priority and I urge you to ignore the speculation in the media about the selection process, because most of it is completely wrong."
1711: Sunderland v Man Utd (1730 BST)
Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley could be set for a tough afternoon in that Manchester United midfield, as David Moyes names such an attacking line-up. The two of them are likely to be up against Lee Cattermole, Craig Gardner and Ki sung-Yueng in the middle. Do I hear yellow cards?
Half Time First Half ends, Sunderland 1, Manchester United 0.
45:00 +0:09
Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
45:00 +0:09
Foul by Adam Johnson (Sunderland).
44:18
Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by John O'Shea.
43:23
Attempt missed. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Adam Johnson.
43:20
Attempt blocked. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jozy Altidore.
41:02 Booking
Booking Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
40:54
Foul by Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).
40:54
Craig Gardner (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
40:08
Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Keiren Westwood.
40:06
Attempt saved. Nani (Manchester United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Rafael.
38:46
Hand ball by Patrice Evra (Manchester United).
38:38
Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Tom Cleverley.
34:52
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
34:52
Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland).
33:50
Offside, Sunderland. Adam Johnson tries a through ball, but Emanuele Giaccherini is caught offside.
33:24
Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by David De Gea.
33:21
Attempt saved. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Johnson with a cross.
32:15
Foul by Phil Jones (Manchester United).
32:15
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing.
30:08
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
30:08
Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland).
28:18
Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Valentin Roberge.
26:21
Foul by Nani (Manchester United).
26:21
Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
22:47
Attempt saved. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michael Carrick.
22:34
Nani (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
22:34
Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland).
20:07
Attempt missed. Nani (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Patrice Evra with a cross.
19:07
Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
18:07
Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United).
18:07
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
16:58
Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Michael Carrick.
14:37
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
14:37
Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland).
13:48
Offside, Manchester United. Adnan Januzaj tries a through ball, but Patrice Evra is caught offside.
12:06
Foul by Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United).
12:06
Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
11:57
Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
11:22
Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Valentin Roberge.
6:41
Attempt missed. Nani (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Michael Carrick.
4:18 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Manchester United 0. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
2:48
Foul by Robin van Persie (Manchester United).
2:48
Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing.
0:00
Full Time Second Half ends, Sunderland 1, Manchester United 2.
90:00 +4:22
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
90:00 +4:22
Foul by Valentin Roberge (Sunderland).
90:00 +3:47
Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Patrice Evra.
90:00 +3:25
Attempt blocked. Ji Dong-Won (Sunderland) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
90:00 +3:00
Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Chris Smalling.
90:00 +1:49
Foul by Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
90:00 +1:49
Connor Wickham (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing.
90:00 +0:43
Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
90:00 +0:43
Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland).
89:55
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
89:55
Foul by Connor Wickham (Sunderland).
89:35
Foul by Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
89:35
Valentin Roberge (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
88:10
Attempt missed. Robin van Persie (Manchester United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Antonio Valencia with a through ball.
85:08 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Manchester United. Chris Smalling replaces Rafael because of an injury.
82:09
Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Phil Jones.
80:53
Attempt saved. Rafael (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Tom Cleverley.
80:11 Booking
Booking John O'Shea (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
80:06
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
80:06
Foul by John O'Shea (Sunderland).
77:31 Booking
Booking Rafael (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
77:04
Foul by Rafael (Manchester United).
77:04
Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
76:07 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Manchester United. Antonio Valencia replaces Adnan Januzaj.
76:03 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Manchester United. Danny Welbeck replaces Nani.
73:32 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Sunderland. Connor Wickham replaces Ki Sung-Yueng.
73:06
Attempt missed. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Rafael.
69:44 Booking
Booking Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
69:26
Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United).
69:26
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
66:10
Phil Jones (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
66:10
Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland).
65:37
Offside, Manchester United. Robin van Persie tries a through ball, but Nani is caught offside.
65:03
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
65:03
Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland).
63:07 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Sunderland. Ji Dong-Won replaces Adam Johnson.
60:48 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Manchester United 2. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner.
59:42
Offside, Manchester United. Adnan Januzaj tries a through ball, but Robin van Persie is caught offside.
57:40
Attempt saved. Robin van Persie (Manchester United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Patrice Evra with a cross.
55:49
Robin van Persie (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
55:49
Foul by John O'Shea (Sunderland).
55:34 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson replaces Craig Gardner because of an injury.
54:49
Phil Jones (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
54:49
Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland).
54:04 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Manchester United 1. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Patrice Evra with a cross.
52:40 Booking
Booking Craig Gardner (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for hand ball.
52:24
Hand ball by Craig Gardner (Sunderland).
48:39
Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United).
48:39
Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing.
47:49 Booking
Booking Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card.
47:46
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) has gone down, but that's a dive.
45:30
Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
45:30
Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland).
45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Manchester United 0.
Stadium of Light's neighbours consulted over match-days.
People living near Sunderland football club's ground are to be consulted on match-day and event parking.
Sunderland City Council said residents had been concerned parking restrictions were out of date and inappropriate.
A spokesman said regulations around the Stadium of Light caused "unnecessary inconvenience for residents unable to park outside their own houses".
Emergency services, transport providers and businesses will also be sent letters and asked for their views.
Proposals include removing single yellow lines and signs and introducing a parking permit system during events.
It is suggested households or businesses would have one free parking permit but pay a "small annual charge" for a second.
Council leader Paul Watson said: "We will only go ahead with these proposals, in full, if more than half of the residents let us know through this consultation that they support them.
"So I would encourage everyone to have their say and let us know what they think."
Aston Villa U21 v Sunderland U21 Development squad set for Villa clash
Youngsters look to return to the top of Barclays U21 Premier League.
Sunderland’s development squad will look to return to the top of the Barclays U21 Premier League when they travel to Aston Villa this evening.
Kevin Ball’s under-21 side will play the Villans at Tamworth FC’s Lamb Ground with Andrea Dossena and Connor Wickham both in the squad.
The young Black Cats have won five and lost one of their opening six games whilst Villa have won two, drawn one and lost one of the four league games they have played.
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Villa Park, however, the hosts have changed the venue and it will be instead played at the nearby Conference side’s home ground.
Poyet on the brink of being appointed new Sunderland boss
Gus Poyet is on the verge of being named Sunderland manager.
The former Brighton boss is the preferred choice of owner Ellis Short, who has been persuaded to turn to Poyet by director of football Roberto De Fanti.
Poyet was also close to landing the job when Martin O'Neill was sacked but he was still employed by Brighton at the time and Short was unwilling to pay compensation.
The chairman/owner opted for Paolo Di Canio instead. Although he kept Sunderland up with two wins in seven last season, his relationship soured with players and the club picked up just one point in four games.
Supporters and players might have preferred caretaker Kevin Ball to have been given the job permanently but his hands were tied by two difficult games against Liverpool and Manchester United. They did beat Peterborough in the Capital One Cup but lost both league matches, despite improved performances.
After signing 14 new players, but just one Englishman, De Fanti has been pushing for a bilingual coach since Di Canio's ugly exit, which was instigated by unhappy players. Poyet, who has not hidden his desperation to get the job, fits the bill.
Ball has brought some much-needed stability to the club and is expected to return to his role as Under 21 boss.
His promotion to the top job would have had universal backing from supporters, despite the two defeats.
They will have reservations about Poyet, as Short has had during this impasse.
Poyet will have to win fans over by taking Sunderland off the foot of the table, starting at Swansea after the international break.
Pulis admits Sunderland snub as ex-Stoke boss eyes Championship
Tony Pulis would be happy to drop down to the Championship as he seeks a return to management.
The Welshman was sacked by Stoke at the end of last season despite securing a sixth successive campaign in the top flight for a club he took to an FA Cup final and led into Europe.
Pulis was linked with the Sunderland vacancy but Gus Poyet is the hot favourite to take over from Paolo Di Canio.
And Pulis likes the idea of trying to build up another club in a similar way to the job he did over seven years in his second spell at Stoke.
He told talkSPORT: 'I think Sunderland’s a great club and whoever gets the job, it’s a great job. I’m not so sure that would have suited me.
'I want to get back in and I want to get working again, but it’s got to be the right club. That’s very important for me. It doesn’t have to be a Premier League club. If it’s the right Championship club then I’ll do that.
'It’s been nice to build things. Everybody talks about what happened on the pitch at Stoke, and rightly so, but nobody talks about the improvement off the pitch as well.
'To build their own training ground, the millions that have been spent on the Britannia, they’ve got category A academy status - because of them staying in the Premier League there’s been enormous amounts of money that they’ve been able to invest in the football club.
'And the football club now is a completely different club to the one I started at.'
Pulis found himself under pressure from a section of fans last season for the style of football Stoke played and new boss Mark Hughes has earned praise for the changes he has made.
Criticism of Pulis from some Potters players, meanwhile, has prompted chairman Peter Coates to ban them talking about their former boss to the media.
Pulis admitted he emphasised the Potters’ reputation for direct, physical play to intimidate opponents.
And he knows that being so strongly associated with a particular style could be a negative now he is looking for another job.
Comparing his reputation to that of Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, Pulis said: “Psychologically, maybe to my detriment at times, I would actually build that up. And our record at the Britannia was absolutely fantastic.
'I think the biggest thing in sport and in building teams is actually looking at the team you’ve got, and then you can evolve the team as it goes along.
'A lot of people talk about how well Brendan did at Swansea, but he inherited a footballing team. Brendan had come from Reading and not been successful, he’d gone to Watford and not been successful, where he tried to implement things that didn’t work.
'We had to stay in the Premier League, so which is the best way of staying in the Premier League - you play to the strengths of your team.'
Graham Poll Refs need to start clamping down on divers like Januzaj - or players will start taking matters into their own hands
Adnan Januzaj understandably got the headlines after two superb goals to ensure Manchester United won at Sunderland but he was also booked for a blatant dive before he scored.
This weekend Januzaj wasn’t alone in simulating a foul to try to win a penalty or get an opponent penalised, but he was the only player whom the referee, Chris Foy, cautioned. While that trend continues, players will carry on diving even when condemned by their own managers.
In the first live game this weekend at the Etihad, where Jon Moss was struggling to keep control, Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo appeared to dive when challenged by Everton’s Seamus Coleman. Coleman was so incensed by the Manchester City man going down that he became involved in an altercation withhis opponent. The situation ended up with the two players standing head to head while the game continued, with Moss unaware of the confrontation.
This scene is becoming more and more familiar as players feel the need to take matters into their own hands when they feel that an opponent has dived.
That would stop if referees gave a free kick immediately after a dive and issued a yellow card, as Roger East should have done to Stoke City’s Stephen Ireland when he dived blatantly at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The ‘dive’ for a foul or penalty is one example of simulation, but I also saw more incidents when players went down as if they were badly injured after a challenge when it was clear that they were not. Historically, the most blatant example of this came in the World Cup in Japan and Korea 2002 when Brazilian star Rivaldo was hit by the ball in the midriff and went down clutching his face.
His Turkish opponent, Hakan Unsal, was dismissed by the Korean referee who was fooled by the underhand tactic. Rivaldo was punished with a paltry fine and Kim was not appointed to another game.
This weekend saw Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone go to ground as if struck in the face after a brush from Aston Villa’s Ashley Westwood.
Referee Mark Clattenburg appeared not to even give a free kick initially until Huddlestone’s reaction convinced him to stop play - and caution Westwood.
In the West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal game Laurent Koscielny made a very strange block/barge challenge in stoppage time on Baggies striker Shane Long. A decent penalty appeal was turned down by referee Lee Mason who also ignored the fact that Long was rolling around holding his face despite Koscielny’s contact being made in his back.
The impact of these different types of simulation is that referees are loath award penalties when players are actually being tripped or fouled. Look at Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz or Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, who should both have had penalties but were denied by referees confused by the fear of being duped by simulation or worn down by players going to ground far too easily. The job is tough enough without players making it harder and the PFA must act to help with this issue.
Good week for... Howard Webb, who on Monday steps out on the lawn of Buckingham Palace to referee a game between Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC to commemorate the FA’s 150th anniversary. I am sure the game will be straightforward for Webb who missed out on a Premier League game this weekend to take this prestigious appointment.
Bad week for... less experienced referees Jon Moss and Roger East, who both appeared tentative and nervy in their performances at the Etihad and Craven Cottage respectively. It is difficult to adjust to the pace and profile of the Premier League and I hope both settle down and have better games in the coming weeks.
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-07 15:31
Aston Villa U21 v Sunderland U21 68mins
20:29
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-1 #SAFC - 68mins: Heroic block from @BradleyLewis27, throwing himself in front of a Connor Wickham shot.
20:25
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-1 #SAFC - 63mins: Double change for Sunderland. Liam Agnew for El-Hadj Ba and Carl Lawson for George Honeyman.
20:23
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-1 #SAFC - GOAL - 62mins: David Moberg Karlsson converts the rebound after Honeyman's initial effort comes back off the post.
20:21
Dan AVFC: Goal to Sunderland.
20:21
Comment From Derek Toner
My nephew Kevin Toner, is 17 and has been playing with the 21's, he seems to be performing well in that grade so much so he is on international duty in Sweden with the Rep Of Ire under 19's, his confidence is soaring after 3-4 good weeks with Villas 21's and all the lads have been great to him !
20:21
Comment From terry
yes ac new andre green was in the system watched him play for knowle fc always a talented boy and villa were keen then
20:17
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - 57mins: Super work from Burke on the left. Looks to pick out Stieber in the middle but the Hungarian can't guide it home.
20:14
Comment From AC
Jordan Graham will be on in about the 75th minute
20:13
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - 53mins: Fiesty start to the second half at The Lamb but no real clear openings for either team.
20:11
Dan AVFC: Yes the gaffer said so in his press conference the other day.
20:11
Comment From Pooligan
Is Gary Gardener near to being fit Dan ?
20:11
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - MATCH PIC - @CallumRobinson7 looks to create an opening for Villa U21s against @SAFCofficial. pic.twitter.com/zhfjdPyKSD
20:11
Comment From AC
Back again, cheers Dan
20:10
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - MATC PIC - Skipper Daniel Johnson in the thick of the action against. @SAFCofficial U21s. pic.twitter.com/e9aeRpby6s
20:09
Dan AVFC: Try refreshing. Went down for a very brief moment.
20:09
Comment From AC
Not getting any comms
20:09
Comment From AC
I think we need to remember that it is not about quantity, but it is about quality. If one of those boys makes it then it is better than having 7 or 8 who are League One players.
20:07
Comment From terry
thanks ac good info
20:05
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - Back underway for the second half at The Lamb.
20:02
Comment From AC
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy pulled out of the victory shield squad
20:02
Comment From AC
Andre Green was on standby
20:02
Comment From AC
Corey Taylor played for England u17 along with Easah Suliman who captained the side in one game, don't worry, we have plenty of talent coming through
20:02
Dan AVFC: It's actually quite exciting terry. Our policy this year is to push players up to higher age groups quicker. It means a lot of first-years and schoolboys are getting a chance in the youth team this year and this is also a pretty young U21 side.
20:01
Comment From terry
hi dan nice to see jordan graham back a bit concerned about whats coming through after the next gen winners watched victory sheild game england v wales no villa signings from either side i believe what do you know dan of the clubs summer in take
20:00
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - MATCH PIC - Riccardo Calder celebrates with Daniel Johnson after netting against @SAFCofficial. pic.twitter.com/gGchKM3MKY
19:58
Dan AVFC: No he's having a well-deserved break this week!
19:58
Comment From Tony Swansea
Where's Bomber Browns boy has he left
19:55
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficialU21s 1-0 Sunderland Jack Woodward AVTV half time report boo.fm/b1646397 via @audioboo #avfc
19:51
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficialHalf-time: Villa U21 1-0 Sunderland U21. #AVFC #SAFC
19:46
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - 41mins: Gorrin manoeuvres his way into the box and fires a low shot inches wide of the post. Let-off for Villa.
19:44
Aston Villa FC@AVFCOfficial#AVFC 1-0 #SAFC - 39mins: Stieber does well to switch the play to Calder again.Calder hits across the six-yard box but Dixon is out to claim
Gus Poyet: Sunderland set to name Uruguayan as manager
Sunderland are set to appoint former Brighton boss Gus Poyet as their new manager within the next 24 hours.
The Black Cats, who lie bottom of the Premier League table, sacked Paolo Di Canio on 22 September after only 13 games and six months in charge.
Uruguayan Poyet is understood to have held talks with Sunderland owner Ellis Short and is close to signing a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet, 45, was dismissed in June after four years at the Seagulls.
Sunderland's senior professional development coach Kevin Ball has been in temporary charge of the club since Di Canio was relieved of his position following a player revolt at the club.
Ball, 48, had asked to be considered for the job, but said following Sunderland's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday he did not expect to be doing another post-match press conference any time soon.
Poyet, who has no experience of management in the top flight, made no secret of his interest in the job at the Stadium of Light, and recently said: "I planned that, over the first matches of this season, I would pay a lot of attention to the teams I thought could be in trouble.
"Of course, I watch Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester, but there was a group of teams who, if they didn't start well, I thought I could have a chance.
"I was watching Sunderland a lot. People were talking a lot about them in the summer because of Paolo and how many new players they had, so I have seen quite a lot of them."
Poyet guided Brighton to the 2010-11 League One title 17 months after taking the job, and took them to last season's Championship play-off semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners Crystal Palace.
He was suspended by Brighton in May after an internal investigation and disciplinary hearing and sacked a month later for gross misconduct.
The full reasons for his sacking have not been revealed by either party, with Brighton saying the matter would stay confidential "to ensure and maintain confidentiality and dignity" after the former Chelsea midfielder's unsuccessful appeal against his dismissal.
Poyet said in August he was taking legal action against Brighton over the decision to dismiss him.
He is set to become the sixth Sunderland manager in the past five years - with the Black Cats currently bottom of the Premier League with one point from seven games.
Gus Poyet confirmed as Sunderland manager on two-year deal
• Poyet succeeds Di Canio at Premier League's bottom side
• 'I am convinced players are good enough,' Uruguayan says
• James Riach: Poyet in desperate need of magic
Gus Poyet has been handed the task of dragging Sunderland out of relegation trouble after being named as Paolo Di Canio's successor. The 45-year-old Uruguayan has signed a two-year deal and will take charge with immediate effect, becoming the club's sixth permanent manager in less than five years.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager's initial challenge will be to secure a first Premier League win of the season. Sunderland are at the foot of the table with only one point from seven games, a return that leaves them six adrift of 17th place.
"It's a big, big challenge, but I am really excited," Poyet told SAFSee. "I thought I would have an opportunity in the Premier League and now I have got it. I need to make sure that I prove they picked the right man to get us from the situation we are in, so I am absolutely delighted."
Asked what his priority will be, he replied: "Well it is to address the problems quickly, make sure we train and we convince the players to get better, and slowly that will make us pick up points.
"The sooner we win, of course, the better, but the idea is to make sure that they understand the way that we would like them to play football. There has to be very good communication with the players, understanding, trust – we need to commit as a group."
The club's owner, Ellis Short, who took more than a fortnight to make an appointment, said: "We analysed a wide range of candidates and believe that Gus's track record, experience, commitment and passion make him the right man to take us forward. We welcome him to Sunderland."
The former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder, who will be joined by his staff Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway, has been out of the game since parting company with Brighton during the summer on less than friendly terms.
His track record as a manager is limited to his experience with the south coast club, although he had earlier been part of the coaching setups at Swindon Town, Leeds United and Tottenham.
Poyet impressed at Brighton, guiding them to the League One title in 2010-11 and into the Championship play-offs last season before his departure. He wants Sunderland to play in a similar style to the way in which Brighton did during his time in charge.
"I believe that football should be played in one way, which is caring a lot for the ball," Poyet said. "That way of playing football needs to be adaptable to the players. If you want to play football, but you don't have the players, it's not going to work, so you need to work, convince, use the ability of the players.
"We like to give the players the possibility to perform at their best, to play in the position where they want to play. They can perform, there are no excuses, they can go on the pitch and feel comfortable. Apart from that, we will help them, explain things that they need to listen to in the next few days. But the sooner they get it, the better for everybody."
Poyet will be required to work within the system installed by Short after Di Canio's arrival, with the Texan businessman determined to continue despite the failings of the Italian's brief and often chaotic reign. That will mean working under the director of football, Roberto De Fanti, who recruited 14 players during the summer, several of them ostensibly for the development squad.
Poyet is convinced there is enough talent within the dressing room to achieve the required results. "That's why I am here," he said. "If there were no talented players, if there were no quality players, the challenge would be practically impossible. I am convinced that the players are good enough."
Poyet will have the international break to work with those players not representing their countries, before sending a team out for the first time at Swansea City a week on Saturday. Intriguingly his second game, as was Di Canio's, will be a derby with Newcastle, and a repeat on Wearside of the 3-0 win they secured at St James' Park in April would provide the perfect launch-pad for his tenure.
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short, as he made the final deliberations about the succession to Paolo Di Canio, knew what was riding on his decision.
"We feel the weight of the entire city and beyond, along with the history of this massive football club," wrote the American businessman in his match notes for Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United at Stadium of Light.
And now Short has passed a portion of the load to Gustavo Poyet after his appointment as Sunderland head coach on a two-year contract.
The Uruguayan will carry the burden of keeping Sunderland in the Premier League after a dismal start - not helped by some unforgiving fixtures - that has yielded only a single point from seven games and restoring calm from Di Canio's chaos.
Short has taken his time making this key move, a process no doubt brought into even sharper relief by Di Canio's 13-game reign - although that should be placed in context as Sunderland's owner remembered how "he came in and provided the fire that we needed to fight for the points necessary to stay in the league" last season.
There is, however, another element of a gamble in the appointment of the 45-year-old former Brighton manager, who left them in acrimonious and bitter circumstances after reaching the Championship play-offs last season.
Indeed, when Short described Poyet as a "passionate, driven" man, those very words have echoes of his ill-fated appointment of Di Canio.
Like Di Canio, Poyet has no previous experience of Premier League management and the conclusion of his time at Brighton - the full reasons behind his sacking have yet to be revealed - has already brought comparisons with the confrontational style of his predecessor.
Short has ignored the stability that would have been offered by retaining interim head coach Kevin Ball by entrusting the job to Poyet.
Ball presided over a very obvious improvement in performances, even in defeat against Liverpool and Manchester United. He would have been the safe choice in many eyes.
Short also ignored the claims of British managers such as Tony Pulis and Steve McClaren, with Poyet crucially having the support of director of football Roberto De Fanti.
In Poyet, he has the sort of young manager who has served an apprenticeship and will be able to focus on footballing affairs while the influential De Fanti concentrates on the wider strategy.
Poyet served as assistant to Dennis Wise at Swindon Town and Leeds United before working alongside Juande Ramos at former club Tottenham. He will feel his time has come.
Having watched Poyet's Brighton on several occasions, he produced a bright attacking side and was also someone who was nakedly ambitious about his desire to reach and succeed in the Premier League, either with the Seagulls or without them.
Poyet's achievements at Brighton have been somewhat overshadowed by the manner of his departure but his stock was rising steadily with his work at Amex Stadium and he was inspirational enough to get them into the shake-up for a place in the Premier League.
This is what Short will have been looking at, rather than his lack of Premier League pedigree, when he settled on Poyet.
And Poyet made no secret of his wish to get his hands on the levers at Sunderland once Di Canio was sacked. He believes this restoration job is perfect for him.
Now he must patch together a Sunderland squad still effectively getting acquainted with each other after the arrival of 14 signings this summer, let alone with the fight they have to stay in the Premier League.
There were signs that Poyet will have something to work with in Sunderland's last two games under Ball but he still faces a huge task in somehow bolting the commune of summer newcomers on to some of the older inhabitants such as John O'Shea to get Sunderland out of trouble.
And one of his first wishes will be to have Scotland striker Steven Fletcher back in action as quickly as possible after his shoulder injury.
The stakes are almost as high for Short as they are for Sunderland. He has put his reputation on the line by going for Poyet - accompanied by the same sort of optimistic noises that greeted Di Canio's arrival.
It is understandable he feels the weight of history. Even in their current struggles, 45,426 turned up at Stadium of Light on Saturday for Manchester United's visit. The potential (and expectation) at Sunderland is huge and it is a big call for Short to give the task of realising it to a man who has never taken charge of a team in the Premier League.
How Poyet fares will be a measure of Short's judgement because he - and Sunderland - cannot afford to get it wrong again.
Sunderland confirm Gus Poyet as their new manager on a two-year contract
The former Brighton boss held positive talks with the club and replaces Paolo Di Canio after the Italian was sacked a fortnight ago
Sunderland have appointed the former Brighton manager Gus Poyet as their new head coach on a three-year contract, with the confirmation coming early this morning from the Black Cats.
Poyet will bring with him his backroom staff that worked under him at Brighton, comprising his assistant Mauricio Taricco; coach Charlie Oatway and goalkeeping coach Andy Beasley. Negotiations over their contracts were completed on Monday afternoon and Poyet himself travelled up to Sunderland afterwards to meet existing staff.
Poyet was out of contract after his suspension and dismissal by Brighton, who previously had a £2.5m compensation clause in his contract. He met with Ellis Short, the owner of Sunderland, in London over the weekend to finalise the deal. The club’s chief executive Margaret Byrne has also been a key part of the negotiations.
"We analysed a wide range of candidates and believe that Gus' track record, experience, commitment and passion make him the right man to take us forward," said Short.
"We welcome him to Sunderland."
There was no pay-off for the 45-year-old when he was suspended and then dismissed on charges of gross misconduct by Brighton in June. The club have never explained what that charge constituted and it was Poyet’s intention to fight his dismissal in court. That is now likely to change with his focus on the job of keeping Sunderland in the Premier League.
The club have just one point from their first seven games, having brought in 14 players during the summer under director of football Roberto De Fanti. The Italian will continue to work with Poyet and it is not anticipated that there will be significant amounts to spend on improving the squad in the next transfer window in January. Poyet’s deal will include a bonus for keeping Sunderland in the Premier League.
It was expected that Poyet would be in demand come this autumn and there were suggestions that Fulham might make a move for him as Martin Jol struggled at the start of the season. Poyet took Brighton into the Championship play-offs last season where they were beaten by the eventual winners Crystal Palace.
His first game will be after the international break away to Swansea with the derby against Newcastle at home eight days later on 27 October. Having played Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United at home, Poyet still has to face Chelsea and Tottenham – both former clubs from his playing days – at the Stadium of Light before Christmas.
SIR BOBBY ROBSON once called Gus Poyet "the scourge of Newcastle".
His verdict came after the Uruguayan's two goals for Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final 13 years ago shattered his dream of Wembley glory with hometown club Newcastle.
It's a label which should sit comfortably with any aspiring Sunderland manager, although crushing the Geordies in the Tyne-Wear derby guarantees nothing.
Just ask Paolo Di Canio, who led the Black Cats to just one more Premier League win after that memorable 3-0 victory in April.
Nevertheless, with their team anchored to the foot of the table without a league win this season, the Mackems will take anything going right now.
And holding an Indian sign over Sunderland's bitter rivals isn't a bad quality to offer, especially as Poyet's first home game in charge, eight days after he takes his struggling side to Swansea, is against Newcastle.
Battles Poyet scored the first time he faced the Toon and went on to hit another six against them for Chelsea and Tottenham.
Robson once admitted ahead of a league game against Spurs that he had formulated special plans to nullify the threat of the goalscoring midfielder.
They didn't work as Poyet scored his customary goal, and the footballing knight subsequently described him as a scourge.
Gus Poyet's main aim is to get Sunderland out of the relegation zone and battling up the table Gus Poyet's main aim is to get Sunderland out of the relegation zone and battling up the table
“He will impose his own style of play on Sunderland and demand total loyalty from those under him”
It will take more than local battles for the former Brighton boss to save Sunderland's skin this season. And Poyet is keen not to be viewed as coming from the same managerial school as his predecessor.
There is already talk of Sunderland appointing Di Canio-lite - a description which gives a false impression according to those close to the 45-year-old.
They may share a Latin background, be renowned for their passion and their last jobs ending in acrimonious circumstances, but Poyet, say his friends, is his own man.
"He's a calmer, less combustible character than Paolo," said a source who knows both men well.
"But I'd say Gus possesses more emotional intelligence. By that I mean he'll be prepared to put an arm around shoulders if he thinks that's what a player needs.
"His man-management skills are better - just ask the Brighton players."
Poyet, though, is no soft touch as directors at his previous club will testify. "Like Paolo, he can be a control freak and doesn't suffer fools gladly," the source added.
"Gus will also want a hands-on role when it comes to player recruitment and, with Sunderland's management structure, that's an area that will need sorting out.
"He will impose his own style of play on Sunderland and demand total loyalty from those under him.
"But if you give everything to Gus he will give you everything back, that's perhaps the biggest difference between him and Paolo.
"And don't worry, tomato ketchup and mayonnaise won't be banned from the canteen!"
Gus Poyet's tenure at Brighton ended on a very sour note Poyet's tenure at Brighton ended on a very sour note
During his three years on the south coast, Poyet never concealed the fact he saw himself as a Premier League manager-in-waiting.
Newcastle were linked with him in the summer when there was speculation over the future of Alan Pardew following Joe Kinnear's appointment as director of football. And, inevitably, he's been seen as a future manager of Chelsea and Spurs, whom he served with distinction as a player.
But once the Sunderland job came up, Poyet made no secret of the fact he was interested.
Except for a brief spell working with Dennis Wise at Leeds, his entire career in this country has been in the south, but he is adamant geography is not an issue.
Nor is Sunderland's position, entrenched in the relegation zone.
"Gus has been watching recent games and likes what he has seen," added his pal.
"They may have lost those games but he definitely believes there is something to work with.
"And that's why when he meets the players he won't be going in with all guns blazing.
"He'll want to make an instant impact but he's clever enough to realise you win nothing with a dressing room that's against you.
"There will be no repeat of recent events with Gus Poyet as Sunderland manager."
Five players Gus Poyet could sign to save Sunderland – from Adnan Januzaj to Jermain Defoe
Five players Poyet must sign to save Sunderland Gus Poyet will be busy during the January transfer window, As Gus Poyet settles into his new job at Sunderland, the Uruguayan is busy plotting how he can guide the club away from drop zone and up the Premier League table.
It’s a tough job, but with news that he is set to have £30million to spend on new players in January, Metro is on hand to tell Gus who he needs to sign to get the Black Cats purring again.
5. Adnan Januzaj
The Manchester United winger is one of the most talked about players around at the minute, with his stunning performance against Sunderland at the weekend catching the eye.
The Belgian is out of contract in the summer and, even if United ward off interest from Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester City to tie him to a new deal, a loan deal would work well for all parties in the new year.
FBL-ENG-PR-SUNDERLAND-MAN UTD Adnan Januzaj impressed against Sunderland at the weekend
4. Mark Schwarzer
Sunderland lost Simon Mignolet in the summer and although Keiren Westwood and Vito Mannone are decent options, a top, experienced goalkeeper is needed.
Schwarzer, 41, has proven experience and is wasted on the Chelsea bench – he could definitely do a job at the back at least until the end of the season.
3. Joe Allen
Allen lit up the Premier League whilst at Swansea before his big money switch to Liverpool. He has spent the last few months injured, but is now closing in on full fitness.
Poyet’s passing football will require a midfield dictator and Allen would be a perfect candidate. Liverpool might sell on the cheap after their good start to the season without him
Aston Villa v Sunderland - Barclays Premier LeagueJonny Evans is at United now but has played for Sunderland before
2. Jonny Evans
The key to every top side is an excellent defence – and Sunderland just don’t have that. Most of their options are past it, but finding somebody who can settle quickly would be difficult.
However, in United squad man Evans they have a man who knows all about life at the Stadium of Light through various loan spells and could hit the ground running.
1. Jermain Defoe
Sunderland need goals, goals, goals and more goals, but their weak-looking forward line has little chance of delivering.
A proven Premier League marksman would do and Defoe could be that man. He is no longer the star striker at Tottenham and would probably relish a new challenge.
He guarantees goals and lots of them and would be worth the extra money in wages.
Gus Poyet vows to save Sunderland and unite the Black Cats’ divided dressing room
Gus Poyet says uniting the Sunderland dressing room will be his first priority after taking over from Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager was confirmed as the new Black Cats boss on Tuesday morning and believes winning matches will be the quickest way to restore harmony at the Premier League’s bottom club.
‘We are all together in this,’ said the Uruguayan. ‘It’s important now we stick together. We need to commit as a group and make sure that we are very strong to make sure we can win football games.
CLUB METRO: Sunderland fans must trust the board over Gus Poyet’s appointment
MORE: Five players Poyet can sign to save Sunderland
‘The idea is to address the problems quickly. The sooner we win the better, but the idea is to make sure that we understand the way we would like them to play football. We think it’s the best way.’
Sunderland have taken just one point from their seven league games so far this season, a campaign which has been dogged by rumours of dressing-room unrest.
But Poyet, 45, who becomes the club’s sixth permanent manager in less than five years, says he is confident the squad has enough quality to avoid relegation.
I thought that I would have an opportunity in the Premier League and now I’ve got it I need to make sure I prove that they picked the right man.
‘If there were no talented players and no quality players the challenge would be practically impossible,’ Poyet added. ‘I am convinced the players are good enough.’
As with Di Canio’s appointment in March, American owner Ellis Short has hired a man with no previous top-flight managerial experience.
But Poyet, who led Brighton to promotion from League One and last season’s Championship play-offs before being sacked in June, says he is ready to manage in the top flight.
‘It’s a big, big challenge. I thought that I would have an opportunity in the Premier League and now I’ve got it I need to make sure I prove that they picked the right man to get us from the situation that we are.’
And Short, who bought Sunderland in 2008, believes the he has at last found the right man to take the club forward again after Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill and Di Canio all failed to bring success to Wearside.
He said: ‘We analysed a wide range of candidates and believe that Gus’ track record, experience, commitment and passion make him the right man to take us forward.’
Gus Poyet's five key challenges as Sunderland head coach
New man in charge at Sunderland needs to make foreign signings learn English and win over influential Lee Cattermole
1 The players were brought together in the collective desire to depose Di Canio, but they remain a collection of individuals rather than a team. They need to gel and quickly.
2 With only one of the 14 players signed over the summer English, Poyet needs to help the new arrivals settle quickly. Compulsory English lessons and advice on adapting to living in England are vital.
3 Even if he doesn’t make Lee Cattermole captain again, he needs his support in the dressing room. Di Canio resented Cattermole’s influence so he ignored his qualities as a player. It was one of the Italian’s biggest mistakes as he has been superb since he came back into the team.
4 Change the way Jozy Altidore is playing. The American has linked play well recently and has pace and power, but he never looks like scoring and the strain is showing.
5 Inspire Adam Johnson. The former England international has looked a pale shadow of the player he was at Middlesbrough and Manchester City and remains out of form.
New Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is the WORST choice for the job, according to Football Manager
The blockbuster football management sim has had its say, and Poyet falls behind his competitors for the Stadium of Light job
ew Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was the WORST of the leading contenders for the Black Cats job, according to Football Manager.
The north east club this morning confirmed the Uruguayan had taken over at the Stadium of Light on a two-year deal, following the dismissal of Paolo Di Canio last month.
Now that the former Brighton boss has landed the job ahead of the likes of Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo, our simulation of the 2013-14 season suggests Sunderland owner Ellis Short has made the worst choice!
However, he would be able to keep the struggling Black Cats afloat, with them finishing 16th after a solid second half of the season.
Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo both outperformed Poyet - finishing in 14th place.
Gus Poyet
Gets off to a good start with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool followed by a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Went on a dismal run of 2 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats until the New Year.
Wes Brown becomes unhappy at the club during this time and Poyet is forced to rotate between O’Shea, Diakite and Roberge.
Spends £8 million on Marco Storari and James Tomkins to strengthen his defensive options.
Loses just 7 games from January until the end of the season to lead Sunderland to 16th place finish.
Run includes wins over Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle and Everton.
By the end of the season Giaccherini, Altidore and Colback have handed in transfer requests.
Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore are joint top scorers with 9 goals each.
Gianfranco Zola
Opens up with a draw against Liverpool and defeat to Man United.
Fares better than Poyet in the run up to Christmas with 4 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats.
Doesn’t sign anyone in January after a failed bid for Ashley Williams.
Loses 8 games in the second half of the season but wins 6 and draws 5 to keep consistent enough form to stay up.
Sunderland finish the season in 14th.
Zola makes much more use of Fabio Borini than Poyet and is rewarded with 7 goals from the Italian.
Zola records victories over West Ham, West Brom, Fulham, Villa, Swansea and Spurs.
Jozy Altidore finishes as top scorer with 10 goals.
Roberto Di Matteo
Starts off with a win against Liverpool but wins just twice more before Christmas.
Does manage to draw 6 games in that time as well.
Sells Diakite in January for £3.5 million and brings in Scott Dann for £5 million as a replacement.
Sunderland remain unbeaten throughout January to propel them into 13th place before being inconsistent until the end of the season.
2 draws and a win in the final month lead them to 14th place.
Di Matteo plays both Giaccherini and Borini more frequently than both Poyet and Zola and gets them scoring with 10 and 8 goals respectively.
Giaccherini finishes as the top scorer with 10 goals.
Gus Poyet promised transfer funds to help secure Sunderland's stay in Premier League
Gus Poyet is named Sunderland new head coach and has been assured of funds in January to boost survival hopes
Gus Poyet will be assured of transfer funds in January to boost Sunderland’s hopes of Premier League survival after being named as the new head coach on Monday.
Poyet has agreed a two-year contract to succeed Paolo Di Canio and ends Sunderland’s two-week search for an appointment, with the Uruguayan charged with the task of helping the North East club avoid relegation to the Championship.
Sunderland owner Ellis Short has admitted top-flight safety is an “absolute necessity” and has promised Poyet assistance to make signings in the new year, though the budget will be more limited than the estimated £30 million spent by Di Canio this summer.
Short has made it clear to the 45-year-old that survival is the only remit for the season, with Sunderland bottom and without a league win since April 20. No club have ever avoided relegation with only one point from their opening seven games, Sunderland’s present position.
It is Poyet’s first managerial assignment in the top flight, after establishing his reputation with Brighton, but he is keen to introduce a more progressive style of passing football and will work closely alongside director of football Roberto De Fanti.
Sunderland made their move on Sunday, hours after the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, and held further talks with Poyet before finally putting the finishing touches to the deal on Monday night.
Poyet was one of the first contenders to hold talks with the Sunderland board after the dismissal of Di Canio and was under serious consideration for the post in March before losing out to the Italian as the club were reluctant to pay the £2.5 million compensation required by Brighton.
He has also been on the radar of Fulham in recent months after Martin Jol’s struggles and could have been in contention for that post if the west Londoners had failed to beat Stoke on Saturday.
Poyet was controversially dismissed by Brighton in July after an acrimonious row following the club’s play-off semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace and shortly after his exit was confirmed he told The Telegraph: “I am free and available and I want to be back in work as soon as possible.
“I’ve worked with Juande Ramos and Dennis Wise, worked for almost four years with Brighton, and feel I’m ready to manage in the Premier League.
“I’m going to go away and make sure I am ready for the challenge when it comes along. There are matters to be sorted out, for sure, but I’m very keen to get back into management when the right opportunity comes along.”
Poyet’s assistant from Brighton, Mauricio Taricco, will also be joining him on Wearside while Kevin Ball, who has been in caretaker charge for the last three games, is set to return to his former job with the academy.
Poyet travelled up to Sunderland on Monday night and his first game in charge will be the trip to Swansea on Oct 19.
His appointment will undoubtedly be seen as another gamble due to his lack of experience in the top tier.
Di Canio lasted only 13 league games before his dismissal a fortnight ago and Short had used his programme notes for the visit of United to spell out the short-term ambition for this season.
“Here at the club, like every supporter, we would like to see long-term success on the pitch and stability at the club,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately sometimes the quest for stability can be interrupted by the absolute necessity of staying in the league. This is because the long-term aim becomes irrelevant if we aren’t at the top level.”
Poyet was the sixth longest serving manager in English football at the time of his sacking with Brighton, winning 86 of his 194 matches.
He had guided Brighton to the League One title in his second season before finishing 10th and fourth in the Championship.
After making his name in this country as a cultured midfielder with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, Poyet first worked as a coach under Wise at both Swindon Town and Leeds United.
In 2007 he was recruited to Ramos’s back-room staff at White Hart Lane but he lasted barely a year before he landed his first managerial post at Brighton in 2009.
Newcastle United Top Premier League Of Shame For Football Violence Arrests
Sunderland follow in fifth place, according to the latest Home Office figures.
The shameful statistics, which are for arrests made at home games, include the total number of arrests made following the Tyne Wear derby on April 14 when fans ran riot through Newcastle city centre.
Newcastle United had 175 fans arrested at football matches in the 2012-2013 season, according to Home Office figures released on October 9 2013.
Of those arrests, 114 were for violent disorder.
Manchester United and Manchester City were second and third with 145 and 95 arrests in total respectively. Chelsea were fouth with 92 arrests and Sunderland fifth with 71 arrests, 33 of which were for violent disorder.
The previous season Newcastle had been in fourth place for arrests and Sunderland seventh.
Newcastle had the third highest home attendance of 50,517 during the 2012 -2013 Premier League season, but suffered more than three times the number of arrests as Arsenal, with the second highest average home attendance, of 60,097.
Manchester United had the highest average home gate, of 75,530.
Sunderland had the seventh highest average gate, of 40,544.
Total number of arrests at matches during the 2012/13 season
Team Total
Newcastle United 175 (Violent disorder 114, public disorder 22, missile throwing 2, racist or indecent chanting 1, pitch incursion 3, alcohol offences 21, ticket touting 4, possession of fireworks or flares 5, possession of offensive weapon 0, offences against property 3, breach of banning order 0, other offences 4)
Manchester United 145
Manchester City 95
Chelsea 92
Sunderland 71 (Violent disorder 33, public disorder 12, missile throwing 0, racist or indecent chanting 5, pitch incursion 1, alcohol offences 16, ticket touting 1, possession of offensive weapon 0, possession of fireworks or flares 1, breach of banning order 2, offences against property 0, other 1)
West Ham 67
Arsenal 53
Aston Villa 51
Everton 44
Liverpool 36
Tottenham Hotspur / Stoke 32
Southampton 23
QPR 20
Wigan 18
Swansea 13
Norwich 12
West Brom 10
Reading / Fulham 9
Newcastle football hooligan Mark Mennim told Sky Tyne and Wear fans rioting after the Newcastle Sunderland derby 'should be given an medal'.
Newcastle United fan Barry Rogerson gained notoriety when he was caught on camera punching a police horse. He faces jail.
Even former Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio had a brush with the law when police were called to reports of a bust up at the Sunderland team hotel. Di Canio stressed no-one at the club was to blame.
Smirking Football Thug: Tyne-Wear Derby Rioters Should Be Given Medals
Smug football hooligan Mark Mennim says Tyne-Wear derby rioters who disgraced the city should be given gold medals.
The ageing thug made the remarkable claim in an exclusive video interview with Sky Tyne and Wear.
Mennim, 52, was a member of Newcastle’s notorious Gremlin gang between the 70s and 2011, he also went to England matches, purely for the violence.
The Byker man laughed as he spoke to us about the derby disorder that he was not involved in last year.
Thugs took to the streets following Newcastle United’s 3 – 0 defeat against Sunderland at St. James’ Park in April.
Youths threw bottles at police and set fire to bins in a near riot that shamed the city.
Mennim said: “They should be given a gold medal never mind banning them and whatever.”
Mennim’s lack of remorse for a life of violence cost him his daughter, who he has not seen for over 22 years.
When asked if he would sacrifice seeing his daughter in order to fight at weekends, he said: “I sacrificed my life for it, yes I would. It’s my life, it’s what I want to do."
But in contradiction to that the convicted criminal said losing his daughter is his only regret from a life of fighting.
He said: “That was a big thing, that’s the only thing I regret losing my daughter.”
Sunderland's Connor Wickham Dropped From England U21s For 'Not Playing Enough'
Sunderland striker has been dropped from the England Under 21 squad by Gareth Southgate because he has not played enough football this season.
Wickham has played only 34-minutes throughout September and October and will miss the upcoming game with San Marino.
Wickham had been something of a regular in the England Under 21 side under previous manager Stuart Pearce but Southgate said that he is looing to invest time in other players.
Southgate said: “Some of the younger ones I want to have a look at because I think they are more likely to be involved going towards a tournament and I would like to bed them in now.
“Connor was not able to report last time and hasn’t really played any football since. It is as simple as that, really.
“Danny Ings, scoring regularly at Burnley, has been in outstanding form, and Nick Powell at Wigan the same.
“Danny is the addition, if you like, and I just felt his form justified that, but we know about Connor from seeing him play in the younger age groups.
“But at the moment, he has not really been able to play first-team football or anything underneath that.”
Two Sunderland Games And One Newcastle United Game Picked For Live Sky Sports Matches
Two Sunderland games and one Newcastle United match will be shown on Sky Sports in December.
Sunderland’s fixture at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday December 7, which kicks off at 5:30pm is their first live game.
Gus Poyet’s side will have to wait until the final week of the month to play on Sky live again and their game at Cardiff City on December 28 has been picked to be shown.
The match at Cardiff kicks off at 5:30pm and Newcastle United make their only appearance on Sky at home to Arsenal the following day.
Newcastle’s game kicks off at 1:30pm as the early match for that week’s Super Sunday ahead of Chelsea v Liverpool.
The games for Newcastle and Sunderland across the month are part of the biggest ever season of Barclays Premier League on Sky Sports.
Not only does Sky Sports have more live coverage with 116 matches in total, its audience has hit a new record in the early part of the season.
Average viewers for the first 23 live Premier League matches on Sky Sports are up 20% on last year, helping Sky Sports record its best ever start to a Premier League season.
In 2014, viewers can look forward to 57 more live matches between January and May, making Sky Sports the home to more than three-quarters of all televised fixtures over the remainder of the season.
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "The great sport keeps on coming for Sky Sports viewers. This is our biggest ever season of Premier League football and we're off to a record-breaking start with our audiences well up on last year.
"We are the unrivalled home of the Premier League and viewers are responding really positively to having access to the widest range of must-see fixtures."
16 newly confirmed live Premier League fixtures for December and the New Year:
Sat 7: Sunderland v Tottenham (ko 5.30pm)
Sun 8: Fulham v Aston Villa (ko 1.30pm)
Sun 8: Arsenal v Everton (ko 4pm)
Mon 9: Swansea City v Hull City (ko 8pm)
Sat 14: Hull City v Stoke City (ko 5.30pm)
Sun 15: Aston Villa v Man Utd (ko 1.30pm)
Sun 15: Tottenham v Liverpool (ko 4pm)
Sun 22: Southampton v Tottenham (ko 1.30pm)
Sun 22: Swansea City v Everton (ko 4pm)
Mon 23: Arsenal v Chelsea (ko 8pm)
Thu 26: Hull City v Man Utd (ko 12.45pm)
Sat 28: West Ham v West Brom (ko 12.45pm)
Sat 28: Cardiff City v Sunderland (ko 5.30pm)
Sun 29: Newcastle United v Arsenal (ko 1.30pm)
Sun 29: Chelsea v Liverpool (ko 4pm)
Newcastle And Sunderland Home League Cup Ties To Take Place On Same Night
Newcastle and Sunderland will play home League Cup fourth round ties on the same night.
Newcastle's match against Manchester City at St James' Park will be live on Sky Sports HD 1 at 7.45pm on Wednesday, October 30.
And Sunderland have confirmed that their home clash with Southampton will also take place on October 30, meaning a busy night on Tyne and Wear's metro, bus and national rail services.
Newcastle reached the last 16 of the Capital One Cup by beating Leeds, while Sunderland beat Peterborough in Kevin Ball's first game in temporary charge.
The fourth round ties will take place three days after the Wear-Tyne derby, which is live on Sky Sports HD 1 from 12.30pm.
Sunderland's David Vaughan Welcomes New Head Coach Gus Poyet
Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan has welcomed Gus Poyet's arrival but admitted it is the players who have to adopt a new approach at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet inherits a side with just one point from their first seven games but Vaughan is hopeful the appointment can help spark his side's season into life.
Vaughan said: "It's a good appointment. Hopefully he can get us off the bottom of the league and improve on performances from the start of the season.
"I don't know a great deal about Gus but I've spoken to a few players who have played with or worked under him and they have had good things to say.
"It's not been a good start. We've been in the games and in the last two games we have been unlucky. The belief is there and we just need to get a couple of good results then you will see a different side.
"I've not played in too many games so hopefully I can get in the team and get a good run of games, and hopefully we can win some games too.
"Under Paolo we did some good things, but it's down to the players to improve on the results on the pitch."
Poyet sought to distance himself from Paolo Di Canio's style of management when he was unveiled on Tuesday, insisting he has a different skill set to his predecessor.
"I think that man-management is one of the strongest parts of my attitude and my job," said Poyet. "I think there is no better way for a manager to be judged than by talking to his players.
"I have been a player for a long time and I have had many managers and they were all different. I tried to learn from them and analyse why they did things, and I believe what we are trying to do is the right thing.
"My idea is to try to understand each player the way they are - they are all different, so I have to give them the best chance to perform and help them so I can pick the right team to win a game."
Giaccherini happy to stay at Sunderland, claims agent
The agent of Sunderland's Emanuele Giaccherini says the midfielder is settled at the Stadium of Light and has no plans to head back to Juventus.
Sunderland completed one of the coups of the summer when they persuaded Italy international Giaccherini to leave Serie A champions Juventus to move to the north-east.
The 28-year-old has been one of the shining lights in a dismal campaign for Sunderland so far, and his representative Furio Valcareggi insists the Black Cats' struggles have not prompted him to consider an early return to Juventus.
He told Tuttojuve.com: "He looks great in England with Sunderland and has no problems related to acclimatisation - absolutely no problems of any kind.
"He's been in England for three months. We do not even have time to talk already about his possible return [to Juventus]."
Sunderland’s Poyet out to punish Newcastle United again
GUS POYET hopes he can continue to be “the scourge of Newcastle” when the new Sunderland head coach makes his Stadium of Light debut against the Magpies.
Poyet faces a baptism of fire on his home bow in 17 days time, when he is thrust into the cauldron of the Wear-Tyne derby.
But the Uruguayan has proved to be a nemesis against Sunderland’s arch-rivals during both his playing and management career, with late ex-Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson once labelling him “the scourge of Newcastle”.
Poyet netted six times against Newcastle during his stints at Chelsea and Tottenham, and eliminated Alan Pardew’s side from the FA Cup in each of the last two seasons when in charge of Brighton.
And he is eager to continue that misery for Newcastle when he attempts to secure the bragging rights for Sunderland over their neighbours.
“My life in England and my football career as a player and manager has been linked with Sunderland and Newcastle,” said Poyet.
“A little bit more with Newcastle, to be honest, because somehow – I don’t know why – I always seemed to score against them.
“They already hated me a little bit and now they probably hate me a little bit more.
“That’s football.
“I always try to do the best for the club that I’m in.
“I support the club I’m working for and become a fan and I think that will show with the passion and what the players show as well.
“Let’s hope it’s a good one and we can beat Newcastle in a couple of weeks.”
Poyet also netted five times against Sunderland as a player – including a consolation in the Black Cats’ famous 4-1 Stadium of Light victory over Chelsea in 1999, and a superb strike in a double in the Blues’ 4-0 opening-day win at Stamford Bridge – and knocked Steve Bruce’s Black Cats out of the League Cup in 2011 while with Brighton.
But it was his brace against Newcastle in the 2000 FA Cup semi-final which proved to be his crowning glory against the North East pair.
With 18 minutes remaining, Poyet’s header sent Chelsea through to the final after Rob Lee had cancelled out the midfielder’s opener.
Poyet will follow predecessor Paolo Di Canio in having his second match in charge against Newcastle. Di Canio famously secured a memorable 3-0 win at St James’s Park back in April, after losing his first game at Chelsea.
Poyet happy to work under Sunderland’s director of football
GUS POYET is happy to work in Sunderland’s director of football model after operating under a similar system at former club Brighton.
Black Cats owner Ellis Short decided to adopt a Continental management structure during the summer, with ex-agent Roberto De Fanti installed as the club’s first director of football to oversee Sunderland’s recruitment.
Despite the dismissal of Paolo Di Canio, that system has remained, with De Fanti and Sunderland’s all-Italian scouting team still in place at the Stadium of Light.
Like Di Canio, new boss Poyet has been appointed under the title of head coach, rather than manager, yet it is a familiar model for the Uruguayan.
Poyet spent 16 months working alongside ex-Manchester City, Fulham and Southampton scout David Burke at Brighton after he was appointed the Seagulls’ head of football operations in January 2012.
And after ending Sunderland’s search for a new man in the dug-out, Poyet insists he had no qualms about working alongside De Fanti.
He told the Echo: “I am used to it. It was a process we had a Brighton as well.
“At Brighton, I was the manager and then the chairman came to me and asked me to work with a sporting director, who took the title head of football operations.
“It amounts to the same thing.
“I was not afraid because I know what I want and I know how it (the system) works.
“As long as we are all on the same page and we are all realistic, I have no issues.”
Short turned to De Fanti after becoming disillusioned with how a series of big-money signings in the Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill eras had failed to improve Sunderland’s fortunes.
Italian De Fanti was the one responsible for bringing 14 players to the Stadium of Light during the summer, yet Di Canio still had an input into the final decision on signing those fresh faces.
And Poyet realises how important it is that the arrangement between the director of football and head coach is an effective one, if it is to succeed on Wearside.
“I need to make sure that I connect well with him (De Fanti) and that we have a good working relationship,” added Poyet.
“It is not about simply being friends, but making sure that you understand one another – for him to understand what we need and for him to find what we need.”
How is YOUR club spending the £200,000 it's been given by the Premier League to improve away fans' experiences?
Sunderland: Subsidising away tickets at certain fixtures by £10 and improving the concourse, signage and bar areas for travelling fans. The Black Cats will also produce 40,000 guidebooks for visiting fans with things to see and do while in the area.
Newcastle United: Funding disabled away fan travel for the remainder of this season but other plans are still to be confirmed.
Arsenal: Fans will receive a £2.50 discount on every remaining away Premier League match ticket. The club will also provide away supporters with a £10 refreshments voucher at an away fixture this Christmas and invest in the away end at the Emirates.
Aston Villa: Offering travelling supporters free coach travel for ten games this season, starting with their match against Hull City on October 5.
Cardiff City: Will subsidise 30 coaches for Norwich City away so fans only have to pay £5. The club are also looking into other deals. Fans travelling to Cardiff should also check out the club's Away Fan Guide.
Chelsea: Subsidised travel for at least 10 away games this season including long trips to Everton, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Crystal Palace and Swansea City do a reciprocal deal which means 'any adult ticket can be purchased at half-price with every full-price junior ticket'. The Jacks also promise to provide a free hot meal for every travelling fan at Southampton on October 6.
Everton: Yet to be announced.
Fulham: Provide four free coaches at every Premier League away game. The club will also hand out free away tickets to junior season ticket holders and members.
Hull City: Offer free travel to away games and have nearly 30 coaches going to Everton on Saturday 19th October. The club will also offer free travel to Spurs (league and cup), Southampton, Arsenal, and Swansea City, all before Christmas. The club are looking at further offers in 2014.
Liverpool: Reducing away ticket prices by £2-£4, dependent on the opposition. The decision was taken after consultation with the club’s Supporters' Committee.
Manchester City: Manuel Pellegrini’s staff and first-team squad have chipped in to the offer. Half-price tickets will be on offer to season-ticket holders at selected away games. Games will be chosen if a considerable travelling distance is involved or it falls in a series of games taking place during a short period of time.
Work is underway at the Etihad to improve the experience for visiting supporters. Club captain Vincent Kompany said: 'I hope this initiative proves how much we value our incredible support on the road'.
Manchester United: Consulted the Fans’ Forum and knocked £4 off the price of every away ticket bought by a United fan, starting with the Fulham game on November 2.
Norwich City: Offering 'double discount' for trips to both Manchester clubs. The club also laid on 25 free coaches for the trip to Hull City and have offered half price tickets for Stoke City away.
Southampton: Yet to be announced.
Stoke City: Offering free coach travel to away fans for all Premier League fixtures. This has already resulted in the Potters taking a club record number of fans to Anfield for a Premier League fixture.
Swansea: see Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur: Offering subsidised travel to all 14 top-flight games outside of the London area. They'll also assist official regional clubs travel arrangements and refurbish areas used to accommodate visiting fans at the Lane.
West Bromwich Albion: The club will provide free coach travel for 2,000 West Brom fans at a yet-to-be-confirmed fixture. Discounted ticket offers for selected games will also be made available to away fans visiting the Hawthorns. Away fans will also benefit from the reduced food and drink prices in the concourses at the Hawthorns.
West Ham: The club are offering a number of incentives, including affordable tickets and reduced-price coach travel. The initiatives also include the commitment to six 'Kids for a Quid' fixtures available to visiting fans.
Don't look now, Roy! Less than a third of Premier League stars are English... down by staggering 37% since 1993
English footballers can only account for less than a third of playing time in the Barclays Premier League this season, a damning study has revealed.
The figure, 31.8 per cent, is down almost four per cent since the 2007-08 campaign, and a decrease of the 69 per cent of English players starting top-flight matches in the 1992-93 season.
The study, carried out by the BBC, also revealed that Spaniards have accounted for almost 60 per cent of minutes played in La Liga this term, while the figure of Germans featuring in their national league, the Bundesliga, stands at 50 per cent.
The figure was just over 30 per cent for last weekend's round of Premier League fixtures (see table, right) with Newcastle fielding only one Englishman.
The damning statistics come ahead of England's crunch World Cup qualification double header against Montenegro and Poland.
Alan Shearer, who captained England and holds the record for the most goals in the Premier League, told the BBC: 'These are tough times for English football at the moment. Everyone is aware that English football is not as healthy as it should be and I'm afraid it is all going to take time.'
Arsenal midfielder ack Wilshere has drawn criticism, most notably from South-African born Kevin Pietersen for declaring that 'only English people' should play for England.
His club manager Arsene Wenger, who today backed his midfielder's comments, told the BBC: 'There are only two ways you can see it - you have the opportunity to have the best players in the world in England, so let's see what they have and let's produce players who have the same qualities.
'Or you say, let's protect our players, keep the good players out and let's just play the English players. I believe that we live in a global world. The real question for English football is whether it can produce the players with the needed quality.'
While Premier League clubs spent in excess of £600million on new signings during the latest transfer window, only a tenth of that sum was spent on English players.
Sunderland signed made 14 acquisitions this summer, but only one of those was of English nationality in 19-year-old Duncan Watmore. While Tottenhan splashed over £100m on new players but failed to sign one English player.
Shearer added: 'It makes it harder for England, there's no doubt about it. 'But England didn't qualify for the US in 1994 when the percentage of British players was quite high, so I do believe that's it not only the number of foreign players in the Premier League that is making things difficult for England.
'I believe there are a number of other things. Foreign players are a lot cheaper than British players and as we all know, managers have no time whatsoever.
'There is also the hunger of young players and the coaching that players have. If you put all that together, then that's where England are at this moment in time.'
Can Gus Poyet solve the Sunderland midfield riddle?
With a new manager comes a fresh start, a clean slate.
One Sunderland player who could very well benefit the most from such a new dawn at the Stadium of Light is David Vaughan.
Much has been made of Gus Poyet’s preference for a 4-3-3 formation with an insistence on ball retention and possession football. Such a system could well be tailor made for the Welshman.
Vaughan was one of a number of players that seemed destined for the exit during the summer months as Paolo Di Canio ruthlessly attempted to conduct surgery on a beleaguered squad.
Indeed, if reports in the press at the time are to be believed, Reading were close to securing the midfielders services as part of a £1million deal.
Vaughan has often flattered to deceive as part of a two man midfield but a switch to three in the middle may well be better suited to his style of play and what Poyet is looking for.
If I were to bang the drum for one player to make a return to the middle of the park it would be Jack Colback.
However, if I were to bang the drum for one player to make a return to the middle of the park it would be Jack Colback.
I’m a huge fan of Jack with his no-nonsense approach to the game, tidy and efficient work on the ball; he goes about his business on the field with little fuss and is often goes under appreciated.
Colback has been dutifully filling in at left-back since the departure of Danny Rose following his loan spell on Wearside last year. If you’re reading this Danny, please come back, we really miss you lad.
Of course, with this being Sunderland, we failed to suitably address the situation, opting to bring in Andrea Dossena from Liverpool on a season long loan on deadline day. Seriously, what is it with this club and left-backs? We don’t seem to have had a specialist in that position for years, maybe even since Michael Gray.
Dossena recently returned from a spell in Italy, rehabilitating a thigh injury since his signing, in mid-September and may very well be close to match fitness, a return which would surely free up Colback to a return to his more natural and preferred position.
Of course while the 4-3-3 formation allows for an extra spot in the middle of the field, this may also give the incoming manager a few selection headaches given the sheer number of players vying for a spot.
At present Sunderland have Vaughan, Colback , Lee Cattermole, Craig Gardner, Ki Sung-Yeung and potentially Sebastian Larsson all staking a claim for their spot on the team sheet.
A recent impressive return to action from Cattermole and indeed a return to midfield from Craig Gardner have made the midfield scenario at Sunderland all the more intriguing.
One player who you feel is guaranteed a spot on Poyet’s side is Sung-Yeung. The Korean midfielder has really caught the eye for me personally and with his eye for a pass you have to imagine he will be a firm favourite of Poyet’s.
Phil Bardsley set to make his Sunderland return at Swansea
Journal understands the right-back returned to full training at the start of this week and is available for Gus Poyet’s first game in charge at the Liberty Stadium
Phil Bardsley is set to complete a remarkable change of fortunes and make his Sunderland return at Swansea on Saturday.
The Journal understands the right-back returned to full training at the start of this week and is available for Gus Poyet’s first game in charge at the Liberty Stadium, where the Black Cats desperately need to take points.
Having been rehabilitated in the eyes of Sunderland’s management since his casino faux-pas, he is now in serious contention to return to a squad Poyet feels needs more Premier League know-how.
Bardsley broke his foot at the start of the summer but that misfortune may have saved his Premier League career.
At that point several Championship clubs were ready to take him on loan and Sunderland had sanctioned a temporary switch for the player after failing to find a taker at their asking price of around £200,000.
Bardsley was frozen out by Paolo Di Canio after a team night out to celebrate staying in the Premier League ended with photos of the defender sprawled on the floor covered in money emerged.
He then further blotted his copy-book by posting a message on social media which appeared to mock Sunderland’s opening-day defeat against Fulham.
However, he offered a full apology to Di Canio and Ellis Short and it is understood he had been told by the Italian before his dismissal that he would be given a clean slate – just as Lee Cattermole was in the final days of the former manager’s ill-fated regime. Kevin Ball publicly absolved Bardsley and there has been a similar attitude from Poyet, the Scotland international one of the few senior professionals he has seen during his first week in charge.
While his return might split opinion among Sunderland supporters, there can be little doubt the Black Cats need everybody on board when they return to action after the international break.
Six points shy of safety, they need to take advantage of a crop of games where they will feel they can get points.
That run starts at Swansea and Poyet’s focus is on making his team more robust at the back and more competitive in the midfield area.
The Uruguyan has dismissed the idea the delay in his appointment has aided him.
While they improved over the two games, Sunderland lost to Liverpool and Manchester United in Ball’s two games in caretaker charge.
Poyet said he would have welcomed the chance to be in charge for those matches.
He said: “I watched it in a different way.
“Against Liverpool I didn’t know anything was happening, but against Manchester it was probably coming close to the final decision from the chairman.
“I was supporting the team and suffering with them. Without a doubt there was a change in attitude from the players.
“They showed more determination and aggression, that does not suggest it wasn’t there before. It was a different way before, there are different ways to football.
“I was not afraid of being in charge for those two games.
“People think ‘you were lucky for not playing against Liverpool or Manchester United’. It was circumstances. You have to accept what you get when you come in.”
Meanwhile, Duncan Watmore has been backed to make an impact at Sunderland by the club’s professional development coach Robbie Stockdale.
Watmore has made eye-catching appearances for the under-21s since joining from Altrincham.
Stockdale said: “He’s settled in well. I was one of those who watched Duncan at Altrincham and you could see there was something there.
“He has been really willing to learn and has integrated with the lads very well.
“There’s aspects of his game he needs to improve but at the same time we don’t want to lose his attributes by over coaching him.
“Duncan’s an old-fashioned kind of player in that he will get the ball and run with it.”
GUS Poyet says he did not talk transfers with owner Ellis Short before accepting the Sunderland job this week.
The ex-Brighton manager was officially appointed as the Black Cats’ new head coach on Tuesday and was instantly linked with moves to sign Scottish midfielder Liam Bridcutt and Argentinian striker Leonardo Ulloa from his former club.
There has also been the eyebrow-raising claim that Short has agreed to hand the Uruguayan a £30m war-chest for the January transfer window.
But Poyet says that the last thing that was on his mind when approaching the job was asking the owner to get his cheque book out.
“To be honest, we didn’t talk about funds for team strengthening before I came here,” said Poyet.
“My idea is to assess the players that are here and make sure I check them properly – which ones are down, which ones want to be here and which ones can help me.
“I will learn things this way.
“And then, depending on what I see in the next month or two, I will talk to the owner.
“But I don’t think we can start talking too much before then.
“At the moment, it’s not something I’m even thinking about.”
If Poyet does decide to shake up the squad in January, offloading players will be just as important as recruiting them.
New salary restrictions that came into force in the Premier League this season mean the Black Cats will have little room for manoeuvre.
Sunderland brought in a new player recruitment strategy over the summer after appointing Italian ex-agent Roberto De Fanti as director of football and former Inter Milan talent-spotter Valentino Angeloni as chief scout.
Poyet says he has no problems working within that Continental-style framework, having experienced something similar at Brighton, where the club appointed David Burke as head of football operations in January 2012.
Sunderland’s Larsson helps Sweden secure play-off spot
SUNDERLAND’S Seb Larsson helped Sweden secure a World Cup qualification play-off spot tonight after the Scandinavians emerging victorious in their crunch clash with fellow hopefuls Austria.
Larsson played the full 90 minutes in Stockholm as Sweden recovered from a one goal half-time deficit to emerge 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Norwich’s Martin Olsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
That sealed second spot in qualification group C, behind leaders Germany, who confirmed their place in Brazil with a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
Elsewhere, Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan also completed 90 minutes in Wales’ 1-0 win over Macedonia.
Black Cats winger Emanuele Giaccherini was an unused substitute in Italy’s 2-2 draw in Denmark, while Ondrej Celustka was denied a debut for the Czech Republic after being left on the bench in a 4-1 win in Malta.
Ball and Poyet keen to intergrate Under-21s with Sunderland first team
KEVIN Ball used his opportunity as Sunderland’s interim head coach to integrate the first team and Under-21s far more than they had done previously under Paolo Di Canio.
And that process is likely to continue under new head coach Gus Poyet who has already indicated that he favours closer union between the two squads.
That will be a far cry from life at Sunderland under Di Canio who put focus on the first team above all else and enforced pretty much total separation between them and the rest at the Academy.
Ball explained: “Paolo Di Canio had nothing against the Under-21s – I think he just wanted to concentrate on the first team, and that was his prerogative as manager.
“Mine would always be, if I was in charge as manager, I would want a certain integration.
“My view is that the 18s needs to dovetail with the 21s and the 21s need to dovetail with the first team and if it means that they mix in at the right time then so be it.
“Obviously you reserve the right to train separately.
“But I find it’s good to have the 18s training with the 21s at times because the 18s might think it’s easy and most quickly find that it’s not - that it’s a lot quicker.
“And then the 21s might train with the first team and find exactly the same themselves.
“On the other hand you’ll see some of the under 18s doing well enough to merit involvement with the 21s and some of the 21s doing well enough to merit involvement with the first team.
And I think what the first team get out of it is the fantastic enthusiasm and energy that youngsters can bring to training.
“I’m mindful that the first team has the experience, the strength, the physicality and the greater skill levels but they can be energised by being up against younger players.”
Those words sum up Ball’s general approach as a coach but actions speak louder than words and it was a philosophy he immediately put into practice during his brief time at the helm.
“I did it with practice matches to give squad players who have had little involvement in the first team some match practice,” he said.
“And I thought it worked well because it gave the 21s a view of the first team.
“They get to know each other and understand each other and it helps increase knowledge experience and competition within the group.”
As a rule, it’s a policy that Poyet favours and the Uruguayan indicated as much this week, when he was underlining how important he expected Ball to be in his time at the club.
“Kevin is a big part of this club and I expect to be working closely with him,” said Poyet.
“The way I work, there is quite a lot of mixing between the younger players and the senior players so I will be seeing a lot of Kevin in the weeks ahead.
”I want to get the best out of the coaching staff, as well as the players at the club.”
NEW Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has told his squad to mind their language – insisting it will be English only.
Uruguayan Poyet speaks Spanish, English, Italian and French, and has 13 nationalities on his playing staff.
He said: “On my first day in training I tried to speak a few different languages, with a bit of French and some Italian as well as my bad English. Not any longer, only English.”
GUS POYET insists there is room for Sunderland’s formation to evolve, despite being a firm advocate of 4-3-3 at former club Brighton.
Caretaker boss Kevin Ball discarded Paolo Di Canio’s faith in an orthodox 4-4-2 during his two games in charge by installing an extra man in the middle of midfield.
And that strategy is likely to remain under new Sunderland head coach Poyet, with the Uruguayan deploying three central midfielders at Brighton after stumbling upon it successfully midway through his opening season with the Seagulls.
But the Uruguayan says he must keep an open mind over Sunderland’s system; citing the example of joint Premier League leaders Liverpool who have altered their set-up to incorporate the return of striker Luis Suarez.
Poyet said: “It’s a process.
“I started with a 4-4-2 at Brighton which I was convinced by. I love the 4-4-2.
“But you need to have the players nowadays to understand that system.
“One day, by accident, we were playing Leeds away and we were not doing well.
“We went for 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 – call it whatever you like – and we were absolutely fantastic. We got a result.
“Then we said ‘why don’t we leave it for next Saturday?’.
“Then we started winning and winning and winning.
“Then we brought in the players to play that system which is the key.
“Then it became our system, but not because I chose it.
“The process here might be completely the opposite.
“I heard the other day Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool manager) say something very intelligent.
“To play the two strikers up front, he had to change to a back three.”
Poyet insists he has inherited a squad with the flexibility to play in a variety of formations.
And he will spend the next week considering how best to deploy the side for the opening game of his reign at Swansea on Saturday week.
“To pick a system and then try it is the way to do it,” he added.
“I think there’s plenty of different type of players here. You’ve got everything - speed, ability, strength, young players and different options everywhere on the pitch.
“I need to make sure that with the way we set up how we want to play, I pick the right one.”
Signed from AZ Alkmaar in the summer, Altidore has scored just once for the struggling Black Cats, and that came against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
He scored in USA's 2-0 win over Jamaica, as Jurgen Klinsmann's side clinched top spot in qualifying.
USA vs. Jamaica: Final score 2-0, USMNT turns it up late
Having already qualified for the World Cup during the last set of international matches, the United States threw out a bit of an experimental team on Friday night against Jamaica.
Unsurprisingly, without some of their best players and without anything to play for but pride, the USMNT looked flat. However, they started to play well late in the second half and recorded a fairly easy 2-0 win over Jamaica, who have been eliminated from World Cup contention.
A dull first half with few chances for either team led Jurgen Klinsmann to make a halftime substitution. Landon Donovan, who was average in the first half and has recently battled an ankle injury, was subbed off for hometown hero Graham Zusi. Whether it was because he was healthier, more motivated or some combination of the two, Zusi was much more effective than Donovan.
Still, the game was a slow one, devoid of chances until Klinsmann made a couple of other changes. Edgar Castillo replaced DaMarcus Beasley in a like-for-like switch of attack-minded left backs, while Sacha Kljestan came on for Aron Johannsson, who was lively in his first start for the U.S., moving Mikkel Diskerud to a more advanced role. All three substitutes played well from the introduction of Kljestan on, while Diskerud was more effective after the change, as well.
Zusi's opener came in the 77th minute on a well-placed finish from 15 yards. Alejandro Bedoya set it up, cutting the ball back from the right flank. Castillo set up Jozy Altidore for a goal four minutes later with an excellent cross from the left flank at the end of one of his many effective ventures forward.
The U.S. now heads to Panama for what could be a tough test against a team that will have a lot to play for, regardless of the result of their game against Mexico later Friday night.
Jamaica: Kerr, Doyley, Morgan, Mariappa, Phillips, McAnuff, Austin, Watson, Johnson (Anderson 85'), Mattocks (Robinson 73'), Brown
Goals: None
Name:
Anonymous2013-10-14 10:52
Altidore has been unfortunate thus far with a wooden Ref and the goal surround getting in the way of his maiden Premiership goal he has also been largely used as a target man which will change when Fletch is fit again but Clatter-mole if he can stay on the pitch makes a huge difference to the spine of the side.
Gus Poyet warns Sunderland players of "nightmare" 48 hours ahead of Swansea game
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has warned his players they face a "nightmare" 48 hours as he looks to get his ideas across to them ahead of Saturday's clash with Swansea.
Poyet, who replaced Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light earlier this month, has yet to meet many of his squad because of international duty this week.
The former Brighton boss admits it will be hard for them to take in all the changes at Sunderland before the Swansea game as he looks to stamp his own mark on the club.
"The Thursday and Friday before the Swansea game will be unbelievable for them," said Poyet. "The amount of information they are going to get is incredible.
"It will be a nightmare for the players coming back. They will all be together for the first time. I need them all in to convince them to be ready.
"It is going to be very demanding for them over those days. Mentally, not physically as much.
"It will be a nightmare for the players coming back. They will all be together for the first time. I need them all in to convince them to be ready."
Gus Poyet
"We need them all to know what has been happening over the last eight days, we need them prepared for the Swansea game
Poyet added: "I have spoken to a few of the guys who have been away on international duty. It's not nice for the players to be away when a new manager comes in.
"They will think 'there's a new manager who has come in, I haven't been around, so I am going to be out of the team'. It's nothing to do with that. Nothing like that.
"I want them all to be relaxed about me being here when they come back to training. I want them to just get themselves back here normal and fit."
Poyet believes there is enough quality players at the club to help them get out of trouble, but admits those who grasp his style of playing quicker than the others will stay in the team.
"I just ask them to believe and be really open minded in the beginning," continued Poyet. "They need to take it on board and to take it on board very quickly. Those who do it quickest stand a greater chance of playing.
"It's about knowing about everything we need to do on the pitch, to commit to the cause and we need to do it quickly. That's the most difficult part.
"It's difficult to talk about my style. But I try to make it easy for the players to go on to the pitch and feel comfortable, without excuses.
"To go on to the pitch and perform to their best. There are no doubts on their mind. We have to make sure we use their strength. There are players with plenty of quality here."
Sunderland's Steven Fletcher may return at Swansea City after injury
• New manager Gus Poyet given boost by striker
• Shoulder injury sidelined Scotland international
Steven Fletcher could give new Sunderland manager Gus Poyet a huge boost by returning from injury ahead of schedule this weekend.
The 26-year-old Scotland international was ruled out for up to six weeks when he suffered a shoulder injury during Paolo Di Canio's final game in charge, a 3-0 defeat at West Brom on September 21.
Poyet has revealed the striker is already pushing for a return less than a month later and could be involved in Saturday's Premier League trip to Swansea.
The manager told the Sunderland Echo: "There is a big possibility. It's some of the very good news from this week. Every player is important but we know in football that there are a few positions that are key – the goalkeeper, the spine of the team and the main man up front scoring goals. We need goals, we need players who have got the ability and Fletcher is one of those players."
Sunderland have managed only five goals in seven league games and have collected only a single point from the 21 they have contested and are six adrift at the foot of the table.
Poyet will set about the task of addressing that situation when he takes charge of the club for the first time at the Liberty Stadium, with derby rivals Newcastle due on Wearside eight days later.
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Sunderland rearrange Capital One Cup clash against Southampton
Sunderland's Capital One Cup tie against Southampton at the Stadium of Light has been moved on to avoid a clash with Newcastle's home game on the same night
Sunderland's Capital One Cup tie against Southampton at the Stadium of Light has been moved on to avoid a clash with Newcastle's home game on the same night.
Both the Black Cats and the Magpies – who face Manchester City in the same competition – were due to play on Wednesday, October 30.
But Sunderland's game against the Saints has now been moved to the following week and will now be played on Wednesday, November 6, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
A statement from Sunderland today revealed that Northumbria Police had made 'strenuous representations' to the Football League, which is responsible for scheduling games in the competition, expressing concerns about the two sides playing at home on the same night – and especially just three days after the Wear-Tyne derby.
And as a result the Football League have sanctioned Sunderland's game to be moved.
The Football League’s chief operating officer, Andy Williamson, said: “It is never ideal for a match to be dated and then moved at relatively short notice.
“Nonetheless, we have listened to the representations made by the police on this matter and have agreed that it is in the wider public interest to re-arrange this match.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes for supporters.”
Sunderland commercial director Gary Hutchinson, added: “We have agreed to move the game with great reluctance, as we know the impact this could have on supporters and appreciate and thank them for their understanding in this matter.”
Tickets bought for the original date will be valid for the rearranged fixture.
New Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher is fit for the trip to face Swansea City
Gus Poyet has confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher is fit for this weekend's trip to Swansea.
The Scotland international has been out of action for a month since dislocating his shoulder at West Bromwich Albion in what turned out to be previous boss Paolo Di Canio's final game in charge.
Fletcher was originally expected to be absent for six weeks, but has returned to training ahead of schedule and will be a part of new boss Poyet's squad for his first game in charge.
"He is available for Saturday, which is great news," said Poyet.
"When I signed the contract [to take over at Sunderland last week] there was a question mark, but now it is confirmed that he is available and he is very important for us.
"We were looking at other options up front for this game – Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini, Connor Wickham – so it came as a big boost to find that he [Fletcher] is available in any case."
Fletcher missed the end of last season and the start of the current campaign with ankle ligament damage but returned at the end of August, coming off the bench to mark his comeback with a goal in the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
He started the next game against Arsenal, and then the game at West Brom where he suffered the shoulder injury after falling awkwardly.
Sunderland paid £12m to sign Fletcher from Wolves 14 months ago, and he was the club's 11-goal top scorer in his first season with the Black Cats.
Sunderland players back Phil Bardsley return, says Craig Gardner
Sunderland's players would welcome back Phil Bardsley with open arms if he is given a fresh start under new boss Gus Poyet, according to Craig Gardner
Craig Gardner says Phil Bardsley will be welcomed back into the fold by the players – if new boss Gus Poyet hands the defender an olive branch.
Bardsley has been out of favour since falling out with previous head coach Paolo Di Canio in May, when a late-night casino visit led to him being left out of the first-team's pre-season preparations and banished to the reserves over the summer.
Former Manchester United man Bardsley then burnt his bridges with Di Canio – and many fans – by taking to social media to mock the Black Cats' opening day defeat under the Italian.
But with Di Canio now history, Poyet has insisted that everyone starts with a clean slate and that could mean Bardsley – who was voted the club's player of the year the season before last – is given a chance to redeem himself.
And if Poyet does recall Bardsley, midfielder Gardner insists the players would back the move.
“Bardo's a class player and, while it is the manager's decision, I think he deserves a second chance,” said Gardner.
“He's a good player and it was only a couple of years ago that he was our player of the year.
“Hopefully Phil will get that chance again because there is no doubt about his ability.”
A potential comeback for Bardsley is unlikely to happen any time soon, however, as the 28-year-old is still working his way back to fitness after suffering a broken foot while playing for the Under 21s in August.
And even when he has fully recovered from that injury, he will still have to build up his match fitness as the 45 minutes he played in that game for the U21s remains his only action since May.
Sunderland are at least well-served for cover in the right-back role, however, with the on-loan Ondrej Celustka proving himself a capable replacement, while Gardner has also filled in on numerous occasions.
But Gardner is best employed in his preferred central midfield role, where he impressed in Sunderland's last outing against Manchester United when he gave the Black Cats an early lead.
And the former Birmingham man is likely to reprise that role in Poyet's first game in charge at Swansea City this week.
Gardner said: “The new manager has been brilliant. He has spoken to the lads – or at least all the lads that have been here during the international break – and he wants us to play in our natural positions where possible.
“I've played some games at right-back and Jack [Colback] has played at left-back, but we both prefer playing in central midfield and hopefully we'll get a chance to do that.
“Of course, when there are injuries it is good to have players who can play in other positions.
“But if Ondrej [Celustka] or Bardo [Bardsley] is fit at right-back, and once [Andrea] Dossena is fit at left-back, it would allow the manager to use me and Jack in midfield.”
Poyet in a rush to solve riddle left to him at Sunderland by Di Canio
Sunderland have a six-day wait until they play Newcastle and that was just about the only thing Gus Poyet could celebrate at the weekend. Time is something he desperately needs if he is going to solve the riddle he has inherited from Paolo Di Canio.
He failed spectacularly in his first attempt on Saturday and now must contend with the stigma that Sunderland have equalled the worst start to a season in the Premier League era.
It’s almost entirely a problem caused by others but what can Poyet do to save a situation that seems so dire?
Mentality
Sunderland went behind after 57 minutes and within a further seven were 3-0 down. Their confidence in possession disappeared after the opener, and the players so often called ‘cowards’ by Di Canio panicked when Swansea raised their tempo, hitting optimistic long balls instead of the short passes that initially worked.
Poyet admitted his key job is to rebuild confidence, saying: ‘I’m not going to say names but there were players who reacted in a good way to the first goal and players who reacted in a different way.
‘You have to keep playing and believing. Every day, every ball. Nowadays in football the mental side is key. Managers need to be psychologists.’
Second-half struggles
Sunderland have now conceded 15 of their 20 goals after the half-time break — a league high.
Fitness is not a problem, concentration and a lack of discipline are. Two goals came from set-pieces, making it eight conceded to dead-ball situations this season, and their inability to react to an opponent’s change in tactics is also becoming an alarming theme.
Take a chance
If it wasn’t for keeper Keiren Westwood, Sunderland might have been hit for six, so poor was their defensive positioning.
But Fabio Borini and Phil Bardsley had good chances and neither forced a save. Sunderland create an average of nine chances a game but have scored only five.
Don’t panic
Sunderland have good players. Of Saturday’s starters, Westwood, John O’Shea, Lee Cattermole, Emanuele Giaccherini and Steven Fletcher offer a respectable spine and Seb Larsson and Adam Johnson can create.
Poyet wants to play like Swansea but that would require a different type of player at a club with losses of £26million a year.
Poyet said: ‘I know what we need to work on, but I don’t know how quickly it will work. I hope it works really quickly. We cannot lose many more times.’
Swansea City and Sunderland at Liberty Stadium on Saturday October 19, 2013.
A second-half capitulation with catastrophic consequences at the Liberty Stadium not only makes it the worst start by a side in Premier League history, but emphasises the magnitude of the task facing Sunderland’s new manager, Gus Poyet.
One point from a possible 24 is the tale of the tape for a side who, in the first half, looked anything but a side languishing at the foot of the ladder. However, when the unfortunate Phil Bardsley diverted a Jonathan de Guzman corner into his own net after 56 minutes, the door shot open and Swansea, needing no second invitation, marched in with all guns blazing.
A sparkling effort from de Guzman and a 63rd-minute penalty from Wilfried Bony, sealed the visitors’ fate before Chico Flores gifted Swansea City a first home victory in the league since March 2, with a fourth, 10 minutes from time. What a start for Poyet, what a start for Sunderland whose next assignment is the small matter of a north east derby against Newcastle United.
Poyet, clearly crestfallen by his side’s second half submission, said: “When you play against a team who believe in what they do, it is not easy. However, I learned a lot about my players today, especially in the second half.
“In the first half we kept the ball well and that was what my team-talk was all about at half time. Then we go and do completely the opposite. I thought I picked the right team, but as I always said to players. Don’t give the manager a chance to change the team. I think they have given me that chance.”
For Swansea, it was a Jeckyll and Hyde performance that wound up with manager Michael Laudrup giving his players a ringing endorsement for the manner in which they responded to their own inaccuracy before the break.
Still missing their defensive talisman Ashley Williams, they were clumsy and strangely laboured in an opening 45 minutes that was instantly forgettable. Still, whatever the Dane said at half time, did the trick. Although Sunderland’s incompetence was a contributory factor to their own downfall, Swansea showed greater tenacity in the final third where Michu and Jonathan De Guzman were outstanding. Laudrup said: “It has been a while since we had won here and people had been starting to talk about us. So, it was good to turn them down.”
Laudrup has never been one to raise the temperature of the dressing room. What you see is what you get – a measured manager who according to the players has a welcome way of communicating his thoughts. That said, there were moments in the first half when he did raise his hands in astonishment as Swansea did their best to invite Sunderland into the contest.
Steve Fletcher had the visitors best chance, from an Adam Johnson corner, with De Guzman’s 25th-minute free-kick and Angel Rangel’s scuffed shot, six minutes later, the best Swansea had to offer.
Thereafter, the two sides set off in opposite directions. Sunderland, having defended with an element of control before the interval, pushed the self destruct button whilst Swansea, inspired by the return of Leon Britton and the irrepressible de Guzman, seized their moment. Bardsley diverted de Guzman’s corner passed the helpless Keiren Westwood before de Guzman picked his spot from 25 yards. Six minutes later Britton was upended by Craig Gardener and Bony did the rest from a dozen yards.
At that juncture, the previously visible Poyet retired to his seat in the visiting dug-out and looked on in disbelief as Swansea added a fourth when Flores arrived on cue to head home de Guzman's 80th minute corner.
Sunderland saved my life, says former Black Cats star Jamie Lawrence
Ex-Sunderland man Jamie Lawrence began his journey from prison to Premiership 20 years ago this week
It is 20 years ago today since ex-con Jamie Lawrence took his bow at Roker Park, completing his transformation from wideboy to wideman.
With Elvis Presley’s ‘Jailhouse Rock’ booming around the ground before kick-off, it was some entrance from the former guest of Her Majesty.
There was no chance of missing the flying winger when he lined up against Luton Town that day – not with his flamboyant pineapple hairdo!
Lawrence had done time for robbery but Sunderland boss Terry Butcher handed him a lifeline – literally – by offering him the chance to swap a life of crime for a professional contract.
“Sunderland saved my life, I really believe that,” said the 43-year-old Londoner.
“Terry Butcher took a chance on me and gave me the chance to leave my past behind and play professional football, and I will always owe him and Sunderland for that.
“I had been in and out of trouble since I was in my teens.
“I had just spent three years been in prison and if I had not started playing football I would probably have ended up in a life of crime – or maybe even dead.
“I was in awe of Terry Butcher – he was an ex-England international and everyone remembers that picture of him covered in blood at the end of that World Cup qualifier.
“He had heard about me because when I was in prison on the Isle of Wight I was given special permission to go out at weekends to play for local side Cowes Sports.
“So when I got out and he invited me to train with Sunderland and then offered me a contract, I jumped at it!”
Lawrence grabbed his chance, making his debut within days as a sub in a televised 4-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, before making his first start in a 2-0 win against Luton three days after that.
He added: “I had been in prison, so the story was built up beforehand.
“The club played Jailhouse Rock over the PA before the game - maybe it was a coincidence, maybe not, but the fans were great to me.
“Having grown up in South London and then spending three years in prison, coming up to Sunderland was a shock to the system.
“With that hairdo, I must have come as a shock to the fans, too!”
Lawrence’s stay on Wearside turned out to be brief.
Butcher was sacked the following month and his successor Mick Buxton made it clear the newcomer - who ended up making only four first-team appearances for the club - was not part of his plans.
Lawrence said: “We did not really get on.
“He was a bit of a sergeant-major and I had had enough of that in prison!”
Buxton sold Lawrence to Doncaster in March 1994 but in January 1995 Martin O’Neill took him to Premier League Leicester City, where he helped the Foxes win the Coca-Cola Cup two years later - defeating Middlesbrough in the final.
From there he went to Bradford City, helping the Bantams win promotion to the Premier League alongside Sunderland in 1999, and his career also included spells at Walsall, Wigan, Grimsby and Brentford.
He also won international honours with Jamaica, earning 24 caps for the Reggae Boyz. He said: “Playing for Jamaica, which is where my parents are from, was a huge honour for me. It was massive.
“It just goes to prove you can turn your life around.”
During his spell at Sunderland, Lawrence played alongside the likes of Kevin Ball, Gary Bennett, Mickey Gray, Don Goodman and David Rush.
Lawrence added: “I have kept in touch with Rushy – he is a good friend of mine.
“I have seen a few of the other lads from time to time, too.
“Last year I came up to Sunderland to have a meal with then Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill, and I saw Bally at the training ground too.
“I was surprised Martin did not get more time at Sunderland, because he is a terrific manager.
“Since he was sacked, Paolo Di Canio has come and gone and now Gus Poyet is in charge.
“Poyet had a really good record at Brighton and hopefully he can bring some success to Sunderland and get them out of trouble.”
:: Jamie Lawrence’s autobiography, From Prison to the Premiership, will be published as a Kindle e-book in November.
Gus Poyet warns Sunderland players their derby places are in jeopardy
Gus Poyet is considering making changes for the Wear-Tyne derby, after admitting that none of hsi outfield players impressed in the Swansea debacle
Gus Poyet has warned his Sunderland players that their places are at risk for next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby.
The new Black Cats boss was deeply disappointed at the way his side collapsed in the second half at Swansea City, which left him trying to explain away a 4-0 defeat in his first game in charge.
Only goalkeeper Keiren Westwood – who made a series of magnificent saves to keep the score down to four – came out of the game with any credit.
And, with Newcastle due on Wearside next Sunday for the derby, Poyet will consider making changes to the side that failed so dismally at the Liberty Stadium.
“I thought I picked the right team in the first half (at Swansea),” said Poyet.
“Now if you ask me, I am not so sure.
“I ask the players to play for their positions, I ask them not to give me the chance to make changes and pick others.
“Unfortunately, they gave me the chance to do whatever I like next week.
“And what a game it is next week!
“Now it is serious. It is a derby, we are at home and we have not won a game this season.
“So this is the time to start.”
Sunderland’s seventh defeat in eight games this season means they remain six points adrift at the foot of the Premier League, and Poyet insists he understands the urgency of the situation.
He wants his side to replicate their recent first-half performances – against Swansea yesterday, and in interim boss Kevin Ball’s final game in charge against Manchester United a fortnight ago – over a full 90 minutes.
He said: “The only thing we can do is work and work to extend that (first-half) performance to 90 minutes as soon as possible, because time goes past, games pass by and we are still at the bottom.
“Swansea couldn’t get through against us in the first half, but they kept going.
“And that is a style and a consistency that you need at any level, but we don’t have that.
“We need to start getting it quickly – very quickly.”
Sunderland player ratings: Just how bad were the 'gutless' Black Cats against Swansea?
Gus Poyet's tenure as Sunderland got a off to a disastrous start at the weekend when he saw his new side suffer a 4-0 thrashing at Swansea.
Our man Neil McLeman was at the Liberty Stadium and he didn't hold back on his assessment on the Sunderland performance, calling the squad "gutless losers" before pulling no punches with his individual player ratings, which you can see here.
Poyet himself even questioned the attitude of some of his players after the visitors conceded the first goal, as the Black Cats capitulated and suffered their seventh loss in eight games.
Sunderland sit rock bottom of the Premier League having picked up just a solitary point to leave their new boss with a real job on his hands.
Do you agree with Neil's no-nonsense player ratings below? Has he been to harsh on the north east strugglers? Or has he gone easy on them?
Let us know what you think.
Keiren Westwood: Brilliant saves from De Guzman and Michu. Powerless to stop goals. 7
Ondrej Celustka: Useless and gutless. 4
John O'Shea: Less gutless than many others. 6
Valentin Roberge: Clueless and gutless. 3
Phil Bardsley: Gutless. Hahahahahaha. 2
Lee Cattermole: Has guts. Just talentless. 4
Sebastian Larsson: Past it and gutless. 4
Craig Gardner: Clumsy and gutless. 4
Emanuele Giaccherini: Ineffective and gutless. 5
Adam Johnson: Anonymous and gutless. 5
Steven Fletcher: Not as gutless as his team-mates. 6
Wes Brown set to return to Sunderland - Gus Poyet hopes of rescued defense
INJURY-JINXED Sunderland defender Wes Brown is in line for a dramatic comeback in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby – 21 months since his last Premier League game.
Black Cats chief Gus Poyet is ready to call upon the experienced former Manchester United and England centre-half to plug the leaks in a back line which has conceded a whopping 20 goals in eight games.
The Uruguayan claims he needs a settled back four if Sunderland are to have any chance of avoiding relegation this season.
In the wake of Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Swansea, which kept the Black Cats at the foot of the table, he’s desperate for Brown’s stabilising presence.
1The 34-year-old has been plagued by knee trouble since being carried off in a 1-0 win over Manchester City on New Year’s Day 2012.
However, he came through 90 minutes as an over-age player in the Under-21s’ draw at home to Chelsea at the weekend.
Now Poyet will assess Brown in the days ahead to find out if he can be thrown into the red-hot cauldron of a North East showdown.
Sunderland’s new manager believes a fully-fit Brown could be the answer to his team’s problems at the back.
“He could be everything that you need in the Premier League,” said Poyet.
“He’s experienced, played at the highest level for one of the best teams in the world and knows the game so well.”
So far this term captain John O’Shea has had three defensive partners – Carlos Cuellar and summer signings Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite – but none have looked the long-term answer.
Now Poyet is looking to reunite ex-Old Trafford pair O’Shea and Brown, with the former admitting something needs to be done fast if Sunderland are to avoid being cast adrift.
“When you’re letting teams score that many goals against you it’s going to be a long, hard season,” said the Irishman.
“We know where we are in the league and what we have to do is win some matches – and there’s no better way of doing that than against Newcastle.”
O’Shea, however, accepts that right now Sunderland are a soft touch.
He added: “We need to be stronger mentally. We have to make sure we keep our heads up because at the minute they go down too easily.”
Sunderland v Newcastle: Where are you watching the derby?
We want to know where Newcastle and Sunderland fans will be watching the Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday
The Sunderland v Newcastle United derby is one of the key calendar dates for many football fans, and the first meeting of the 2013/14 Premier League season is almost upon us.
With the game just around the corner we want to know where Newcastle and Sunderland fans will be watching the clash.
From Springfield, USA to Sydney, Australia, fans have been getting in touch to tell us where they will be watching - so why not join them.
Check out where supporters of both sides are going to be on Sunday with our interactive map - let us know your whereabouts for the game and we'll add you to our derby day map.
Everton and Sunderland face uphill battle to sign South Korea ace Lee Chung-yong
EVERTON and Sunderland will have to battle to convince Bolton to sell Lee Chung-yong, after boss Dougie Freedman reveals he intends on keeping the South Korea star.
Lee has failed to make a start for the Trotters since late September, and with interest from the Premier League developing, the South Korea international’s days playing at the Reebok Stadium could be over.
Despite Everton boss Roberto Martinez getting off to a great start at Goodison Park, the Spaniard will be looking to add to his squad in January to continue re-building the team he inherited from David Moyes in the summer.
Sunderland, who were interested in the player’s services back in the summer window, may look towards Chung-yong as they look to bring new faces to the Stadium of Light to turn their season around; the Black Cats are currently rock bottom of the league.
However, Freedman has dismissed claims that the 25-year-old could be on his way out of Bolton in January and has backed the winger to reproduce the form which saw him heavily linked with a big-money transfer before his horrific leg break in 2011.
He told the Bolton News: "He is an exceptional player but he hasn't found his top form since that broken leg. But when he gets to the Christmas period you will see a top Chungy.
"Will he be going anywhere? Absolutely no chance. And I think Chungy realises that as well.
"He has a World Cup coming up and the last thing he needs is to be moving to a different country or a different club and maybe not playing. Chungy is a good lad and understands that."
New Sunderland boss Gus Poyet pulled no punches as he delivered a frank assessment of his side's second-half capitulation in their 4-0 defeat at Swansea.
The Swans had not won on home soil in eight Barclays Premier League games and were frustrated by the Black Cats during a goalless first half.
But Phil Bardsley's own goal, a wonderful Jonathan de Guzman strike and Wilfried Bony's penalty - Swansea's first in 56 league games - completely altered the course of the match in just seven minutes.
Chico Flores rubbed further salt in the wound by heading in a De Guzman corner - via unlucky Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher - with 10 minutes to go.
Sunderland had been combative until the 57th-minute opener, with Fletcher and Bardsley having their best chances, but they fell apart during the final half-hour to illustrate the task facing Poyet as he seeks to draw the Wearsiders clear of the relegation mire.
Sunderland remain rooted to the foot of the table with one point from eight games, and Poyet is fully aware of the challenge ahead.
The Uruguayan said: "I learnt a lot from my players, particularly in the second half.
"My team talk at half-time was all about the ball and what we needed to do better with it to go and create something more.
"The rest of the game I was very pleased with as we had worked on being well organised and difficult to beat. Then we got to the second half and we did completely the opposite. It's difficult to explain.
"We have no other option than to work and turn that (first-half) performance into 90 minutes as soon as possible, as time and games will pass by with us still at the bottom.
"Any team can concede a goal, if you cannot play any more because you concede a goal, you deserve to be at the bottom."
Poyet also suggested he is prepared to make changes for next weekend's derby meeting with Newcastle having been unimpressed with how his men reacted to falling behind.
"I thought I picked the right team in the first half, now if you were to ask me if I did, I would not be sure," he said.
"They have given me a chance. As a player you do not want to give the manager the chance to pick someone else. They have given me the chance to do that whatever they like this week.
"What a game we have next week. It is becoming serious, it is a derby, we are at home, we are not winning games and now is the time to start."
Swansea had only been above the relegation zone on goal difference heading into the weekend, and their tension at the lack of a home league win since March was clear to see during an error-strewn first half.
But boss Michael Laudrup was delighted by how his side had turned it around after the break.
Laudrup said: "In the Premier League it has been a while since we won at home. We have won all three of our home games in the Europa League, but this is our first of the league season.
"We can always talk about who we have played against, and we have played three of the top teams here this season. But when people start to talk it is good to turn it down immediately, and the only way to do that is by winning."
The only negative for Swansea was an ankle injury suffered by left-back Ben Davies, who was withdrawn early in the second half and left the Liberty Stadium wearing a protective boot.
Laudrup confirmed the Wales international will undergo an X-ray to determine the severity of the damage.
He said: "It's another ankle injury, we have already had a few.
"It is a twisted ankle, he fell in the first half so we agreed to let him start the second half but after two or three minutes you could see it wasn't good.
"He will probably go for an X-ray, but I am not a doctor and we have to wait for the X-ray. But I think he may be out for the next two games (against Kuban Krasnodar and West Ham) at least."
Rowell Report: Second half exposed all of Sunderland’s weaknesses
SUNDERLAND resumed their Premier League action after the international break and it was business as usual, unfortunately.
New head coach, same old story – with Sunderland suffering their heaviest defeat of the season so far.
Sunderland are the team that just keeps giving – to the opposition, that is.
Own goals, unnecessary penalties and our regular habit of conceding from corners and this game, especially the second-half, exposed all of Sunderland’s weaknesses.
There was only one goal of the four that we didn’t contribute to – de Guzman’s stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The other three were all preventable, with decent defending and organisation.
The penalty that Gardner conceded was quite simply a gift to Swansea and the two goals conceded from corners both ended in our net off our own players, showing the utter confusion there is when we are defending set pieces.
At half-time, things had been looking good.
The first 45 minutes were evenly matched with Sunderland having the best chance in Fletcher’s early miss.
But the second half turned into a nightmare for Sunderland and the travelling fans.
Once Swansea scored from Phil Bardsley’s own goal, there was only going to be one winner, as the Sunderland players were drained of all confidence and energy.
The difference in body language from being on level terms to being a goal down was alarming and I wasn’t surprised when Gus Poyet questioned the mental strength of some of the players.
Yet again, changes were made but nothing is working.
And the returning Bardsley had a five-minute spell he would rather forget when he missed a chance at one end and scored against his own team at the other.
Poyet’s biggest challenge now, apart from lifting the confidence of his players, is finding his best team.
There seems to be changes every week and does anybody actually know what our best 11 is?
Poyet needs to find this out soon, as we need to start looking like an organised, professional Premier League team, rather than a bunch of strangers, as was the case in the second half last Saturday.
Derby win can kick-start our season, says Sunderland boss Poyet
GUS POYET says it would be the “perfect moment” for Sunderland to end their six-month search for a Premier League victory against Newcastle United this weekend.
Sunderland’s 3-0 success at St James’s Park in April proved pivotal towards the Black Cats remaining in the top flight last season.
The Wearsiders followed up their derby joy by beating Everton six days later, but Sunderland haven’t tasted a Premier League victory in the 12 subsequent games.
With only a solitary point on the board, Poyet’s side are already facing a huge battle to avoid relegation after suffering six straight league defeats.
But while the new head coach acknowledges the dramatic improvement Sunderland need to produce against the Magpies, he knows what a huge boost a derby success would bring for his beleaguered team.
“The only thing that matters is that it’s the derby, it’s Newcastle,” said Poyet.
“It’s a perfect moment to win a game, to start winning.
“But on the other hand, we need to change and improve dramatically if we want to win.
“I think a defeat like Swansea shows you why we are there (at the bottom). Nothing else.
“I don’t think you can analyse more than that.
“We work well to a point, but then everything goes awry because of whatever happens.
“That is something we need to address very quickly.”
Poyet has only been on Wearside three weeks, yet the Uruguayan insists he has been made fully aware of the stakes on Sunday by supporters from both clubs.
But he says his focus couldn’t turn to the derby until the conclusion of his opening game in charge against Swansea – an encounter which proved to be an inauspicious bow after the Black Cats’ shambolic second half collapse.
“It’s been difficult not to think about the derby,” added Poyet.
“I was out in Newcastle having dinner during the international break and they were already talking about it.
“But I wanted to wait until this week to deal with it.
“I’m the type of person that when we finish at 6pm on a Saturday, I’m normally dead.
“But from Sunday morning, whatever time I wake up, it’s all about the next game.
“Of course, I stop in the afternoon to watch the games on TV.
“But we couldn’t start looking at Newcastle until then.”
Black Cats give Tynesiders a boost ahead of FA Cup clash
Sunderland 4 - Gateshead 2
Sunderland played Gateshead in a behing closed doors friendly ahead of the Heed's FA Cup Qualifying round trip to Chester
Sunderland have given Skrill Premier side Gateshead an FA Cup boost ahead of Saturday’s important final qualifying round trip to Chester.
The Black Cats agreed to stage a behind-closed-doors game at the Academy of Light which gave valuable game time for a number of returning Gateshead players.
Defender Carl Magnay and midfield man Micky Cummins both played the full 90 minutes after ankle and hand injuries and former Black Cat Jamie Chandler played his first full game after a five-match lay-off.
Another former Sunderland player, Dan Smith, made his comeback after an operation on his knee and another returnee, James Brown, also got 90 minutes in.
The former Hartlepool star headed Gateshead in front after just 82 seconds from Newcastle United trainee Marcus Maddison’s pinpoint free-kick.
Liam Hatch, who played in defence in the first half and attack in the second, was also on target with a header, but two unfortunate Reece Noble own goals and two George Honeyman penalties gave Sunderland a 4-2 win.
Maddison and frontman Richard Brodie, just back at Gateshead after a loan spell at Hereford United, were both withdrawn at half-time.
“They weren’t good enough and have to be better,” said Mills “I’ve got a great set of players and everyone has to adhere to what we do and what I expect and demand from them. It was a really good work out and just what the players coming back from injury needed. The game was played at a good tempo which was perfect for us and for Sunderland.
“Magnay was the best player on the pitch and I was pleased with Adam Boyes. It was good of Sunderland to host the game and it’s strengthened my options for Saturday.”
On loan Middlesbrough defender Lewis Sirrell should be fit for the trip to Chester after injuring his big toe, but former Boro schemer Josh Walker faces a race against time due to an ankle injury.
Things with more points than Sunderland - and believe it or not, there's quite a few! but not Newcastle last season
Newcastle retards set up site in homage after rivals record-breaking bad start to the campaign, which matches the same bad run Newcastle had last season.
Sunderland's poor start to the Premier League season is the butt of the joke on a recently-created website, which matches the same bad run Newcastle had last season, which they seem to forget.
The aptly named Things with more points than Sunderland is created by New3astl0 United jobless, providing ideas such as a plug, a compass and former player Stephane Sessegnon, who picked up a drink-driving ban earlier this month.
The Black Cats are rock-bottom of the table after picking up just one point from their opening eight games and have suffered six defeats in succession.
New boss Gus Poyet saw his side fall to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Swansea on Saturday and the players' attentions must now turn to the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season this weekend.
The site also infers that should Sunderland continue this form for the remainder of the season, they would finish with just 4 points and it would take them 7 years to register the 40 points which usually ensures survival.
The site has gone down a storm on Twitter and follows their name change to '5under1and', created by Magpies' supporters, following the demolition of their rivals in 2010, much like New9ast1e from 1908.
[b]Anger will only spur Sunderland on, insists Emanuele Giaccherini [b]
Emanuele Giaccherini says Sunderland must channel all the anger surrounding their Swansea mauling into this weekend's Wear-Tyne derby
Emanuele Giaccherini has revealed Sunderland’s dressing room was full of fury after their 4-0 humiliation at Swansea – and insists the Black Cats must turn that anger to their advantage in the Wear-Tyne derby.
Sunderland’s second-half collapse at the Liberty Stadium saw them suffer their heaviest defeat of the season, and Giaccherini says the players felt disappointment and anger in equal measure following the final whistle.
But the Italy international says that anger only goes to show that the players care, and it will only redouble their resolve to make amends when rivals Newcastle United visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
“The Swansea result was a very bad one for us and nobody was happy in the dressing room afterwards,” said Giaccherini.
“We were angry with ourselves and angry with each other because it was not a good performance – the second half especially.
“But I don’t think anger is a bad thing among the players after a bad defeat – it shows that they care and that they have passion.
“It shows they have not lost their heart. It is important now though that we use that anger the right way, that we control it and take it into our next game and that we use it to drive us on to get the win that we need.”
Giaccherini was one of the 14 new faces who joined Sunderland over the summer, with the Black Cats paying £6.8m to sign him from Serie A champions Juventus.
Sunday’s game will be his first taste of derby action in England, but the 28-year-old insists he knows exactly how important this fixture is to fans of both sides.
He said: “The fans should know that new players at Sunderland are quickly told how important the derby is.
“I have played in derbies before and I understand what they are all about.
“I am looking forward to the game and every Sunderland player must do the same because we need to be completely focused on getting a win.”
Sunderland’s development squad ran out 4-2 winners against Skrill Premier outfit Gateshead on Tuesday afternoon in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Academy of Light.
George Honeyman scored twice from the penalty spot for the hosts whilst former Sunderland youth Reece Noble twice diverted into his own goal.
James Brown and Liam Hatch scored for the Heed, who included four former Black Cats in their starting line-up.
The visitors were ahead after just two minutes as Brown headed Marcus Maddison’s cross home at the near post.
Craig Lynch, who started his first game this campaign, went close to equalising for the hosts but dragged his shot wide after being played in by Honeyman.
Honeyman then went close to finding the equaliser but the Prudhoe-born midfielder shot wide from 25 yards.
Joel Dixon made a smart low save to deny Brown his second before the Black Cats, urged on by coach Ball, upped the ante.
Louis Laing, playing his first 90 minutes of the campaign, went close when he broke from midfield to crash a low drive towards the bottom corner only for a sharp save from Alex Baird to deny him.
And, from the resulting corner, Lynch curled just wide from the corner of the box as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
The Black Cats did level on the half-hour as Honeyman was felled in the area by former Sunderland defender Dan Smith before getting up to convert the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner of Baird’s goal.
And the hosts were ahead after just three second-half minutes when Carl Lawson and Honeyman linked up well before the former’s shot was deflected over the line by Noble.
Honeyman continued to be a thorn in the Heed’s defence and he went close to his second when played in by Adam Mitchell but, after cutting onto his left foot, he shot straight at Baird.
Mitchell himself had a glorious opportunity to double Sunderland’s advantage when he broke in behind Noble from Tom McNamee’s long ball but failed to beat Baird when one-on-one with the Australian keeper.
Gateshead equalised on 65 minutes as Smith’s cross was flicked on by Adam Boyes before Hatch nodded into the top corner beyond Dixon.
It took just ten minutes for Sunderland to regain the lead as substitute Liam Marrs cut back for Lynch, who saw his shot deflected over his own line by Noble.
Honeyman sealed the win in the closing stages as Mitchell closed down Heed keeper Baird and forced the stopper to bring him down inside the area before Honeyman smashed down the middle to grab his second goal of the game.
Gateshead fielded an experienced side and got valuable game time into a number of returning players in a behind-closed-doors game against a youthful Sunderland outfit at the Academy of Light.
Two unfortunate Reece Noble own goals in the second half and two George Honeyman penalties, one in each half, saw the Heed beaten 4-2 after James Brown had opened the scoring after just 83 seconds.
The scores had been level at 1-1 at the break, Liam Hatch then equalised after the Black Cats had taken the lead for the first time only for the home side to score two more.
Sunderland moved the ball about with pace and created a host of chances in what was a tough 90 minutes for a Gateshead side that included four former Black Cats.
Dan Smith played his first game after his knee operation but Joe Tait, back in training after an operation himself, did not feature.
Carl Magnay and Micky Cummins both returned after injury and two more players back after injury, Jamie Chandler and Brown, played the full 90 minutes.
"It was an excellent work out and just what we needed with players coming back from injury and others needing game time, so it was perfect for us," said manager Gary Mills.
"It was good for Sunderland as well as it was a proper game. Boyes did well and Magnay was possibly the best player on the pitch, he was excellent at centre-half.
"Brown scored a good goal at the start and it was a useful work out for him and will have done him the world of good.
"You always want to win games but It was more about the minutes and getting the fitness levels up."
An Andrew Cartwright foul on Marcus Maddison saw the former Magpie's inviting second minute free kick headed into the top corner by Brown - a good goal and a dream start.
It was hard work for the rest of the half as an impressive Sunderland dominated the football, Craig Lynch putting a one-on-one wide as Heed debutant keeper Alex Baird narrowed the angle.
Honeyman was then inches wide while Brown ran at the Black Cats defence to hit a shot that Joel Dixon saved to his left.
Louis Laing did the same at the other end, Baird diving to his right to turn the shot away one-handed and from the corner Lynch shot inches wide.
Sunderland were then given a soft penalty by Football League referee Geoff Eltringham to get back into the game just before the half hour.
There appeared to be minimal contact when Smith challenged Honeyman on the right side of the box but Eltringham surprisingly pointed to the spot.
Honeyman duly converted the penalty, Maddison's shot then blocked while Brown shot well over from 25 yards.
Maddison and Richard Brodie were withdrawn by Mills at the interval and Gateshead were behind three minutes into the second period.
Substitute Noble, a former Sunderland trainee, turned Carl Lawson's shot into his own net and then Australian Baird saved from Honeyman when the midfielder was in on goal.
Baird then came to the rescue with his boot when Adam Mitchell had got beyond Noble but Gateshead were level midway through the half.
Smith's cross from the left was headed on by Boyes for the unmarked Hatch, at the back in the first half and up front for the second, to head over an exposed Dixon.
Sunderland missed another golden chance when Mitchell got behind the Heed defence only to volley over from outside the box with only Baird to beat.
Two minutes later, however, a Lynch shot struck Noble on the chest to deflect into the net and then Baird lost control in the box and his lunge at Mitchell resulted in another penalty.
Again Honeyman scored from 12 yards, Chandler having the chance to pull a goal back but his toe poke from deep inside the box brought a one-handed save from the Black Cats keeper.
Sir Alex Ferguson blasts Roy Keane's failed spells as Sunderland and Ipswich manager
ROY KEANE’S managerial ability is rubbished by his former Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson in an attack on his former skipper in his new autobiography that pulls no punches.
Relations turned sour between the pair when Keane began to struggle to cope with his diminishing powers as a midfield enforcer. Instead, Ferguson feels he turned to bullying his team-mates to compensate for his frustration. The United manager even feared that Keane no longer had the ability to rein himself in appropriately.
Things finally began to come to a head in the 2005-06 pre-season trip to Portugal, when Keane complained about the accommodation in the Vale do Lobo centre established by assistant Carlos Queiroz and refused to be billeted there.
The blazing row was the tipping point for Keane, who then aggravated the uneasy relationship further with an attack on team-mates during an MUTV interview. Ferguson angrily confronted Keane and told him his comments were a "disgrace" and a "joke".
The Republic of Ireland international left for Celtic shortly and then management with Sunderland and Ipswich. And it is on his career after playing that Ferguson used his most damaging barb about Keane.
"His two spells in management proved one thing: he needs money," he said simply.
Two months after leaving Old Trafford, Keane surprised Ferguson by returning to the club unannounced to apologise to Ferguson personally for his behaviour.
But the 71-year-old feels Keane simply could not help himself and things between them soured again when, in Ferguson’s opinion, he used his new role as a TV pundit to look for for excuses to pick at United.
Despite agreeing a communal vow of silence on the day Keane left United, Ferguson justifies revisiting the incident in the book by claiming that Keane broke ranks when he was in charge at Sunderland.
When he did that, Ferguson revealed United’s former chief executive David Gill even considered suing Keane, but the canny Scot felt that was playing into his former player’s hands. Instead he insisted the club stay away from an unseemly courtroom spat.
But Ferguson concludes: "He has the most savage tongue you can imagine."
Vaughan - 'gutless' accusations dented Sunderland's pride
DAVID VAUGHAN is confident that Sunderland can avoid relegation this season - starting with a victory against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Black Cats go into the Wear-Tyne derby with one point from the first eight games of the Premier League season and with a 4-0 defeat at Swansea City behind them.
The display at the Liberty Stadium prompted one national newspaper to brand Sunderland’s players ‘gutless’ - a move which has enraged the Black Cats players. Vaughan is determined that they can put on a better show on Sunday afternoon.
“Obviously we’ve come in for criticism from different aspects of the media and fans so this is an opportunity for us to answer back and actually show what we can do,” he said.
“I’ve not seen much of the media over the weekend but we know what we’re capable of and what we can do. We’ve got to start doing it. It’s a good opportunity for us to kick-start our season and turn things around if we win the derby.
“People are calling it a ‘must-win’ – I think it is important that we don’t lose. If we get something we can build on that and try and turn the situation around.”
Gus Poyet’s first game in charge of Sunderland outlined the task the Uruguayan is facing, with all four goals coming in the second half as the Black Cats visibly tired.
Vaughan understands that, as the basement side in the division, Sunderland are there to be shot at and it is up to the players to prove they are better than the statistics suggest.
“It does dent your pride a bit. Losing the games we have and our start to the season means people are going to take digs at us. We’re hurting from it but we’ve got to stay positive and we need to get up the table as quickly as possible,” said Vaughan.
“We’ve been close in a lot of games. It’s the odd game here and there. The performances have been OK, it feels like we’ve been just a little bit away. But we need to start turning that into results now.
“We’ve got to go into the games thinking we can win and to get as many points as we can to try and get ourselves out of this situation.
“We don’t believe we’re down at all. We think we can still get enough points to keep us in the Premier League, which is obviously the big aim for everyone this season.”
Defeat in South Wales could not be any worse preparation for the biggest game of the season so far, and Vaughan, having scored the third goal in Sunderland’s 3-0 demolition on Gallowgate in April, knows more than anyone what a win means.
“The atmosphere is absolutely sensational in these games. You will never hear anything like it in any football game you play in,” he said.
“Winning that last one will affect this game. The Newcastle players and fans will remember the last game and want some revenge – it’s up to us to try and prevent them from doing that and to try and get ourselves the points that we obviously need.”
This week has given Poyet the opportunity to work with his players further having only two days last week to implement his ideas on Sunderland, and Vaughan, an unused substitute in Swansea, is champing at the bit to get his chance.
“The new manager seems good,” said the Wales international. “I like the way he wants his teams to play and the methods in training. Hopefully I can get the chance to play and show what I can do now.”
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Newcastle ready for ‘tough battle’ at struggling Sunderland
NEWCASTLE United are ready to roll up their sleeves and take the battle to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
That’s the verdict of defender Mike Williamson ahead of the 149th meeting between the two sides on Sunday.
Williamson and his team-mates are full of confidence after taking four points from Liverpool and Cardiff City in their last two Premier League games.
Sunderland, by contrast, have claimed just one solitary point all season, and Gus Poyet’s side are smarting from their 4-0 defeat to Swansea City at the weekdend.
But Williamson, a veteran of five derbies, knows form will count for little if the team isn’t prepared to compete for 90 minutes.
“That will be another tough one,” Williamson told the Gazette. “We know it’ll be a very tough battle to say the least, and if we don’t turn up and match them, we’ll struggle.
“We know what we’ve got in the changing room. It’s just about translating that on to the pitch on a Saturday.
“If everyone does the basics, we know we’ve got the players to cause the opposition lots of problems.
“It’s about building that consistency and momentum.”
Williamson started the season out of Alan Pardew’s side, but he returned to the starting XI against Cardiff earlier this month, and he will be partnered by Steven Taylor at the Stadium of Light if the defender proves his fitness in time.
The absence of captain Fabricio Coloccini due to injury is a blow.
Pardew will also be without the suspended Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, dismissed against Liverpool for bringing down Luis Suarez.
But Williamson, 29, is confident Newcastle have the “strength in depth” at the back to cope at the Stadium of Light.
“The manager’s had to look at the strength in depth and bring players in,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of different players coming in, but it’s all about continuing that philosophy we’ve got and staying tight and compact.
“If we can maintain that, it doesn’t matter who the personnel are.”
Yanga-Mbiwa was sent off with United leading Liverpool 1-0. Steven Gerrard cancelled out Yohan Cabaye’s stunning opening goal from the penalty spot before the break, but Paul Dummett put Newcastle back ahead early in the second half.
Daniel Sturridge claimed a point for the visitors with a 73rd-minute equaliser.
Reflecting on the game, Williamson said: “We’ve taken a lot of positives. It was a great point in the end.
“They were full of confidence. We only have to look at the players they’ve got. They manager’s got them playing collectively, and it was a very difficult time to face them.
“We stood up and limited their chances and created a few of our own.
“I think we’ve got some fantastic defensive players, and we showed our defensive qualities.
“The character in the group showed through, and it would have been easy to let our heads go down after the sending off, but everyone dug in and stayed together. It was a great point.
“It was all about trying to organise and keep our shape and discipline, and making the right judgement calls.
“I thought all the lads, from the front to the back, were fantastic.”
Rock-bottom Sunderland set to play Wes Brown in Newcastle derby after 21 months out
Black Cats hope injury-ravaged former England international and Premier League title winner can fix their leaky defence
Gus Poyet is poised to take a massive gamble by recalling forgotten man Wes Brown for Sunday's crunch derby against Newcastle.
Sunderland and former England defender Brown has not played a first-team match for 21 months but has fought back from repeated injury setbacks to be fit for the North-East derby.
Poyet has wiped the slate clean for all his players since succeeding the sacked Paolo Di Canio, and admits he is crying out for some defence-steadying experience to prevent a morale-sapping eighth defeat in the season's first nine league matches.
The Black Cats are searching for their first win of the season and while throwing former England international Brown into a game of such intensity might be a risk, Poyet may reason he couldn't do much to worsen a defence that has leaked 20 goals in the eight league matches so far.
Brown, a former title winner at Manchester United, has come through a training ground friendly and a U21s match in the past week, along with other misfits including Cabral, Modibo Diakite and Connor Wickham.
Poyet said: "Wes is fit and he's been training with us all week and he played in a behind closed doors friendly we had on Tuesday. It's a decision we need to make.
"Whether somebody's fit enough to play 90 minutes or not or how many players there are in that situation you can't take a chance.
"But you can't have too many on the pitch that can't play 90 minutes.
"Depending on that, we will make a decision on it.
"He could be everything that you need in the Premier League. He's experienced he's played at the highest level, at one of the best teams in the world, and he knows the game well.
"Hopefully we can see him very soon on the pitch."
Skipper John O'Shea admits Sunderland, beaten 4-0 at Swansea on Saturday in Poyet's first match in charge, are staring at a relegation season unless they toughen up.
"We were under no illusions before the game about the position we're in in the league. When you're letting teams score that many goals against you, it's going to be a long, hard season.
"We know where we are in the league and we know what we have to do - we have to win matches. There's only ourselves whose going to help us.
"The manager has come in and we have to show him why he wanted to take this job and how we can get out of this position. There's no better way of doing that than against Newcastle.
"We have to make sure we keep our heads up. They go down too easily at the minute.
"When you see the way the team played in the first half, to what we did in the second half, heads dropped too easily after the first goal went in.
"We need to be stronger mentally."
There is some good news for Sunderland - Newcastle are facing defensive problems of their own, with captain Fabricio Coloccini out for at least a couple of weeks.
However, Steven Taylor is likely to return from injury and go straight into the line-up at the Stadium of Light.
Boss Alan Pardew said: "Paul Dummet is ready and he showed me that against Liverpool, but I think Steven with one leg will tell me he is okay for the derby.
Why the North East derby is in danger of becoming an ugly spectacle that embarrasses the region
"I want the fierce noise, the colour, the brutally partisan crowd reactions, cheeky humour, the packed stadium and the intensity to be what our big derby is known for"
Police horses beware, it's North East derby week.
It's time for a gut wrenching occasion of intense local rivalry.... equine boxing hopefully not included this season.
Newcastle versus Sunderland is a classic fixture for many a positive reason.
St James' Park and the Stadium of Light at their noisiest.
A region alive with football passion.
Work-places buzzing with debate and banter.
Players and managers fighting for their reputations - slip ups in this game can tarnish a career, or make a legend.
This season the stakes are equally high. Alan Pardew needs a good result after the defeat on Tyneside last time out. Gus Poyet needs to give a club something to cling on to in their desperate situation at the bottom of the table.
But having covered a few Tyne-Wear derbies now, a question needs to be asked.
Is the fixture in danger of becoming an ugly spectacle that embarrasses the region?
Judging by what we've witnessed in the past few years it is.
How the rest of the country laughed at the sight of the Newcastle fan trying to box Bud the police horse last season. Sunderland supporters who sent Bud a box of his favourite "Paolo Mints" showed fans at their best.
And how the nation rightly sneered at the sight of tracksuit-bottom wearing, knob-holding, arse-scratching, spotty, wasters smashing up their own city centre after Newcastle lost 3-0. Take a look at the "Wanted" pictures the police issued. Not pretty, and more than 100 arrests were made.
Abuse will be hurled at opposition players, most insanely when Newcastle make the 20 yard walk from their coach into the Stadium of Light.
Fair enough, part of the occasion, but if you get the chance, study the individuals hurling it. Their contorted red faces and bulging facial veins. Log their age, and note the kid next to them, and ponder.
At the away end, Newcastle fans will be herded like animals off their coaches into specially erected steel-lined corridors into the stadium.
Grown men won't be trusted to go anywhere near other grown men who live a few miles up the road, but happen to follow a team with a red stripe, rather than a black one.
Puffed up chests, and thuggish abuse will be sprayed around on both sides. No boys, it's not like going to war on enemy territory. It is a football match 12 Metro stops up the road.
There will be flare ups and scraps that never get any publicity, and disgust the victims and witnesses.
Is that the image we want the rest of the country, indeed the world, to think of when they see our two teams playing?
I want the fierce noise, the colour, the brutally partisan crowd reactions, cheeky humour, the packed stadium and the intensity, to be what our big derby is known for.
Not the knuckle-dragging, emotionally incontinent oafs who mentally implode at the prospect of defeat.
If football teaches us anything, it is that revenge on the pitch will soon be around the corner, and there's very little time for smugness to endure. Perhaps it will be Alan Pardew's turn to do a Di Canio style knee slide celebration on rival turf?
The vast majority turn up to cheer, jeer, bite their nails and pray their side doesn't lose. For that is surely the No 1 aim of any derby! Anything better is a celebratory bonus.
Part of what makes the Mersey derby special is the rivalry, and how both sides realise, at heart, they are one and the same. Many families have split allegiances.
It is not the same in the North East - the 16 miles between the two grounds may as well be 160.
But Geordies and Mackems share plenty in common in history, social and economic problems and future challenges.
And they share an intense rivalry over football that I hope will be a cause for celebration and positivity, this weekend.
May the best team win, and the losers carry their defeat with a defiant song and heads held high until next time.
Newcastle United thug who punched a police horse is jailed for 12 months and banned from football grounds for six years
*Barry Rogerson admitted attacking the animal outside St James' Park
*The Newcastle United fan has now been jailed for 12 months
*He has also been banned from football grounds for six years
*Newcastle Crown Court heard he had 'a large amount to drink' beforehand
A football fan has been jailed for a year for punching a police horse in the face after a derby match.
Newcastle United fan Barry Rogerson, 45, has also been banned from football grounds for six years after he attacked the horse outside St James' Park after the game between his team and Sunderland on April 14.
Rogerson, of Bedlington, Northumberland, pleaded guilty last month to a charge of violent disorder.
He was jailed for 12 months and handed a six year football banning order when he appeared for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court today.
Sentencing Rogerson, His Honour Judge Paul Sloan QC said: 'You attended the football match and by the time the match ended you were worse for wear from drinking while taking your medication.
'You were clapping your hands at the police horse, remaining there despite repeated requests to move.
'When the crowd surged forward on two separate occasions you were clapping your hands in pleasure or excitement at the events.
'You started clapping into the horses face. The police horse then started moving towards you, you were told to move back by the officer.
'You had plenty opportunity to move away but punched the horse in the head.
'There was a risk of serious injury from what you did. That officer could have been thrown from the horse causing serious injury.
'On this particular occasion you drank far more than you should have. You are in a stable relationship and have a young son aged 11. Your position is aggravated by your consumption of alcohol.'
Robert Adams, mitigating for Rogerson, told the court: 'Mr Rogerson was a man of good character.
'He is 45-years-of-age and he, perhaps more than any other, has had the humiliation of almost constant press coverage about his involvement.
'He is extremely embarrassed and ashamed of what happened. It has been difficult for him but also for his family and friends.
'He has a very good work record of 22 years, it is only illness that stops him from working. He has never bothered the police before in any way and he has never appeared in any court.
'He lives on disability allowance and his wife is in employment.
'He is therefore a man of difficulties. He is not somebody who has ever supported or encouraged this type of behaviour.
'There is no question he had a particularly large amount to drink on this day.
'He had gone to watch the match, he was with a group of friends. Most of them were completely unaware what took place until afterwards.
'He was not involved in any trouble before the start of the match. He appears afterwards to have taken up a position at an early stage.
'When there was a line of Newcastle supporters facing the police he was joining in with the jeering that was taking part at that stage. Sadly for him he maintained his position during the two sieges.
'He did not punch any human, officer or Sunderland supporter in any way. No missiles or other weapon was thrown by the defendant.
'He has no previous convictions of any sort. It is not the case that he was involved in other acts of violence around the city centre.
'His wife has told him he is not going to another football match ever.'
He added: 'Mr Rogerson has acted completely out of character while under the influence of drink.'
Rogerson was one of seven men being dealt with by Newcastle Crown Court today having pleaded guilty to violent disorder. All were jailed.
After the hearing Chief Superintendent Gary Calvert, Newcastle Area Commander, said: 'The images of Rogerson's behaviour were seen right across the country and further afield through the media and internet coverage of the disorder.
'His behaviour is clearly unacceptable and he was widely condemned by law abiding and right thinking members of the public for his actions.
'I'm keen to stress that this shouldn't be the lasting impression people have of the city of Newcastle and its football supporters.
'The derby is attended by more than 50,000 fans, including families and children, and on that day Rogerson was in the minority of people involved in disorder in Newcastle city centre after the match.
'This is absolutely not reflective of the behaviour of true football supporters and those who live in, work in and visit Newcastle.
'I welcome the sentences passed today to offenders for their part in the disorder. In particular, with the next derby just days away, I'm keen to stress that this demonstrates tough action will be taken against anyone involved in such behaviour.
'As well as a potential prison sentence, banning orders mean they will be kept away from future football matches, making them a safer environment for the real supporters who want nothing more than to enjoy the game.
'It must be noted there have been 90 people charged in connection with the disorder following the match and the majority of these are still progressing through the court system.'
The other defendants sentenced in court today after pleading guilty to violent disorder were: Alan Graham, 21, of Benwell - 18 months imprisonment; Michael Barker, 24, of Prudhoe - 18 months; Thomas Simpson, 22, of Prudhoe - 16 months; John Guthrie, 22, of New Hartley, Blyth - 16 months; Sam Miller, 19, of Harton, South Shields - 16 months plus two months for breaching a suspended prison sentence; and Robert Taylor, 18, of Elswick, Newcastle - 20 months in a young offender institution.
All those sentenced were given six-year football banning orders.
Gary Neville: Newcastle and Sunderland worthy of being at top of league
Gary Neville analyses struggling Sunderland and rivals Newcastle ahead of their meeting on Super Sunday this weekend.
A BIG TASK FOR POYET
Sunderland are in a perilous situation. One point from eight games leaves then bottom of the Premier League table and in the midst of their worst start to a season. New manager Gus Poyet has taken the reigns and is scrambling to keep the Black Cats from avoiding the drop, but a 4-0 defeat to Swansea in his first game in charge does not bode well.
GARY SAYS: "Gus Poyet has an absolutely huge job on his hands because they really are struggling. They had that initial surge when Paolo Di Canio first joined that helped them stay up and we thought that they would re-group. They've signed a huge group of players, something like 14 over the summer which is too big a turnover of players to bed in. So whoever the manager is, whether it be Di Canio, whether it be Gus Poyet there it's always going to be a big job trying to bed those players in and I think that's the big problem for them.
"They look like they're lacking energy and organisation in games at the moment but, if you remember last season they had a magnificent North East derby against Newcastle and they'll be thinking maybe this can be the turnaround game to help Sunderland get out of that mess."
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM AT SUNDERLAND?
Sunderland's bleak outlook can be easily be put down to their current poor form. So far this season they have only scored five goals and conceded 15, giving them the worst goal difference in the league.
GARY SAYS: "In the period that Poyet's been in charge he won't have been able to have done a great deal of work with the players and obviously the international breaks would have disrupted him. Also the fact that now between games with recoveries you get very little time to work with players.
"I think it will be the fundamentals where he starts - conceding goals from set-pieces is something he'll need to look at, defending properly and getting out of his box making sure there is more energy in defending.
"I was at the game against Manchester United a few weeks ago and for 45 minutes they really did play well and put a massive amount of energy in to the game but then they suffered after half-time from a drop in energy which Manchester United capitalised on.
"I think getting back to basics is the first thing they need to do - stop conceding goals - this is where the manager will want to start and it's a struggle for Sunderland at the moment. You really would think they're going to have to have a massive turnaround to get out of the problems that they're in."
ARE NEWCASTLE BEGINNING TO FIND FORM?
Newcastle have had problems off the pitch with battles between manager Alan Pardew, Director of Football Joe Kinnear and owner Mike Ashley dominating the headlines more than the football being played.
GARY SAYS: "Newcastle were on Monday Night Football a few weeks ago against Everton and you felt for them at half-time because you thought this could be a really embarrassing fixture for them, but actually, they came out in the second-half and did really well.
"I thought the spirit they showed against Liverpool after going down to 10 men was also good and it was a really good result for them. They've been slightly inconsistent but they've also had some good moments this season and I think generally with the points tally they've amassed Alan Pardew will be really happy. But then there's these types of games; if there was ever a place in the country where losing a derby matters you would say it's the North East.
"I think if Alan Pardew can win this game he will think that it has been a great start to the season, if they were to lose then people would start to look upon it negatively again. It's a huge game for both clubs."
BIG CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST
The North East has had a long and illustrious footballing history but fortunes have turned drastically in recent years, including the disastrous 2008/09 season where Newcastle and Middlesbrough were relegated and Sunderland just survived on the final day.
GARY SAYS: "I would always want the North East clubs Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough in the Premier League. I think you want all parts of the country represented and particularly the North East as it's always a great place to play football.
"I always think when you go up to the North East there's never really a feeling that they're going to be defensive against you, it's always attacking and positive and they always create a great atmosphere in the stadium particularly when I played there with Manchester United. I rarely didn't enjoy playing in the North East and we had some poor results up there sometimes. But you always felt the fans up there were appreciative.
"I think we would always want Newcastle and Sunderland to be represented. These clubs have got great stadiums, great followings and obviously you'd think they would be ripe for investment if there were owners looking to buy new clubs at the moment in the next five to 10 years.
"I know Ellis Short has invested quite a bit of money in Sunderland but they just can't get it right at the moment and there was signs a couple of years ago that Newcastle were on the right path and were getting towards Champions League football but now they've just fallen off it a little and Newcastle in particular are a club that are worthy of being right up there at the top of the league because they're a fantastic club, but so are Sunderland as well."
Troubled Sunderland may have been anything but infallible this season, but one man appears to be keeping the faith.
Pope Francis has been given a personalised Black Cats shirt ahead of this weekend's derby clash with arch-rivals Newcastle United.
The shirt was presented to him by Father Marc Lyden-Smith, who is Sunderland Football Club's chaplain.
He is in Rome with Bishop Seamus Cunningham and a group of pilgrims.
'A miracle'
Fr Lyden-Smith said: "We have 60 pilgrims from the North East in Rome at the moment visiting churches and shrines. As part of the pilgrimage we took part in the papal audience on Wednesday morning.
"As chaplain of Sunderland Football Club, they asked if I could present him with a shirt that had his name on the back - Papa Francesco.
"It was a bit of a miracle really. There were 120,000 people gathered in the square. We managed to get tickets up at the front and the pope was guided towards us.
"Some people from the North East managed to shake his hand and then I asked if he would accept the shirt and he took it and waved it in the air to cheers."
Asked if the pope would be supporting the team against fierce rivals Newcastle United at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Sunday, he said: "He is very diplomatic and wouldn't say that.
"He's a keen football fan - he was a season ticket holder before he was elected as pope."
Sunderland's Fabio Borini sinks Newcastle with stunning late goal
Alan Pardew predicted that this latest north east derby would be decided by an inspired substitution and he was proved right. Unfortunately for Newcastle United's manager the decisive change was made by Gus Poyet whose introduction of Fabio Borini paid dividends when the Liverpool loanee scored a sublime winner to offer Sunderland a Premier League lifeline.
Played against a background of swirling wind and driving rain, their first win of a hitherto sorry season made Poyet's home debut one to savour although it is unlikely to be a memory relished by Pardew. Supposedly anxious to atone for April's 3-0 defeat to Paolo Di Canio's then side on Tyneside, Newcastle under-achieved horribly and Mike Ashley, their owner, is now likely to be asking all sorts of awkward questions of his manager.
The game had barely begun before the ground echoed to choruses of "Steven Fletcher, he scores when he wants." Ankle and shoulder injuries have deprived Sunderland of Fletcher's attacking potency in recent months but, finally fully fit again, the Scotland striker did not take long to remind everyone of Newcastle's vulnerability when it comes to defending set pieces.
His goal began with Adam Johnson's fifth-minute corner. It was played short to Sebastian Larsson who passed back to Johnson whose ensuing far post cross eluded Pardew's defence, allowing Fletcher to escape the outjumped Paul Dummett's attentions and head beyond Tim Krul.
That concession made it a tough baptism for Dummett, the young homegrown Newcastle left-back making his first Premier League start out of position at centre-half after Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini both failed late fitness tests.
Watching Krul sprawling to splendidly repel a subsequent Fletcher shot it seemed hard to credit that Sunderland had only one point from eight League games but at least Ellis Short is prepared to accept some of the blame.
It has become increasingly rare for men in power to admit publicly to mistakes so hats off to Sunderland's owner, for apologising to fans in the match programme. This admission related to his appointment and swift dismissal of Paolo Di Canio. "The club has been in turmoil," acknowledged Short. "I have to take the blame for that. Clearly at least one of the decisions I made over the last several months was the wrong one. We could never have imagined in our worst nighmare being in the position we are now in."
In time Short might not need to be quite so hard on himself. Change was desperately needed at Sunderland and, even if Di Canio went the wrong way about implementing it, his reforms have arguably made Poyet's task appreciably easier. The best case scenario is that a chapter from Arsenal's past will eventually be recalled and Di Canio regarded as Bruce Rioch to Poyet's Arsène Wenger.
Back in the present Newcastle – who have generally been playing pretty well this season – were having a few too many nightmarish moments for Pardew's liking. Growing Tyneside frustration manifested itself when Cheik Tioté, the visiting captain, was a little lucky to escape unpunished for using his arms to shove Larsson in the face and again, as Yohan Cabaye was booked for a rather spiteful knee-high tackle on Jack Colback.
Often conceding possession far too cheaply, Newcastle were finding Colback and Lee Cattermole a perhaps unexpected handful in central midfield and the upshot was that the dangerous Loïc Rémy barely touched the ball during the entire first half. Similarly Hatem Ben Arfa, deployed at the centre of Pardew's attacking trinity in a 4-3-3 formation, was forced ever deeper and frequently found himself second guessed by Cattermole.
It was no surprise when Pardew opted to mirror Poyet's 4-4-2 after half-time, a switch which involved replacing Moussa Sissoko with Papiss Cissé and relocating Ben Arfa to the left wing.
Ben Arfa's low cross-shot precipitated the equaliser, Mathieu Debuchy nipping in at the far post – dodging the supposedly back-tracking Johnson en route – to tap the ball past Keiren Westwood and preface just about Pardew's sole smile since kick off.
Now it was Poyet's turn to look thoroughly fed up; even if the frowns very nearly disappeared when Fabio Borini – on for Johnson – saw a shot squirm through the advancing Krul's legs before the goalkeeper pulled off a last ditch recovery save before it crossed the line.
Undeterred, Borini, on loan from Liverpool, won it courtesy of a superlative 20 yard drive, the ball evading Krul as it arced imperiously towards the top corner following a slick build up involving Ki and Colback, completed by Jozy Altidore's adroit lay off into the Italian's path.
There was surprise last night after a football match broke out during a violent assault by a bunch of Geordies on another bunch of Geordies to decide which Geordies were hardest.
The violence occurred between two groups of psychopathic Geordies, each with a penchant for the same football team.
One football hooligan told us, “When those Geordies come onto our manor, us Geordies see it as taking a fackin’ liberty.”
“So we rounded up those Geordies, and us Geordies gave those other Geordies a right good hiding.”
Victory
The violent confrontation was marred by a 2-1 victory for Sunderland AFC, in an unprovoked football match which broke out in the midst of the savage fighting.
“It was disgusting, I could hardly see this one Geordie having his head repeatedly rammed into a plastic seat because of these blokes in bright shirts kicking a ball backwards and forwards in front of me.”
“My ticket put me almost 100 yards away from the real action, so all I could see were Mackem men running around and the odd goal.”
“If I wanted to see that sort of behaviour, I wouldn’t support Newcastle, would I?”
Organised
Organisers of both ‘firms’ have been quick to denounce the behaviour of Sunderland and Newcastle football clubs.
“How are we supposed to finally decide which is the tidiest set of Geordies if they insist on playing football right in the middle of our fights?”
“Is it any wonder attendances are down and proper Geordies are falling out of love with the game when their clubs behave like this?”
Both firms have claimed victory, and the fight is due to go to a replay at the earliest possible opportunity.
Live Text Commentary:
Match ends, Sunderland 2, Newcastle United 1. 90:00 +4:00 Full time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 2, Newcastle United 1. 90:00 +3:30 Attempt saved. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Davide Santon. 90:00 +3:03 Hand ball by Carlos Cuéllar (Sunderland). 90:00 +2:09 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Cheick Tioté. 90:00 +1:41 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Yohan Cabaye. 90:00 +1:07 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Davide Santon. 87:36 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 87:36 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 85:55 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Newcastle United. Sammy Ameobi replaces Yoan Gouffran. 83:55 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Newcastle United 1. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 83:41 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 83:41 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 83:30 Attempt blocked. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Mathieu Debuchy. 80:27 Attempt blocked. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 78:56 Foul by Paul Dummett (Newcastle United). 78:56 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 77:57 Dangerous play by Papiss Demba Cissé (Newcastle United). 77:57 John O'Shea (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 77:12 Attempt missed. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Cheick Tioté.
76:34 Offside, Sunderland. Ondrej Celustka tries a through ball, but Jozy Altidore is caught offside. 76:13 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Ondrej Celustka replaces Phillip Bardsley because of an injury. 75:35 Attempt missed. Davide Santon (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Yoan Gouffran. 74:34 Offside, Sunderland. Phillip Bardsley tries a through ball, but Steven Fletcher is caught offside. 73:50 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 73:11 Delay in match Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) because of an injury. 72:34 Attempt saved. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Davide Santon. 69:40 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Ki Sung-Yueng replaces Lee Cattermole. 69:25 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Newcastle United. Shola Ameobi replaces Loïc Remy. 68:50 Offside, Newcastle United. Tim Krul tries a through ball, but Loïc Remy is caught offside. 68:28 Attempt saved. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 68:03 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Fabio Borini replaces Adam Johnson. 66:23 Attempt blocked. Davide Santon (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa. 62:39 Attempt missed. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa. 60:50 Attempt missed. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Jack Colback following a corner. 60:20 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Mathieu Debuchy. 56:58 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Newcastle United 1. Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa with a cross. 56:38 Attempt blocked. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Davide Santon. 55:32 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 55:32 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 53:57 Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United). 53:57 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 50:43 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 50:43 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:56 Attempt missed. Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Newcastle United 0. 45:00 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Newcastle United. Papiss Demba Cissé replaces Moussa Sissoko. 45:00 +2:00 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 1, Newcastle United 0. 45:00 +0:17 Foul by Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United). 45:00 +0:17 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 42:41 Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 42:41 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 41:18 Offside, Sunderland. Adam Johnson tries a through ball, but Sebastian Larsson is caught offside. 40:08 Michael Williamson (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 40:08 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 38:49 Foul by Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United). 38:49 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 37:23 Attempt missed. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right from a direct free kick. 36:32 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 36:32 Foul by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 33:38 Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United). 33:38 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 30:26 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by John O'Shea. 29:56 Attempt missed. Michael Williamson (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Yohan Cabaye with a cross following a corner. 29:23 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Lee Cattermole. 28:37 Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 28:37 Foul by Andrea Dossena (Sunderland). 27:55 Booking
Booking
Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 27:42 Foul by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United). 27:42 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 27:11 Offside, Newcastle United. Tim Krul tries a through ball, but Loïc Remy is caught offside. 26:18 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 26:18 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 24:45 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 24:45 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 23:49 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 23:49 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 22:20 Attempt missed. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Davide Santon. 20:21 Offside, Sunderland. Adam Johnson tries a through ball, but Jack Colback is caught offside. 20:13 Attempt missed. Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Yohan Cabaye following a corner. 19:44 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Jozy Altidore. 19:03 Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 19:03 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 15:59 Attempt saved. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Jozy Altidore with a headed pass. 15:30 Attempt saved. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 14:47 Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 14:47 Foul by Adam Johnson (Sunderland). 13:42 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Andrea Dossena with a cross. 12:49 Attempt missed. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Davide Santon. 12:24 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 12:24 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 11:36 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 11:36 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 11:04 Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 11:04 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 10:09 Attempt missed. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Davide Santon. 7:19 Foul by Davide Santon (Newcastle United). 7:19 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 5:39 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 5:39 Foul by Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United). 4:59 Booking
Booking
Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 4:26 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Newcastle United 0. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Johnson with a cross following a corner. 3:50 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Cheick Tioté. 2:51 Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United). 2:51 Carlos Cuéllar (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Sunderland striker Wickham poised for Sheffield Wednesday return on loan
CONNOR Wickham is poised to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan – disappointing Burnley who thought they were set to get the England Under 21 striker..
The Echo revealed Burnley’s hopes of beating a posse of Championship rivals to the big striker’s signature.
But we also pointed out that, critically as it turned out, the Black Cats had to make a decision on whether or not Wickham would get enough game time at Turf Moor.
Ings and Vokes had started every one of the Clarets’ 13 Championship games this season, with Ings having scored nine goals and Vokes eight - the sort of form which meant Burnley’s only other out-and-out striker – ex-Black Cat Ryan Noble – has not had a look-in so far this season.
That seems to have swung things in favour of Sheffield Wednesday, where Wickham spent a month on loan earlier this year.
It means Wickham will have swapped the very top of the table for the very bottom.
And should the deal be ratified in time, he could feature in Wednesday’s battle with promotion-chasing Reading at Hillsborough tomorrow.
Wickham has been involved in seven Sunderland’s games this season but has started only one – the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace in August.
Other than that, he has been used as a late substitute in the other six games except the Capital One Cup tie against MK Dons when he came on five minutes into the second half and scored twice to inspire Sunderland to a 4-2 win.
He has played a couple of non-first-team games in recent weeks.
But the club has decided that, with Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher having impressed recently and derby hero Fabio Borini showing good form, the time has come to allow Wickham to play first-team football elsewhere so that he can get fully match fit and potentially help Sunderland in the second half of the season.
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Sunderland’s Vaughan joins Nottingham Forest on loan
SUNDERLAND midfielder David Vaughan has joined Championship side Nottingham Forest on a three-month loan.
Vaughan was not even on the bench for Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle and with a fully fit squad of 26 senior professionals at his disposal, Black Cats head coach Gus Poyet has sanctioned the Welsh international’s departure.
Several Championship sides had been interested in Vaughan, but sixth placed Forest have won the race for his signature and he could make his debut against former club Blackpool on Saturday.
Vaughan, who will remain at the City Ground until January 29, almost joined newly-promoted Crystal Palace during the summer and had been willing to take a pay cut to move to Selhurst Park.
But he remained at the Stadium of Light and made three appearances under Paolo Di Canio earlier in the campaign before the Italian was dismissed.
The 30-year-old will look to impress under Billy Davies, with his Sunderland contract expiring next summer.
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Hull midfielder Meyler braced for Sunderland backlash
FORMER Sunderland midfielder David Meyler says Hull are braced for the backlash of the Black Cats’ derby victory this weekend.
Sunderland secured a first Premier League victory of the campaign and back-to-back wins over Newcastle United when they triumphed 2-1 at the Stadium of Light last Sunday.
Meyler, who left Sunderland in a £1.5million deal in January, is well aware of the boost that will bring to Gus Poyet’s side ahead of Saturday’s clash at the KC Stadium.
But the Ireland international insists Hull are in good spirits themselves after pushing Tottenham close last weekend and then succumbing on penalties at White Hart Lane in yesterday’s Capital One Cup last 16 tie.
“I’m sure Sunderland will by flying after beating their local rivals last weekend,” said Meyler.
“They’ll be trying to build on that, especially with a new manager in place.
“But we’re not going to think about them too much because we’ve got a fantastic squad and we’ve had two great run-outs in the last few days.
“We’ve pushed Tottenham close to the barriers in those games and people have been giving us credit for those performances. That is credit to our manager’s hard work.
“We’re now looking at the Sunderland game wanting three points from it.”
Meyler started both games against Spurs this week and with Steve Bruce’s squad depleted by injuries, the 24-year-old is expected to feature against his former club on Saturday.
“The manager knows, and everybody who knows me knows, that I want to play every minute of every game,” added Meyler.
“If the manager decides to pick x or y ahead of me then I will still fully support them because we’ve got a great bunch of lads and we’re in this together.
“We’ve all shown that we’re a part of this and how much we want it.”
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No Sunderland revenge mission for Hull boss Bruce
HULL manager Steve Bruce insists he will not be motivated by revenge this weekend when he takes on Sunderland for the first time since his sacking by the Wearside club.
Bruce, who was today hit with a misconduct charge by the Football Association, was dismissed as manager of the Black Cats in November 2011 after a two-and-a-half-year spell at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland finished 13th and 10th under Bruce’s stewardship before he was sacked at the start of the 2011-12 campaign after a run of just two league wins in 13 games.
But when asked whether Saturday’s game at the KC Stadium took on any more significance because of his history with Sunderland, Bruce said: “No. No. Not any more. It would be nice to win though.”
Last night, Hull had looked set for victory in the Capital One Cup at Tottenham when Paul McShane scored in extra-time, but Harry Kane’s equaliser made it 2-2 after 120 minutes and former Sunderland winger Ahmed Elmohamady’s missed spot-kick sent the visitors crashing out.
Bruce’s squad remains ravaged by injury, but he thinks his players will be desperate to bounce back from an energy-sapping encounter at White Hart Lane.
“It will be a long ride home and then we have to get ourselves ready for the weekend, but knowing the players the way I do, they’ll be motivated and ready for Saturday,” said Bruce, who made four changes for the fourth-round match.
“We don’t have the luxury of being able to make (eight) changes like Tottenham did. We don’t have the resources, but they will give me everything they have got.
“If they are fatigued, they are fatigued, There is nothing I can do about that. But they will give it their best shot.”
Bruce had to leave out five first-team players due to injury and now his son Alex Bruce is a doubt for the Sunderland game after hobbling off in the first half at White Hart Lane.
“He has a bit of a groin injury,” Bruce said of the defender.
“The one thing you can’t do is mess about with muscle injuries.
“I don’t think he will be ready for the weekend, and we have one or two who have picked up a few knocks, but we will see how we do.”
To compound Hull’s misery, Bruce’s misconduct charge following last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Tottenham has been confirmed by the FA.
Bruce described referee Michael Oliver’s decision to award a late penalty in north London on Sunday as “a joke” and the FA confirmed the charge today.
A statement read: “Hull City manager Steve Bruce has been charged for misconduct by the FA in relation to post-match media comments he made following his side’s game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 27 October 2013.
“It is alleged Bruce’s comments called into question the integrity of the match referee, and/or implied that the match referee was motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute, in contravention of Rule E3(1).
“Bruce has until 6pm on November 4 to respond to the charge.”
Workington Reds have re-signed young Premier League goalkeeper Joel Dixon in a bid to stop conceding goals.
The Sunderland shot-stopper enjoyed a stunning spell between the Borough Park sticks last season, and boss Darren Edmondson has moved quickly to snap him up following the FA Cup heartbreak last weekend.
Edmondson insisted it was vital his side stopped conceding “childish goals” and said: “Joel coming in makes a lot of sense because he’s been here before and shown how good he is.
“We have let is some pretty childish goal and needed to plug a gap at the back.
“That’s no disrespect to Alex Wimmer, who, technically is a great goalkeeper, but we need cover for all aspects of the pitch.”
Dixon has initially singed on for 28 days, but his youth agreement allows Workington to extend the contract throughout the season.
Edmondson is also looking for more defensive cover, and has made enquiries with a Championship outfit about the availability of a centre half.
He said: “Joel is a good signing for us. He’s a year older, and has more experience. It was a no brainer really.
“I’m still looking to add to the squad, and a defender is top of the priority list.
“We have gifted goals to the opposition this season. We must make it harder for teams to score against us.”
Meanwhile, Workington have announced that two new directors have joined the club.
Keith Nelson, who has had a spell on the Reds board before, and George Mackie will join chairman Humphrey Dobie, Colin Doorbar and Glenn Heathcote.
Dobie said: “It’s great news for the club. It adds stability, although Keith has been in his position for at least three weeks.
“I have spent a lot of time trying to get the right balance because Colin and I aren’t getting any younger. We now have a great blend of abilities and ages.”
HULL v SUNDERLAND: All the latest team news and stats from the KC Stadium clash
KC Stadium (Saturday, 3pm)
Hull team news:
Hull manager Steve Bruce will give late fitness tests to Sone Aluko and Robbie Brady prior to the visit of his former club Sunderland.
Aluko (calf) and Brady (hernia) are both struggling but Bruce will give them every chance of making the side as he is already without Allan McGregor (hip), James Chester (hamstring) and Alex Bruce (groin).
Jake Livermore returns after missing the double header against parent club Tottenham, but Danny Graham is on loan from the Black Cats and will make way for Yannick Sagbo.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has no injury problems ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Hull.
Striker Steven Fletcher emerged unscathed despite appearing to land awkwardly during last Sunday's 2-1 derby victory over Newcastle and will be fit to retain his place.
Midfielder David Vaughan will not be part of the squad after being allowed to join Sky Bet Championship Nottingham Forest on a three-month loan deal.
On home soil, Hull remain unbeaten this season (W2 D2), conceding just one goal in the process.
Sunderland have won each of their last six league encounters with Hull City.
Jozy Altidore, now a Sunderland player, was sent off playing for Hull the last time this fixture was played (April 2010).
There have been four red cards in the last three league meetings between The Tigers and Black Cats in Hull.
Hull have only lost two of the nine previous Premier League games they’ve played in November.
Hull are the only team yet to score a goal from outside the box.
The Tigers are the lowest scorers in the top-half of the Premier League table.
Sunderland have recorded one win from their opening nine games for the second successive season (record in 2012-13 was W1 D6 L2.)
Sunderland have gone 13 games without a Premier League clean sheet. The last manager to see his side fail to score against the Black Cats was David Moyes.
Hull’s last seven home Premier League games have gone under 2.5 goals.
*Stats supplied by Opta
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Hull City - Sunderland Preview: Black Cats face former manager in quest for second win
After recording their first victory of the season against rivals Newcastle, Gus Poyet's charges head to the KC Stadium, where the Tigers have been strong in 2013-14
Sunderland come up against former manager Steve Bruce on Saturday, seeking to build on a morale-boosting win over Newcastle with a trip to Hull City.
On-loan Liverpool forward Fabio Borini came off the bench to score the goal that defeated the Magpies 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, enhancing his claims for a starting berth as the Black Cats bagged their first victory of the season.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet told the club's official website: "I know a few managers prefer to have 11 in there and not too many pushing for a place but I like to have those problems; it's then up to me to make decisions."
Despite triumphing against Newcastle, however, Sunderland are 19th in the Premier League and four points from safety.
Hull, who many observers expected to struggle on their return to the top flight, are much more comfortably-placed in 10th, despite losing their last two league matches. Bruce's men are also unbeaten at home, having picked up eight points from four matches at the KC Stadium thus far.
However, if Bruce - who managed Sunderland between June 2009 and November 2011 - is to oversee a fourth league win of the campaign, his side must overcome an awful recent record against the Wearside club.
Sunderland have won each of the previous six meetings between the teams, conceding only two goals in the process - both in 4-1 victories.
Hull are hampered by a lengthy injury list, added to when Alex Bruce (groin) and Aaron Mclean (calf) picked up problems during Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie with Tottenham, which was eventually won on penalties by Andre Villas-Boas' men.
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor (thigh) and centre-back James Chester (hamstring) remain on the sidelines, while Sone Aluko and Robbie Brady are rated as doubtful. The former is battling a calf problem, while the latter has yet to regain full fitness after hernia surgery.
Sunderland's Jozy Altidore, whose only goal so far this season came against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup, scored just once in 28 Premier League appearances for Hull in the 2009-10 season.
Absolutely shameful - I am sickened beyond belief. I have supported Sunderland for 50 years and we have had some rubbish but this lot really are beyond redemption. The future of Sunderland - Cattermole and Bardsley - give me strength. Your supporters deserve better than this - be ashamed - be very ashamed.
McShane nearly killed Westwood! Poyet angry with referee after Sunderland's defeat
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was furious at referee Andre Marriner’s decision to send off Lee Cattermole, while failing to punish Hull’s Paul McShane for a challenge that 'could have killed' goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.
The Black Cats had a nightmare first half in their 1-0 defeat at the KC Stadium, with Carlos Cuellar scoring a decisive own-goal before Cattermole and Andrea Dossena both saw red just before the interval.
Poyet accepted Dossena had to go for a dreadful stamp on David Meyler but felt the eighth red card of Cattermole’s career - for a studs up tackle on Ahmed Elmohamady - was a harsh one.
His feeling of injustice was aggravated by the fact McShane was not penalised for his collision with Westwood, which left the Irishman groggy and unable to continue.
Poyet accepted there was no malice in the challenge but gave a colourful account of the danger involved. Asked about the dismissals, he said: 'Cattermole no, Dossena yes.
'I would love the ref to talk. If I was a pundit working today - and I was during the summer when I was out of work - I would ask the technical people to show the tackle on Westwood that nearly cut his head off, the one on Adam Johnson (by Robbie Brady) and the one from Lee Cattermole and let the pundits comment on them.
'They need to comment on all the tackles. I’m not accusing McShane at all: I think he played the ball and he was late but he nearly killed him and he is injured and he is out and I need to change my goalkeeper.
'The tackle of Lee didn’t touch him (Elmohamady). He was still on the pitch and he was down for two minutes, there’s a little bit of a difference. Maybe I’m from another planet, I don’t know.'
Tigers boss Steve Bruce, who was facing former club Sunderland for the first time since his sacking in 2011, knows all about managing Cattermole’s feisty side.
He coached the midfielder on Wearside and earlier at Wigan but felt his sending off this time was correct given current regulations.
'Thankfully he’s not mine to manage anymore,' he said. '(But) we all know what I think of Lee as a player. One thing Lee’s got to curb is that red mist that comes down. We know you can’t make that challenge in today’s football, you just can’t make it.
'He’s got to learn that and I’m sure he will...eventually. In my day it might have been a booking but the directive is that if you leave the floor with studs showing, even if you don’t make contact, it is seen as reckless and endangering the the player.
'The referee’s got that one right and the second one (by Dossena) is a horror challenge, let me tell you. It was on David Meyler, who has had two serious injuries in his career, and he was lucky because those are the ones that really damage footballers.
'I don’t know if you can get three red cards but he deserved them.'
Bruce, who suggested before the match that his decision to take the Sunderland job in 2009 was a mistake due to his Newcastle roots, denied he took any undue pleasure from the result.
'You all want want the story, I understand that, but as far as I’m concerned it’s gone; history,' he said.
'Let’s all move on with our lives, it was a long time ago. No matter who you managed, when you get one over an old team it’s always satisfying but that’s about it.'
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Hull City 1 Sunderland 0: Cattermole and Dossena red cards sees Tigers take points
Sunderland's derby day celebrations came to an abrupt end as a Carlos Cuellar own-goal and two red cards saw them defeated by Hull at the KC Stadium.
Having beaten rivals Newcastle last weekend, defeat here will have been a huge comedown for manager Gus Poyet - who would have been fuming about an inexplicable lack of discipline that saw Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena sent off within moments of each other at the end of the first half.
By then Hull were already in front, Cuellar turning a Liam Rosenior cross into his own goal under pressure from Yannick Sagbo.
But the fact that the Tigers could not add to their lead in 45 minutes of 11 against nine will leave Black Cats fans wondering what might have been.
Adam Johnson even had a glorious chance to level the scores in the 78th minute, Steve Harper making the crucial save, while Jake Livermore hit the post at the other end.
But that will surely matter little to Hull boss Steve Bruce, who was facing the Wearsiders for the first time since being sacked by them amid a torrent of abuse from the fans.
Bruce was not the only one to get one over his former club, with Paul McShane, Ahmed Elmohamady and David Meyler - a last-minute replacement for the injured Sone Aluko in Hull's starting XI - all former Black Cats.
After a cagey start Hull created the first real chance in the 17th minute, Tom Huddlestone's free-kick finding Curtis Davies whose flicked header narrowly evaded both Livermore and McShane.
In the 25th minutes the hosts were in front thanks to the own-goal. J
ohn O'Shea was partly responsible, needlessly heading out of play to give Hull a throw-in deep in Sunderland territory.
Rosenior took it and when the ball made its way back to him sent in a fizzing near-post cross for Sagbo.
He flung a leg at it but it was his marker, Cuellar, who unwittingly headed past Keiren Westwood from a tight angle.
Westwood's afternoon was cut short by injury when McShane clattered him, unintentionally, while looking to get on the end of another Davies header.
The Republic of Ireland keeper attempted to play on but was visibly groggy and was forced to make way for Vito Mannone, a former Hull loanee.
Buoyed by the goal Hull kept possession for the best part of five minutes, with the home fans greeting every touch with a traditional 'Ole'.
Whether or not that contributed to the Black Cats' frustration is hard to know, but they soon betrayed a recklessness that left them two men down at the break.
Cattermole was the first to go, lunging in with studs up on Elmohamady after he had exchanged passes with the busy Meyler.
Cattermole is well used to seeing red and appeared unsurprised to be on his way.
With five minutes added time for the Westwood injury, Sunderland would have been hoping for no further drama before the break.
But Dossena ensured that would not be the case when he stamped on Meyler over the top of the ball.
Andre Marriner produced his red card again and the visitors went in reeling.
Poyet made two changes at the break, Johnson and Wes Brom replacing Jozy Altidore and Fabio Borini.
Regardless, Hull dominated possession as expected.
A couple of hopeful efforts sailed over before Livermore played in George Boyd, who bundled past Cuellar before shooting just wide across goal.
With Steven Fletcher frequently the only red and white shirt in the Hull half, Sunderland managed to reach the hour-mark without conceding a second.
Livermore went closer than most with a deflected effort that Mannone reacted well to save but O'Shea and Cuellar were largely doing well against the odds.
Sunderland gave Hull a couple of reminders that their lead was still a slender one - Johnson shooting wide of the upright after a sloppy clearance from Maynor Figueroa and Seb Larsson putting a dangerous free-kick into the side netting.
Bruce made a pair of attacking changes as looked to seal the points, Robert Koren and Nick Proschwitz replacing Meyler and Rosenior, with Elmohamady slotting in at right-back.
But Sunderland should have drawn level with 12 minutes left when Johnson got on the end of a long ball and was denied by Harper from a glorious one-on-one position.
It was a crucial intervention by the former Newcastle man.
Within seconds the ball was at the other end of the pitch, Livermore rattling the post from 20 yards and that was the closest either side came to adding to the score.
Sunderland finally got the result that recent performances have deserved with a super away win at Spurs.
The young Black Cats went a goal down but came back strongly to power home to a brilliant win. Tottenham just couldn't cope with Sunderland’s high-pressing, fast-breaking play in the latter stages as the under-18’s went on to force a tremendous victory.
Spurs actually edged the first half and took the lead on 19 minutes when Sunderland keeper Max Stryjek came out of his area for a ball played over the top but couldn't retain possession and Spurs took full advantage.
The Wearsiders hit back with Lynden Gooch putting a good effort just past the post and then Ethan Robson went even closer, hitting an upright following a corner.
Gooch again spun his marker to force a great one-handed save from the keeper as Sunderland went on to finally level five minutes before the break when Robson curled in a ball over the wall from a set piece.
In the second period both Jordan Blinco and Martin Smith drew good saves before the young Black Cats took a deserved lead on 66 minutes. Rees Greenwood (pictured) whipped in a fierce cross which was deflected in by a Spurs defender at the near post.
Blinco again put past the post from a good position before Greenwood put the match to bed three minutes from time when he cleverly beat a defender to bend in a low shot past the keeper.
One minute from the end, Sunderland added a fourth for good measure when Smith played in Greenwood for the wide player to get his second, hammering into the top of the net to complete a fine away performance.
Academy manager Ged McNamee said: "It was a good team performance - we played with good retention and the defence was very sound."
Sunderland: Stryjek, Ellison, Lowrie, Beadling, T Robson, E Robson, Blinco (Stinson, 83), Smith, McEvoy (Wright, 77), Greenwood, Gooch.
Baggies overturn development squad.
Sunderland U21s 2 West Bromwich Albion U21s 1
Sunderland’s development squad fell to only their second defeat of the season as West Bromwich Albion ran out 2-1 winners at Eppleton CW on Monday evening.
Mani O’Sullivan scored twice for the Baggies either side of Liam Agnew’s first-half penalty as John Egan and Louis Laing completed their first competitive 90 minutes since returning from their respective injuries.
Craig Lynch was also making his first league start of the season and the County Durham-born forward was the first to go close as he shot wide after good build-up play from Duncan Watmore.
Joel Dixon was forced into action minutes later as he made a smart save from Daniel Barrow’s left-footed strike.
West Brom were ahead minutes later as O’Sullivan smashed home Cameron Gayle’s cut back from the centre of the box.
The Black Cats were quick to respond, though, as Charis Mavrias cut in from the left and curled just over from 20 yards.
Kevin Ball’s side were level on the half hour after Watmore was brought down by Callum Jones in the area and Agnew stepped up to smash into Jack Rose’s top left-hand corner.
Lynch again went close to putting Sunderland ahead but he curled over after further good work from former Altrincham man Watmore.
El-Hadji Ba headed against the crossbar from Mavrias’ corner early in the second-half before the Greek winger forced Rose into a low save.
However, the visitors regained the advantage just after the hour mark as O’Sullivan was played into the area by Barrow to slot home his second home of the evening.
The Baggies’ goal kicked Sunderland into life and the introduction of attacking midfielder George Honeyman sparked an onslaught from the Black Cats.
The Prudhoe-born youngster set Laing through on goal but the defender crashed his shot into the side-netting before Honeyman himself shot wide after good link-up play with Mavrias.
Egan headed Ross Holland’s corner just wide in injury time before Watmore also flashed a shot across goal but it was not to be for Ball’s youngsters suffered their first home defeat of the season.
59th meeting - first in this competition
Sunderland unbeaten in five games v So'ton
Southampton quarter-finalists in 2003
Winners to play Chelsea at home
Sunderland host Southampton in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup tonight as the Black Cats look to repeat their last performance on Wearside.
Gus Poyet won his first home game in charge as Fabio Borini struck to give Sunderland a 2-1 victory over rivals Newcastle United.
And the Uruguayan head coach will hope his new team repeat the feat of his Brighton side that beat the Saints 3-0 the last time the two sides met.
The Black Cats haven’t lost to Southampton in the last five meetings between the two sides with previous two fixtures ending in 1-1 draws.
Sunderland skipper John O’Shea will look to continue a fine record against the Saints which has seen him lose just one of the 11 games in which he has featured against the Hampshire club during his career.
The Black Cats are bidding to reach the fifth round of the Capital One Cup for the first time in 13 seasons whilst Southampton last went to the quarter-finals in 2003 when they were beaten by eventual finalists Bolton Wanderers.
Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena will miss Wednesday’s game as they begin their respective three-match bans whilst Keiren Westwood is doubtful after picking up an injury in Saturday’s defeat at Hull.
Emanuele Giaccherini may return to the Black Cats’ starting line-up versus the club he scored his first Sunderland goal against in August.
Guly Do Prado is Mauricio Pochettino’s only long-term injury concern with Pablo Osvaldo and Steven Davis looking to return from their respective injuries.
Wednesday’s meeting will be the 59th occasion in which the two sides have met and the first time ever in the Capital One Cup.
The Saints have just edged the head-to-head record with 23 wins in comparison to Sunderland’s 21 successes whilst there have been 14 draws.
------------------------
CAPITAL ONE CUP FOURTH ROUND
Venue: Stadium of Light Date: Wednesday, 6 November
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 1930 GMT
Sunderland pair Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena are both suspended after their red cards against Hull on Saturday.
Vito Mannone is set to start in goal, having replaced the injured Keiren Westwood at half-time against Hull.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is likely to make wholesale changes to his side, with Jack Cork and Gaston Ramirez among those expected to start.
Guly do Prado remains sidelined with a knee injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Southampton needed a late equaliser to spare their blushes when these sides met in the second Premier League game of this season.
A Black Cats victory back in August might well have changed the course of the campaign for both clubs. Paolo Di Canio might still have been in charge of Sunderland, while Southampton's hugely-impressive campaign may not have materialised.
However, the football gods had their say and, as a result, ultra-confident Southampton will be favourites to secure their first win on Wearside since January 2003 and secure a home tie with Chelsea.
Sunderland were supposed to have kick-started their season with a famous derby victory; instead they kicked themselves in the foot by self-destructing at Hull.
Saints' formula is working a treat, but it's back to the drawing board for Poyet and his side.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
These sides have never met in the League Cup.
Southampton are without a win in the last five meetings (D3, L2).
The last two games at the Stadium of Light have ended 1-1 - the most recent of which came in the penultimate game of last season.
Sunderland:
Sunderland have only scored one goal fewer (six) in their two League Cup games than they have managed in 10 Premier League
matches.
The Black Cats are looking for their third consecutive League Cup victory at home.
Four of Sunderland's last five League Cup games against Premier League opposition have ended in defeat.
Sunderland have gone 14 games without a Premier League clean sheet, but they have not conceded a goal in five of their last eight home League Cup matches.
Southampton
Southampton have only conceded five goals in 12 games in all competitions this season.
Saints have scored seven goals in their two League Cup games this season.
Seven of Southampton's last eight League Cup ties against Premier League opposition have ended in defeat.
Gaston Ramirez has not started a Premier League game since 13 April but he has started - and scored - in both of Saints' League Cup encounters.
Sunderland 2-1 Southampton - Maya Yoshida (88 mins)
There is life in this yet. Jos Hooiveld nods a free-kick back into the box and Maya Yoshida ducks in to force the ball home and set up a frantic last few minutes.
Sunderland 2-0 Southampton - Sebastian Larsson (86 mins)
Sunderland double their lead with a clinical raid on the counter. Jozy Altidore plays in Sebastian Larsson who finishes well to surely wrap the game up.
Sunderland 1-0 Southampton - Phil Bardsley (59 mins)
Sunderland have the lead. Jozy Altidore's header from Adam Johnson's free-kick and Wes Brown's flick brings a great save from Kelvin Davis, but the Southampton goalkeeper cannot get it out and to an area of safety. Phil Bardsley stabs home the loose ball.
Southampton
01 Davis
22 Chambers
13 Fox
38 Reed
03 Yoshida
26 Hooiveld Booked
09 Rodriguez
18 Cork Booked
19 Lee (Ward-Prowse - 57' )
10 Ramírez (Gallagher - 79' )
08 Davis (Lallana - 70' )
Substitutes
02 Clyne
16 Ward-Prowse
20 Lallana
25 Gazzaniga
27 Isgrove
35 Stephens
40 Gallagher
Ref: Lee Mason
Att: 15,966
90:00 +4:51 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 2, Southampton 1. 90:00 +4:34 Booking
Booking
Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 90:00 +3:49 Foul by Maya Yoshida (Southampton). 90:00 +3:49 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +3:10 Attempt missed. James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 90:00 +1:31 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Steven Fletcher replaces Emanuele Giaccherini. 87:43 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Southampton 1. Maya Yoshida (Southampton) header from the right side of the six yard box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Jos Hooiveld. 86:43 Foul by Wes Brown (Sunderland). 86:43 Sam Gallagher (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 86:24 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 86:24 James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 85:28 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Southampton 0. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 82:00 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by John O'Shea. 80:29 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 80:29 Jack Cork (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 78:55 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Southampton. Sam Gallagher replaces Gastón Ramírez. 78:06 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 78:06 Foul by Calum Chambers (Southampton). 77:12 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 77:12 Foul by Daniel Fox (Southampton).
76:05 Attempt missed. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right from a direct free kick. 75:11 Craig Gardner (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 75:11 Foul by James Ward-Prowse (Southampton). 74:39 Booking
Booking
Jos Hooiveld (Southampton) is shown the yellow card. 74:30 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 74:30 Foul by Jos Hooiveld (Southampton). 73:16 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 73:16 Foul by Maya Yoshida (Southampton). 70:12 Attempt missed. Jack Cork (Southampton) header from the centre of the box is too high. 69:55 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Southampton. Adam Lallana replaces Steven Davis. 69:31 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson replaces Ondrej Celustka because of an injury. 69:12 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by John O'Shea. 61:28 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 60:43 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 58:46 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Southampton 0. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from very close range to the top left corner. 57:35 Booking
Booking
Jack Cork (Southampton) is shown the yellow card. 57:28 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 57:28 Foul by Jack Cork (Southampton). 56:45 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 56:45 Foul by James Ward-Prowse (Southampton). 56:15 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Southampton. James Ward-Prowse replaces Tadanari Lee. 54:06 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 54:06 Foul by Gastón Ramírez (Southampton). 51:35 Attempt saved. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 50:15 Attempt missed. Steven Davis (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 47:46 Attempt saved. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 47:27 Attempt saved. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 0, Southampton 0. 45:00 +1:27 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 0, Southampton 0. 45:00 +0:42 Booking
Booking
Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 45:00 +0:35 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 45:00 +0:35 Gastón Ramírez (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 44:19 Attempt missed. Gastón Ramírez (Southampton) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. 43:24 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 37:10 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 37:10 (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 36:42 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Jos Hooiveld. 35:46 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 35:46 Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) wins a free kick on the right wing. 34:12 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:12 Foul by Tadanari Lee (Southampton). 32:13 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Maya Yoshida. 31:04 Attempt missed. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. 30:36 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Maya Yoshida. 29:24 Craig Gardner (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 29:24 Foul by Harrison Reed (Southampton). 26:38 Attempt missed. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 22:54 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 19:55 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 19:55 Foul by Gastón Ramírez (Southampton). 15:05 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 15:05 Foul by Jay Rodriguez (Southampton). 11:52 Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 11:52 Foul by Jay Rodriguez (Southampton). 9:39 Attempt saved. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 8:34 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by John O'Shea. 5:34 Attempt missed. Tadanari Lee (Southampton) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. 4:25 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 4:25 Jos Hooiveld (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Name:
Anonymous2013-11-06 16:50
Deary me, Southampton [6th in the league] being beaten by such a poor Sunderland [19th in league] side is simply not good enough. Wake up call for the Saints and a huge wasted opportunity, if it wasn't for being played off the park.
Sunderland 2-1 Southampton: Bardsley & Larsson book Black Cats' quarter-final spot
Gus Poyet's men will face Chelsea in the next round of the Capital One Cup after the hosts held on for a tight victory at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland secured their place in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals with a tight 2-1 win over Southampton.
Gus Poyet's men, who will face Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in the next round, held on to victory after goals from Phil Bardsley and Sebastian Larsson proved enough despite a late Maya Yoshida consolation strike.
Bardsley struck just before the hour with a scrappy effort after a desperate first half, with a much-changed Southampton unable to muster any response.
Larsson netted with a fine finish in the closing stages to seal Poyet's 100 per cent home start as Sunderland boss, having also beaten local rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light, with Maya Yoshida's late header counting for nothing.
Wes Brown made his first start for Sunderland since January 2012 after a lengthy injury lay-off, with goalkeeper Vito Mannone also brought in for Keiren Westwood among seven changes.
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino handed a first senior start to 18-year-old midfielder Harrison Reed as only striker Jay Rodriguez was retained from the weekend draw at Stoke.
One of 10 changes to the side, Tadanari Lee, went close twice in the opening five minutes, but was off-target each time.
Emanuele Giaccherini was presented with a good chance to score his second goal of the season against Southampton, having netted in August's draw, but he could only mis-hit Ondrej Celustka's cut-back out of play.
The game was devoid of tempo as the hosts dominated possession but failed to penetrate Southampton's stubborn defence. Jozy Altidore went close on 26 minutes, firing wide from 25 yards.
Gaston Ramirez, a goalscorer in Southampton's previous two League Cup outings this term, wasted the half's best chance with two minutes to play, curling over after Jack Cork's neat pass.
The second half got under way in stunning fashion as Altidore controlled a long ball perfectly into Craig Gardner's path but the midfielder's low drive was shovelled away by Kelvin Davis.
However, the former Sunderland keeper was at fault just before the hour, failing to keep hold of Altidore's header, with Bardsley pouncing to bundle the ball home, despite Jos Hooiveld's efforts on the line.
Southampton duo Calum Chambers and Gaston Ramirez each tumbled in the penalty area, but saw appeals for a spot-kick waved away by referee Lee Mason.
Home hearts were in mouths with 15 minutes to go as Mannone smashed a clearance into substitute Adam Lallana, but looked on in relief as the ball bobbled just wide.
And the win was sealed with four minutes of normal time to play as Altidore teed up substitute Larsson and he fired low across Davis.
Yoshida sent nerves trembling just two minutes later, heading home after Hooiveld nodded a free-kick across goal, but it was not enough for Pochettino's side.
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Replay: Sunderland 2 Southampton 1
Relive all the action as Sunderland hosted Southampton at the Stadium of Light in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup
Sunderland hosted Southampton at the Stadium of Light in a bid to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.
The Black Cats secured a fourth round tie with the Saints after seeing off Peterborough United 2-0 - goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Valentin Roberge sealed the win back in September.
Since then, Gus Poyet has been appointed as head coach.
In his short tenure, Sunderland have been thrashed by Swansea City, defeated Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby and lost against former manager Steve Bruce's side Hull City - but they have moved themselves one point and one place above Crystal Palace in the league.
Sunderland will face now Chelsea in the last eight of the competition on Tuesday, 17 December.
James Hunter: Full time Sunderland 2 Southampton 1. Sunderland through to face Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in the quarter-finals, week beginning December 16.
Paolo Di Canio's legacy: How are summer signings shaping up?
Vito Mannone The former Arsenal keeper is only in the side because of Keiren Westwood’s injuries sustained in Paul McShane’s meaty challenge on Saturday. He made two very good saves after coming on at the weekend and was largely untroubled. Made a mess of one simple clearance and was helplessly exposed for Southampton’s late goal. Westwood won’t be happy but, even if he is fit for the weekend, Poyet may have no reason to drop his deputy, echoing the visit of Manchester City two years ago when Simon Mignolet stepped in for an ill Westwood, and kept his place.
Ki Sung-yeung The on-loan South Korean midfielder was forced to sit out Poyet’s first game because it was against his parent club Swansea. But he changed the latter stages of the derby when he came on for Lee Cattermole and was unlucky not to feature at Hull. An elegant footballer with a pass and steely edge he should get a run with Cattermole suspended for the next two games.
Ondrej Celustka The Czech full-back has been in and out of form and in and out of the team but could also benefit from the suspension to Andrea Dossena, if he recovers from the injury which forced him off last night, as he made a brave and vital tackle. Phil Bardsley moved back in at left-back in his absence and is getting better with each game allowing Celustka to return at his natural right-back slot where he does like to get forward. Took nasty whack with that challenge late on and must be a doubt for Sunday however.
Jozy Altidore No one can fault the American for his work-rate and effort. He just doesn’t look like scoring and is in that horrible state of mind for a striker where he is starting to believe that too. He does harry defenders with his physical presence and non-stop running, he also holds the ball up well and his header created confusion for the opener. He then bettered that with a terrific through ball for Larsson to seal the win – funnily enough when Sunderland fans were begging him NOT to shoot. Much more to come, not least goals which would make a big difference to his confidence.
Emanuele Giaccherini By far the pick of the summer signings, the only person who seems to believe the Italy international should not be in the Sunderland team is Gus Poyet. Unfortunately he picks it now. The diminutive playmaker showed occasional glimpses again last night and had one of the few first half chances. But his confidence also looks drained which only deserved restoration to the starting line-up will bring. Pulled up with a back injury in the dying minutes and could also be a doubt for Sunday.
Subs not used
Cabral: Midfielder has not had a proper run since his poor showing against Fulham in the opening game yet but showed promise in pre-season.
Fabio Borini: Can do no wrong after his brilliant derby winner, although he did plenty wrong out of position on the left flank at Hull. Bound to be inconsistent but hardworking, and a Mackem legend forever after that goal.
Charis Mavrias: Slight Greek winger who was bought for the future. Only seen glimpses of him so far but must have impressed Poyet in training to get the call up to the bench.
[b]Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City: Bardsley strike stuns Pellegrini's men[/v]
The former Manchester United man dealt the decisive blow as the Black Cats picked up their second win under new boss Gus Poyet and dented City's title challenge
Manchester City fell to a fourth consecutive 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland secured their second win of the season.
Phil Bardsley was Sunderland's match-winner with his first Premier League goal of the season in the 21st minute.
The defender perfectly placed a shot past Costel Pantilimon in the Manchester City goal, but Sunderland had to hang on to claim the victory.
Sergio Aguero saw a first-half header fly wide of goal, while substitute Jesus Navas had a chance blocked by Bardsley on the line.
City pushed hard for an equaliser, penning the hosts inside their own half, but Micah Richards and Eden Dzeko were both denied by Vito Mannone.
The three points lift Sunderland to within two points of Stoke City in 18th position, while Manuel Pellegrini’s side lose further ground on the leaders.
Pellegrini made five changes from the Champions League win over CSKA Moscow, with three of the alterations coming in his back four.
Wes Brown started his first Premier League game in 22 months for Sunderland, while Steven Fletcher and Sebastian Larsson both returned.
Despite an equal share of possession it was the hosts who had better of the early chances, but in the 18th minute they were lucky to see Larsson stay on the pitch after a mistimed challenge on Javi Garcia.
The tackle did not bring a card, but the Spaniard was withdrawn at half-time.
Three minutes later Poyet's side broke the deadlock through Bardsley.
The defender shrugged off the attentions of James Milner and Demichelis, who got in each other’s way on City’s right, and placed a composed finish into the far corner.
Just after the half hour City had their first sight of goal through Sergio Aguero, but the Argentina international wasted a fantastic chance.
After being released by Samir Nasri on the left, Aleksandar Kolarov delivered a cross to the back post for the 25-year-old, yet he was unable to get his back-post header on target.
The visitors were denied an equaliser five minutes into the second half as Bardsley blocked a shot from Navas, who replaced Garcia, on the goalline.
Aguero rolled away from John O'Shea on the left and raced into the penalty area before rolling the ball back to Navas, but his shot was blocked by the chest of the defender.
City's dominance intensified in the closing stages but Richards saw a low shot from the edge of the penalty area stopped by Mannone, and substitute Dzeko's first effort was parried away by the Italian prior to a frantic finale that saw Sunderland hold on.
--------------------------
Manchester City suffered their fourth Premier League defeat of the season as Sunderland's revival under Gus Poyet gathered pace.
Phil Bardsley scored the only goal in the first half when he shrugged off James Milner and curled in a low shot.
City dominated thereafter but were thwarted by a well-organised
Sunderland defence and goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
Sergio Aguero headed wide from close range and had a shot palmed away by Mannone as the Black Cats held on.
Full report to follow.
90:00 +3:26 Full time:
Second Half ends, Sunderland 1, Manchester City 0. 90:00 +3:02 Attempt missed. Joleon Lescott (Manchester City) header from the left side of the six yard box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Aleksandar Kolarov with a cross following a corner. 90:00 +2:45 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 90:00 +2:12 James Milner (Manchester City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 90:00 +2:12 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 90:00 +2:04 Attempt blocked. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by James Milner with a cross. 90:00 +0:51 Foul by Sergio Agüero (Manchester City). 90:00 +0:51 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 89:59 Foul by Samir Nasri (Manchester City). 89:59 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 88:21 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 86:54
Substitution, Sunderland. Fabio Borini replaces Adam Johnson. 86:13 Foul by James Milner (Manchester City). 86:13 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 86:05 Attempt blocked. Samir Nasri (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sergio Agüero. 83:37 Attempt blocked. James Milner (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Pablo Zabaleta. 82:46 Attempt saved. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Craig Gardner. 81:59 Attempt missed. Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Sergio Agüero. 79:49 Attempt missed. Edin Dzeko (Manchester City) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Aleksandar Kolarov with a cross following a corner.
79:30 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 77:53 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Sebastian Larsson. 77:47 Attempt missed. Joleon Lescott (Manchester City) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Samir Nasri with a cross. 77:29 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 76:32 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jozy Altidore replaces Steven Fletcher. 75:57 Foul by Samir Nasri (Manchester City). 75:57 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 74:22 Offside, Manchester City. James Milner tries a through ball, but Sergio Agüero is caught offside. 72:40 Foul by Yaya Touré (Manchester City). 72:40 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 72:13 Foul by Martín Demichelis (Manchester City). 72:13 Craig Gardner (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 71:43 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Craig Gardner replaces Emanuele Giaccherini. 71:04 Attempt missed. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. 71:02 Attempt saved. Edin Dzeko (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Samir Nasri. 70:15 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester City. Pablo Zabaleta replaces Micah Richards. 70:10 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester City. Edin Dzeko replaces Álvaro Negredo. 69:51 Attempt missed. Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City) header from a difficult angle on the right is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Samir Nasri with a cross following a corner. 69:19 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 67:32 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 67:30 Attempt saved. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Samir Nasri. 66:21 Attempt missed. Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Samir Nasri following a corner. 65:57 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 65:12 Attempt saved. Micah Richards (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Samir Nasri. 64:33 Attempt blocked. Jesús Navas (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 64:12 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Emanuele Giaccherini. 62:16 Offside, Manchester City. Samir Nasri tries a through ball, but Álvaro Negredo is caught offside. 61:19 Attempt missed. James Milner (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Samir Nasri. 60:05 Jesús Navas (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 60:05 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 58:43 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 57:16 Attempt missed. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 55:26 Foul by Micah Richards (Manchester City). 55:26 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 52:43 Foul by Jesús Navas (Manchester City). 52:43 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 49:30 Attempt blocked. Jesús Navas (Manchester City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 49:28 Attempt blocked. Jesús Navas (Manchester City) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sergio Agüero. 45:58 Attempt missed. Álvaro Negredo (Manchester City) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Jesús Navas with a cross. 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Manchester City 0. 45:00 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester City. Jesús Navas replaces Javi García. 45:00 +1:08 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 1, Manchester City 0. 44:57 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 42:11 Foul by Javi García (Manchester City). 42:11 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 39:06 Samir Nasri (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 39:06 Foul by Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland). 36:55 Samir Nasri (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 36:55 Foul by Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland). 35:53 Attempt blocked. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 34:08 Foul by Javi García (Manchester City). 34:08 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 33:36 Attempt missed. Álvaro Negredo (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 31:52 Attempt missed. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Aleksandar Kolarov with a cross. 29:15 Attempt blocked. Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 28:40 Attempt blocked. Samir Nasri (Manchester City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 28:17 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 27:15 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Wes Brown. 25:05 Booking
Booking
Javi García (Manchester City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 24:56 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 24:56 Foul by Javi García (Manchester City). 20:42 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Manchester City 0. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Wes Brown. 19:31 Attempt missed. Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Sergio Agüero. 18:09 Javi García (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 18:09 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 17:52 Javi García (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 17:52 Foul by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 15:46 Foul by Aleksandar Kolarov (Manchester City). 15:46 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 12:56 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross. 11:01 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 11:01 Foul by James Milner (Manchester City). 7:30 Attempt saved. James Milner (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Álvaro Negredo. 6:38 Corner, Manchester City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Sunderland 1 Man City 0: Bardsley inflicts fourth away defeat on Pellegrini's poor travellers
Sunderland recorded a fourth consecutive 1-0 defeat of Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats took a deserved lead in the first half after previously outcast defender Phil Bardsley finished from a rare assist by another former Manchester United player Wes Brown.
Sweden international Sebastian Larsson was fortunate to remain on the pitch after a horror tackle on City midfielder Javier Garcia went unpunished by referee Mike Dean.
Manuel Pellegrini's side spurned a succession of chances in the second half before falling to their fourth defeat of the season - all away from home.
More to follow...
Match facts:
SUNDERLAND: Mannone 7; Celustka 6, O’Shea 7, Brown 8, Bardsley 7; Ki 7; Giaccherini 5 (Gardner 73, 6), Larsson 6, Colback 7, Johnson 6 (Borini 87); Fletcher 6 (Altidore 77)
Sunderland are a small club so they didn't deserve to win! Referees are meant to ensure teams like man city are given protection against results like this!
Name:
Anonymous2013-11-10 15:01
>>632 Yeah, how many times do man city have to kick the ball at players hands before they get a pen, even diving didn't help stupid ref! there was that leg breaking tackle by Toure that should have had 7 sunderlands sent off!
SUNDERLAND'S LAST FOUR HOME GAMES VS CITY HAVE FINISHED 1-0
Here, Press Association Sport looks back at Sunderland's three previous wins over the big-spending Mancunians.
August 29, 2010
Darren Bent slammed home a penalty four minutes into stoppage time to hand Sunderland the points in a game also notable for an astonishing miss from Carlos Tevez.
Tevez was gifted an open goal in the first half after a powerful surge from Yaya Toure but the Argentinian somehow placed his shot over the bar.
Sunderland rode their luck and an improved second-half display was rewarded in the dying seconds when Micah Richards bundled over Bent inside the area and the England international made no mistake from the spot.
January 1, 2012
Riding on the momentum generated by Martin O'Neill's arrival as boss, Sunderland snatched a dramatic win, again in injury-time, courtesy of Ji-Dong-won.
City twice hit the woodwork through Edin Dzeko and Richards but the Wearsiders also forced Joe Hart into action, the visiting goalkeeper denying Nicklas Bendtner and Stephane Sessegnon.
The match seemed to be drifting towards a goalless draw when a City attack broke down and Sunderland countered, Sessegnon slipping the ball through to Ji for the South Korean to round Hart and slot home.
December 26, 2012
Adam Johnson came back to haunt his former club as Sunderland maintained their domination of City on Wearside.
Johnson's 55th-minute drive proved the difference although it was an effort which City keeper Hart should have kept out.
David Silva had City's best chance although Sunderland could have added to their lead with James McClean, Sessegnon and Fraizer Campbell all coming close.
November 10, 2013
Sunderland today recorded their fourth successive 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.
Phil Bardsley's first-half goal proved enough for Gus Poyet's men to see off a City side who dominated for long spells, particularly after the break.
Sunderland’s N’Diaye could get recall as Poyet ponders squad options
GUS POYET insists he will consider all transfer options in his summit talks with director of football Roberto De Fanti, including recalling Sunderland’s loan rangers.
Poyet is due to meet with De Fanti this weekend to plot Sunderland’s strategy for the January window, plus discuss his recommendations for which of the nine players who are out-of-contract at the end of the season merit talks over a new deal.
The Echo understands that Poyet is keen to have more of a say on the identity of any incoming players than his predecessor Paolo Di Canio, who was happy to simply describe the attributes he was looking for in Sunderland’s fresh faces.
But two players available to boost Sunderland’s ranks are Danny Graham and Alfred N’Diaye, who both departed the Stadium of Light on season-long loan deals during the summer, yet could be recalled in January.
Graham is unlikely to be brought back to Wearside after failing to find the net for Hull City, but N’Diaye has scored twice in 11 starts for Turkish side Eskisehirspor and has impressed sufficiently to force his way into the Senegal set-up.
It is possible for Sunderland to recall N’Diaye, although they would have to reach a financial arrangement Eskisehirspor if they cut short the 23-year-old’s loan.
N’Diaye would want reassurances over his playing time too after being offloaded without any explanation from Di Canio.
But Poyet says it would be foolish to ignore the pair in his recommendations to De Fanti for the areas of the squad that need strengthening for the survival battle ahead.
The head coach told the Echo: “I think we will consider everything.
“I like to have everything on the table – my ideas, my report, what I think about every single player.
“If I think we need to change something, whatever it is, we need to know what it is so they can start looking for it.
“If the option is bringing back someone from loan, then that is easier.
“And sometimes there are players who are not happy and they want to move.
“So you put everything on the table and then make a decision.
“That’s a part I love because for me, it’s the key.”
Sunderland made 14 signings during the summer, yet new boys Cabral, Modibo Diakite, Charis Mavrias, David Moberg Karlsson and El-Hadji Ba are all yet to feature under Poyet.
The Uruguayan has far from written them off, yet admits Sunderland’s recruitment, headed by new chief scout Valentino Angeloni, is pivotal to his hopes of success on Wearside.
“When you recruit players and bring players in who really do what you want, for the manager it’s easier,” he said.
“So the better we recruit, the easier it is for me.
“And I’m going to do everything I can to make it easier.
“It’s difficult enough so far so I don’t want to make it even more difficult!
“I’m going to do my part and give a physical, mental and technical report on the players we’ve got and what I need.”
After taking charge of five contrasting games though, Poyet believes he has drawn up an accurate picture of his squad prior to his talks with De Fanti.
Poyet added: “The Man City game last weekend was perfect timing.
“We’ve played five games, one of which was in the cup, but the City one was our first against one of the top teams so I’ve got a complete picture (of the squad) now.
Sunderland’s Altidore is going to be just fine – Klinsmann
USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann says Jozy Altidore will emerge as a stronger character from his Sunderland goal drought.
Summer signing Altidore is yet to find the net in the Premier League for Sunderland, with his only Black Cats goal coming in August’s Capital One Cup victory over League One MK Dons.
Klinsmann was at the Stadium of Light on Sunday to watch Altidore in the flesh, although the 24-year-old was restricted to a substitute’s outing for the last 15 minutes after head coach Gus Poyet opted for Steven Fletcher as his lone striker.
The two Sunderland frontmen are expected to go head-to-head on Friday night, with Scotland hosting the USA at Hampden Park.
But former Germany striker Klinsmann is not concerned by Altidore’s lean spell, particularly as the £6million arrival has been in prolific form for his country after setting a national team record of scoring in five consecutive internationals earlier this season.
“We are very satisfied with the way things are going with Jozy even with him being in a tough situation right now,” said Klinsmann.
“The Premier League started and he hasn’t scored yet. Sunderland are a new club for him. It’s a big club and the way they were playing their game, he was not getting many opportunities to score.
“So I went there myself, watched it myself and have proof of what I saw before when I watched it on TV. It’s really difficult for Jozy, but this is also what he needs to go through.
“He has a very positive attitude and has come a long way already in his young career and will get stronger.
“I told him, ‘You will score your goals sooner or later’ if you have that mentality that you develop now, if you have that drive to get through those periods where you haven’t scored, which for a striker is always the most important thing.
“But he has also had a tremendous 2013 scoring goals for us in World Cup qualifying, scoring big, crucial goals for us in friendlies as well.
“He’s really matured a lot over the last year and deserves a huge compliment.”
Klinsmann hopes Sunderland’s upturn in results under Poyet will boost Altidore’s domestic fortunes too, with the Black Cats winning three of their last four games.
“Now we need to give him patience and I think the club has done that very well bringing him through that stretch,” added ex-Tottenham man Klinsmann.
“Hopefully for Sunderland, he starts to score more goals.
“They will produce chances and eventually he will score.”
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Pickford makes quick return after Sunderland training stint
ROOKIE Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will resume his Burton Albion loan spell at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.
Academy product Pickford was brought back to Wearside late last week to provide cover for injury worry Keiren Westwood after the Republic of Ireland stopper was forced off at Hull City.
While Sunderland fell short of formally recalling the England Under-19 international, Pickford did train with the Black Cats first-team squad and was absent from Burton’s FA Cup win at Hereford United last weekend.
But the 19-year-old, who has made 12 appearances for the League Two side this season, returned to Burton yesterday and will resume his loan spell this weekend.
Brewers boss Gary Rowett said: “Jordan wasn’t actually officially recalled by Sunderland. They just called him back to training because Keiren Westwood was injured.
“They needed him to train with the first-team, but he was back yesterday.”
Meanwhile, fellow teenage Sunderland keeper Joel Dixon resumed his loan spell with Conference North side Workington Reds last weekend.
Middlesbrough-born Dixon was on the bench for Sunderland’s Capital One Cup victory over Southampton last week after being recalled, as Pickford was cup-tied.
But the 20-year-old helped Workington to their first away point of the season in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Solihull.
H Former Sunderland boss Terry Butcher declared himself “very excited” about his new job as Hibernian manager but admitted he had left Inverness Caley Thistle with a heavy heart.
Butcher was unveiled as Hibernian manager yesterday afternoon after signing a three-year contract.
He and assistant Maurice Malpas leave the Highlands with Inverness second in the Scottish Premiership following a 2-0 win at Easter Road on Saturday.
Butcher said: “It’s been a difficult week, it really has, because of what we have left behind up there. We left some fabulous players and it’s hard to say goodbye to that.”
“We have really enjoyed ourselves. It’s been nearly five years up there.
“It was really bizarre for me on Saturday to watch the team play. It was hard for Maurice as well.
“If you look at the way Caley Thistle played on Saturday, that’s the way we want to get Hibs playing from now on.
“But it was great to be at the training centre today. A few meaty tackles were flying about with everybody trying to impress.
“So it’s been a whirlwind eight days but we are just delighted to be here.”
Hibs chairman Rod Petrie, who was flanked by Butcher and Malpas at a media conference, added: “It can be a difficult job appointing a manager but it’s easy when there is an outstanding candidate who is head and shoulders above everyone else.”
Everton Want Sunderland Midfielder as Roberto Martinez Seeks to Strengthen Toffees Squad
Goodison Park boss keen on Black Cats battler.
Sunderland are keen to tie down young midfielder Jack Colback to a new contract amid apparent interest from Everton according to The Journal.
New Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has been impressed by the displays put in my the youngster and will look to get the 24 year old to put pen to paper on a new deal before the Toffees come calling.
Colback’s current deal comes to an end in the summer and Poyet intends to sit down with the player during the international break to seal a new contract.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is looking to strengthen his squad in January after a strong start to the current campaign and if the Goodison Park side fail to keep hold of much sought after left-back Leighton Baines at the club then the Spaniard will have the funds to make a good offer for Colback.
However it seems another Stadium of Light midfielder, Craig Gardner, will be allowed to leave in January as Sunderland look to wipe his high wage packet off the balance sheet.
JACK COLBACK has been impressed with Gus Poyet’s brand of football since taking over as Sunderland manager, and is enjoying his new lease of life in the centre of the pitch.
Away defeats at Swansea and Hull City have undermined the recovery Poyet has instigated at Sunderland, but in the Black Cats’ 1-0 victory over Manchester City, supporters have been given a hint of what to expect from future Sunderland performances.
And Colback, who has been a key figure in this chapter of Sunderland’s revival, is enjoying life under the new manager.
Poyet’s style of play is less cavalier than Paolo Di Canio, though more productive than the style employed by Martin O’Neill before his departure in March. Moves start from the back, with midfield dropping deep to collect the ball and patiently dotting it around the pitch until gaps appear.
The 24-year-old midfielder has embraced this new ideology at the Academy of Light and, when allied with results, feels it could be a winner on Wearside.
“He has shown he likes to play from the back and pass the ball”, said Colback of the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager. “I remember playing Brighton a couple of years ago in the league cup, we didn’t touch the ball for the first 20 minutes, I don’t think.
“If he can get us playing like that it’ll be great. It’s a style of football the fans have not really had up here.
“If we can play good football, and get results, that’s perfect.”
Colback had been used as a makeshift left-back under previous managers Martin O’Neill and Paolo Di Canio, but one of Poyet’s first decisions was to move him from the defensive role and place him in the centre of midfield, where the academy graduate feels he is stronger.
“He sat me down,” explained Colback. “He said he wanted me to know I’m not a natural full-back. He knew I had been filling in there trying to do a job for the team. If it means I could get a game in the middle that would be good too.
“I don’t see myself as a natural full-back but I can do a job there and be consistent. It’s not my natural position though. In midfield, I feel I can give more for the team and I feel a lot more relaxed there. It’s something I hope to do, now the new manager has come in.”
No, YOU'RE a charlatan! Di Canio hits back at O'Neill and claims 'he is not very big'
Paolo Di Canio has hit back at Martin O'Neill as the war of words between the former Sunderland managers continued.
Di Canio succeeded O'Neill at the Stadium of Light in March and, on his arrival, criticised the fitness levels in the squad.
O'Neill took his time to respond but following his appointment as Republic of Ireland boss earlier this week, he dismissed Di Canio's barbs and labelled the Italian a 'managerial charlatan'.
Di Canio, who led Sunderland to Barclays Premier League survival last season before being sacked after five games of the current campaign, told Sky Sports news on Friday: 'I don't know if he knows the meaning of this word charlatan. Probably I can teach him, even if I am not English.
'I respect the opinion of manager Martin O'Neill but the fact that he spoke after six months, not straight away, that proves what kind of level he is. He is not very big.
'A charlatan is a manager who spends £40m to be a top 10 club and then sees the club sink into the relegation zone.'
Di Canio stood by his claim that the Black Cats players were not in peak condition when he arrived on Wearside.
'The fitness levels were pathetic,' he said.
'I had players who told me they had cramps from driving the car.
'I had three players with injuries in the calf after 20 minutes of a game. Six different players with problems means they were not fit.'
Di Canio was dismissed after a 3-0 defeat at West Brom, a result which was reportedly followed a day later by a training ground bust-up with senior players which led them to ask the board to take action.
Di Canio insisted, however, that no argument took place.
'It never happened,' he said.
'There was a typical meeting, as there was after every game to see the clips and analyse the game.
'Maybe there was opinion but this happens in every good family.'
Even though his first foray into top-flight management ended in acrimonious fashion, it has not quelled Di Canio's confidence and he remains hopeful of finding another job in England.
'I was too good, my level was too high,' he said of his experience at Sunderland.
'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. I can't wait to have another chance with the right people. I feel a better manager than before.
'Even if I have requests from around Europe I say no.
'There is no space for me in England at the moment but I will wait. It would be stupid for a chairman not to call me. Even if it's at a Championship club with a project.'
Sunderland boss Poyet sees Fletcher, Altidore draw Hampden blank
GUS Poyet spent his 46th birthday watching his two main strikers draw an international blank at Glasgow’s Hampden Park last night.
Both Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore played 90 minutes for Scotland and the USA respectively and each would have been eager to impress their club manager watching on from the stands
But there was no happy returns for either as the sides played out a goalless draw, though both had chances.
The strikers were just two of eight Sunderland players on international duty last night and while Scotland and the USA were involved in a friendly, Seb Larsson was on the losing side in an important World Cup play-off qualifier against Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave his side victory with a goal in the 82nd minute but up until then his side had been frustrated by a disciplined Swedish side which had three times gone close to scoring - once from Larsson himself.
The two sides meet again on Tuesday in Sweden to see who will win the play-off contest.
The game of the night which boasted by some distance the most Sunderland connections was the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 win over Latvia in Dublin.
Former Sunderland bosses Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane were in the home dugout as the Republic’s new manager and assistant manager, while Keiren Westwood was in goal, John O’Shea skippered the side and ex-Black Cat James McClean produced a Man of the Match display before being replaced by another former Sunderland player, Anthony Stokes.
Sunderland’s big summer signing Emanuele Giaccherini was an unused sub as Italy fought out a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Germany.
But there was better news for Ondrej Celustka who scored on his full international debut -the 24-year-old putting the Czech Republic ahead against Canada just three minutes into the game when he glanced a near-post header across goal from a free-kick.
And his team-mates worked hard to ensure that the Sunderland defender’s first international goal came in a home win - Petr Cech saving a Dwayne De Rosario penalty before Tomas Horova made sure of the friendly victory with the Czech’s second goal eight minutes from time.
Meanwhile Ki Sung-Yueng played the full 90 minutes and countryman Ji Dong-won was an unused sub as South Korea recorded their first back-to-back victories in 15 months with a victory over Switzerland.
The two Sunderland players were involved in a South Korean squad that went into the game as underdogs - Switzerland not having lost a game in 18 months - but eventually ran out 2-1 winners.
And Sunderland’s summer signing Charalampos Mavrias got on the scoresheet in the UEFA European Under 21 championship as the Greek Under 21s walloped Sweden Under 21s 5-1 with Mavrias getting his side’s second goal.
Sunderland U18s 1 Liverpool U18s 3: Greenwood penalty can’t halt Reds
Liverpool got the better of Sunderland in today’s Barclays Under-18 Premier League clash at the Academy of Light.
Seyi Ojo gave the visitors the lead after catching out keeper Max Stryjek, then Jerome Sinclair doubled Liverpool’s lead wafter being allowed to turn in the box.
An own goal from Jordan Blinco, as he tried to head clear a corner, made it three before Sunderland staged an impressive fightback, going close several times before Rees Greenwood pulled one back from the penalty spot, after being fouled in the box.
Crucial that Sunderland get it right after two disastrous transfer windows
NOW would seem to be as good a time as any to pose the question: “Was this summer, Sunderland’s worst transfer window. Ever?”
With head coach Gus Poyet meeting the Black Cats’ director of football, Roberto De Fanti, to discuss possible January targets this weekend and the players drawing breath after a bizarre and bruising start to the campaign, it’s an appropriate juncture to evaluate the events of the past few months in terms of squad changes and ‘improvements’.
And there’s no shortage of material to sift through.
With 14 players coming in over the close season and almost as many leaving, the turnover was nothing short of staggering.
In terms of players leaving, fans would probably find few criticisms – with TWO notable exceptions.
The loss of a batch of youngsters deemed not good enough to make the grade is par for the course in football and there were no grumbles about any of the young departed.
Elsewhere, players like Matt Kilgallon and Titus Bramble had been decent servants (or not, depending on your point of view), but with the contracts of both having expired, there was no clamour to offer fresh deals.
The sales of Ahmed Elmohamady and James McClean for £2million apiece was regarded as decent business, even by those who were their cheerleaders.
But where the club really put itself in the spotlight were the sales of Simon Mignolet and Stephane Sessegnon.
Mignolet would have gone to a more successful club at some stage, but there was still an argument for hanging on to him for another season at least, so outstanding were his performances.
Sessegnon’s drink-driving charge, which put his Sunderland future in jeopardy, was bad news.
But to sell him to one of the club’s mid-table rivals on the strength of that misdemeanour – particularly as it felt that it was done in part because Paolo Di Canio was showing what a stickler he was for discipline – did not sit well.
And when it emerged that Sunderland had sold their most exciting outfield player for £6m but TURNED DOWN a £5m offer for bit-part misfit Ji Dong-won, the contrast between the two decisions was glaring.
One or two people have suggested that Di Canio should have been sacked for the Ji decision alone.
But, regardless of that, there’s no escaping the fact the club which finished fourth bottom on the Premier League sold its Player of the Year, (Mignolet); the guy who was inconsistent and moody but who could still win you half-a-dozen games a season (Sessegnon); while one of their most exciting and able outfield players could not be held on to (on-loan Danny Rose).
For a team which finished just above the relegation places, it was a suicidal strategy unless the incoming replacements could pass muster.
The initials signs looked good as, under De Fanti’s direction, a host of new players came in quickly and the first impressions of Cabral, David Moberg Karlsson and El-Hadji Ba were favourable.
But it soon became evident that the trio, along with Modibo Diakite, did not look worth the money spent on them in fees and wages.
True, they may still be ones for the future.
But the bottom line is that of three head coaches this season – none have seen an immediate future for them in the team.
Against that backdrop, back-up centre-half Valentin Roberge has had more game time than expected without being able to nail down a place, while Charis Mavrias remains very much a work in progress.
The three loan players – Fabio Borini, Ondrej Celustka and Ki Sung-Yueng – have shown varying degrees of potential and the South Korean, in particular, could have a key role to play this season, but none of the trio necessarily expect to be at the Stadium of Light this time next year.
The only permanent signings who have had a genuine first-team impact over several games have been those Sunderland paid a real price for – £6.8m Jozy Altidore, £6.5m Emanuele Giaccherini and £2m Vito Mannone.
Mannone has done well but is no Mignolet just yet, Altidore looks the part but has so far scored no more Premier League goals than Danny Graham (none), while Giaccherini is a gifted player with a lovely touch but so tangential to games at times that Gus Poyet left him out of the Newcastle derby and the Hull game, looking to use him as an impact sub.
Inevitably, Di Canio has to take his share of the blame for this failure to launch after the summer switch around.
But so, too, does owner Ellis Short, De Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni.
Di Canio himself muttered darkly, shortly before his departure, about how when things went wrong under the managerial structure Sunderland had recently adopted, that the head coach paid with his job every time while the director of football rarely did.
Given the departures of Mignolet and Sessegnon and the failure of so many of their replacements to make an impact, if anyone was giving a half-term report on De Fanti’s efforts so far, it would be heavily marked in red: “MUST DO BETTER.”
For the record, I don’t think this was Sunderland’s worst transfer window – off the top of my head, the one in January was worse.
More importantly, Short thought that too – sacking Martin O’Neill largely on the basis of the squandered £10m which saw Danny Graham make a minimal, non-goalscoring, impact, Alfred N’Diaye making the most marginal of impacts and Kader Mangane making no impact at all.
But the bottom line is that 2013 has not been a lucky year for Sunderland in terms of improving or taking the squad forward.
And the big concern is that the bulk of the squad selected by Poyet so far, and the key contributions made, have been almost entirely O’Neill or Steve Bruce players – Wes Brown, Steven Fletcher, Phil Bardsley, Seb Larsson...
It all means Poyet has much to mull over as he looks to improve Sunderland’s squad in January, with De Fanti’s help.
But he must be firm in getting the players he wants, if the players he is offered do not excite him because it is absolutely vital that the club has more hits than misses in the New Year.
Sunderland have had two disastrous transfer windows.
Gus Poyet will quit Sunderland if transfer targets not to his liking
• Manager holds talks with director of football and chief scout
• 'If a player is not right, I'm not going to accept it,' says Poyet
Gus Poyet has made it clear there will be problems at Sunderland if he is not given the final say on transfers. While the manager is happy to be working alongside Roberto De Fanti, the club's director of football, and Valentino Angeloni, the chief scout, he established his spheres of autonomy during a meeting with the two Italians in London last week when Sunderland's January transfer-market strategy was planned.
"We talked about a position the other day and considered four players," Poyet said. "I picked two. It was simple. One of the other two [selected by De Fanti] was a definite no. If that one is coming, I won't be here. The player has to be the right one for me. If not, I'm not going to accept it."
He may have said it with a smile on his face but Poyet was keen to establish his working parameters. "The sporting director exists everywhere in the world," he said. "I know in England it's not very common. The manager is normally in charge of everything but I had it at Zaragoza as a player and my situation is clear.
"I met with Roberto and Valentino and said what I think we need. They need to give me the options and I need to pick the ones I like. We need to see if they are available and if they fit into the financial possibilities, then we will move forward.
"I'm sure it's going to be done in the right way, in the common-sense way. Everyone has a responsibility and then the player has to be the right one for me."
Paolo Di Canio, Poyet's predecessor, complained that none of the 14 signings made by De Fanti during the summer were on his shopping list, with Sunderland's failure to sign Tom Huddlestone from Tottenham Hotspur a particular regret. The current manager is more optimistic about making the new system work.
"I've told him [De Fanti] my opinions about everybody here already and I've told him what I think we should be looking for," Poyet said. "Roberto and Valentino will manage it and then I will start checking on them every now and then – I like to go and see players live, if it's possible. The players already here have an opportunity now but there are others I think we need."
The former Brighton manager has handed De Fanti a detailed analysis of the existing squad with the column marked "deficiencies" highlighting the need to hit the ground running on 1 January. "The idea is to start moving," said Poyet, whose team have recently beaten Newcastle United and Manchester City in the Premier League, increasing Sunderland's hopes of avoiding relegation following a disastrous start to the season. "The sooner we move, the sooner we get a player, the better for me."
He is aiming for quality rather than quantity. "It's not going to be many players in January," he said. "And, so far, everything is working fine [with De Fanti and Angeloni]. The connection and communication have been great."
Stoke vs Sunderland won’t be a classic – but could provide further evidence of Black Cats survival instincts
With a series of pointless international friendlies now done and dusted until the new year, focus can firmly return to the bread and butter that is domestic football. In Sunderland’s case this involves a trip to the once Fortress Britannia, looking to build on some promising performances and results of late.
Stoke have been in uninspiring form in the Premier League recently, failing to win in their last eight games – a statistic which will encourage Sunderland supremo Gus Poyet as a win this weekend, accompanied with some co-operative results elsewhere, would see his side back in the mix with the sides that are also staring relegation square in the face.
However, for all that Stoke’s home form is lacklustre, Sunderland’s recent away record is even worse. The Black Cats have lost six of their last seven away games and you can imagine that Mark Hughes will be very much approaching this fixture as an ideal opportunity to stop the Stoke rot.
Historically, fixtures between Stoke and Sunderland have rarely resulted in entertaining goalfests, with eight of the last 10 matches seeing two goals or less. Couple this with the fact that the Black Cats have failed to score in their last three trips away from the Stadium of Light and the fixture doesn’t scream ‘rollercoaster ride of emotion’…
Of the two teams, you would imagine that it would be the visiting side that will have an added spring in their collective step
What I’m trying to get at is that we’re hardly set for a pulsating ‘one for the ages’ game on Saturday afternoon if the form is to be believed. Indeed this is probably likely to be the game mocked by the pundits during the game as they struggle for a reason to be enthused while likely freezing their particulars off.
Of the two teams, you would imagine that it would be the visiting side that will have an added spring in their collective step having won two of their last three fixtures, including a startling victory over wannabe champions Manchester City.
Sunderland seem to have progressed beyond any semblance of a honeymoon period under Gus Poyet – if indeed there was one, such was the general feeling of lethargy that greeted his arrival. This however should not be taken as an affront to the Uruguayan but rather a reaction to the instigation of yet another period of upheaval.
Poyet deserves a great deal of plaudits for the manner in which he has implemented his passing philosophy onto a Sunderland side that was adrift at the foot of the table and bereft of confidence and self-belief following the Di Canio dictatorship.
I must admit I had my doubts whether or not this Sunderland squad contained the ability and quality to effectively apply such a technical game plan. For far too long we were a side with little to no identifiable style of play that would more often than not elect for the useless punt upfield.
However, I can gratefully admit I was wrong and now have genuine belief that this squad, under Poyet’s stewardship, can avoid relegation.
Kevin Friend Helps Stoke City beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium
Stoke recorded their first win in nine Premier League games as goals from Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi steered them to a 2-0 home victory against Sunderland, who had Wes Brown sent off in controversial circumstances.
The Potters took the lead on the half-hour mark when Adam drilled in from Nzonzi's cut-back.
Six minutes later, referee Kevin Friend deemed a sliding tackle from Brown on Adam that won the defender the ball - and replays suggested any contact between the players had been minimal - to be worthy of a straight red card, a call that left Sunderland boss Gus Poyet fuming.
The Uruguayan saw his team battle bravely thereafter, but Stoke's win was sealed in the 81st minute when Nzonzi slotted home having been set up nicely by Peter Crouch.
Mark Hughes' side, who had been 17th at the start of the day and separated from the relegation zone by goal difference alone, moved up to 14th after this result.
Meanwhile Sunderland, who are three points adrift of safety, now occupy bottom spot in the table with Crystal Palace - watched from the stands by their new manager, ex-Stoke boss Tony Pulis, as they won 1-0 at Hull - having moved above them.
Jack Colback saw a shot deflect behind for a corner as Sunderland exerted some pressure early on, but it amounted to nothing and at the other end, Adam sent a free-kick on to the roof of the net.
Moments later Geoff Cameron delivered two dangerous crosses into the Black Cats box in quick succession, one of which came to Marko Arnautovic, whose strike on the turn was blocked.
Steven Fletcher then brought the ball down - seemingly with his arm - in the Potters area and, with no whistle blown, produced a shot which Asmir Begovic got out to parry.
Soon after, Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross had to clear off his line as a hoisted ball forward ricocheted towards goal and Arnautovic then appealed for a penalty having fired an effort against John O'Shea, but none was given.
Stoke continued to press and were rewarded with a goal when Nzonzi latched onto Cameron's chip down the right, turned Ki Sung-yeung and laid the ball to Adam, who was arriving in the box.
The Scotland midfielder side-footed a low shot that gave Vito Mannone little chance of keeping it out.
It got worse for Sunderland as Brown was given his marching orders by Friend, whose decision prompted an angry reaction from the defender's team-mates and manager.
Brown, sliding at a considerable speed when he challenged Adam and won the ball, appeared to make little contact - if any - with the Stoke man.
Sunderland's complaints went unheeded and their opponents looked to swiftly make the most of the man advantage, but could not add another goal before half-time.
The hosts continued their search for a second after the break but Sunderland managed to keep them at bay and brought a save out of Begovic via Phil Bardsley's attempt.
Stoke then broke and Adam advanced towards goal, but he blazed his shot well off-target from outside the area.
Sunderland did their best to battle back and, after Adam Johnson shot wide, Fletcher went to ground in the box when the boot of Begovic, coming out to clear, connected with his chest, but again no spot-kick was awarded.
Nzonzi then wrapped up the three points for Stoke, finishing first time from a through-ball by Crouch, who advanced forward having collected Adam's pass.
And the Potters might have had more goals had substitute Andy Wilkinson or Arnautovic been able to convert late chances.
Best of the match
*Goal of the match: N'Zonzi's sublime flick home late on was a fitting reward for the midfielder who controlled the game.
*Moment of the match: Brown's dismissal will be discussed and probably argued by the Sunderland coaching staff.
*Man of the match: N'Zonzi impressed throughout and Sunderland found his play difficult to contain.
Name:
gitten678!f0VAennZ7U2013-11-23 13:49
Poor refereeing which has probably cost us more points and has ultimately pushed us down to the bottom of the league
Name:
NFFC2013-11-23 13:51
>>646
Kevin Friend - a paragon of incompetence! He booked a player last week, walking away from the ball when the opposing player kicked the ball into his back. He shouldn't be allowed to referee an Under 5's game. I wonder who Mr. "invisible" Riley will be apologising to this week. PGMOL - A complete bunch of rank amateurs!
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet wants Wes Brown's red card in the defeat at Stoke to be rescinded - and for referees' chief Mike Riley to apologise.
Referee Kevin Friend dismissed Brown for a tackle on Charlie Adam during the 2-0 loss, though the defender appeared to win the ball cleanly.
Last week, Riley rang West Brom boss Steve Clarke after a controversial penalty award against Chelsea.
"Maybe Mike needs to call. I will have my phone on," Poyet told BBC Sport.
Sunderland were trailing 1-0 to a 30th-minute Adam strike when Brown went sliding in on the Stoke goalscorer and, after a short delay, was sent off by Friend.
Poyet, who reacted furiously at the time, shouting at the officials and throwing his coat to the ground, added: "Either we get an apology or you don't make me appeal and take the red card away. We can accept the mistake from the referee and we move forward.
"Sometimes we keep asking ourselves what is going on because it is difficult to understand. I would like somebody to explain. If you explain the action with some different words maybe I try to give some credit to the referee.
"But I don't think there is any explanation. Was it a two-footed tackle? No. Was he not in control? No. Over the ball? No. Was the opponent in danger? No. Did he make contact? No. Please explain me. It is difficult to accept."
Riley, who is in charge of the the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB), contacted Clarke to say sorry for referee Andre Marriner's contentious decision to award a late spot-kick to Chelsea in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on 9 November.
Poyet added: "I would like the referees' association to apologise to me this time.
"They did it last week. I think it is fair - they called a British manager and I think it is time for them to call a foreign manager."
Wes Brown: FA overturns red card after Sunderland appeal
Sunderland's Wes Brown has had his red card for a tackle on Stoke's Charlie Adam during Saturday 2-0 defeat overturned by the Football Association.
The Black Cats appealed against the sending off after the defender, 34, appeared to take the ball cleanly.
"It was hugely frustrating but we accept officials are only human and like everyone, they can make mistakes," said Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet.
"We are delighted with their decision, which is fair and just."
Poyet added: "Today goes some way to rectifying the error and we are delighted to have Wes available for Saturday's game at Aston Villa.
"I would like to express my thanks to the panel for giving the matter their consideration.
Referee Kevin Friend, 42, has not been given a match to officiate for the next two rounds of Premier League games.
Crystal Palace's appeal against Yannick Bolasie's red card for a tackle on Hull's Jake Livermore was rejected by the same panel.
Meanwhile, the FA says no retrospective action will be taken against Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, Everton's Kevin Mirallas and Cardiff midfielder Gary Medel for incidents in their sides' matches.
“When I made the challenge the first thing I thought was that it was going to be a red card” Kevin Mirallas Everton
Poyet was visibly angry at the decision to dismiss Brown, with his side trailing 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium.
"I have spoken with Mike Riley (general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and whilst the details of our conversation will remain private, I am satisfied with today's outcome," added Poyet.
On a weekend in which there were a number of controversial refereeing decisions, Rooney admitted he made a "bad tackle" after kicking Cardiff's Jordon Mutch in a 2-2 draw at Cardiff City Stadium.
And Medel appeared to slap Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini in the same game.
New FA rules designed to make retrospective action more usable came into action ahead of the weekend's games.
But England striker Rooney will receive no further punishment other than the yellow card handed to him by Neil Swarbrick, as retrospective action cannot be taken when match officials have seen the incident.
None of the match officials saw the incident involving Medel, so it went before the FA's new "not seen" panel, which can punish players retrospectively, but the panel felt no action was necessary.
Mirallas will also escape any ban as a result of a knee-high tackle on Liverpool's Luis Suarez in the first half of the 3-3 draw at Goodison Park.
"When I made the challenge the first thing I thought was that it was going to be a red card," admitted Mirallas, who Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said should have been sent off.
"I was genuinely going for the ball but I know I caught him on the knee and I said sorry straight away."
Striker Chopra called to give evidence in £750,000 cocaine trial involving alleged drugs factory
Blackpool striker Michael Chopra will be called to give evidence in a £750,000 cocaine trial involving an alleged drugs factory on Wearside, a court has heard.
Prosecutors claim £50,000 found in the foot-well of a Jaguar car by detectives investigating alleged ring members in 2010 was drug money.
But Newcastle Crown Court heard yesterday the cash belonged to former Newcastle, Sunderland and Ipswich star Michael Chopra, currently signed to Blackpool, who had turned to loan sharks to cope with his crippling gambling debts and was trying to pay them back.
Jurors have heard during the trial the case involves a block of cocaine being flung from the window of a moving black Range Rover which was being followed by the police, the discovery of a 'drugs factory' in Washington, where £750,000 worth of cocaine was recovered, and £50,000 which was discovered inside the luxury car.
Joseph Lewins, 55, of Malvern Road, Washington, Daniel Chisholm, 51, then of Franklin Street, Sunderland, Christopher Bacon, 34, of Wendover Close, Witherwack and John Somerville, 53, of Sheringham Avenue, Kenton, all deny conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Prosecutor Jolyon Perks has told jurors the cash was seized in a Jaguar being driven by a man who had just left Somerville’s home and was part-payment for a drugs deal.
But Richard Bloomfield, defending Somerville, said the cash was the result of Chopra having to pay back loan sharks after running up gambling debts into the 'millions'.
The court heard Chopra will be called to give evidence in the case, despite the 'inevitable storm' that will break around him.
Mr Bloomfield said: 'That £50,000 that was found in the car was nothing to do with drugs.
'That £50,000 was Chopra’s. It was to pay off a gambling debt, to pay them off.
'That was what John Somerville was doing on November 11 2010, he was not buying drugs, he was paying Michael Chopra’s gambling debts off.'
Mr Bloomfield said Chopra owed so much money that legitimate creditors and even team-mates would no longer deal with him and he was forced to borrow from loan sharks.
Mr Bloomfield added: 'Michael Chopra has a gambling addiction.
'He has spent, wasted, you may think an awful lot of money over the years gambiling.
'He got into gambling when he started playing football locally, at St. James’ Park, casinos, dog racing, football, rugby.
'There were times he might wake up in the middle of the night and bet on football as far away as in South America and wouldn’t even know the team that was playing.
'He reached the stage where he owed increasing amounts of money.
'The amount he spent on gambling over the years was not thousands or hundreds of thousands, it was millions.
'He reached the stage most of the normal bookmakers would not deal with him because he owed them money.
'He owed money to team mates and there came a time when he was offered credit to gamble in an operation in Liverpool, not legitimate bookmakers.'
The court heard Chopra’s debts run to the Liverpool loansharks through his 'gambling illness' spiralled to £250,000 and he ended up turning to his bosses at Ipswich town for help.
The four men accused of being part of the drugs conspiracy deny the charge.
LEE CATTERMOLE made his Sunderland return last night after completing his three-match suspension.
But it was not a happy comeback for the midfielder as the Black Cats crashed out of the Under-21 Premier League Cup, losaing 2-1 after a second half comeback from hosts Burnley.
Cattermole, who had hoped to feature in last week’s cancelled U21 friendly against Darlington, completed the full 90 minutes at Turf Moor to top his up fitness ahead of Saturday’s first-team trip to Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old was part of a strong Sunderland side with summer signings Cabral, Charis Mavrias, David Moberg Karlsson and El-Hadji Ba all featuring for Kevin Ball’s side.
And it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the ninth minute when Craig Lynch intercepted Luke Conlan’s back pass before sliding the ball beyond Burnley stopper Alex Cisak.
Burnley, who fielded former Sunderland striker Ryan Noble, almost grabbed an immediate equaliser when the lively Luke Gallagher fired into the side netting and then unleashed a shot just over the top from 25 yards in the 15th minute.
Midway through the first half, Cisak made a smart save to deny Ba after the French midfielder burst into the area and smashed a shot towards the top corner.
Sunderland stopper Joel Dixon was called into action in the 31st minute when he pushed away Steven Hewitt’s effort.
Early in the second half, Dixon produced an even better save when he kept out Noble’s deflected effort before Jason Gilchrist put the rebound wide.
But in the 64th minute, Burnley’s pressure paid off when Gallagher cut inside from the right and curled the ball into the far top corner from just outside the box.
Substitute Duncan Watmore went close to regaining the lead with five minutes to go when his effort deflected wide off defender Kevin Long.
But it was Championship leaders Burnley who were to grab a dramatic late winner when Long’s header came back off the bar and Conlan tucked away the rebound on the volley to send the Clarets into the last 16 of the competition.
BURNLEY: Cisak, Dummigan, Conlan, Howieson, Coleman, Long, Gilchrist, Hewitt, Noble, Frost, Gallagher. Subs not used: Nizic, Errington, Brownhill, Daly, Hill
Borini threatens to quit Sunderland to save World Cup dream... but Poyet wants to keep him
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet says he wants to keep Liverpool striker Fabio Borini after the January transfer window.
The young Italian has made just two starts since making the temporary switch to the Black Cats, scoring in the 2-1 derby win against Newcastle last month.
Borini's agent claims he wants to leave because he has not held down a regular place.
But Poyet said: ‘I would like to talk to him, not agents. He is a very important player for us and he has been unlucky because, if there is one player who should have got a bit more from the manager, it is Fabio.
‘I’ve only been here a month and a half so not everything needs to be decided now.
'If I was him I'd be moaning, but he has got great character and we have got a very good relationship.
'Every player wants to play all the time and I'm sure his family are thinking, why doesn't he manager play him? He has done well and is probably the one who has been really unlucky with the situation in games.'
Borini’s agent, Marco de Marchi, suggested he would be prepared to push for a move back to Italy for his client in order to enhance his hopes of going to the World Cup.
'He’s only had a chance at Sunderland after the arrival of Gus Poyet, but it is still insufficient,' said Marchi. 'I would like a meeting with Liverpool in January.
'I can only say that if the situation of Fabio does not change in the next month, we may consider a return to Italy in order to improve his chances of being called up for the World Cup.'
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Michael Chopra reveals football’s gambling problem: 'I signed for Sunderland in order to pay my debts off'
Michael Chopra, the former Newcastle United, Cardiff City and Sunderland striker, claimed he would gamble up to £30,000 in cash with other players on the team bus en route to matches while he was still a teenager with the St James’ Park club.
Chopra, giving evidence as a witness during a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, claims he was threatened by Scottish loan sharks later in his career as he ran up huge debts and joined Sunderland because the sizeable signing-on fee helped pay off some of the money he owed. He said that during his time with Ipswich the club and the Professional Footballers’ Association organised a £250,000 loan to do likewise while his father, Minty, also revealed in court yesterday that he had sold his house to pay his son’s gambling debts. Chopra told the court he estimated he had lost £2m through gambling.
“I started gambling when I was about 17, when I first played for Newcastle I was travelling with the first team,” said Chopra, who came through the youth ranks at Newcastle to play alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Craig Bellamy. “Players would gamble on the bus and I got involved. We would take thousands of pounds on to the bus, anything up to £30,000.
“It might change hands playing cards on the bus, we would go to the bank before and take out the money. It was part of team bonding. We were playing for real cash, if you were playing for £30,000 you would have it with you at the time.”
It was another painful day for football’s image as Chopra’s revelations were followed by the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision to charge two men as part of an investigation into an international match-fixing ring that is said to have attempted to rig matches in England’s lower leagues. Players’ unions have called for all involved in the professional game to be better, and compulsorily, educated over match-fixing. Unions have previously raised concerns that accruing huge gambling debts leaves players open to the approaches of match-fixers. There is no suggestion that Chopra has been involved in match-fixing.
Gambling remains very much a live issue in the game through players amassing huge debts; breaking betting rules laid down by governing bodies – Andros Townsend was suspended last season for breaching regulations; and, most seriously of all, the rise of the illegal betting markets that have led to the mushrooming of match-fixing across Europe over the last decade. Again, there is no suggestion that Townsend has been involved in match-fixing.
Chopra, who turns 30 later this month, was deep in debt by the time he joined Ipswich Town in 2011. He said: “I had loan sharks turning up at the training ground when I was at Ipswich. They came up to me and asked me for my autograph and said I better get myself into the club and get that money now.
“They said they knew what car I was driving and they would follow me until I paid them. They said they knew what school my little boy went to and where my parents lived and where I lived in Ipswich. I felt sick that I had put my family in that situation from my gambling.”
Chopra, now with Blackpool, moved from Cardiff to Sunderland, then newly promoted to the Premier League, in 2007 attracted largely by the signing-on fee he would receive.
“I was at Cardiff for one year and then I went to Sunderland,” he said. “I got a signing-on fee and paid my debts off. The main reason I went to Sunderland was to pay my debts off. When you go to the Premier League you earn more money.”
Chopra was giving evidence at the trial of four men on drugs charges. As part of the case, the prosecution says a sum of £50,000 found in a car was drug money but one of the accused instead claims it was cash to pay-off a loan shark from Liverpool on behalf of Chopra.
Earlier this year Chopra said he had “voluntarily excluded himself from all betting institutions… to help me fight this illness”. That came as part of a statement in response to being charged by the British Horseracing Authority for “serious breaches of the rules of racing”.
Chopra said he could not afford to defend himself and in January he was banned from all racecourses for 10 years after the BHA’s investigation into a “corrupt network” that gambled on horses to lose.
Aston Villa v Sunderland: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park on Saturday Nov 30, 2013, kick-off 15.00 (GMT).
Saturday, November 30, 2013 Aston Villa v Sunderland, Villa Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT. TV: Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Team News
Paul Lambert must decide whether to restore forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann to the Aston Villa starting line-up against Sunderland on Saturday.
The pair came on as second-half substitutes in Monday's 2-2 draw with local rivals West Brom after recent injuries, along with midfielder Fabian Delph.
All three are available for Sunderland's visit, as is left-back Antonio Luna after a recent hamstring complaint.
Meanwhile, Wes Brown is set to line up for Sunderland after having his red card in last week's defeat at Stoke rescinded by a Football Association appeals panel.
Manager Gus Poyet can also call on Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena, both of whom have completed three-game bans as a result of their recent sendings-off at Hull.
Vito Mannone is set to keep his place in goal as Keiren Westwood struggles to recover from a slight knock, while Carlos Cuéllar is still sidelined with a hip injury.
Match Notes Last season's 6-1 battering at Villa Park precipitated the demise of Paolo Di Canio and still holds grisly memories for the players that remain.
Sunderland's away form has not improved since that disastrous evening in April and Gus Poyet has demanded an improvement before the hands of relegation pull his team further into trouble.
There have been steady signs of progress at Villa ever since that win, with their new-found strength of character demonstrated in the comeback draw at West Brom on Monday.
Stat of the game: There have been four red cards in the last three league meetings between these teams at Villa Park..
John Percy's prediction: Aston Villa 1 Sunderland 1.
JACK Colback says Sunderland must look to control the game as much as possible at Villa Park tomorrow using Gus Poyet’s brand of patient, passing football.
The midfielder feels the way the Uruguayan wants his team to play may actually suit the Black Cats more away from home than it does at the Stadium of Light.
And the 24-year-old, who has been involved in every one of Sunderland’s Premier League games this season, believes the new style is also well suited to his own particular strengths.
“I’m relishing the way we’re wanting to play now to be honest,” he told the Echo.
“It’s a style I haven’t really played under before but it’s a style that I think most footballers should want to pursue - it’s all about keeping the ball and dictating player and creating chances.
“And I think the more and more we get used to it the better we will be at putting it into practice.”
Sunderland were a goal behind to Stoke at the Britannia Stadium last weekend when the game was completely changed by Wes Brown’s wrongful 36th minute sending off.
But up until that point, Sunderland had largely bossed the game and Charlie Adam’s opener had come against the run of play.
And Colback is hopeful his side can continue their policy of containment on their travels.
He said: “Home fans expect their team to come out, be dominant and be creating plenty of chances and that’s completely understandable.
“It may take a bit of time for our fans to get used to us playing that way, even though it has brought us wins over Newcastle and Manchester City.
“But away from home I think it is ideal because we can just concentrate on keeping the ball and controlling the game without feeling any pressure.
“And if we do that successfully it will frustrate the home crowd and increase our chances of getting the points we need away from home.
“The style is all about being confident in possession, about not being afraid to hold on to the ball when you have it, but also about looking to use it well and effectively when you go on the attack.”
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Ex-Sunderland player ‘humbled’ by university honour
AN England football star told the Echo she is “humbled” to be awarded a top honour from the University of Sunderland.
Steph Houghton, a former Sunderland AFC Women’s player, along with world-renowned neurosurgeon, Professor Sir Graham M Teasdale, will receive an honorary degree from Chancellor of the University, athletics legend Steve Cram, as part of the two-day winter graduation ceremonies.
They will receive the awards as graduates celebrate their success with friends, family and loved ones at the Stadium of Light on Thursday and Friday, December 5 and 6.
Steph is an international footballer who became a household name following her goalscoring exploits at the London 2012 Olympics.
Born in Durham, she made her club debut for Sunderland before winning the FA Women’s Premier League Cup for Leeds United Ladies and then signing for Arsenal in 2010.
She has since played 38 times for the England national team and became Team GB’s record goal scorer at the London 2012 Olympics. Steph will receive an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding success in 2012.
The footballer said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be receiving such a massive award from the university, and very surprised as well. I am really looking forward to the day. I’ve been all measured up for my gown.
“It’s fantastic recognition and I am very humbled.”
Steph, who already has a BA in Sports Science after studying at Loughborough University, said it is extra special getting the fellowship from a university in her native North East and where women’s football is recognised and supported.
Professor Teasdale is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, who alongside Professor Bryan Jennett, invented the Glasgow Coma Scale, now used in hospitals worldwide to measure the progress of head injury victims.
He was born in Spennymoor and trained at Durham Medical School and then the Institute of Neurological Sciences in Glasgow.
Professor Teasdale is to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Fidler, said: “Our honoraries have all made highly significant contributions within their fields and will inspire our graduates as they celebrate their academic success and embark on their careers. We are proud to pay tribute to them.”
‘I believe Cattermole can keep his cool’ – Sunderland boss Poyet
SUNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet has backed Lee Cattermole to keep a lid on his temper and play a crucial role in leading his club out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.
Cattermole is in line to return to the Black Cats line-up at Aston Villa on Saturday after completing a three-game suspension following his red card at Hull.
And despite disciplinary problems which have seen Cattermole sent off eight times in his career, Poyet re-iterated the 25-year-old’s importance to his long-term plans.
Poyet said: “I need to make sure Lee knows he is important to the team, and Lee needs to make sure he keeps his cool a little bit better.
“He’s an important player - he’s a leader, he’s strong and he doesn’t accept defeat - and sometimes you need those kinds of characters.”
Poyet will also be boosted by Wes Brown’s availability for the trip to Villa after his own controversial sending-off at Stoke last weekend was rescinded by the Football Association.
Poyet added: “I think it is important for many reasons because we are trying to create some consistency in the team especially at the back, because I think we are getting better.
“When you have a player like Wes in your team it’s definitely a little bit easier. We had a couple of interesting days waiting to see if he would be available, and after his clearance it made our preparations a lot easier.”
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Sunderland defender Scott Harrison joins Bury on loan
League Two side Bury have signed defender Scott Harrison on loan from Sunderland until 1 January.
The 20-year-old, who came through the youth system at Darlington, is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League side.
However, he was an unused substitute for the Black Cats last term.
Harrison will compete with fellow centre-backs Nathan Cameron, William Edjenguele and Richard Hinds for a spot in Ronnie Jepson's starting line-up.
Aston Villa and Sunderland stalemate does little to entertain Prince William.
Does being second in line to the throne entitle one to be first to the Villa Park exit? That is the question Prince William may have found himself asking on his maiden visit to the home of the team he supports, as Aston Villa and Sunderland served up a no-frills draw fit for a pauper. You could say it was heartening that neither team played above their usual standards just to impress a royal guest but this was better than Sunderland normally perform on their travels.
Sunderland had lost 13 of their previous 15 away league matches and had three players sent off in their last two so a clean sheet and a point amounted to progress. Gus Poyet's men might even have returned with a rare victory as they created the clearest chances in a scruffy game, Emanuel Giaccherini perpetrating an incredible close-range miss in the first half and Fabio Borini heading against the crossbar in the second. But for most of the match the play was slovenly, with both teams guilty of making more misguided passes than boozed-up workers at an office Christmas party.
The tone was set in the warm-up, when Phil Bardsley and Andrea Dossena exchanged angry shoves after the Italian inadvertently tripped his team-mates. That at least showed Sunderland had come to scrap. Poyet was pleased. "A little bit of tension is nice, especially when you're down at the bottom," he said
Once the game kicked off there were only sporadic incidents of interest. Gabriel Agbonlahor nodded a Fabian Delph cross wide from six yards in the third minute. Two minutes later he missed again, sending a soft 20-yard shot into the arms of Vitor Mannone. Sunderland then threatened for the first time when Steven Fletcher led a counterattack before feeding Dossena, who boomed a 20-yard shot into the side netting.
After that opening salvo of shots the game sunk into a tedium that was not relieved until the 30th minute, when Villa produced a smooth move that involved Karim El Ahmadi and Ashley Westwood, but Christian Benteke skied the ball from 12 yards. The previously prolific Belgian has not scored for seven matches and was peripheral to most of the action in this match. He looked low on confidence and a handful of Villa fans jeered when he was substituted towards the end.
Nearly everyone jeered Giaccherini just before half-time. Borini rolled a short corner to the impressive Sung-Yeung Ki, who delivered a cross to the back post. Bardsley headed across goal to his compatriot, who seemed certain to tap into the net but, to the delight of the home fans, Giaccherini lifted the ball over the bar from three yards.
He nearly compensated for that in the 67th minute when he produced a wonderful cross for Borini, but the latter's powerful header from eight yards bounced off the bar.
There were 23 minutes left but anyone who left early missed nothing else. It could be a while before the Prince returns. "I don't think he'll be watching Match of the Day," said Paul Lambert.
Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0: Poyet's boys hold firm in front of Prince William to seal first point on the road since August.
Aston Villa and Sunderland played out a largely forgettable 0-0 draw in front of the watching Duke of Cambridge at Villa Park.
The hosts were looking for their first home back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories since August 2010 but not even Villa supporter Prince William, donning a club scarf and coat as he looked on from owner Randy Lerner's executive box, could inspire them to victory.
Indeed it was Sunderland who came closest to all three points as they chased their first away win of the season, although they do return to the north east with a first point on their travels since the end of August.
In stark contrast to the Black Cats' recent home form, Gus Poyet had overseen three away defeats which contained three red cards and three own goals since taking charge.
But recalled striker Fabio Borini came closest to a winner as his glancing second-half header rebounded off the crossbar, while Emanuele Giaccherini contributed a worthy contender for miss of the season from a mere four yards just before half-time.
As poor as Sunderland have been away from home this year - 12 defeats from 15 league games in 2013 before kick-off - Villa have struggled almost as much in front of their own fans.
A 2-0 win over Cardiff last time out was only the club's 11th league victory in 44 attempts at Villa Park.
And there was very little for the 33,036 present to get excited about, with star striker Christian Benteke, now without a goal in seven appearances, largely anonymous in attack and even substituted before full-time.
The dour encounter proved a far cry from Villa's 6-1 success in last season's corresponding fixture in April.
Wes Brown took his place in Sunderland's starting XI having seen last week's controversial red card at Stoke rescinded upon appeal, manager Poyet making three changes from the 2-0 defeat at the Britannia Stadium.
Paul Lambert, meanwhile, handed starts to Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Fabian Delph after the fit-again trio came off the bench to inspire a second-half comeback in Monday's 2-2 draw at West Brom. Antonio Luna also returned from injury.
Both sides enjoyed half-chances inside the opening five minutes, Agbonlahor heading wide at the back post while Andrea Dossena - one of those recalled for the Black Cats alongside Borini and ex-Villa midfielder Craig Gardner - fired into the side-netting at the other end.
However, the opening quarter of a cagey clash was dominated by a lack of quality in the final third with neither goalkeeper forced into a real save of note.
The hosts lived dangerously during a couple of Sunderland corners but the away side lacked the cutting edge to take advantage.
The first clear chance went the way of Villa in the 29th minute but an unmarked Benteke could only fire high and wide from 12 yards.
Sebastian Larsson curled a free-kick narrowly off target for the visitors while Delph let go of an effort from long-range.
Gardner had the ball in the net just prior to half-time but was rightly flagged for offside, before Giaccherini - in plenty of space - somehow put over the crossbar from four yards having been found by Phil Bardsley's header.
Villa started the second half the brighter of the two sides but Vito Mannone was merely forced into a couple of routine stops.
The game's closest opening came in the 66th minute as Borini header Giaccherini's left-wing cross against the woodwork.
Poyet and Lambert made changes as they went of search of a late winner, Benteke being replaced by Libor Kozak, but neither side could find anything in the final third as both sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Match facts:
Aston Villa: (4-3-3) Guzan 6, Bacuna 6, Vlaar 6, Clark 6, Luna 6; Westwood 7, Delph 6,
El Ahmadi 5; (Tonev 71, 5) Weimann 5, (Albrighton 71, 5) Benteke 5, (Kozak 86) Agbonlahor 6
Hull's Steve Bruce: Liverpool's Jordan Henderson would have kept me in Sunderland role
STEVE BRUCE says Jordan Henderson could have saved him from the sack at Sunderland – if the England man had stuck around for long enough.
Bruce was in charge of the Black Cats when Henderson left the Stadium of Light for Liverpool in a £16million deal back in 2011.
Five months later, Bruce was out of a job as Sunderland faced relegation from the Premier League.
And ahead of today’s game, the Hull boss said: “One of the reasons I think I got the sack was losing people like Jordan – my best players. But how could I deny him a move to Liverpool? I couldn’t.
“I’m delighted he’s doing well – I always knew he would.”
“How could I deny him a move to Liverpool? I couldn’t”
Steve Bruce
Sunderland v Chelsea: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday Dec 4, 2013, kick-off 19.45 (GMT).
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Sunderland v Chelsea
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT.
Chelsea (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Ramires; Willian, Mata, Hazard; Torres.
Out: Kalas (leg), Van Ginkel (knee), Luiz (knee), Oscar (ankle).
Test: Eto'o (groin).
Referee: Phil Dowd. Matches: 10, R0 Y42.
Betting: Home 9-2, Away 8-15, Draw 3-1.
Team News
Sunderland defender John O'Shea has handed manager Gus Poyet a major boost by training ahead of Wednesday night's tough Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Republic of Ireland international ended Saturday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa with a groin problem, but appears to have recovered and is in line to retain his place.
However, keeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuéllar remain on the injured list and will not be involved once again.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be without Brazilian duo David Luiz and Oscar at Sunderland on Wednesday.
Luiz is still struggling with a knee injury while Oscar was forced off in Sunday's 3-1 win over Southampton with an ankle problem, although Mourinho is not expecting either player to be missing for too long.
Samuel Eto'o is back in contention following his groin injury with midfielder Marco van Ginkel the only long-term absentee.
Match Notes
Chelsea are showing a head of steam in the Premier League at the right time and will relish the chance to make amends for their last trip to the north east.
On that occasion they lost 2-0 at Newcastle but since then they have taken six points from three games.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet spent three years as a player at Chelsea, having arrived in England from Real Zaragoza, but the Uruguayan knows that if his side cannot score against Aston Villa, they struggle to beat his old club.
Stat of the game: Chelsea have won 16 of their 17 Premier League games against Sunderland.
SUNDERLAND v CHELSEA: All the latest team news and stats ahead of the Stadium of Light clash
Stadium of Light (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
Sunderland team news:
Defender John O'Shea has handed Sunderland boss Gus Poyet a major boost by training ahead of Wednesday night's tough Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Republic of Ireland international ended Saturday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa with a groin problem, but appears to have recovered and is in line to retain his place.
However, keeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) remain on the injured list and will not be involved once again.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be without Brazilian duo David Luiz and Oscar for the Blues' Barclays Premier League clash at Sunderland on Wednesday.
Luiz is still struggling with a knee injury while Oscar was forced off in Sunday's 3-1 win over Southampton with an ankle problem, although Mourinho is not expecting either player to be missing for too long.
Samuel Eto'o is back in contention following his groin injury with midfielder Marco van Ginkel (knee) the only long-term absentee.
Sunderland have scored just 12 goals in their last 14 Premier League matches at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea have won 16 and lost one of their last 17 Premier League games against Sunderland.
Fernando Torres has scored six goals in seven Premier League starts against Sunderland – against no side has he netted more in the competition.
Torres has scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances at the Stadium of Light.
Chelsea have only won back to back Premier League away games once in 2013.
Sunderland have attempted fewer shots on target than any other team in the top flight this season (30) and attempted just one in their last PL game versus Aston Villa at the weekend.
Chelsea have scored three times in each of their last two games, they have not managed three-plus in three successive Premier League games since October 2011 and have only done it four times in total so far.
Sunderland have conceded more own goals than any other Premier League team this season (3).
Against Villa at the weekend, Sunderland became only the second team in Premier League history to name four Italians in the starting line-up (after Chelsea in 2000).
Chelsea have been caught offside more often than any other Premier League side this season (43 times).
45:00 +2:16 Half time
First Half ends, Sunderland 1, Chelsea 2. 45:00 +1:53 Foul by Fernando Torres (Chelsea). 45:00 +1:53 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00 +1:22
Booking Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 45:00 +1:14 Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 45:00 +1:14 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 45:00 +0:18 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 45:00 +0:17 Attempt saved. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Juan Mata. 39:10 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 38:50 Booking
Booking Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 38:25 Delay in match Juan Mata (Chelsea) because of an injury. 38:01 Juan Mata (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing. 38:01 Foul by Andrea Dossena (Sunderland). 37:41 John Terry (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 37:41 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 35:54 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Chelsea 2. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Fernando Torres with a headed pass. 34:33 Attempt blocked. Wes Brown (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by John O'Shea. 34:15 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by César Azpilicueta. 33:52 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by César Azpilicueta. 33:17 Foul by Fernando Torres (Chelsea). 33:17 Wes Brown (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 32:42 Attempt missed. Fernando Torres (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right following a set piece situation. 32:04 Juan Mata (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing. 32:04 Foul by Andrea Dossena (Sunderland). 31:16 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by César Azpilicueta. 30:56 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Petr Cech. 30:53 Attempt missed. Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 26:20 Attempt missed. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Juan Mata. 24:31 Foul by César Azpilicueta (Chelsea). 24:31 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 20:33 Attempt missed. Ramires (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Willian. 17:35 Gary Cahill (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 17:35 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 16:42 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Chelsea 1. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) header from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Eden Hazard with a cross following a corner. 16:17 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by John O'Shea. 13:26 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Chelsea 0. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Jack Colback following a set piece situation. 13:23 Attempt blocked. Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 12:23 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 12:23 Foul by César Azpilicueta (Chelsea). 10:49 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 10:49 Foul by César Azpilicueta (Chelsea). 9:58 Attempt missed. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Eden Hazard. 7:00 Attempt missed. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 5:36 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 5:36 Foul by César Azpilicueta (Chelsea). 4:12 Foul by Andrea Dossena (Sunderland). 4:12 Juan Mata (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing. 3:05 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 3:05 Foul by John Terry (Chelsea). 2:34 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 2:34 Gary Cahill (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 1:49 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini. 0:55 Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Craig Gardner. 0:00 First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
2105: GOAL - Sunderland 2-3 Chelsea - Eden Hazard (62 mins) Eden Hazard is having a stormer tonight. Sunderland decide to double up on the Chelsea forward, who plays a neat one-two with Frank Lampard and cuts inside before firing in his second of the evening. Tremendous.
2052: GOAL - Sunderland 2-2 Chelsea - John O'Shea (50 mins) Gus Poyet must have got the hairdryer out at half-time as Sunderland come out fighting - levelling when John O'Shea picks up on a loose ball from a corner and smashes home. Game on.
2021: GOAL- Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea - Eden Hazard (37 mins) A touch of class from Eden Hazard, who picks the ball up on the left and cuts inside before firing into the bottom corner. Jose Mourinho punches the air in delight, Gus Poyet slumps into his seat.
2002: GOAL- Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea - Frank Lampard (17 mins) That didn't last long, did it? As Sunderland fail to deal with a Chelsea corner, Eden Hazard picks the ball up on the left and dinks a lovely ball into the box where Frank Lampard is right on cue to head home. Textbook Lamps.
1958: GOAL- Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea - Jozy Altidore (14 mins)It's the night of the stand-ins alright. American striker Jozy Altidore puts Sunderland into a surprise lead against Chelsea when he spins on a sixpence and rifles home from 12 yards after Andrea Dossena's free-kick was only partially cleared.
2128: GOAL - Chelsea 4-3 Sunderland - Phil Bardsley Phil Bardsley levels his account for the night as he stabs home from eight yards as Chelsea fail to clear a corner. Surely the Black Cats can't grab a point? Can they?
2127: GOAL - Chelsea 4-2 Sunderland - Phil Bardsley own goal (84 mins) Game, set and match at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley diverts Demba Ba's ball across the six-yard area into his own net. Three points to Chelsea.
90:00 +3:25 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 89:31 SubstitutionSubstitution, Chelsea. Andre Schürrle replaces Willian. 89:18 Booking Booking Willian (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card. 85:19 Goal scored
Goal! Goal! Sunderland 3, Chelsea 4. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal following a corner. 84:59 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Frank Lampard. 84:31 Foul by Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea). 84:31 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 83:19 Goal scored
Goal!
Own Goal by Phillip Bardsley, Sunderland. Sunderland 2, Chelsea 4. 82:07 Foul by Demba Ba (Chelsea). 82:07 Wes Brown (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 81:33 Attempt missed. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 80:36 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Chelsea. John Obi Mikel replaces Juan Mata. 79:58 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Steven Fletcher replaces Craig Gardner. 79:33 Attempt missed. Ramires (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 79:24 Attempt missed. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right following a set piece situation. 78:48 Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 78:48 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 77:38 Attempt missed. Demba Ba (Chelsea) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Eden Hazard. 73:05 Attempt missed. Demba Ba (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Eden Hazard. 72:23 Attempt missed. Willian (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Juan Mata.
71:43 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by John O'Shea. 71:41 Attempt blocked. Demba Ba (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Willian with a cross. 66:47 John Terry (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:47 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 65:41 Foul by Ramires (Chelsea). 65:41 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 65:07 Foul by Willian (Chelsea). 65:07 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:51 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Adam Johnson replaces Emanuele Giaccherini. 64:36 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Chelsea. Demba Ba replaces Fernando Torres. 63:51 Attempt blocked. Juan Mata (Chelsea) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Willian. 61:53 Booking
Booking
Eden Hazard (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 61:22 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Chelsea 3. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Frank Lampard. 59:12 Attempt blocked. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by John O'Shea. 58:28 Foul by John Terry (Chelsea). 58:28 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 56:59 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson replaces Jack Colback. 56:28 Attempt missed. Fernando Torres (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. 56:27 Attempt saved. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Fernando Torres. 54:57 Willian (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 54:57 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 53:21 Ramires (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 53:21 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 52:51 Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 52:51 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 52:31 Eden Hazard (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 52:31 Foul by Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland). 51:10 John O'Shea (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 51:01 Foul by Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea). 50:45 Booking
Booking
Jack Colback (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 50:33 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Ki Sung-Yueng. 49:06 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Chelsea 2. John O'Shea (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner following a corner. 49:04 Attempt blocked. Wes Brown (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini with a cross. 48:42 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Eden Hazard. 47:07 Booking
Booking
Ramires (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 47:02 Foul by Ramires (Chelsea). 47:02 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 45:40 Attempt blocked. Juan Mata (Chelsea) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Gary Cahill. 45:09 Fernando Torres (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 45:09 Foul by John O'Shea (Sunderland). 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Chelsea 2.
Sunderland 3 Chelsea 4: Hazard fires title warning with brace in seven goal thriller at Stadium of Light
Chelsea made amends for their previous visit to the North East - which saw them lose 2-0 to Newcastle - by beating a spirited Sunderland 4-3 in a seven goal thriller at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats took an unexpected lead through Jozy Altidore who scored his first goal for the club and only his second in 40 Premier League appearances.
However, Frank Lampard equalised within three minutes before an inspired Eden Hazard gave the Blues a 2-1 first-half lead after cutting in and firing a drilled shot beyond Vito Mannone.
Sunderland captain John O'Shea levelled early in the second half but Hazard would not be denied with a beautiful effort following a sublime pass from Lampard.
Phil Bardsley then scored an own goal before making amends at the opposite end from a corner.
The win keeps Chelsea within touching distance of the league pace setters and maintains an impressive record against Sunderland that has seen them win 17 of their last 18 encounters.
MATCH FACTS
Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Dossena, Ki, O'Shea, Brown, Giaccherini, Gardner, Altidore, Colback, Borini
Subs not used: Larsson, Fletcher, Johnson, Celustka, Pickford, Roberge, Cattermole
<<duds Premier League: Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea claimed a 4-3 win at Sunderland
A sublime performance from Eden Hazard inspired Chelsea to an enthralling 4-3 win at Sunderland.
Jozy Altidore's first ever goal for Sunderland came just 14-minutes in to give them the lead, but Chelsea were level moments later when Frank Lampard headed home Hazard's chipped cross in from close-range.
Hazard was a thorn in Sunderland's side from the first whistle and it was little surprise when he fired them ahead ten-minutes before the break as he cut in from the left before firing beyond Vito Mannone.
Sunderland battled hard and levelled just after the break when captain John O'Shea fired home as Chelsea failed to clear a corner.
Hazard then restored the lead and it was another wonderful strike as he exchanged passes with Lampard before firing home on the hour.
The game looked to have been won when Phil Bardsley had a lapse in concentration and slid Demba Ba's cross into his own goal with six-minutes left.
The Scotland defender made amends and set-up a grandstand finish though as he converted from a corner just two-minutes later, as Chelsea again failed to defend a simple set-piece.
With six-minutes of added time announced the home crowd roared looking for an equaliser, but it did not arrive as Chelsea remain in second with Sunderland propping up the rest of the division.
Seven up for youngsters: Sunderland U18 7 Bolton Wanderers U18 0
Sunderland ran riot in a seven-goal demolition of Bolton at the Academy of Light.
It was a smooth, clinical performance enhanced by seven goals of the highest quality, with Wanderers having no answer.
The young Black Cats took an early lead in the seventh minute when Lynden Gooch was brought down inside the penalty area and Martin Smith (pictured) hammered the spot-kick high to the right of Bolton keeper William Jaaskelainen, son of the current West Ham keeper.
Defender Tom Beadling got the second in the 18th minute when he picked up the ball a good 25 yards out and hit a scorcher which skidded off the damp turf low into the corner of the net.
On the half-hour mark it was three when Rees Greenwood fed Gooch, who turned and delicately chipped a super ball into the six-yard box for Andrew Nelson to head powerfully home.
Shortly afterwards Gooch himself made a brilliant pacey run, beating four men only to see his goal-bound effort cleared off the line.
Greenwood made it four on 40 minutes when he came in from the left, beating three defenders before placing the ball wide of the keeper.
Two minutes before the break, Gooch forced a good save from Jaaskelainen but the ball fell to Ethan Robson, whose strike hit the bar before Nelson hit a marvellous volley into the roof of the net.
The visitors marginally improved in the second period but the Wearsiders still added two more goals for good measure with Gooch bursting down the left to draw the keeper and slip the ball home from a tight angle.
The final nail in the coffin came on 65 minutes when Smith, who was outstanding throughout, played a neat one-two with Gooch before side-footing just inside the post to complete the rout.
Coach Carlton Fairweather was delighted with the display, saying: "We have been threatening to do this for a few games now even though this was not one of our best performances.
“Bolton had a young side out but so did we, including the subs.”
Sunderland: Burke, Ledger, T Robson (Ellison, 65), E Robson (Wright, 70), Colquhoun, Beadling, Greenwood, Smith, Nelson (Blinco, 65), Gooch, McEvoy.
U21 side hit five at Arsenal, Arsenal U21 1 Sunderland U21 5
Mikael Mandron scored a hat-trick on his return to Sunderland’s development squad as the young Black Cats hammered Arsenal 5-1 at Boreham Wood.
Sunderland were outstanding from start to finish and goals either side of half time from Duncan Watmore and Craig Lynch added gloss to a scoreline that merited the performance.
Jon Toral replied for the hosts in the second half but Sunderland’s possession football from defence to attack was evident throughout.
Mandron will take the plaudits, and rightly so, but the Black Cats’ team effort was near perfect.
Coach Kevin Ball made six changes to the side that lost at Burnley the previous week with Watmore, Mandron, Liam Agnew, Tom McNamee, George Honeyman and Jordan Laidler all returning.
The young Black Cats showed class from the off in their patient build-up and possession football with Agnew, Lynch and Laidler at the heart of Sunderland’s creative midfield.
It wasn’t until the tenth minute that the visitors had an effort on goal as Mandron latched onto Lynch’s through ball and slid just wide from the corner of the box.
The away side continued to keep the ball and dominate possession with McNamee, Louis Laing and John Egan all supplying assured defensive displays whilst also seeing their fair share of the ball.
Sunderland were ahead just after the half-hour as Watmore cut in from the right and played a neat one-two with Honeyman before finishing coolly past Arsenal keeper Viviano.
The Gunners almost replied immediately as Thomas Eisfeld found some rare space behind the Black Cats’ defence and rounded Joel Dixon before clipping the outside of the post from a narrow angle.
Watmore volleyed over from 25 yards before the lead was doubled on the stroke of half time.
The former Altrincham man weaved into the area and forced a fine save from Viviano before the Italian was quick to deny Lynch on the follow-up, however Mandron was on hand to nod home the second rebound from inside the six-yard box.
Sunderland made it 3-0 after just five second-half minutes as Agnew found Watmore with a fine pass before the winger managed to find Mandron, who slotted home his sixth goal in six games with a fine finish.
Arsenal got one back just after the hour as Toral drove home from the corner of the box following some sustained pressure from the hosts.
The Gunners went close to a second minutes later as Tafari Moore pulled back for Chuba Akpom only for the striker to scuff wide from 10 yards.
Lynch nearly added a fourth for Sunderland with a 25-yard drive but Viviano was on hand to palm the midfielder’s stinging shot away.
Agnew, who orchestrated proceedings from midfield, found Watmore with a lobbed pass on the half-volley but the young winger steered over after cutting onto his left foot.
The same pair combined minutes later with Agnew feeding Watmore on the counter but the summer signing couldn’t get the ball out of his feet to beat Viviano.
Lynch made it 4-1 with a fine effort 15 minutes from time as he curled into Viviano’s bottom left hand corner from the edge of the area.
Substitute Adam Mitchell nearly made it 5-1 in the 82nd minute as Laidler fed through the County Durham-born youngster who did well to bring down the pass before forcing a fine save from Viviano.
Akpom drove a late shot over after good play from Toral but it was the Black Cats who would finish the match in style as Mandron sealed his hat-trick with a glancing finish from Mitchell's cross.
Black Cats denied in seven-goal thriller.
Sunderland eventually succumbed to their first home defeat of the Gus Poyet era despite netting three times during a topsy-turvy clash with Chelsea.
After going ahead early on thanks to Jozy Altidore’s first league goal from the club, Sunderland came from behind to level when skipper John O’Shea netted in the 50th minute following first-half strikes from Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard.
Hazard – who produced a fine individual display – then gave Chelsea a 3-2 lead before a late Phil Bardsley own goal looked to have put Sunderland on the canvas.
However, the hosts dramatically reduced the deficit through Bardsley, who atoned for his mistake at the other end when he drove the ball home in the 86th minute to set up a tense finale.
Poyet’s Black Cats dropped just short in the end, though not through a lack of effort.
Altidore responded with a goal after just 15 minutes having been handed a start ahead of Steven Fletcher, while Jack Colback replaced Seb Larsson in midfield.
Poyet had been pleased with his side’s approach to the game at Aston Villa in their last outing and they started in a similar vein against Jose Mourinho’s high-flyers.
Emanuele Giaccherini fired wide from a Fabio Borini pass after just two minutes, while moments later Borini turned smartly to get away down the right and blasted a cross-shot past the far post.
Hazard and Lampard responded with errant efforts from distance for Chelsea, but Sunderland had made the better start and they were rewarded with a breakthrough on the quarter-hour.
Colback managed to shovel the ball into Altidore’s path after Andrea Dossena’s free kick on the edge of the box was deflected to him, and the American did the rest, turning well to beat Petr Cech with a left-footed shot.
However, the lead was wiped out two minutes later when the unmarked Lampard headed in Hazard’s cross from four yards out.
That quick-fire response was the signal for Chelsea to push on, which they duly did despite Cech being forced to push away a powerful drive from Dossena.
Fernando Torres saw a serviceable chance pass by when he volleyed over from 12 yards after Altidore half-cleared Juan Mata’s corner, but the visitors cashed in with their next opportunity as Hazard found the net eight minutes before the break.
Cutting in off the left flank, the Belgian drifted across the face of the box before dispatching a crisp effort into the far corner of the net, giving Vito Mannone no chance.
Sunderland were then grateful to O’Shea for some excellent defensive work after Torres broke through on the end of Lampard’s lofted through ball.
Meanwhile Mannone made a smart near-post save to deny Hazard as Chelsea finished the first period on the front foot.
But for all the visitors’ quality in the closing stages of the opening half, Sunderland’s efforts had ensured they were far from out of the contest - as O’Shea proved five minutes after the restart.
Giaccherini’s low corner from the right was missed by Wes Brown, but Sunderland’s captain was positioned behind him to fire powerfully home beyond a helpless Cech.
The effort flew in off the covering John Terry, although the shot would still have found the back of the net without the defender's intervention.
Mannone then produced an excellent save to deny Hazard on a breakaway just before the hour – the home crowd held their breath as the rebound fell to Torres, but the Spanish striker blazed way over the bar.
Colback – already booked for a foul and treading a thin line after pulling back Willian – was replaced by Larsson as Chelsea pushed on.
And another moment of individual quality paid off for the visitors as Hazard bagged his second goal to re-establish Chelsea’s lead on 62 minutes.
Playing a neat one-two out on the left, Hazard drove inside before twisting to fire the ball past Mannone from 16 yards.
Poyet responded by replacing Giaccherini with Adam Johnson, looking to provide a different option going forward.
Ba wasted a chance to extend Chelsea’s lead 18 minutes from time, appearing to slip at the vital moment when shooting on the edge of the box following an incisive pass from Hazard.
And a strong run from Ramires ended in a low cross-shot just wide, with Poyet opting to make his third and final change with Craig Gardner withdrawn for Fletcher.
It was a roll of the dice from Sunderland’s head coach as he looked to rescue a point, with the hosts looking to get men forward in support of their dual strikers.
Ki blasted wide after Johnson’s excellent cross was well punched out by Cech, but Sunderland were hit by a sucker punch at the other end when Bardsley slid sub Demba Ba’s pull-back into his own net.
It looked like game over with six minutes minutes to go – but Sunderland kept plugging away and Bardsley had his moment of redemption just moments later.
Larsson swung in a corner which ricocheted off John Obi Mikel and ran straight to the defender, who drilled the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The goal set up a grandstand finish – but the hosts couldn’t conjure up what would have been a sensational leveller with a Johnson drive the closest they came.
The winger then pulled the ball back for Ki on the edge of the box deep into stoppage time, but the Korean couldn’t get a touch and Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief as they sealed the points.
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Manchester City Ladies: Arsenal's Steph Houghton to join in January
Arsenal and England defender Steph Houghton has agreed a move to Manchester City Ladies and will sign a three-year contract in January.
The 25-year-old has played 40 times for her country and also represented Team GB at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Houghton captained Arsenal to an FA Cup and Continental Cup double in 2013, but the Gunners could only finish third in the Women's Super League.
City will compete in the expanded WSL for the first time in 2014.
Fellow England internationals Jill Scott, Karen Bardsley and Toni Duggan have also signed for the Blues ahead of next season.
"I'm so glad that City came in for me because as soon as I heard their plans for the future, I knew I wanted to be part of it," the former Sunderland and Leeds player told her new club's website.
"I'd like to thank Arsenal very much for everything they've done for me. They've helped me to grow as a player and it was a massive decision for me to leave. I had three very successful years there and I didn't take the decision lightly."
An England debutant in 2007, injuries prevented Houghton from appearing in that year's World Cup and Euro 2009, although she did feature at the 2011 World Cup and a disappointing Euro 2013 campaign.
She came to prominence with a series of impressive displays for Great Britain during London 2012 and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 group win against Brazil at Wembley.
Sunderland - Tottenham Preview: Spurs scoring less than a goal per game
The north Londoners need to up their chance conversion but face the Premier League's joint-leakiest defence when they travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday
Sunderland's porous defence will hope for a rare break when misfiring Tottenham visit them on Saturday.
Spurs have been far from shot-shy this term but a dreadful conversion rate leaves them with just 13 goals from 14 Premier League games so far - although four of those have come in their previous two fixtures.
The Londoners may fancy their chances against a Sunderland side who have conceded two goals per league game on average and shipped four in defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday but Gus Poyet's arrival has made the Stadium of Light a tougher place to visit - their midweek loss the first on home soil for the Uruguayan.
The Black Cats were ultimately undone by a virtuoso display from Eden Hazard, the Belgian scoring two and assisting Frank Lampard's early equaliser after Jozy Altidore had given Sunderland a shock lead.
Captain John O'Shea was left to rue his side's inability to handle Chelsea's attack and hopes that Sunderland can learn from their disappointment when they face Spurs.
"You can't score three goals against Chelsea and not come away with something – that's the frustrating part," the Irishman told reporters.
"We always analyse the goals and, individually and collectively, we can always do better. That's what we're going to have to do. If you score three goals you generally think you'll get something from the game, so to not do so was disappointing."
Although Spurs' attack remains a concern, they come into the game with one of the league's strongest away records. Only Arsenal have recorded more points on their travels than Andre Villas-Boas's side, who have racked up 13 of their 24 away from White Hart Lane.
Tottenham's latest triumph on the road came in Wednesday's hard-fought 2-1 win at Fulham. Ashkan Dejagah looked to have given Rene Meulensteen a perfect start as Cotagers boss but an organised Spurs were rewarded by Vlad Chiriches' thunderbolt and Lewis Holtby's late winner.
Carlos Cuellar (hip) will be unavailable for Sunderland, who retain concerns over the fitness of goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and Mobido Diakite.
Spurs could enter the game without a recognised left-back as Danny Rose (ankle) is a doubt and Jan Vertonghen is out with a similar issue. Christian Eriksen will miss the best part of December with an ankle injury of his own and Emmanuel Adebayor is sidelined with a knee complaint.
Stat-packed preview ahead of clash with Spurs.
Tottenham travel to Sunderland for the 50th time since the first meeting between the two sides on the opening day of the 1909-10 season.
George Holley scored twice that day to give Robert Kyle’s side the perfect start to the campaign at Roker Park.
Ninety-one years later, Sunderland recorded their last home win over Spurs, also by a 3-1 scoreline, as Darren Bent’s double was followed up by a sensational strike from Bolo Zenden.
A repeat success for the Black Cats on Saturday evening could see Gus Poyet’s side move within two points of safety.
Poyet’s record as a player against his former club stands him in good stead with the Uruguayan never suffering defeat to Spurs during his time with Chelsea.
He won six and drew one of the seven games he played for the Blues against the North London club and scored on three occasions.
Sunderland defender Wes Brown has won all seven games in which he has been on the home side against Tottenham whilst he has only lost on one occasion to Spurs in the 12 games in which he has featured against them during his career.
Brown’s fellow defender, John O’Shea, scored his first goal for Sunderland against Villas-Boas’ Tottenham in a 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light in December 2012. The Republic of Ireland international has also played in goal against Spurs when he replaced the injured Edwin van der Sar for the final few minutes of Manchester United’s 4-0 win at White Hart Lane in February 2007.
Craig Gardner has started the Black Cats’ last two games and he will look to continue his fine goal-scoring run against Spurs which has seen him score three times in ten games against Tottenham during his playing career.
Steven Fletcher has also notched on three occasions in seven games against Spurs during his career in English football whilst midfielder Lee Cattermole has not lost to Tottenham in his last five games against the Lilywhites - meaning he has never lost to the White Hart Lane-based club in a Sunderland shirt.
In four of the last five games on Wearside, this fixture has produced two or more goals on every occasion, though Sunderland boss Poyet will be hopeful that his side can restrict Spurs in the manner in which they stopped Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Danny Rose, who made 29 appearances on loan at Sunderland last season, could miss the return to his former club due to a foot injury whilst Christian Eriksen is also out.
Emmanuel Adebayor could return for the hosts whilst Carlos Cuellar is out for Sunderland.
Saturday’s meeting will be the 111th in total between the two sides with Tottenham edging the head-to-head record with 44 wins compared to Sunderland’s 37 whilst there have been 29 draws.
Last six meetings:
Tottenham 1 - 0 Sunderland – 19/05/2013
Sunderland 1 - 2 Tottenham - 29/12/2012
Sunderland 0 - 0 Tottenham - 07/04/2012
Tottenham 1 - 0 Sunderland - 18/12/2011
Sunderland 1 - 2 Tottenham - 12/02/2011
Tottenham 1 - 1 Sunderland - 09/11/2010
1817: HALF-TIME - Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham
Half-time then at the Stadium of Light. This match has just ignited - we should be set for a decent second half.
1813: GOAL- Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham - Paulinho (43 mins)
That's the perfect response from Tottenham. A deep free-kick is helped back into the box by Nacer Chadli and Paulinho shows a striker's instinct to stab home in the six-yard box. Where were the Sunderland defenders?
1807: GOAL- Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham - Adam Johnson
Another game, another goalkeeping mistake. Sunderland's Adam Johnson is the man to profit this time as Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris palms Ondrej Celustka's simple cross straight into his path at the far post. The ex-Manchester City man makes no mistake as he takes one touch and buries the ball into the back of the net.
1730: Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
We're under way at the Stadium of Light...
1726: Sunderland v Tottenham (1730 GMT)
The players are heading on to the pitch at the Stadium of Light on a bitterly cold night in the north east. Tottenham's Lewis Holtby is one who I see is wearing gloves. I don't really blame him.
45:00 +2:12 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 1. 45:00 +1:37 Attempt missed. Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Lewis Holtby with a cross following a corner. 45:00 +1:04 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Wes Brown. 45:00 +1:03 Attempt blocked. Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Mousa Dembélé. 45:00 +0:02 Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00 +0:02 Foul by Adam Johnson (Sunderland). 44:43 Attempt saved. Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 42:43 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 1. Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Nacer Chadli with a headed pass following a set piece situation. 42:15 Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick on the right wing. 42:15 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 39:56 Foul by Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur). 39:56 Wes Brown (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 39:33 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 38:50 Kyle Naughton (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 38:42 Booking
Booking
Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 38:29 Foul by Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland). 37:55 Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 37:55 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 36:43 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 0. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. 35:50 Attempt blocked. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mousa Dembélé.
34:34 Etienne Capoue (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:34 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 33:30 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 33:28 Attempt blocked. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Nacer Chadli. 32:42 Attempt saved. Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Lewis Holtby with a cross. 32:15 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Ki Sung-Yueng. 31:08 Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 31:08 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 27:47 Attempt blocked. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Adam Johnson. 26:05 Attempt missed. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Mousa Dembélé. 22:32 Attempt missed. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Mousa Dembélé. 21:54 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by John O'Shea. 21:23 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Wes Brown. 21:22 Attempt blocked. Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Aaron Lennon. 18:41 Attempt missed. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 18:09 Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 18:07 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 17:16 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 17:12 Attempt missed. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Jermain Defoe. 16:30 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Phillip Bardsley with a through ball. 12:15 Attempt missed. Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Kyle Walker. 7:55 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 7:55 Foul by Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur). 5:42 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 5:42 Foul by Mousa Dembélé (Tottenham Hotspur). 5:03 Foul by Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland). 5:03 Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 4:32 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 4:32 Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Sunderland remained rooted at the bottom of the Premier League table as Tottenham eased the pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas with a gutsy win.
A Hugo Lloris error allowed Adam Johnson to confidently score from eight yards to give Sunderland the lead.
Paulinho poked in at the near post to level and Spurs then went ahead thanks to John O'Shea's clumsy own goal.
Jermain Defoe twice struck the woodwork while Sunderland had a worthy penalty appeal turned down in an lively match.
More to follow.
Full Time
Match ends, Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 2. 90:00 +5:05 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 2. 90:00 +3:54 Gylfi Sigurdsson (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +3:54 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 90:00 +3:02 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 90:00 +2:59 Attempt saved. Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Jermain Defoe. 90:00 +1:35 Attempt missed. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross. 90:00 +0:20 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini with a cross. 89:37 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Michael Dawson. 88:30 Gylfi Sigurdsson (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 88:30 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 86:51 Booking
Booking
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 86:47 Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 86:47 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 85:57 Attempt blocked. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 85:34 Foul by Etienne Capoue (Tottenham Hotspur). 85:34 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 83:40 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Gylfi Sigurdsson replaces Nacer Chadli. 82:23 Attempt missed. Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Andros Townsend with a cross. 81:24 Attempt saved. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
80:43 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Michael Dawson. 80:04 Foul by Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur). 80:04 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 78:45 Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) hits the left post with a right footed shot from the centre of the box. Assisted by Andros Townsend with a cross. 78:18 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Andros Townsend replaces Lewis Holtby. 77:19 Offside, Sunderland. Lee Cattermole tries a through ball, but Steven Fletcher is caught offside. 76:44 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Emanuele Giaccherini replaces Ondrej Celustka. 76:08 Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76:08 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 74:34 Offside, Sunderland. Ondrej Celustka tries a through ball, but Steven Fletcher is caught offside. 73:30 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Aaron Lennon. 73:17 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Kyle Walker. 73:00 Attempt saved. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Aaron Lennon. 72:33 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Sandro replaces Mousa Dembélé because of an injury. 70:07 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross. 66:42 Attempt saved. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 66:10 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Lee Cattermole replaces Jack Colback. 66:01 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Fabio Borini replaces Adam Johnson. 65:38 Attempt missed. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Lewis Holtby with a through ball. 63:56 Foul by Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur). 63:56 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 63:05 Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 63:05 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 59:09 Attempt blocked. Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. 59:06 Attempt blocked. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Lewis Holtby. 58:11 Attempt saved. Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Kyle Naughton. 56:27 Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) hits the right post with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Aaron Lennon with a cross. 55:45 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Ki Sung-Yueng. 55:43 Attempt blocked. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Aaron Lennon. 55:23 Attempt blocked. Lewis Holtby (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Kyle Walker. 52:46 Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Adam Johnson. 51:54 Foul by Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur). 51:54 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 50:23 Foul by Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur). 50:23 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 49:01 Goal scored
Goal!
Own Goal by John O'Shea, Sunderland. Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 2. 47:18 Offside, Tottenham Hotspur. Paulinho tries a through ball, but Aaron Lennon is caught offside. 45:44 Foul by Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur). 45:44 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Tottenham Hotspur 1.
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham: John O'Shea own goal seals gritty Spurs win
Andre Villas-Boas's side came from behind to claim all three points at the Stadium of Light
Tottenham Hotspur came from behind for the second time in four days to record an impressive win against Sunderland.
Adam Johnson put the hosts ahead following an error from Hugo Lloris, but a John O-Shea own goal and Paulinho's strike further eased the pressure on Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas.
Both sides created openings in a lively start to the match. Steven Fletcher drilled an effort wide after a fine ball from Phil Bardsley, before Vito Mannone was forced into a flying save to deny Lewis Holtby.
Jack Colback and Jermain Defoe also chanced their arm before the Black Cats got their noses in front. Johnson benefited from a poor Lloris punch, controlling and slamming an emphatic finish into the roof of the net.
Villas-Boas's men would go into half-time on level terms, however. Just before the interval, Nacer Chadli's nod-down was met by Paulinho, whose improvised finish snuck between Mannone's legs and into the net.
Mannone was forced to pluck the ball from his net once more minutes after the interval. Mousa Dembele's hit the leg of O'Shea and ballooned over the line at the near post.
Defoe came close to extending the lead, twice hitting the woodwork, while Paulinho sent a header just wide.
But Spurs held on for a result that will no doubt please their Portuguese boss.
Sunderland will play Carlisle United at the Stadium of Light in the third round of the FA Cup with Budweiser.
The Cumbrians, who are currently 18th in League One, secured their place in the third-round draw with a 3-2 home success over Brentford.
United - managed by former Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh, also beat non-league side Boreham Wood in the first round.
Third-round ties will be played over the weekend of 4/5 January 2014 and ticketing info will be confirmed in due course.
Name:
Anonymous2013-12-08 11:39
Sunderland v Carlisle United: Games Played
20 Oct 1970 Carlisle United v Sunderland D 0-0 League Division Two
16 Jan 1971 Sunderland v Carlisle United W 2-0 League Division Two
01 Sep 1971 Sunderland v Carlisle United L 0-3 League Division Two
25 Apr 1972 Carlisle United v Sunderland W 1-2 League Division Two
11 Nov 1972 Carlisle United v Sunderland L 4-3 League Division Two
27 Mar 1973 Sunderland v Carlisle United W 2-1 League Division Two
05 Jan 1974 Carlisle United v Sunderland D 0-0 FA Cup
09 Jan 1974 Sunderland v Carlisle United L 0-1 FA Cup
12 Apr 1974 Sunderland v Carlisle United W 2-1 League Division Two
16 Apr 1974 Carlisle United v Sunderland L 1-0 League Division Two
23 Sep 1975 Sunderland v Carlisle United W 3-2 League Division Two
24 Feb 1976 Carlisle United v Sunderland D 2-2 League Division Two
19 Oct 1985 Carlisle United v Sunderland W 1-2 League Division Two
08 Feb 1986 Sunderland v Carlisle United D 2-2 League Division Two
08 Jan 1994 Sunderland v Carlisle United D 1-1 FA Cup
18 Jan 1994 Carlisle United v Sunderland W 0-1 FA Cup
07 Jan 1995 Sunderland v Carlisle United D 1-1 FA Cup
17 Jan 1995 Carlisle United v Sunderland W 1-3 FA Cup
Time For Change As Six Club Sack Their Managers Within Five Days. But Why?
Gary Neville summed it up perfectly.
"It's like changing your girlfriend at school. It's positive for about 6 months then you think oh s**t, I've got to change again". That's coming from a man who knows all about sticking with your manager and reaping the benefits.
Here's some staggering statistics:
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- Only two clubs out of NINETY-TWO have stayed faithful to their managers for over 5 years.
- With just two and a half year under his belt as boss, Sam Allardyce is currently the third longest serving manager in the Premier League.
- Forty-one clubs have had their manager in charge for less than ONE year while SEVEN clubs currently have no manager.
In the Football League we are 17 games into the campaign while in the top flight we are now 13 games in. An unlucky number as far as Martin Jol was concerned.
The leagues have now gone through one third of their respective seasons. A time when each division starts to open out, starts to show the weaknesses in each team as Premier League chairman ready their cash and Football League chairman stick with what they have following the end of the loan and free transfer window that lasts from September until the final Thursday of November.
Chairman begin to panic. Do they trust the men in the managerial hotseat to spend the club's well-earned cash? Do they believe that the current squad is good enough? Has the list of players given into the hands of themselves and Directors of Football not look strong enough to either win promotion or move away from the relegation pits of doom?
Hands hover above the phone. Every defeat becomes unbearable. Every win gives the manager another week in his job. Positions in the table are taken into more consideration than the current state of affairs on the field including injuries, suspensions and other sides around them performing admirably in similar adversity.
Take Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Fans all of a sudden are calling for their bosses to be given the chop. Villas-Boas knows everything there is to know about football tactically and technically but fans don't believe he is giving his team enough freedom to express themselves. David Moyes has a fantastic reputation in England and was given the job on the word of the great Sir Alex Ferguson yet poor results to top sides have held his team back.
You take into consideration recent performances. The two clubs played out a fascinating draw on Sunday afternoon that while not giving either club a massive boost, certainly brought fans back onside as respective performances from certain individuals saw fit to show the managers do know what they're doing.
Moyes is on a seven game unbeaten run and remain one of just two teams to have defeated league leader's Arsenal this season. Bear in mind injury concerns with Michael Carrick and Robin Van Persie arguably the two standout players of last season alongside Rafael Da Silva, Danny Welbeck, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher and you realise that they are just two points off third place with a side that hasn't remained the same for two weeks running.
Time For Change As Six Club Sack Their Managers Within Five Days. But Why? Part II
For Spurs, they remain just three points behind third place. He has spent big on genuine quality this summer. Some are still taking time to get used to the top flight. They had conceded just two goals in their first 7 games and just 5 goals until matchday 11. Add to that the annoyance of playing Thursday and Sunday and travelling to Norway, the Balkans and Russia during their Europa League campaign, there are a few excuses to be made in his case. To bring in 7 players in a changeover can take time and Spurs can afford to allow that time knowing they'll be better for it in the future. It's hardly a financial concern with a billionaire as part of the club's hierarchy.
Unfortunately, others can't rely on such financial benefactors.
Take Fulham for example. Martin Jol was superb when in charge of Tottenham Hotspur a few years back before being sacked rather harshly having brought the club from mid-table to just one game away from the Champions League until Lasagne-gate struck. He has been a relative success everywhere he has been but Fulham hasn't worked for him.
He immediately riled previous stars such as Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu with his philosophies while breaking up one of the strongest Premier League defences was never going to be a wise idea.
His footballing ideology is typically Dutch. Try and control possession as much as you can and make the opposition pay when you do have the ball. He made the unwise choice to bring in players who don't work hard for the cause though.
I'm not entirely sure how things work in Holland or anywhere else abroad for that matter but in England, supporters respond well to hard workers and players willing to put their knackers on the line in order win a football match. Are you telling me Dimitar Berbatov, Adel Taarabt or Darren Bent would do such a thing?
In terms of individuals, they have talent that can leave their mark on any football stadium in world football. Darren Bent is one of the few 15 goal a season strikers born and bred in England when given a run of games but needs to players to create for him. He doesn't work for his goals, he just finishes off other people's work.
Dimitar Berbatov has unreal quality. His first touch is as delicate as a sunflower but you'll find turtles closing down a football quicker than he will. Adel Taarabt is another who can produce sensational moments of quality and somebody Jol has rated highly since the boy was still at school. Check out his goals vs Fulham and Cardiff City in recent years to prove that. Yet his idea of football is everybody else works and I'll score. Bryan Ruiz is extremely laid back while Kasami is rarely a pivotal figure in many games unless he manages to produce the spectacular.
It's a mockery of what Roy Hodgson built at the club.
They've won three games this season. In two of them they won 1-0 and were made to defend for their lives until scoring late winners. The other was a 4-1 victory against bottom of the table in which two moments of class ended up stealing victory. The five previously mentioned have managed six goals from 13 games. They've conceded a huge 24 goals. His sacking was the right decision.
It was a similar fate with Dave Jones who was sacked following a third successive defeat that left them 23rd in the table. He has made a habit of bringing in the players who many will call "has-beens". Stephen McPhail, Roger Johnson, Seyi Olofinjana and Kamil Zayette haven't performed to a high level in England for a long time.
He trusted in them and now has the sack. While funds are tight at Sheffield Wednesday in terms of wage and transfer budgets, there are simply stronger minded footballers with the temperament and will to get out of a relegation fight than the players signed this summer. Connor Wickham on loan was a brilliant piece of business.
Looking at Birmingham City's transfer this summer with the younger, hungrier footballers wanting to succeed in football and taking a wage cut to prove they can do so has once again seen them in a better position than Jones.
Once again, it was another correct decision.
Amazingly, it hasn't just been those two bosses sacked. The panic button was pushed as Sean O'Driscoll at Bristol City, Richie Barker of Crawley Town, Owen Coyle of Wigan Athletic and David Flitcroft at Barnsley were all shown the door. Correct decisions?
O'Driscoll was given the job of re-building Bristol City after disastrous form the season before but having made 12 signings and overseeing 13 departures, their fortunes haven't changed and they lie 23rd. The players have commented by saying they only have good things to say about their old boss, but the button was pushed early on his reign.
Barker's departure struck me as a strange one. Promotion must surely have been the key at Crawley Town if they were to let the former Bury manager leave the club. He has left younger squad at Broadfield these days yet a run of 8 games without victory has left a vacant managerial position at the club.
Coyle was only appointed in the summer with the ambition of promotion expected on the cards. An extremely enthusiastic man and loved by most people in and around football but this was just another setback in his career as another "bigger" club saw him unable to push them to the next level.
At Barnsley, the revival last season under Flitcroft was nothing short of incredible as the division's basement club were rejected twice by other managers before Flitcroft oversaw the third best run in the Championship after New Year's Day with just 4 defeats and ultimately, survival on the final day. This season they are bottom of the Championship once again and in need of another revival. Flitcroft has now paid the price for their poor defence.
These six dismissals make it a whopping 17 bosses already losing their jobs this season. We're only 4 months in.
Any beneficiaries? Carlisle have jumped off the bottom of League One under Graham Kavanagh, Sunderland have managed two victories since the sacking of Di Canio while Derby are now 5th in the Championship having surprisingly sacked Nigel Clough who has since took Sheffield United off the bottom of the Championship and out of the relegation zone. Just about.
Gillingham's fortunes have hardly changed since the uncouth decision to let go of promotion winning boss Martin Allen with the club seemingly in little relegation trouble just at that moment in time. Bury have hardly seen success while Notts County continue to be rooted to the bottom of the third tier since sacking Chris Kiwomya. There hasn't been too much time to contest decisions made by Scunthorpe United, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough though the former and the latter are winning games again.
The number is extremely unlikely to stop at 17 either.
At this moment in time, I'd estimate that 10 managers remain under pressure though things will undoubtedly change.
Fan pressure could see the end of Chris Hughton as Norwich "Mr.Nice Guy" as I saw one fan comment due to his less than expansive style of football. On the opposite spectrum, Gianfranco Zola's inclination to engineer a team in his own image has not only left the back door open but also seen a lack of goals and a midfield nowhere near as dominant as last season. Defeat Tuesday against Burnley may see his reign ended with 7 winless results.
Steve Lomas will always be at gunpoint with Millwall supporters who refuse to support him because of his West Ham United legacy. Chris Powell meanwhile maybe a Charlton Athletic legend but with the threat of demotion looming large, Richard Murray may get restless.
Karl Robinson has failed to impress at MK Dons in the last 18 months as promotion looks less and less likely. Ronnie Moore is a Tranmere Rovers legend but like Tony Mowbray at Middlesbrough, he has endured a troublesome year in 2013. In League Two, Mansfield's double figured winless run won't help Paul Cox's situation despite promotion last season while Alan Knill, Aidy Boothroyd and John Ward need to act fast in order to pull their respective club's away from trouble.
The pressure cooker is on near full heat now. In the space of a month between the middle of December and January there was 10 managerial changes.
While I find it hard to believe Gary Neville was pulling females while at school every six months. Football chairman certainly have the money and power to chop and change the guy in charge as they wish.
Who's next?
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet says team 'not good enough'
Manager Gus Poyet says his Sunderland side are currently "not good enough" and "too easy" to play against.
The Black Cats won three of Poyet's first five games but are bottom of the table, without a victory in four matches and five points from safety.
Reflecting on Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham at the Stadium of Light, the 46-year-old Uruguayan said: "You can't perform every now and then.
"With all respect, we don't get paid to do our job today but not tomorrow."
The club's sixth manager in five years, the former Chelsea midfielder succeeded Paolo Di Canio in October.
He secured early wins over Newcastle, Manchester City and Southampton, but the improvement in form did not last - and Sunderland have contributed to their own downfall with five own goals in Poyet's nine matches in charge.
Defenders Phil Bardsley and John O'Shea were the latest to score past their own goalkeeper, in defeats by Chelsea and Tottenham respectively.
"Luck is once or twice, but five own goals in nine games? No, I'm not taking that, I'm sorry," added Poyet, who played 26 times for Uruguay.
"At the moment, I see too many players of the opposition playing against us probably their best games of the season.
"Do you think that's a coincidence as well? You have to be very naive to think that."
Failure to take anything from Spurs' visit to the North East was compounded by Crystal Palace's victory over Cardiff, leaving Sunderland five points adrift of the Eagles, who are 19th.
Sunderland face 17th-placed West Ham at Upton Park in their next game.
"My job - I'm a head coach, I coach, I convince players what is the best way to play football," said Poyet.
"It's going to be like a hammer in your head constantly. Now if we can get it before Saturday, we have a chance. If we don't, it's going to be worse and worse, it's as simple as that."
Sunderland's five own goals in nine games:
John O'Shea v Tottenham (1-2)
Phil Bardsley v Chelsea (3-4)
Carlos Cuellar v Hull (0-1)
Bardsley and Steven Fletcher v Swansea (0-4)
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FA Cup: Arsenal draw Tottenham for third-round north London derby
Arsenal will play Tottenham at Emirates Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup in the first weekend of January.
Manchester United will play Swansea City at Old Trafford and Norwich entertain Fulham.
Chelsea travel to Championship form side Derby County, while Manchester City visit Blackburn Rovers.
Holders Wigan host Milton Keynes Dons while non-league sides Kidderminster and Macclesfield entertain Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.
West Brom will play Crystal Palace at home and Cardiff travel to Scumcastle in the other all-Premier League ties of the round, while Liverpool have been given a tie at home to either League One Oldham or League Two Mansfield.
The Latics knocked Brendan Rodgers's men out of the fourth round of last season's competition at Boundary Park, while a Luis Suarez handball ensured Liverpool avoided an FA Cup third-round shock at Mansfield Town at this stage last season.
The last time north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal met in the FA Cup was the 2001 semi-final, when Robert Pires gave the Gunners a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
The draw was conducted by former England striker Teddy Sheringham and his son and AFC Wimbledon forward Charlie.
Other ties include Championship leaders Burnley travelling to Southampton, a north west derby between Bolton and Blackpool, and Harry Redknapp's QPR facing Everton at Goodison Park.
FA Cup third-round draw
Barnsley v Hartlepool or Coventry
Yeovil v Leyton Orient
Liverpool v Oldham or Mansfield
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Bristol City v Watford
Southend v Millwall
Downbrough v Hull
West Brom v Crystal Palace
Kidderminster v Peterborough
Doncaster v Stevenage
Stoke v Leicester
Southampton v Burnley
Scumcastle v Cardiff
Rochdale v Leeds
Wigan v MK Dons
Charlton v Wrexham or Oxford United
Manchester United v Swansea
Port Vale v Plymouth
Norwich City v Fulham
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
Macclesfield v Sheffield Wednesday Sunderland v Carlisle
Bolton v Blackpool
Blackburn v Manchester City
Everton v QPR
Brighton v Reading Arsenal v Tottenham
Birmingham v Bristol Rovers or Crawley
Grimsby v Huddersfield
Ipswich v Preston
Derby v Chelsea
Bournemouth v Fleetwood or Burton
Ties to be played over the weekend of 4-5 January
On this day in 1952 over 34,000 watched a 5-3 win over Dundee in Roker Park's 1st floodlit game. The ground was the home of SAFC for 99 years, before the club moved to the Stadium of Light in 1997. The record attendance at Roker was in March 1933 when an FA Cup sixth round clash with Derby County attracted 75,118.
Sunderland’s under-18 side progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Tom Robson was the penalty hero as the young Black Cats secured a 4-2 shoot-out win after the 120 minutes prior was locked at 1-1.
The Tractor Boys held a first-half lead after Jack Willbye had crashed home a curling effort from 35 yards before Lynden Gooch levelled with a fine individual effort in the second half.
Sunderland made two changes to the side that dispatched Bolton Wanderers 7-0 at the Academy of Light in their last outing with Maksymilian Stryjek and Ryan Ellison replacing Peter Burke and Michael Ledger.
The hosts went close to opening the scoring inside the first two minutes as Sunderland started nervously and Byron Lawrence crashed a shot against the crossbar.
The young Black Cats settled into the game after the first ten minutes had passed and captain Martin Smith forced a save from Michael Crowe in the Ipswich goal with a shot from the edge of the area.
Gooch then tested Crowe with an effort of his own on the half-hour before the Tractor Boys went ahead six minutes before the break.
Willbye scored a goal he will remember forever as he sent a looping shot beyond Stryjek and into the Polish stopper’s top left hand corner from 35 yards.
Stryjek made a good save from Lawrence on the stroke of half time as the hosts sensed an opportunity to double their advantage after the initial blow.
George Clarke had a golden opportunity to all-but secure the tie for Ipswich after just five second half minutes but he failed to make contact with Lawrence’s well-weighted cross when well placed inside the area.
And Gooch made the Tractor Boys’ striker regret his miss just moments later as the American striker went on a fine solo run before driving low into Crowe’s bottom left-hand corner.
Clarke curled wide as he looked to make amends for his earlier miss before Stryjek produced his best save of the night to get a faint touch on the ball as Edward Bishop looked to pull the trigger inside the six-yard box.
Cemal Ramadan smashed over from the edge of the area after being on the pitch for only three minutes for the hosts before Nelson’s effort was tipped over by Crowe at the other end.
Rees Greenwood had a great chance to win it for the young Black Cats four minutes from time as the Winlaton-born winger weaved into the area and shot well only to be thwarted by a brave block from Ipswich defender George Fowler.
Extra-time passed with little chances at either end as both sides suffered the effects from the extra 30 minutes, though Stryjek had to be sharp to deny Ramadan when the Ipswich substitute fired across goal.
Neither side gained the advantage after 120 minutes had been played and thus the tie was decided on spot-kicks.
Ramadan and Smith scored each side’s first penalty before Stryjek saved from Lawrence low to his right.
Ethan Robson gave Sunderland the advantage before Kyle Hammond kept the Tractor Boys in the tie with a well-taken kick.
Greenwood maintained the young Black Cats’ lead when he sent a powerful penalty beyond Crowe, and Stryjek was on hand to deny Ipswich skipper Joe Robinson and give Tom Robson the chance to win it for the visitors.
The former Darlington youngster stepped up to coolly convert the final kick and send the jubilant youngsters back to Wearside with their name in the hat for the fourth round draw.
Sunderland: Stryjek, Ellison (Lowrie, 67), T Robson, E Robson, Colquhoun, Beadling, Greenwood, Smith, Nelson, Gooch, McEvoy (Blinco, 78).
Premier League: West Ham v Sunderland match preview
Sam Allardyce has billed West Ham’s next fixture as "critical" as bottom side Sunderland travel to Upton Park, with the Hammers hovering only one place above the relegation zone in 17th. West Ham are in desperate need of a win after suffering back to back defeats away at Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Allardyce has said that he believes he has the full backing of the board despite only managing three wins in the Premier League so far this season.
For Sunderland manager, Gus Poyet, the honeymoon period is over and he will be hoping to get back to winning ways after losing to Spurs at home last weekend. The Black Cats have only picked up two points on their travels this season and the Uruguayan manager will surely be eager to seal Sunderland’s first away victory this season at Upton Park.
West Ham will have to do without their captain, Kevin Nolan, after he received a three match ban for his sending off against Liverpool, however, Ravel Morrison makes a timely return from suspension and will be available for selection. Sunderland will be hoping Carlos Cuellar (hip) is available for the trip to London, but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) remains doubtful.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS
Sunderland 3 (Larsson, Johnson, McClean) West Ham 0, Premier League, Jan 2013
West Ham 1(Nolan) Sunderland 1(Fletcher), Premier League, September, 2012
West Ham 0 Sunderland 3 (Zenden, Sessegnon, Riveros), Premier League, May 2011
STATS…
West Ham
Total goals scored: 13
Total conceded: 17
Top Scorer: Ravel Morrison on 3 league goals
Sunderland
12 goals
30 goals conceded (worst defence in the Premier League)
Top Scorer: Bardsley, Giaccherini, Fletcher, Gardner on 2 goals each.
West Ham United 0 Sunderland 0: Match report, stats.
Sunderland failed to ease their relegation worries as they ground out a goalless draw against West Ham at Upton Park.
The Black Cats started the the afternoon five points adrift at the bottom and, with relegation rivals Crystal Palace and Fulham both losing, had the chance to slash that gap and also move to within two points of the fourth-bottom Hammers.
Sunderland had the better of the game, with Phil Bardsley hitting the crossbar in the first half while West Ham's Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was forced into a string of saves.
But Gus Poyet's side could not find the net, which means they have edged only a point closer to Palace and Fulham and they remain five points from safety.
Sunderland created their first chance inside five minutes, hitting the Hammers quickly on the break with Ki Sung-Yueng firing in a low shot which Jaaskelainen held at the foot of his right-hand post.
But West Ham responded immediately, with Modibo Maiga only just off target with two chances in as many minutes.
And at the other end, Jozy Altidore had a terrific opportunity in the sixth minute when Emanuele Giaccherini's throughball put him in the clear behind the defence but his low shot was fingertipped behind by Jaaskelainen.
West Ham's Guy Demel had the ball in the net midway through the half, but referee Andre Marriner had spotted the defender's push on Lee Cattermole in the build-up and chalked off the effort.
Altidore charged down a free-kick just inside the Sunderland half in the 29 minute, sparking howls of outrage from the home fans who – rightly – insisted he was not 10 yards from the ball. Sunderland immediately charged forward through Fabio Borini and had his shot not been saved, the Hammers would have had every right to protest.
Sunderland had a penalty appeal turned down when Altidore was bundled over by ex-Black Cat George McCartney, but in truth it would have been soft had it been given.
Bardsley crashed a shot against the bar with Jaaskelainen beaten 10 minutes before the break.
The Wearsiders looked more comfortable as the half wore on, building pressure by forcing a series of corners.
And in injury-time, Cattermole brought a good diving save out of the keeper as Sunderland finished the half strongly.
The second half was a breathless affair with both sides attacking quickly on the break, but clear-cut chances were few and far between.
Altidore saw a shot deflect wide off Demel's arm and, while Sunderland appealed in vain for a penalty, there was little the defender could have done to get out of the way.
Ravel Morrison brought a save out of Vito Mannone with a shot from distance ten minutes into the second period, while Mo Diame blasted the ball into the sidenetting a few minutes later.
Jaaskelainen came to West Ham's rescue 12 minutes from time when he pushed clear a powerful effort from Ki, after the South Korean had twisted and turned and found space for a shot inside the box.
And in injury-time a mis-hit cross from McCartney was dropping into the net until Mannone moved smartly to palm it over the bar.
WEST HAM: Jaaskelainen, Demel (O'Brien 58), Collins, Tomkins, McCartney, J Cole (C Cole 76), Morrison, Noble, Diame, Jarvis (Collison 56), Maiga. Subs not used: Adrian, Rat, Taylor, Diarra
Gus Poyet insists his Sunderland side will be strong against Chelsea in cup clash.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet wants his team to learn how to win - starting tonight against Chelsea in the League Cup
Gus Poyet will send his strongest possible Sunderland side into League Cup battle at the Stadium of Light tonight after admitting: “We need to learn to win”.
Even with a pivotal Premier League encounter against Norwich City on the horizon, the Black Cats boss will resist the temptation to make a raft of changes for the last eight tie against a vulnerable Chelsea – sticking with the team that he believes is much more competitive than it was when he took over.
Jack Colback misses the match with a virus and Carlos Cuellar remains ruled out through injury, but otherwise Poyet has a full squad to utilise – and he doesn’t intend to weaken it for no reason. Instead he wil ask his players for their honest take on whether they can manage three games in a week and amend the team accordingly.
His logic is simple, with Poyet figuring that his team need to build confidence and learn how to win more games before he can play fast and loose with a game that he is desperate to win.
“It’s a competition. You can’t go in to a season thinking I don’t care about this one. It’s about playing and about becoming winners. A winner is somebody who wins most of the time. That’s what we have to try to be,” he said.
“Let’s hope we can beat Chelsea and we will be very, very confident for Norwich. We have been creating chances. On the day we have just lacked a few qualities.
Poyet simply does not think that Sunderland can afford to allow such a good opportunity to build momentum pass.
Progressing into the last four would be a real shot in the arm for Sunderland after a year that has been mostly miserable for seasoned Black Cats’ watchers.
“Everybody talks about confidence. That is such an important word in football,” he said. “There is no better game to improve your confidence. If we can beat Chelsea and reach the semi-finals then the confidence should be high.”
Explaining what he meant by learning to win, he suggested that Sunderland have forgotten how to make things turn in their favour.
He said: “I try to concentrate on everything we do. We have to make sure we do what we do in every game. I think we get very close most of the time. I think that as soon as we start winning then it should be the opposite way around.
“That a deflected shot will go in, that the own goal will not go in, that the decision of the referee will be for us.
“Suddenly when you are winning games you all become winners. That’s why it is so important in the next game. It is an opportunity to start winning games. You have to take that opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Poyet evaded questions about the vacancy at Tottenham that has emerged after Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal.
The Black Cats chief was linked to the vacancy in a Sunday newspaper last week and was a popular player at White Hart Lane before moving into management. But he is a long shot for the job and says his concentration is focused solely on matters at the Stadium of Light. He said: “It’s flattering but I just came here and I am concentrating on here. My aim here is to help the whole club. I have heard the news but nothing else.”
Villas-Boas was the second Premier League manager to lose his job in three days and was swiftly followed by another of Poyet’s managerial colleagues Gianfranco Zola, who resigned from Watford on Monday afternoon. Reacting to the news from White Hart Lane, Poyet admitted his disappointment.
Capital One Cup: Sunderland v Chelsea match preview
Chelsea travel to struggling Sunderland on Tuesday night, as the home side look to end their five game winless run and put themselves into the draw for the next round.
Gus Poyet knows that a win would give his team a much needed confidence boost ahead of a busy Christmas period but the Chelsea legend knows he will have a tough job on his hands to try stop the in-form Eden Hazard, who tore Sunderland apart when the two teams met in the League earlier this month.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is without the suspended Branislav Ivanovic for the game and looks set to rotate the squad with a tough Christmas run-in coming up. The Blues will be hoping they can capitalise on Sunderland’s terrible form and heap more misery on the home side.
KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETING:
Sunderland 3 (Altidore, O’Shea, Bardsley) Chelsea 4 (Lampard, Hazard 2, Bardsley OG), Premier League, December 2013
Chelsea 2 (Kilgallon OG, Ivanovic) Sunderland 1 (Azpilicueta OG), Premier League , April 2013
Sunderland 1 (Johnson) Chelsea 3 (Torres 2, Mata), Premier League, December 2012
STATS:
Sunderland have failed to beat Chelsea in their last six attempts in all competitions.
Chelsea are yet to concede a goal in the competition.
This will be first time the two clubs have met in the League Cup since 1985.
Sunderland have fired in fewer shots on target than any other team in the top flight this season (37).
ODDS:
Sunderland to win: 5.8
Chelsea to win: 1.53
Draw: 3.8
CLASSIC MATCH:
On November 14 2010, league leaders Chelsea welcomed Sunderland to Stamford Bridge in a game they were expected to win comfortably. The away side however shocked the leaders and goals from Nedum Onuoha, Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck helped Sunderland on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC1 at 11.05pm.
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 0, Chelsea 0. 43:34 Attempt missed. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. 39:29 Attempt missed. Andre Schürrle (Chelsea) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by David Luiz with a headed pass. 35:22 Attempt missed. Willian (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Frank Lampard. 34:25 Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:25 Foul by Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea). 31:18 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by César Azpilicueta. 30:37 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 30:37 Foul by César Azpilicueta (Chelsea). 29:26 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 29:26 Foul by Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea). 27:34 Booking
Booking
Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 27:27 Foul by Andrea Dossena (Sunderland). 27:27 Willian (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing. 26:21 Offside, Sunderland. Emanuele Giaccherini tries a through ball, but Andrea Dossena is caught offside. 24:37 Booking
Booking
David Luiz (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 24:35 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 24:35 Foul by David Luiz (Chelsea). 20:13 Offside, Chelsea. Samuel Eto'o tries a through ball, but Frank Lampard is caught offside. 20:12 Attempt blocked. Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Willian. 19:10 Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross. 18:30 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 18:30 Foul by David Luiz (Chelsea). 17:56 Attempt missed. David Luiz (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Frank Lampard. 11:50 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 11:50 Foul by Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea). 11:09 Attempt missed. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Ashley Cole. 7:38 Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 6:45 Attempt missed. Andre Schürrle (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick. 6:02 Andre Schürrle (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 6:02 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 5:38 Attempt saved. Willian (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Kevin De Bruyne. 3:24 Attempt saved. Andre Schürrle (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Willian. 2:51 Foul by David Luiz (Chelsea). 2:51 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
120:00 +2:07
Second Half Extra Time ends, Sunderland 2, Chelsea 1. 120:00 +1:07 Willian (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 120:00 +1:07 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 120:00 +0:19 Foul by Willian (Chelsea). 120:00 +0:19 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 119:47 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Phillip Bardsley replaces Emanuele Giaccherini. 118:52 Booking
Booking
Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 117:55 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Chelsea 1. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Fabio Borini. 113:48 Attempt missed. Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross following a corner. 113:09 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Mark Schwarzer. 113:03 Attempt saved. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross. 111:30 Attempt missed. Demba Ba (Chelsea) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Willian with a cross. 110:51 Attempt blocked. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 110:50 Attempt missed. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left following a set piece situation. 109:37 Booking
Booking
Michael Essien (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 109:30 Foul by Michael Essien (Chelsea). 109:30 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 108:46 Attempt missed. Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Demba Ba. 106:58 Ashley Cole (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 106:58 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland).
106:18 Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 106:18 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 105:26 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Ashley Cole. 105:00
Second Half Extra Time begins Sunderland 1, Chelsea 1. 106:00
First Half Extra Time ends, Sunderland 1, Chelsea 1. 105:32 Offside, Chelsea. Gary Cahill tries a through ball, but Demba Ba is caught offside. 98:38 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box misses to the right. Assisted by Andrea Dossena with a cross. 96:47 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Wes Brown. 96:32 John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the right wing. 96:32 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 96:13 Attempt blocked. Demba Ba (Chelsea) right footed shot from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Kevin De Bruyne with a cross. 93:17 Attempt saved. David Luiz (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Frank Lampard with a cross. 92:52 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Wes Brown. 91:16 Attempt missed. Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ashley Cole. 90:00
First Half Extra Time begins Sunderland 1, Chelsea 1. 90:00 +5:00 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 1, Chelsea 1. 90:00 +0:45 Demba Ba (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +0:45 Foul by John O'Shea (Sunderland). 90:00 +0:23 Attempt blocked. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini with a through ball. 87:53 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Chelsea 1. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right to the bottom right corner. 87:52 Attempt saved. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini with a through ball. 84:04 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Willian. 82:56 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Chelsea. Eden Hazard replaces Andre Schürrle. 81:47 Attempt blocked. Willian (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ashley Cole. 80:29 Attempt missed. Demba Ba (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by David Luiz following a set piece situation. 80:13 Ashley Cole (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing. 80:13 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 77:43 Attempt saved. Andre Schürrle (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Willian. 77:03 Attempt missed. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 76:30 Attempt missed. Andre Schürrle (Chelsea) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Willian. 75:55 Foul by Demba Ba (Chelsea). 75:55 Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 74:58 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Wes Brown. 73:55 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Fabio Borini replaces Adam Johnson. 73:30 Offside, Chelsea. Willian tries a through ball, but Frank Lampard is caught offside. 73:15 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Chelsea. Demba Ba replaces Samuel Eto'o. 72:29 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Wes Brown. 70:49 Foul by John Obi Mikel (Chelsea). 70:49 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 69:38 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Chelsea. Michael Essien replaces César Azpilicueta. 68:10 Attempt saved. Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 68:06 Attempt blocked. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 66:25 Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Lee Cattermole. 65:40 Foul by Willian (Chelsea). 65:40 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 65:03 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 63:18 Delay in match César Azpilicueta (Chelsea) because of an injury. 62:40 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini. 62:36 Attempt blocked. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 62:14 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Ki Sung-Yueng replaces Craig Gardner. 59:04 Offside, Sunderland. Ondrej Celustka tries a through ball, but Jozy Altidore is caught offside. 58:12 Attempt missed. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Samuel Eto'o. 56:53 Attempt missed. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Samuel Eto'o. 55:39 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 55:35 Attempt saved. Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 51:49 Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by John O'Shea. 51:47 Attempt blocked. Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by John Obi Mikel. 51:07 Attempt missed. Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 47:38 Foul by Ashley Cole (Chelsea). 47:38 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 45:35 Goal scored
Goal!
Own Goal by Lee Cattermole, Sunderland. Sunderland 0, Chelsea 1. 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 0, Chelsea 0. 45:00 +1:02 Half time
6.47pm Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's coverage of the Capital One Cup clash between Sunderland and Chelsea.
6.53pmLess than two weeks ago, these two teams took part in a seven-goal thriller at the Stadium of Light, with Chelsea edging out their hosts. Will we be fortunate enough to witness another entertaining encounter this evening?
6.55pmThe team news is in from the Stadium of Light. As expected, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made plenty of changes ahead of their Premier League fixture with Arsenal next Monday.
6.57pmSUNDERLAND XI: Mannone; Celustka, Dossena, O'Shea, Brown; Cattermole, Larsson, Gardner, Johnson, Giaccherini; Altidore.
6.59pmCHELSEA XI: Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, Cahill, David Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard, De Bruyne, Willian, Schurrle; Eto’o
7.00pmSUNDERLAND SUBSTITUTES: Bardsley, Ki, Cabral, Roberge, Borini, Mavrias, Dixon
7.02pmCHELSEA SUBSTITUTES: Blackman, Terry, Essien, Oscar, Hazard, Ba, Torres
7.07pmIt had already been reported that Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta would return to Chelsea's starting lineup, but Mourinho has also included Kevin de Bruyne and Samuel Eto'o. Both players will be hoping to make their mark after both spending a spell on the sidelines due to lack of form and injury respectively.
7.09pmAs for Sunderland, they have made three changes from the team that started their goalless draw with West Ham United, with Andrea Dossena, Craig Gardner and Adam Johnson all coming into the side.
7.13pmAs I've already highlighted, Sunderland and Chelsea are no strangers to each other after their recent meeting on Wearside. Sunderland have improved under new head coach Gus Poyet, but they fell victim to a virtuoso performance from Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard as Chelsea won 4-3. The Belgian playmaker isn't in from the start tonight, but he could make an impact from the bench later on this evening.
7.17pmStrangely, Sunderland have been drawn at home in each of their three previous fixtures in this competition, while Chelsea have been handed away ties, and that trend continues tonight.
7.22pmSunderland started off with an entertaining 4-2 success over MK Dons, before they ousted another League One outfit in the third round by edging out Peterborough United 2-0. The Black Cats faced Premier League opposition in the last 16, but they were able to overcome Southampton thanks to a late goal from Sebastian Larsson.
7.26pmChelsea entered the competition a round later than Sunderland, but they deserve their place in the quarter-finals after two victories on the road. Fernando Torres and Ramires got on the score sheet as the Blues won 2-0 at Swindon Town, before Mourinho guided his team to an identical success at Arsenal, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata scoring the goals.
7.31pmPREDICTION! Since the arrival of Gus Poyet, Sunderland have proven that they can compete with the best teams in the Premier League, and I would expect no different this evening. However, despite Chelsea making eight changes, they still possess a remarkable amount of quality in the starting XI, and while Sunderland will no doubt have their moments, I expect Chelsea to come through by the odd goal. Chelsea 2-1.
7.34pmYou can also follow Manchester City's trip to Leicester City with Sports Mole this evening by clicking here.
7.38pmRather surprisingly, there doesn't appear to be many inside the Stadium of Light at the moment. I'd have expected a near capacity crowd for a game such at this.
7.42pmThe two teams have made their way out onto the pitch at the Stadium of Light. The home outfit get a warm reception but there are still plenty of empty seats.
1 minSunderland get us underway.
3 minChelsea start the game with a sustained spell of possession that has Sunderland chasing shadows. It appeaars as those the visitors might be prepared to play the patient approach tonight.
4 minSHOT! Willian has had plenty of the ball so far, and his 30-yard ball to the left finds Schurrle. The German cuts inside onto his right foot, but his shot is straight at Mannone from 20 yards.
6 minChelsea get Willian on the ball once again, and the Brazilian twists and turns on the edge of the area before his low shot is well held by Mannone. This has been a good start from the Blues.
10 minSunderland surge down the left, but the move is brought to an end when Giaccherini's shot is blocked by Cahill. There are calls for handball, but the defender was only around two yards away from the ball.
13 minSHOT! That's a tad ambitious even for someone of Frank Lampard's ability. The veteran had possession of the ball around 35 yards from goal, and his attempt was always rising high into the stands.
16 minSunderland have done well to slow down Chelsea's early dominance, but the home side are still struggling to get anywhere near Mark Schwarzer's goal. It could be a long night for Jozy Altidore in attack.
18 minCHANCE! Schurrle leaves Brown on the deck after outmaneuvering the former Manchester United defender, but his cutback across the six-yard area evades everyone. Cole does his best to salvage the move at the back post, but the ball is cleared.
21 minSamuel Eto'o has struggled to get into the game so far, but he does well to combine with Willian to get a shot on goal, but his driven effort is blocked. The Cameroonian could do with a goal tonight.
25 minBOOKING! As cynical as you like from David Luiz. The Brazilian shoulder-blocks Giaccherini as the Italian looks to create an opening on goal, and it's a deserved yellow card.
28 minBOOKING! Moments after Chelsea have a man booked, a Sunderland player enters the book. Andrea Dossena is the man who has been cautioned after bringing down Willian on the right touchline.
31 minThis has turned into a very scrappy encounter at the Stadium of Light. Neither side are getting into their stride, but the more that Chelsea struggle, the louder the home supporters are becoming.
35 minKevin de Bruyne can't be too far away from a booking. He's committed three or four fouls in the opening 35 minutes, and you get the impression that the referee is beginning to lose his patience with the Belgian.
36 minSHOT! Sunderland lose possession, which gifts Willian an opportunity to break. The balls finds Lampard, but it is returned to the Brazilian, who fires narrowly wide of the far post.
41 minSHOT! Chelsea are beginning to up the tempo in the final 10 minutes of the first half, and the Sunderland fans aren't impressed. Schurrle drives towards goal, but despite drifting inside his marker, he scuffs his shot wide of Mannone's post.
43 minAdam Johnson goes on an incredible run from the centre of the pitch, but after dancing past three players, Chelsea clear. Just two minutes to go before the break, and I don't think that there will be much added-on time.
45+1 minHALF TIME: Sunderland 0-0 Chelsea
8.34pmThe half-time whistle goes at the Stadium of Light, and we are goalless at the break. It hasn't been the greatest of 45 minutes, and it can only get better in the second half.
8.39pmChelsea had eight shots on goal during that half, but only two were on target. However, it was a better effort than Sunderland, who managed just unsuccessful attempts before the break. The home side did have more of the ball though, with 53% of the possession.
8.43pmEdin Dzeko netted a second goal for Manchester City shortly before the interval, so Manuel Pellegrini's side already have one foot in the next round with a 2-0 advantage over Leicester City.
46 minChelsea get us back underway on Wearside.
46 minGOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea (Lampard)
46 minIt doesn't exactly make up for his "goal" against Germany in the 2010 World Cup, but Frank Lampard is on the positive end of goal-line technology. The midfielder bundled the ball home at the back post from Azpilicueta's cross and although the assistant didn't flag, the referee rightly indicated that the ball was over the line.
52 minCHANCE! That should be 2-0. Eto'o capitalised on a mistake in the Sunderland defence to move clear on goal, but he bent his low effort marginally wide of the post. Moments later, the Cameroonian had a second shot but it was deflected wide for a corner.
54 minIt's worth noting that Chelsea's opener could possibly have been an own goal by Lee Cattermole, who was playing close attention to Lampard. However, it would be harsh to take it off Lampard.
57 minSHOT! Chelsea are pushing for a second at the Stadium of Light, but Mannone has just kept the home team in the game. Lampard played in De Bruyne down the right, and the Belgian's powerful strike was tipped wide by the Italian.
59 minSHOT! Chelsea go close again. Schurrle does well down the right and his cross finds Eto'o. The Cameroonian lays the ball off to Lampard, who fires the ball inches over. Sunderland are getting camped in their own half.
62 minSUBSTITUTION! Sunderland are bringing on Ki for Gardner. Gardner was questioning the technology shortly after the goal, so he probably deserves to be substituted just for that.
65 minWe have a streaker on the pitch at the Stadium of Light, who is giving the stewards the run around. It's drawing amusement from both coaches and the 20,000 inside the stadium. That will be a couple of minutes added to the end of the match.
69 minSHOT! A sustained period of possession from the home side ends with Cattermole drilling a thunderous effort from 30 yards on goal, but it's an easy save for Schwarzer. That's the best that Sunderland have offered all evening.
70 minSUBSTITUTION! Azpilicueta picked up an injury a few minutes ago, and he hasn't been able to recover. Michael Essien has been thrown on in the Spaniard's place.
73 minDe Bruyne is released down the right, but his low cross is sliced away for a corner by Wes Brown. Before it can be taken, Eto'o is replaced by Demba Ba.
75 minSUBSTITUTION! The changes are coming thick and fast now. Sunderland's Adam Johnson has been withdrawn from the action, with former Chelsea man Fabio Borini being introduced in his place.
78 minSHOT! Chelsea are beginning to increase the intensity again, and moments after seeing a shot deflected wide, Schurrle tricked his way past Cattermole before striking a solid effort on goal, but Mannone was equal to it.
82 minEFFORT! That would have been some goal. David Luiz sent a 60-yard ball to Demba Ba, with the forward striking an audacious volley wide of Mannone's post. If he had connected properly with that, that would have been the goal of the month award wrapped up for December.
83 minSUBSTITUTION! Mourinho introduces Eden Hazard for the final seven minutes of the match, unless Sunderland can force an extra 30 minutes.
88 minJust two minutes to go at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are having more possession, but they are yet to do anything with it.
88 minGOAL! Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea (Borini)
88 minIf ever there was a commentator's curse...this was it. Sunderland net a surprise equaliser at the Stadium of Light through Borini, who reacted fastest after Schwarzer had parried an effort from Altidore. Unbelievable.
90 minThere will be five minutes of added-on time.
90+1 minCHANCE! What a challenge from Gary Cahill! Fabio Borini looks ready to complete the most remarkable of turnarounds, but the England international dived in to prevent the ball finding the bottom corner.
90+5 minFULL TIME: Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea
9.39pmThat's the end of 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light, but that's not it for tonight. We will now have 30 minutes of extra time, thanks to that late goal from Borini. Sunderland didn't quite deserve their equaliser, but they have made Chelsea pay for failing to make the most of their attempts on goal.
9.41pmJose Mourinho might be regretting making his final change now. He has no substitutions remaining, while Sunderland have one. That could prove vital.
91 minChelsea get the extra 30 minutes underway.
92 minChelsea begin the extra period on top, but De Bruyne can't find the top corner with a speculative effort from 30 yards. The Belgian hasn't played much football recently, so it will be a big ask of his fitness to come through the next half hour.
94 minCHANCE! Chelsea are bombarding Sunderland's goal, but they can't regain the lead. Moments after Wes Brown makes a fine interception to deny Ba from heading home, David Luiz got in front of his marker to force Mannone into a sprawling save from his volley.
97 minWes Brown is having an absolute stormer in the centre of Sunderland's defence. Willian does brilliantly to get in down the left, but Brown lunges in to prevent his cross being converted into the net.
99 minCHANCE! Now it's Sunderland's turn to go close! Some fine work from Giaccherini enables a cross to be floated to the back post for Borini, but the attacker miscued his volley and the ball trickled wide.
102 minBoth teams seem content to let the action drift until the interval. It's been a fast pace since the restart, and it's starting to take its toll.
105+1 minHALF TIME: Sunderland 1-1 Chelsea
106 minSunderland get the action restarted. We have 15 minutes remaining at the Stadium of Light.
107 minThe home side earn an early corner after forcing Ashley Cole to put the ball behind, and Demba Ba does fantastically to nick the ball away from the awaiting head of O'Shea.
109 minSHOT! Lampard and Ba link up well to create an opening for De Bruyne, but he drags his 20-yard shot just wide of the right post.
110 minBOOKING! Essien brings down Giaccherini on the edge of the penalty area as the Italian winger threatened to burst into the box.
111 minOFF THE LINE! Larsson's free kick is only cleared to Ki, whose effort is diverted on goal by Altidore, but Essien makes an excellent intervention on the line to prevent the home side taking the lead.
114 minSAVE! How old is Mark Schwarzer? 41? He didn't look it then. The Australian stopper has just made a miraculous one-handed save to deny Ki, who was waiting for his header to find the top corner of the net. This period of extra time has been brilliant.
118 minGOAL! Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea (Ki)
118 minOh my. Sunderland look to have won it in the closing stages at the Stadium of Light. Borini collected the ball in the penalty area before playing the ball to Ki. The South Korean cut inside Essien, before drilling a shot into the bottom corner from 10 yards.
120 minThere will be two minutes of added-on time.
120+2 minFULL TIME: Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea
10.19pmThat's the end of proceedings at the Stadium of Light, and Sunderland have stunned Chelsea to progress through to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.
10.20pmFor 88 minutes of this match, Chelsea were fully deserving of their lead, but late goals in normal time and extra time have seen them dumped out of the competition. Jose Mourinho will not be impressed.
10.22pmThat will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this evening, and we will be back tomorrow for the remaining two quarter-finals. Goodbye for now.
Sunderland progressed to the semi-final of the Capital One Cup with a thrilling extra-time victory over Chelsea.
Chelsea dominated the majority of the 90 minutes, though their goal was fortuitous with Lee Cattermole poking the ball into his own goal.
The Blues seemed to be heading to the last four until a late Fabio Borini equaliser took the match to extra time.
From then on the Premier League's bottom club were the better side and Ki Sung-Yueng scored a deserved winner.
Sunderland progressed to the semi-final of the Capital One Cup with a thrilling extra-time victory over Chelsea.
Chelsea dominated the majority of the 90 minutes, though their goal was fortuitous, with Lee Cattermole poking the ball into his own goal.
The Blues seemed to be heading to the last four until a late Fabio Borini equaliser took the match to extra time.
From then on the Premier League's bottom club were the better side and Ki Sung-Yueng scored a deserved winner.
Sunderland will end the year bottom of the Premier League regardless of their incredible achievements in the League Cup.
But manager Gus Poyet regarded this quarter-final as an opportunity to galvanize his players for the club's fight for top-flight survival.
And the Uruguayan will surely be heartened by his players' character and courage during what were a demanding 120 minutes.
With a match against league leaders Arsenal on the horizon, extra time was a scenario Jose Mourinho would have dreaded, but Chelsea only had themselves to blame as they failed to capitalised on their dominance and allowed Sunderland to prolong what had been a turgid match up until Borini's dramatic strike.
The tireless Black Cats frustrated a Chelsea side which was much changed from the one which beat Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday. But whatever personnel the Portuguese chooses, it continues to be the same story for a Blues team which has too often been toothless inside the box this season.
Willian, who had the freedom to float around the pitch, was the away team's most potent player and had the best chance of the first half. Yet the Brazilian failed to capitalise on a Wes Brown error and dragged his effort wide of the far post.
Another Brown mistake, the defender again ceding possession near his own goal, led to another Chelsea chance but this time it was Samuel Eto'o who failed to make the most of his opportunity.
In truth, Mark Schwarzer was underemployed in the Chelsea goal.
A penalty appeal for a Cesar Azpilicueta handball was all the sparse 20,000 crowd had to shout about until Borini rewrote the script.
Chelsea had far more zip after the break, with Lee Cattermole's own goal giving the visitors the boost they needed.
Goal decision system technology was used before deciding whether to allow the goal, and replays also showed that Cattermole, rather than Frank Lampard, had the final touch as both players slid goalwards in chase of Azpilicueta's fine cross.
It was Sunderland's sixth own goal of the season, a seemingly ever-increasing statistic which has already left manager Poyet cursing his players' positioning rather than bad luck.
The hosts continued to make life difficult for themselves, with Gardner squandering possession too close to his own goal to give Eto'o the chance to come within a whisker of doubling his side's advantage.
It was all Chelsea - Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba went close to doubling the visitors lead - but the Londoners were not clinical enough in the final third of the pitch and paid the price as Borini forced the match into extra time.
Jozy Altidore's shot ricocheted towards Borini and the Italian finished from an acute angle for his second goal of the season.
Borini had the chance to finish the match in full time but a well-timed Gary Cahill tackle saved Chelsea.
Early on in extra time it was Mannone's turn to keep his side in the contest, with the goalkeeper diving low to save David Luiz's volley, but the momentum was with Sunderland.
Borini scuffed an effort at the far post and a brilliant one-handed save from Mark Schwarzer prevented Ki's diving header from finding the net. But the veteran Australian could do little to prevent the midfielder from scoring for a memorable victory.
SUNDERLAND v NORWICH: All the latest team news and stats as rock bottom Black Cats aim to bridge gap to safety
Stadium of Light (Saturday, 3pm)
Sunderland team news:
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet can bring back striker Steven Fletcher and midfielder Jack Colback for Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League clash with Norwich at the Stadium of Light.
Both Fletcher and Colback missed the midweek Capital One Cup win over Chelsea due to illness but have returned to training and are expected to declare themselves fully fit.
Poyet had no new injury worries arising from the win over Jose Mourinho's men, but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) are both still missing.
Norwich club-record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel (toe) and Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass (knee) are both set to be back in the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to bottom club Sunderland.
Goalkeeper Mark Bunn is back training after his ankle operation and could be involved again.
However, midfielder Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) remains sidelined, along with winger Elliott Bennett (knee) and midfielder Alexander Tettey (ankle).
Craig Gardner scored in both Premier League meetings with Norwich City last season.
None of the last 11 league meetings between Norwich and Sunderland has ended as an away win (nine home wins and two draws).
After failing to score in his first five Premier League appearances, Gary Hooper has now scored in four of his last six (four goals in total) games for Norwich.
Norwich have conceded more goals away from home than any other team in the Premier League this season (21).
Sunderland, meanwhile, have conceded more home goals than any other Premier League side (16).
Norwich are the only team yet to pick up a yellow card for dissent in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland’s only two wins this season have come against sides currently in the top six (Newcastle and Manchester City).
Sunderland are going to be bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas (four points adrift currently).
Only one team in Premier League history (WBA in 2004-05) have been bottom on Christmas Day and avoided relegation.
Sunderland were bottom at Christmas in 2005-06 and ended that season in 20th place.
Sunderland v Norwich City preview: SAFC aim to avoid double trouble
Recent history has shown cup success and Premier League survival do not always mix but Ondrej Celustka is determined to prove otherwise.
Amid the jubilation of Tuesday’s thrilling Capital One Cup win over Chelsea, there was a black cloud doing its best to obscure the silver lining to Sunderland’s season.
With Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner in their squad, the Black Cats know only too well cup glory is no insurance against relegation.
This is already the club’s best League Cup season since 1998-99, despite having so far been a contender for one of the worst in the league.
Yet Larsson and Gardner were part of the last team to achieve the unwanted double of winning the League Cup in the same season as Birmingham City dropped out of the Premier League.
This year, Wigan Athletic won the FA Cup only to go down days later.
It is a bit premature given there is still a two-legged semi-final against Manchester United to overcome, but the possibility remains Sunderland could follow in those ominous footsteps.
Regardless of the result, the Wearsiders will still be bottom of the table tonight – but today’s league visit of Norwich City will be important in avoiding that fate.
Tuesday’s extra-time win was only their third against top-flight opposition this season. None have come against bottom-half opposition.
With Sunderland, as usual, looking so much more convincing at home than away (they are still to win on their travels), this afternoon’s game is an important opportunity to put that right.
Ondrej Celustka may have joined the club too late to fully appreciate the context of what Sunderland are trying to achieve – and avoid – but the right-back is very conscious of the over-riding importance of Premier League survival.
He admitted: “I did not realise it was 15 years (since Sunderland had last reached the League Cup semi-finals).
“It should be very nice and it would be even better if we could reach the final. I would have to say we have to concentrate particularly for the Premier League also.
“We do not want relegation in the same year.
“We have important matches every week now and Norwich is just as important as the Chelsea game.
“We have the quality in the squad to stay up, just look at our performance when we started to play against Chelsea. I’m here in my first year and I have loved beating Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle at home.
“They were big performances for us and we have to deliver those every week.”
For Celustka, like all the other 13 players who joined Sunderland in the summer, playing in the Premier League was a big attraction.
Even growing up in the Czech Republic, it was England’s top flight he used to enjoy watching, developing a soft spot for next month’s semi-final opponents but whereas Sam Allardyce – manager of West Ham United, the other semi-final second-favourites – has been determined to put all his club’s eggs in the Premier League basket, Celustka – like coach Gustavo Poyet – does not see it as a choice between league and cup.
While Allardyce was resting as many of his players as possible to prioritise today’s Premier League game at Old Trafford, only for his stand-ins to muck things up by coming from behind to beat Tottenham Hospur and add two more games to their schedule, Poyet fielded a near full-strength side against Chelsea.
Rather than seeing Tuesday night as a drain on his squad’s energy ahead of a typically over-hectic Festive period, Poyet and Celustka both felt victory could have a hugely beneficial effect on the team’s chances of beating the drop.
“It was a great night for us,” Celustka said of the dramatic 2-1 victory.
“We deserved it for the hard work we put in until the last minute. It was a great result for us and great for the club to reach the semi-final.
“Now we have to try to make the final.
“That would be fantastic for Sunderland.
“It also needs to be the start of our push to stay in the Premier League.
“This game should help us. It is very important.
“We now have Norwich on Saturday and hopefully we will take the three points.”
Two more games also means two more opportunities to refine the more patient style of play Poyet has tried to impose on the struggling team. Celustka took Tuesday as another indication it is starting to pay dividends.
He added: “People and our fans see we play more football now.
“We enjoy learning different parts of the game under this manager.
“We believe a bit more than we did before and in each other. Hopefully, that will continue.”
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Norwich and Sunderland lock horns again for the ‘Friendly Cup’
A lot of fuss is made around winning footballing silverware.
If you’re content to believe everything that Messrs Lineker, Stelling and co tell us, the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and, perhaps, the Capital One Cup are the only shows in town. The be all and end all.
But they’re wrong.
When it comes to nail-biting drama, edge-of-the-seat excitement and the extremes of joy and despair there’s only one that really matters… the ‘Friendly Cup’.
Never heard of it? Shame on you.
For the uninitiated it’s a cup – THE cup – that’s played for when Sunderland and City meet, and was triggered by the most convivial Milk Cup (League Cup) final in history when the two sides met at Wembley in 1985.
The ticker-tape parade that accompanied City’s 3-2 aggregate win last season should tell you all you need to know, likewise the 4-2 win for Sunderland in 2011/12 that brought Wearside to a standstill.
Still with me?
Well the ‘Friendly Cup’ kicks off again tomorrow with City making the dreaded journey north-east for the second time in a month; the first typically ending in defeat at St James’ Park. And it’s ‘dreaded’ because our record in that part of the world is woeful.
The history books tell us 1997 was the last time City managed a win on Wearside – Daryl Sutch being the unlikely goal-scoring hero that day – so no-one can argue we’re not due one.
The big question of course is which City team will turn up. If it’s the one that has (dis)appeared on the majority of road-trips then we may as well not bother turning up, while our friends in red and white stripes can do so accompanied by cigars and carpet slippers.
If however the team that briefly flickered to life at the Britannia and re-appeared two months later at The Hawthorns puts in an appearance then the travelling Yellow Army could be in for a good one.
Time will tell of course, but such has been our form outside the city walls it’s impossible to call.
For their part Sunderland enter the game buoyed by their Capital One Cup quarter-final win over Chelsea and, while still rooted at the bottom of the table, are showing signs of turning things around.
Gus Poyet’s impact has been positive and has brought some stability that was never going to sit comfortably alongside Di Canio’s eccentricities.
At yesterday’s press conference Hughton offered City fans an early Christmas present with news that Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Robert Snodgrass are now available for selection; a bonus given that the latter had initially been ruled out for the Christmas period.
Another obvious plus for City is the goalscoring form of Gary Hooper – four goals in six hopefully giving us a taster of things to come – with the possibility of him ‘poaching’ a goal, even if things are going badly something of a rarity of late.
So… the the first-leg of the ‘Friendly Cup’ it is. Fasten your seat-belts folks, it’s going to be emotional.
Big match analysis: Vital victory can move Sunderland in touching distance of pack
THE CURSE of being bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas has not really sparked any high-pitched screaming on Wearside this week.
Only West Brom, in 2004-05, have managed to evade the drop after they were propping up the pack as the turkeys were being gobbled.
But opinion on the terraces seems to fall into two categories at the moment:
1. Sunderland are doomed anyway.
2. The more inviting home fixtures over the second half of the season will give them the opportunity to make light of trends over previous years.
Certainly, if Sunderland can secure a first win in six Premier League outings tomorrow, then being at the basement won’t seem so daunting with just a couple of points separating Gus Poyet’s side from those above them.
They would still need to win at least once, probably twice, in the subsequent three games, but at least it would edge Sunderland closer to the pack.
Realistically, anything less than victory this weekend must be considered a major blow to staying up though.
If the Black Cats are not yet drinking in the last-chance saloon, then they are getting their glad rags on in preparation for indulging there.
Another missed opportunity like Aston Villa or West Ham could prove to be fatal.
But at least Sunderland have mustered a degree of momentum after Tuesday’s stirring League Cup victory over Chelsea.
Sunderland’s players might have endured an extra 30 minutes on the legs, but that was preferable to what looked to be a routine victory for Chelsea in the second half, with the hosts lacking belief and urgency.
Crucially, Poyet’s men emerged victorious from extra time too. That feeling of euphoria at staging such a stirring comeback against Chelsea should block out any sense of fatigue.
Two of the pivotal figures in the Capital One Cup success, Ki Sung-Yeung and Fabio Borini, will surely return to the starting XI after getting a breather for the opening hour or so against Chelsea.
But will there be other fresh faces?
Perhaps Andrea Dossena may get a chance at left-back, but there has to be a suspicion that Sunderland’s line-up won’t look too dissimilar from the one at West Ham last weekend.
Norwich will have Ricky van Wolfswinkel available again after injury.
But Canaries boss Chris Hughton will be reluctant to drastically alter a side that has taken four points from the last two games.
Three of those points came at West Brom a fortnight ago, which provided some away cheer after several hidings on the road this season have led Norwich to concede more goals on their travels than any other Premier League side.
But just when the murmurs over Hughton’s future were starting to gather pace again, his players have responded, particularly summer signing Gary Hooper, who netted his fourth goal in six games last weekend.
Hooper is the obvious dangerman to provide the latest test to Wes Brown.
Yet tomorrow’s clash may be fought more in the mind than at the feet.
Norwich can relax slightly after recent results and have the decent incentive of reaching 20 points by Christmas.
But Sunderland need to overcome the inevitable trepidation and impose themselves in the same manner as a superb extra-time display against Chelsea.
Certainly, the Black Cats showed few signs of nerves at Upton Park last weekend, even if their finishing lacked composure. And in their current situation, there should be no “what if” to worry about for Sunderland’s players.
They know exactly what will happen if there is no upturn in their results.
That improvement has to begin tomorrow, otherwise Sunderland will look even more likely to become the latest victim of the Premier League’s Christmas curse.
Alfred N'Diaye unlikely to be recalled by Sunderland in January.
A source close to Alfred N'Diaye believes the midfielder is unlikely to have his loan spell at Turkish side Eskisehirspor cut short in January.
Alfred N'Diaye is not expecting a January recall to Wearside.
The French midfielder joined Turkish side Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan deal in the summer, just six months after his £3.5m arrival at Sunderland.
N’Diaye was one of previous boss Martin O’Neill’s final signings, but O’Neill’s successor Paolo Di Canio allowed him to leave on loan.
Now Di Canio himself has left and new head coach Gus Poyet says he has thought about activating the recall clause in N’Diaye’s deal next month, although that would mean returning some of the loan fee Sunderland received from Eskisehirspor.
However, it seems unlikely that will happen, with a source close to N’Diaye saying: “Honestly, I do not see Alfred going back to Sunderland in January.”
Poyet says he has considered N’Diaye’s situation, however.
He said: “I have thought about it (recalling N’Diaye). I am not going to give out too much information, but people will know in January.
“Every issue is on my mind. We are having meetings practically every day.”
N’Diaye started every game under Di Canio and it was a surprise when he was allowed to depart on loan.
He has made a success of his loan move and is in no rush to return, with his form at Eskisehirspor earning him an international call and he made his debut for Senegal in October.
Poyet is also unlikely to recall striker Danny Graham from his season-long loan at Hull City during the transfer window.
That option is available to the Black Cats, but it seems Graham will be allowed to remain at the KC Stadium.
Graham said: “I have not spoken to anyone at Sunderland.
“I have not spoken to the new manager, as it was Paolo (Di Canio) who sent me out on loan.” Poyet has also resisted the temptation to recall in-form England Under 21 striker Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, which expires on New Year’s Day.
Wickham has scored five goals in seven games for the Owls and Poyet was happy for him to remain at Hillsborough playing first-team football rather than stay at Sunderland as back-up for Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore.
He said: “I do not want to bring him back because of how we are as a group at the moment.
“But it’s pleasing to see him doing well because I know how frustrating it can be for a player to not have a chance.
“When they go on loan, you do not know how it’s going to work for them.
“I am delighted he is scoring and what an important goal and what a goal as well (against Watford last weekend).”
Wickham’s form has attracted the attention of Nottingham Forest, with boss Billy Davies understood to be preparing a move for the 20-year-old when he returns from his stint at Wednesday.
Forest – owned by the wealthy Fawaz Al-Hasawi – may look at a loan move with a view to a permanent deal.
Sunderland may decide that now is the time to cash in on a player they paid £8m for two-and-a-half years ago but who has failed to break into the first-team on Wearside.
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Sunderland keeper Westwood may need a shoulder operation
KEIREN WESTWOOD could need an operation to cure the shoulder problem which has been plaguing him for the last two months.
Sunderland had hoped goalkeeper Westwood would be available for tomorrow’s clash with Norwich City after more than a month’s absence from the Black Cats squad.
But the 29-year-old, who started the season as Sunderland number one, continues to be troubled by a shoulder injury which may now require surgery.
Westwood was forced to pull out of the Republic of Ireland squad in October with the problem and was given a pain-killing injection which initially appeared to have solved it.
But the injury was aggravated in Sunderland’s defeat at Hull last month after a clash with Paul McShane forced the stopper off.
Head coach Gus Poyet said: “Keiren is seeing a specialist and is still feeling it a little bit.
“We need to make that decision now on what is the next step with him. It’s a medical decision which we need to make.
“It’s difficult to decide what will be better for him – an operation or not. The medical staff need to be convinced, but an operation is one of the options.”
Summer signing Vito Mannone has deputised well in Westwood’s absence, but he is the only other senior goalkeeper on Sunderland’s books.
Youngsters Jordan Pickford and Joel Dixon have both been on the bench over recent weeks, yet if Westwood does go under the knife, it could lead Poyet to consider entering the market for a goalkeeper in January.
Sunderland have been linked with QPR’s Julio Cesar, although the Brazilian’s wages at Loftus Road would be far more than the Black Cats were willing to pay.
Poyet will wait on Wickham’s return to Sunderland.
GUS POYET admits he has not been tempted to bring Nottingham Forest target Connor Wickham back early from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
But the Sunderland head coach has been encouraged to see the England Under-21 frontman enjoying a profitable spell at Hillsborough after netting his fifth goal in seven games for the Owls last weekend.
While the Black Cats have been struggling for Premier League goals, Wickham has had no problems finding the net for Wednesday, despite the club’s struggles in the Championship relegation zone.
That form has not gone unnoticed, with reports in the Midlands suggesting Wednesday’s Championship rivals Forest are ready to make a move for Wickham when his loan at Hillsborough expires on New Year’s Day.
Sunderland have had the option to bring the England Under-21 striker back to Wearside before then, but Poyet says staying at Wednesday has been best for Wickham’s development and he will discuss the next step for the 20-year-old at the end of his loan.
Poyet told the Echo: “I don’t want to bring him back because of how we are as a group at the moment.
“But it’s pleasing to see him doing well because I know how frustrating it can be for a player to not have a chance.
“When they go on loan, you don’t know how it’s going to work for them.
“But I’m delighted that he’s scoring and what an important goal and what a goal as well (against Watford last weekend).
“It’s going to be great for him.
“I don’t want to analyse things too much before everything is finished. When he’s finished the loan, we’ll talk.”
Forest are reported to be preparing a loan move, with a view to a permanent deal, for Wickham.
While Wednesday are unlikely to have the financial resources to tempt Sunderland into selling a player who cost £8million in the summer of 2011, Forest are one of the few Championship clubs with deep pockets, thanks to the backing of owner Fawaz Al Hasawi.
There was talk earlier this month that Sunderland are willing to part company with Wickham in the January transfer window.
But Poyet told the Echo last week that Wickham’s future will not be decided until he returns to Wearside after the end of his loan.
Poyet said: “We haven’t even talked about that (a permanent departure). He needs to play and after he gets back from loan, we will talk with him as well.”
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Poyet praise for Sunderland’s Bardsley
PHIL BARDSLEY has seen his Sunderland career rotate 360 degrees in the last two months.
When Gus Poyet arrived at the Stadium of Light, there appeared little prospect of Bardsley ever playing for Sunderland again.
The 28-year-old was ostracised by former head coach Paolo Di Canio for celebrating Sunderland’s survival last season in a casino, and then subsequently earned the fury of supporters by mocking the Black Cats’ opening day defeat to Fulham – comments which earned him a club suspension.
Only a broken foot sustained while playing for the Under-21s in August, prevented Sunderland’s longest-serving first-teamer from ending his stint on Wearside and joining Fulham.
But after watching Bardsley feature in a behind-closed-doors U21s friendly following his appointment, Poyet offered the full-back an olive branch.
Since then, Bardsley has been a fixture in Poyet’s plans.
There have been a couple of own goals along the way, but Bardsley has been one of Sunderland’s most consistent performers - netting three times at the right end and going closer than anyone at West Ham last weekend with a 25-yard drive that rattled the crossbar.
Poyet told the Echo: “There are players that I cannot complain about.
“I’ve seen where we were when we arrived and people weren’t talking on the pitch and we had players starting from zero (with their fitness).
“Phil was one of the main ones starting from zero, but you can see how much he cares.
“He’s becoming one of biggest threats going forward too!
“He wants to play all the time and he’s always part of the group.
“He’s a very good character; someone who really feels for the club and it’s important to have players like that.”
Bardsley is one of nine Sunderland first-team players out-of-contract at the end of the season and there have been reports that the Black Cats will offer the former Manchester United man a new deal.
But while Sunderland remain embroiled in the relegation zone, that looks unlikely.
Transfer news: Sunderland boss Gus Poyet hoping to move quickly in January
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet will look to strike early when the January transfer window opens and bolster his ranks.
Having inherited a squad from predecessor Paolo Di Canio in October, Poyet has been unable to put his own stamp on the Black Cats.
He will get that opportunity in the New Year, and he has been working hard to piece together a plan of attack.
The intention is to move quickly, giving new recruits as long as possible to settle and play as big a role as possible over the remainder of the campaign - as Sunderland scrap to preserve their Premier League status.
Poyet told The Echo: "My aim all the time is to do things quickly in January.
"We're having meetings practically every day and we're getting close to January now.
"January 1st is a Wednesday, it's not on the weekend, so if there are not any problems with bringing them in from abroad, they could be signed that day.
"Those are the things you need to manage. But it's not only in my hands. It's in the hands of the other people as well - the player, the other club, the transfer, the agreement and if there are other options. There are so many things involved.
"Now, as the manager, I want them in tomorrow so they could train with us for a week before the first. That would be perfection."
Poyet acknowledges that time is not on his side, with Sunderland five points from safety, but claims to have plenty of options to explore in January.
He added: "There are some deals that I would prefer not to do immediately because you need to wait. But, with waiting, you don't know if it's going to happen.
"If I have got another option, which I like and is similar, I'll do it and the other one loses his chance. If you wait and wait, you can lose six or seven games by then."
"January 1st is a Wednesday, it's not on the weekend, so if there are not any problems with bringing them in from abroad, they could be signed that day."
Gus Poyet
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Rowell Report: Sunderland’s game at West Ham was a golden opportunity for three points
USUALLY, I would regard an away point as a good one, but at Upton Park against a depleted West Ham team last week, I feel we let a great chance of victory get away from us once again.
The point gained doesn’t really improve our position a great deal.
At least we denied the Hammers the victory that would have widened the gap between us even further, but West Ham were there for the taking and we should have got more than a draw.
Suspensions and injuries meant West Ham were below strength and vulnerable and it was a good time to play them, but we didn’t fully capitalise on that situation.
Just like our previous away game at Aston Villa, a 0-0 draw could easily have been a win, and these are the opportunities where we have to be getting maximum points.
Sunderland had more possession, corners and shots on target than West Ham, but we lacked a killer instinct and weren’t ruthless enough in the final third.
This Sunderland team don’t seem to be able to get it right at both ends of the pitch at the same time.
If we keep a clean sheet, we don’t score and if we’re finding the net, then we leak goals at the other end.
Gus Poyet needs to get that balance right, as it really wouldn’t have taken much to win both of our last two away games and four points has slipped away from Sunderland too easily.
Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini and Ki Sung-Yueng all had very good chances to get the one goal that would have been enough for victory as I couldn’t see West Ham coming back if they went behind, even if Phil Bardsley was unlucky with his shot that struck the bar.
The fact that Vito Mannone barely had a save to make, while Jussi Jaaskelainen was West Ham’s man of the match, tells its own story.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet makes three changes from Tuesday's extra-time League Cup victory over Chelsea. Phil Bardsley, Ki Sung-Yueng and Fabio Borini return, with Andrew Dossena, Craig Gardner and Adam Johnson dropping to the bench.
Norwich make one change after last week's 1-1 draw with Swansea, Robert Snodgrass replacing Jonny Howson in midfield. Norwich's Twitter feed reports that Howson has picked up an injury.
Sunderland remain adrift at the bottom after draw with Norwich City
Sunderland have improved under Gus Poyet's management but they are taking baby steps at a time when incremental progress punctuated by the odd regressive wobble simply will not do.
Teams stuck to the bottom of the Premier League at Christmas require great leaps forward if relegation is to be avoided, yet Norwich's collection of a most straightforward point suggests Poyet's players remain an awful long way from making a great leap forward.
Last Tuesday night's extra-time League Cup quarter-final win against Chelsea appeared even more of a damaging irrelevance on a day when, looking anything but sure-footed, Sunderland lost their new found balance.
Poyet's mood was not improved by the late, arguably harsh, red card shown to Wes Brown for a stupid challenge on Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Martin Atkinson could possibly have been more lenient but Brown did jump in with reckless abandon and Sunderland will not win any appeal.
"It's disappointing, I wasn't expecting this," said a deeply downcast Poyet. "We have no excuses. I'm not going to comment on the referee's decision. That's life. It's getting more and more difficult for us. The quality is what you see, there is no more but there were things that happened today that are difficult to explain."
With Sunderland distinctly edgy, Chris Hughton's side passed and moved smoothly enough as Leroy Fer proved his midfield worth. When Robert Snodgrass crumpled under Phil Bardsley's challenge, Norwich appealed for a penalty but Snodgrass's collapse was a little dramatic for Atkinson's tastes.
Nathan Redmond unleashed a swerving shot from distance but Vito Mannone turned it around a post quite brilliantly. The odd cameo from the clearly talented Fabio Borini apart, John Ruddy had very little to do, the visiting goalkeeper suffering a few minor frights.
Despite Lee Cattermole's best efforts, Sunderland struggled to force any sort of tempo and, with Norwich coasting comfortably, the atmosphere remained stubbornly flat. Exploiting space vacated by the out-of-position Sebastien Bassong, Borini shot. It flew wide. The same fate met an overly ponderous Jozy Altidore whose physical presence and nuisance value do not compensate for his lack of goals.
Altidore and friends struggled to make much happen, let alone actually get behind a visiting defence they were playing virtually all their football in front of.
It could have been worse. When John O'Shea missed a header the ball fell invitingly to Gary Hooper but, taken by surprise, the striker could not react swiftly enough. Judging by Poyet's expression half-time came as a relief.
His side began the second half in more dominant fashion but failed to move the ball quickly enough. Weathering this gentle breeze, Norwich reasserted themselves and, clearly increasingly alarmed by so much home puffing and huffing, Poyet replaced Emmanuele Giaccherini with Adam Johnson. With Altidore's lack of movement glaringly apparent, the crowd agitated for Steven Fletcher's liberation from the bench and, taking the hint, Sunderland's manager threw him on.
When Brown's header brushed the outside of an upright after a Sebastian Larsson corner provoked rare dissaray in the Norwich defence, hope flickered. It flared again when Michael Turner's superb, last ditch, tackle denied Fletcher a goal.
Poyet's substitutions were working but Wearsiders groaned when Norwich's key striker and record signing Van Wolfswinkel marked his return from a lengthy injury by stepping off the bench. Undeterred, Ki Sung-yueng spotted that Ruddy had been drawn off his line but his intended chip into an empty net ended up floating fractionally over the bar.
It served as a microcosm of a grey Wearside day about to be blemished by Brown's dismissal. Hughton, though, could see only blue sky. "A draw and a clean sheet away is always a good result," he said. "Wes Brown's challenge was definitely a red but it was a shame because it wasn't that sort of game."
Sunderland 0 Norwich City 0: Wes Brown red-carded as Black Cats face up to bleak Christmas
Gus Poyet was left facing a bleak Christmas as 10-man Sunderland's must-win clash with Norwich ended goalless.
The Black Cats, who dumped Chelsea out of the Capital One Cup in midweek to book a place in the semi-finals, could not repeat the dose when they needed it most to leave themselves firmly rooted to the foot of the Barclays Premier League table.
Sunderland have now won just four of their last 32 league games, and a paltry tally of 10 points from their opening 16 fixtures of the season leaves them in pole position to slip out of the top flight unless they can engineer a major fightback.
Defender Wes Brown, sent off in stoppage time for a foul on substitute Ricky van Wolfswinkel, came closest to a winner when he hit the outside of the post with a 57th-minute header, while Ki Sung-yueng missed the target with Canaries keeper John Ruddy missing in action.
But despite the Black Cats stretching Norwich repeatedly after the break, they were unable to find the breakthrough to leave the bulk of a crowd of 37,778 fearing the worst.
Norwich had the better chances in a first half which saw neither goalkeeper unduly stretched.
Canaries stopper Ruddy was not called upon until the 37th minute, when he had to get down well to claim a shot from distance from Phil Bardsley - the full-back remains the club's joint-top scorer, a reflection of their difficulties.
Vito Mannone was busier at the other end, turning away Nathan Redmond's 13th-minute strike and then beating away a Gary Hooper piledriver five minutes before the break.
Hooper had earlier been left kicking himself after John O'Shea had completely misjudged Martin Olsson's left-wing cross, which hit the astonished striker in the chest before he could react.
For their part, most of Sunderland's efforts came from distance with Ki, Sebastian Larsson and Lee Cattermole all wayward before Bardsley tested Ruddy.
However, the keeper was relieved to see Jozy Altidore's deflected shot drop just wide of the far post after Brown had headed down Bardsley's 36th-minute free-kick.
The home side returned knowing they had to be much, much better, and they started encouragingly with Fabio Borini winning an early free-kick which Larsson saw deflected over the bar.
From the resulting corner, Bardsley and team-mate O'Shea collided, leaving the Republic of Ireland international nursing a shoulder injury which needed treatment on and then off the field.
But his side had a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Cattermole picked out the unmarked Brown beyond the far post and he controlled before stabbing the ball inside to Ondrej Celustka.
The full-back looked odds-on to score, but he delayed and Johan Elmander managed to bundle the ball behind with the home fans appealing in vain for a penalty for his challenge.
But as the Black Cats committed men to the search for the opening goal, they put the Canaries under pressure and they almost cracked with 64 minutes gone when full-back Steven Whittaker thumped and attempted clearance against team-mate Michael Turner and the ball dropped into the path of Borini.
However, as he waited for it to settle, the cover arrived and he eventually prodded his shot tamely at the keeper.
But Hooper should really have put Norwich ahead four minutes later when Robert Snodgrass picked him out at the far post unopposed, only to see him head wide.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet decided the time was right to replace Altidore with Steven Fletcher, and the newcomer might have made his mark almost immediately when Bardsley flicked Larsson's 70th-minute corner towards him.
The Scotland international could not make meaningful contact, but when Turner's sliced clearance dropped to Brown at the far post, he headed against the outside of the upright.
Norwich should have taken an 82nd-minute lead when van Wolfswinkel was played in on goal, but could not beat Mannone.
But Poyet was left with his head in his hands seconds later when Ruddy rushed from his box but was beaten to the ball by Borini, who squared for Ki.
Turner got back on to the line with his keeper hopelessly stranded, but the South Korea international lifted his shot from 20 yards over the bar, and the home side's fortunes took a further turn for the worst at the death when Brown saw red for hacking his way through van Wolfswinkel from behind.
Premier League preview: Everton host Sunderland at Goodison Park
Everton welcome rock-bottom Sunderland to Goodison Park on Boxing Day as they look to continue their assault on the Premier League top four.
The Toffees have exceeded expectations this term, losing only one of the 17 top flight outings and are unbeaten in their last 10.
A 2-1 victory over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday temporarily elevated Roberto Martinez's men into the Champions League places, before Chelsea's goalless draw at Arsenal put them ahead on goal difference.
The likes of Ross Barkley, who stole the headlines after scoring a stunning winner in South Wales, Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Gareth Barry have all impressed in recent weeks; but top scorer Romelu Lukaku has now gone four games without a goal.
Although Martinez will consider fifth to be a good return at Christmas, Everton could have found themselves higher were it not for seven draws - a joint league high with West Bromwich Albion.
Everton's only defeat of the season came away to Manchester City, but considering they have won all their home games and scored 35 goals in the process, it is not surprising that is the only blight on the Toffees' 100% record.
Conversely, the winter outlook at Sunderland is rather bleak, with the Black Cats rooted at the foot of the table, having only just broken into double figures.
Gus Poyet's side have just two wins to their name, both of which coming in their last 10 outings, and remain in search of the league form which will ignite their season.
Despite the Premier League table looking gloomy for Sunderland, their cup displays have shown signs of quality with a scintillating half-hour seeing them to an extra-time victory over Chelsea as they booked a place in the Capital One Cup semi-finals.
After spending almost 90 minutes without threatening the title contenders, a late equaliser from Fabio Borini took the tie into extra time, where Ki Sung Yueng sealed victory late on.
Poyet will hope his men can display such heart and resilience in the coming league fixtures to drag themselves out of the relegation mire and pull towards safety.
Paul Merson's prediction
Everton are flying along and getting great results but I don't think Sunderland are a bottom-of-the-table team and they should stay up. Everton will win this game but they aren't playing a group of no-hopers so I think this will be closer than a lot of people would expect.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
Everton
Everton manager Roberto Martinez could receive a late Christmas gift with left-back Leighton Baines set to be in contention against Sunderland.
The defender has missed the last five games after suffering a broken toe and will provide added impetus for Everton as they look to improve on their fifth-placed positioning.
Blues striker Nikica Jelavic is also expected to be available having missed Sunday's 2-1 win over Swansea with a minor hamstring injury.
Midfielder Steven Pienaar and defender Sylvain Distin both sustained knocks at the Liberty Stadium but neither should be ruled out, while veteran full back Tony Hibbert is also over a knee problem.
Sunderland
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet will have to sweat on the fitness of John O'Shea who faces a fight to be available for the trip to Goodison Park.
The Republic of Ireland international is currently undergoing assessments on shoulder damage sustained in the Black Cats' goalless stalemate with Norwich at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
O'Shea defensive partner Wes Brown is unavailable as he serves the first of a three-match ban following his late red card against the Canaries.
Poyet is still with goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuellar who are both ruled out with shoulder and hip injuries respectively.
Opta Facts
Everton have lost just two of their last 36 Premier League home games (W24 D10 L2).
Sunderland have been given more red cards in Premier League games than any other side this season (5).
The last time that Everton went unbeaten a home in the league for a whole calendar year was back in 1962. They have only managed this three times previously (1894, 1939, 1962).
Sunderland's victory over Everton in April ended a run of 16 without a win in the Premier League for the Black Cats against the Toffees (D4 L12).
45:00 +2:12 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Everton 0, Sunderland 1. 42:54 Attempt missed. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick. 41:39 Booking
Booking
Gareth Barry (Everton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 41:33 Foul by Gareth Barry (Everton). 41:33 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 40:16 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 36:01 Attempt missed. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross following a corner. 35:33 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Bryan Oviedo. 35:27 Attempt saved. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the centre of the goal. 35:25 Attempt saved. Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 34:16 Foul by James McCarthy (Everton). 34:16 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 33:08 Offside, Everton. Bryan Oviedo tries a through ball, but Sylvain Distin is caught offside. 32:25 James McCarthy (Everton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 32:25 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 31:30 Foul by Kevin Mirallas (Everton). 31:30 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 30:21 Seamus Coleman (Everton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 30:21 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 26:18 Gareth Barry (Everton) wins a free kick on the left wing. 26:18 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 24:47 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Everton 0, Sunderland 1. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner. 23:55 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Everton. Joel Robles replaces Leon Osman. 22:26 Dismissal
Dismissal
Tim Howard (Everton) is shown the red card. 22:19 Penalty conceded by Tim Howard (Everton) after a foul in the penalty area. 22:19 Penalty Sunderland. Ki Sung-Yueng draws a foul in the penalty area. 15:45 Foul by Leon Osman (Everton). 15:45 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 14:51 Attempt saved. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Fabio Borini. 13:59 Attempt missed. James McCarthy (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Kevin Mirallas. 11:10 Attempt missed. Gareth Barry (Everton) header from the right side of the six yard box is too high. Assisted by Kevin Mirallas with a cross following a corner. 10:36 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Modibo Diakité. 8:25 Leon Osman (Everton) wins a free kick on the left wing. 8:25 Foul by Modibo Diakité (Sunderland). 7:20 Attempt saved. Bryan Oviedo (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. 6:48 Steven Pienaar (Everton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 6:48 Foul by Modibo Diakité (Sunderland). 6:10 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 5:59 Foul by Kevin Mirallas (Everton). 5:59 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Full Time Match ends, Everton 0, Sunderland 1. 90:00 +3:25 Full time/ Full Time Second Half ends, Everton 0, Sunderland 1. 90:00 +3:07 Attempt missed. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) header from very close range misses to the right following a corner. 90:00 +2:45 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 90:00 +2:42 Attempt blocked. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sylvain Distin with a headed pass. 90:00 +2:09 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Sebastian Larsson. 89:53 Foul by Nikica Jelavic (Everton). 89:53 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 89:52 Attempt blocked. Nikica Jelavic (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 89:50 Attempt blocked. Gareth Barry (Everton) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by James McCarthy with a cross. 88:27 Attempt missed. Seamus Coleman (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by James McCarthy. 87:55 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 86:08 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jozy Altidore replaces Steven Fletcher. 85:33 Foul by James McCarthy (Everton). 85:33 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 84:08 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Fabio Borini. 84:07 Attempt blocked. Nikica Jelavic (Everton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 83:46 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 83:43 Attempt saved. Ross Barkley (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 82:42 Nikica Jelavic (Everton) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
82:42 Foul by Valentin Roberge (Sunderland). 81:33 Attempt missed. Ross Barkley (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Nikica Jelavic. 81:02 Attempt saved. Gareth Barry (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 80:59 Attempt blocked. Ross Barkley (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by James McCarthy. 79:53 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 78:59 Delay in match Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) because of an injury. 78:08 Bryan Oviedo (Everton) wins a free kick on the left wing. 78:08 Foul by Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland). 77:14 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini with a through ball. 75:23 Attempt missed. Phil Jagielka (Everton) header from the right side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ross Barkley with a cross following a corner. 75:12 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Everton. Nikica Jelavic replaces Steven Pienaar. 74:44 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 74:43 Attempt saved. Bryan Oviedo (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Sylvain Distin. 73:53 Attempt missed. Ross Barkley (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by James McCarthy. 72:01 Offside, Sunderland. Vito Mannone tries a through ball, but Steven Fletcher is caught offside. 71:44 Attempt saved. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Gareth Barry. 69:14 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Emanuele Giaccherini replaces Jack Colback. 67:46 Foul by Sylvain Distin (Everton). 67:46 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:58 Attempt missed. Ross Barkley (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by James McCarthy. 65:45 Attempt saved. Ross Barkley (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by James McCarthy. 64:23 Attempt missed. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 63:22 Offside, Everton. Sylvain Distin tries a through ball, but Romelu Lukaku is caught offside. 63:01 Attempt saved. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 60:37 Attempt missed. Ross Barkley (Everton) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Steven Pienaar. 57:32 Attempt missed. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 57:00 Attempt missed. Bryan Oviedo (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right following a corner. 56:39 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 55:00 Attempt saved. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) left footed shot from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal. 54:59 Attempt saved. Phil Jagielka (Everton) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Bryan Oviedo with a cross. 54:36 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Ondrej Celustka. 54:25 Attempt blocked. Ross Barkley (Everton) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Gareth Barry. 53:04 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Lee Cattermole. 52:05 Corner, Everton. Conceded by Fabio Borini. 49:08 Foul by Romelu Lukaku (Everton). 49:08 Valentin Roberge (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 47:07 Attempt saved. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Lee Cattermole with a cross. 46:21 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Gareth Barry. 46:20 Attempt blocked. Modibo Diakité (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ondrej Celustka. 45:38 Foul by Seamus Coleman (Everton). 45:38 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 45:00
Second Half begins Everton 0, Sunderland 1. 45:00 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Everton. Ross Barkley replaces Kevin Mirallas because of an injury.
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park on Thursday Dec 26, 2013.
The sequence of events illustrated one of those classic football surprises: a complacent home team, a defensive error and a red card.
Everton surrendered the lead and Sunderland , thanks mainly to goalkeeper Vito Mannone, held on. And with that, the shock was complete.
Everton’s unbeaten home run in 2013 ended just four days short of a full calendar year as the visitors, who remain bottom, secured three points away from the Stadium of Light for the first time this season.
The game for the home team unravelled in the 24th minute when Tim Howard rolled his goal-kick - just as he is instructed to by Roberto Martínez, the Everton manager – to the midfielder sitting on the edge of the box, on this occasion Leon Osman.
With his back to everyone else on the pitch, Osman must not have seen Ki Sung-Yueng lurking behind. Osman trod on the ball and Ki seized possession before rounding Howard, who felled him with the swipe of a right leg.
A red card was inevitable and Howard’s place was taken by Joel Robles, Osman being subsitituted to make his miserable day complete. The sub goalkeeper could do little to prevent Ki from slamming Sunderland into the lead from the spot.
Martínez defended those responsible, pointing out that both Howard and Osman have won Everton points this season. He admitted, though, that the pair got this moment horribly wrong.
“We usually have strong concepts of when a pass is on,” he said, adding that Everton had not underestimated Sunderland, despite the visitors’ sluggish start to the game.
“Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get momentum. Sunderland were well organised and had a good solid structure behind ball. I thought we made a bad decision which cost us a sending off and a goal and changed the game completely.
I thought we deserved an equaliser and if we’d got that we would probably have gone on to win the game. Doesn’t matter that the goalkeeper had an outstanding afternoon, we should have got a goal or two.”
Sunderland ran around like they could not believe their fortune. Perhaps it was understandable as their only points on the road this season had come from three draws.
Gus Poyet’s team enjoyed plenty of possession in Everton’s half but too often their players appeared scared to shoot, with Ki, Steven Fletcher and Fabio Borini guilty of the most ponderous moments.
They came closest to extending their lead when Robles parried Ondrej Celutska’s shot before saving Sebastian Larsson’s rebound.
Gareth Barry was booked, meaning he will miss their fixture at home to Southampton on Sunday.
The home side’s frustration was summed up by the four-minute spell when they were reduced to nine men as Kevin Mirallas disappeared for a toilet break. James McCarthy, outnumbered in midfield, waved his hands at Martínez as he asked about Mirallas’s whereabouts. Martínez later revealed that the Belgian was suffering from a stomach bug, which led to him being replaced for the second half by Ross Barkley.
A match-winner at Swansea in Everton’s previous game, Barkley had been rested here but his arrival helped the Goodison faithful find their voice, but only after Sunderland could have gone 2-0 ahead when Modibo Diakite heaved Sebastian Larsson’s free-kick over the crossbar after a couple of touches from defensive partner, Valentin Roberge.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Everton created chances. They had plenty of shots, but nearly all were from distance.
Twice, Mannone saved spectacularly with his left hand, first from Oviedo and then Barkley. With a few minutes remaining, he was beaten by Nikica Jelavic’s header but this time Borini cleared off the line.
Sunderland have now beaten Newcastle United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton this season and Poyet insisted the difference here was “concentration and belief”.
He said: “We cannot blame anyone but ourselves, because we have had chances to beat those around us but always we do something wrong, whether it’s a mistake, someone sent off or whatever.”
Premier League - Matchpack: Cardiff City v Sunderland
Team news, manager quotes and match facts ahead of the Premier League clash between Cardiff City and Sunderland at the Cardiff City Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Cardiff have no new injury concerns. Gary Medel missed the defeat to Southampton due to flu but could be fit enough to feature against the Black Cats, while Andreas Cornelius and Declan John could start after coming off the bench on Boxing Day. But Craig Bellamy will miss out again due to his ongoing knee injury.
Sunderland will again be without Wes Brown, while it remains to be seen whether or not his fellow defender John O'Shea is able to feature. The pair missed the 1-0 Boxing Day win at Everton, with Brown starting a three-match suspension and O'Shea having been nursing a shoulder problem. Definitely still ruled out through injury are goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and yet another defender, Carlos Cuellar (hip).
MANAGER QUOTES
Cardiff: N/A
Gus Poyet: "People keep forgetting we are unbeaten in four games - we're playing well. It's up to us to keep that belief going. The whole squad has to pull together - two games in three days is tough. We have quality players to call upon like Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson who were on the bench, but we face a difficult match. They are fighting for their lives, but we need to make sure we're ready and perform to the best of our ability. We need to make it difficult for them on Saturday."
MATCH FACTS
Cardiff have not met Sunderland in the top-flight since 1956/57, when they won one and drew one of two meetings.
Sunderland have won their last two trips to Cardiff in the league without conceding.
Sunderland have won only one of their 12 final games of the year in the Premier League (3-1 v Bolton in 2007)
Sunderland have kept three successive clean sheets in the Premier League – the longest run seen in the PL this season is Southampton’s four in a row (Sept-Oct).
Vito Mannone has kept five clean sheets in eight Premier League starts this season for Sunderland.
Cardiff City have lost two successive Premier League games, they have not lost three league games in succession since November 2009.
Despite playing 18 games fewer in 2013 than Sunderland (36), Cardiff have won just three games fewer in the Premier League this calendar year (4) than their opponents (7).
David Marshall (70) has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland have lost more points from leading positions than any other side this season (11) in the Premier League.
Cardiff have only been in the lead on five occasions in the Premier League this season – no side have led less frequently (Villa also five).
MATCH ODDS Cardiff City (11/8) Draw (12/5) Sunderland (12/5)
Malky Mackay expresses regret after being sacked by Cardiff
Malky Mackay is leaving Cardiff City with his 'head held high' after expressing his 'deepest and most sincere regret' after being sacked as manager.
The Scot's future at the Cardiff City Stadium has been under scrutiny of late and last week he received an email from owner Vincent Tan telling him to resign or be sacked.
He remained in charge for the defeats by Liverpool and Southampton, and was scheduled to meet Tan on Saturday, when Cardiff face fellow Premier League strugglers Sunderland at home.
However, Cardiff released a statement on Friday confirming that Mackay has been axed and the 41-year-old issued his response via Sky Sports News.
"It is with the deepest and most sincere regret that I today confirm my sacking as manager of Cardiff City FC," Mackay said.
"As disappointing as today's decision is, I am already able to look back at my time at Cardiff City FC with immense pride and joy given the number of milestones the club achieved during the last two-and-half years.
"A League Cup Final appearance followed by promotion to the Premiership for the very first time, achieved as winners of the Championship, allowed the club a move back to this elite level after a 51-year absence.
"I have enjoyed my time immensely at this fine club, in this great city, and throughout I've always attempted to put my own personal stamp on specific areas that I believe to be all-important such as the implementation of a progressive culture as well as a complete professional approach to all aspects of day-to-day management that are required if you are to become a top club - and more importantly to remain as one.
"I would like to thank my players, all of my direct footballing staff, all the people behind the scenes at the club and most importantly the people of Cardiff, who have stood behind me resolutely throughout my time here and especially in these recent turbulent months.
"I leave with my head held high having gained a level of experience that, upon reflection, I suspect would have been difficult to find anywhere else in British football.
"The foundations laid at Cardiff City FC will provide a solid platform for my successor, and for the sake of the club, I hope that all of the progress that has been made so far will not be impaired in any way by today's enforced changes."
Mackay was appointed Cardiff boss in June 2011 and, having guided the team to the Championship title last year, leaves after 125 games in charge with a win rate of 43%.
A group of around 200 Cardiff fans protested against Tan before the home game against Southampton on Boxing Day, and the club's owner released a statement following Mackay's sacking.
Tan said: "There has been a good deal of publicity generated by and about Mr Malky Mackay over the last few months.
"Indeed far too much dirty linen has been exposed to the public gaze. But, I stress, not by me. Indeed, I have deliberately not responded to this, hoping that the club can be judged on its football rather than personalised arguments about who said what to whom.
"I have, however, regretfully concluded that it is no longer fair to the club, its players, its fans, or the public more generally, for this uncomfortable state of affairs to continue. Cardiff City Football Club means far too much to us all for it to be distracted by this."
The League Managers' Association also responded to Mackay's sacking.
Chief executive Richard Bevan said: "We are all very disappointed for Malky and the club. We must recognise that in over two years as manager, he has set very significant club records including guiding Cardiff to their first ever League Cup final.
"Also leading the club to promotion to the Barclays Premier League for the very first time, notably this ended their 51-year absence from the top flight and duly he was named the Championship Manager of the Year.
"Malky has an excellent record of success with the club and he should be commended with the manner in which he has conducted himself with such integrity during what, for him, has been an extremely difficult period."
"It is with the deepest and most sincere regret that I today confirm my sacking as manager of Cardiff City FC. I leave with my head held high having gained a level of experience that, upon reflection, I suspect would have been difficult to find anywhere else in British football."
Malky Mackay
Smith and Tom Robson on target in win in the Potteries.
Stoke City U18 0 Sunderland U18 2
Sunderland followed up their midweek victory at high-flying Everton with a 2-0 win at Stoke City.
Martin Smith and Tom Robson bagged the goals for the young Black Cats, who won their fifth consecutive game in all competitions.
Sunderland started well and took the lead in the 18th minute as good link-up play set American striker Lynden Gooch on his way before he set the ball off cleverly to Smith, who smashed into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
The young Black Cats had further chances in the first half with both Gooch and Luke Molyneux firing efforts just wide.
An early second-half goal all but secured the points as Robson burst into the area and neatly slotted the ball under the keeper to finish a fine move.
Stoke went more direct in the closing stages but the youngsters weathered the storm and could have increased the lead further late on.
Solid defending and a couple of fine saves from Peter Burke ensured the young Black Cats travelled back to Wearside with all three points.
Coach Carlton Fairweather said: “It was a really good display and another fine win for us.”
Sunderland: Burke, Ledger, T Robson, Smith, Colquhoun, Beadling, Greenwood (J Robson, 84), E Robson, Molyneux (McEvoy, 65), Gooch, Stinson.
Darlington Vs Sunderland [Match abandoned 35 minutes] (18/12/2013)
Highlights from the friendly between Darlington and Sunderland played on December 18th, 2013. Quakers were 1-0 ahead thanks to Amar Purewal but the heavy rain led to the game being stopped shortly afterwards.
Cardiff v Sunderland (1730 GMT UK)
Cardiff caretaker duo David Kerslake and Joe McBride make three changes from Malky Mackay's final game in charge, the 3-0 home defeat by Southampton. Declan John, Gary Medel and Kim Bo-Kyung come in for Andrew Taylor, Aron Gunnarsson and Peter Odemwingie.
Sunderland also make three changes after beating Everton 1-0. Andrea Dossena replaces Ondrej Celustka at the back, while Emanuele Giaccherini comes in for Jack Colback in midfield and up front it's Jozy Altidore for Steven Fletcher.
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Sunderland eye Marcos Alonso loan but more spending unlikely
Sunderland are close to signing former Bolton defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina but boss Gus Poyet is unlikely to get more funds in January.
It is understood owner Ellis Short is unwilling to invest in the team, meaning Poyet will have to sell before he can buy in the transfer window.
Poyet will otherwise have to continue with the club's transfer policy of signing free agents or players on loan.
Spaniard Alonso, 22, left Bolton for Italian outfit Fiorentina in May 2013.
Eight of the 14 players who arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer were either season-long loan deals or free transfers.
While Poyet is only looking to make temporary additions, relegation rivals including West Ham and Crystal Palace are expected to be busy, with funds being made available to Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis respectively.
While Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League, they boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Boxing Day.
The omens for the Black Cats do not look good, though.
Only West Brom, in the 2004-05 season, avoided relegation after being bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas.
DID YOU KNOW?
Marcos Alonso made only one senior appearance for Real Madrid - as an 89th-minute substitute for Gonzalo Higuain in a 2-0 win over Racing Santander in April 2010
45:00 +0:59 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Cardiff City 1, Sunderland 0. 45:00 +0:58 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Modibo Diakité. 44:28 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 44:28 Foul by Modibo Diakité (Sunderland). 43:38 Foul by Craig Noone (Cardiff City). 43:38 Andrea Dossena (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 41:29 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by David Marshall. 41:26 Attempt saved. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Phillip Bardsley with a cross. 40:21 Attempt missed. Craig Noone (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 37:57 Kévin Théophile-Catherine (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 37:57 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 36:59 Foul by Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City). 36:59 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 34:42 Attempt saved. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini. 31:59 Attempt blocked. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Andrea Dossena with a cross. 30:53 Attempt missed. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from very close range is close, but misses to the right. 30:52 Attempt saved. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 30:23 Attempt blocked. Declan John (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 29:42 Attempt saved. Craig Noone (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Kim Bo-Kyung. 27:38 Attempt missed. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Jordon Mutch with a cross. 24:31 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 24:28 Attempt saved. Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City) left footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the right is saved in the bottom right corner. 23:47 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 23:47 Foul by Valentin Roberge (Sunderland). 21:15 Attempt saved. Steven Caulker (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Craig Noone with a cross. 20:32 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Andrea Dossena. 19:21 Attempt blocked. Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng. 18:08 Booking
Booking
Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 18:02 Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 18:02 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 17:08 Foul by Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City). 17:08 Valentin Roberge (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:28 Offside, Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson tries a through ball, but Jozy Altidore is caught offside. 15:09 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 14:14 Foul by Ben Turner (Cardiff City). 14:14 Modibo Diakité (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 12:26 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 12:25 Attempt saved. Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Craig Noone. 5:26 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Cardiff City 1, Sunderland 0. Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Fraizer Campbell. 3:19 Attempt missed. Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Craig Noone with a cross. 2:15 Attempt missed. Steven Caulker (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Peter Whittingham with a cross following a set piece situation. 1:43 Foul by Valentin Roberge (Sunderland). 1:43 Craig Noone (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 0:53 Booking
Booking
Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) is shown the yellow card. 0:47 Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) has gone down, but that's a dive. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Full Time
Match ends, Cardiff City 2, Sunderland 2. 90:00 +6:04 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Cardiff City 2, Sunderland 2. 90:00 +4:48 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Cardiff City 2, Sunderland 2. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Valentin Roberge. 90:00 +4:28 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 +4:28 Foul by Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff City). 90:00 +3:46 Attempt missed. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 90:00 +3:42 Attempt blocked. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 90:00 +0:50 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by David Marshall. 90:00 +0:49 Attempt saved. Valentin Roberge (Sunderland) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 88:55 Attempt saved. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Craig Gardner with a cross. 87:36 Attempt missed. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 86:22 Attempt missed. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Jack Colback. 85:40 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 85:40 Foul by Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City). 84:10 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 84:10 Andreas Cornelius (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 84:07 Attempt blocked. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 83:32 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 83:32 Foul by Gary Medel (Cardiff City). 82:10 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Cardiff City 2, Sunderland 1. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini with a cross.
81:39 Attempt missed. Steven Caulker (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Ben Turner. 81:12 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Cardiff City. Andreas Cornelius replaces Fraizer Campbell. 80:08 Foul by Valentin Roberge (Sunderland). 80:08 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 78:41 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 78:28 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Cardiff City. Aron Gunnarsson replaces Kim Bo-Kyung. 75:53 Modibo Diakité (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 75:53 Foul by Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City). 74:12 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 74:12 Foul by Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City). 73:22 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Craig Gardner replaces Sebastian Larsson. 73:18 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jack Colback replaces Lee Cattermole. 72:50 Attempt missed. Ben Turner (Cardiff City) header from the left side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Peter Whittingham with a cross following a corner. 72:12 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 72:07 Attempt blocked. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jordon Mutch. 71:07 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Cardiff City. Don Cowie replaces Craig Noone. 68:52 Attempt saved. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini. 67:06 Booking
Booking
Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 66:53 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:53 Foul by Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City). 65:25 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Ben Turner. 65:22 Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Andrea Dossena. 64:05 Attempt saved. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 63:35 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Kévin Théophile-Catherine. 62:21 Attempt missed. Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross following a corner. 61:50 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Ben Turner. 61:48 Attempt blocked. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from the right side of the six yard box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross. 61:11 Foul by Gary Medel (Cardiff City). 61:11 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 60:20 Attempt saved. Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 59:35 Booking
Booking
Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 59:32 Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) wins a free kick on the left wing. 59:32 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 58:45 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Ben Turner. 57:50 Booking
Booking
Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 57:16 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Cardiff City 2, Sunderland 0. Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff City) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jordon Mutch with a cross. 55:09 Declan John (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 55:09 Foul by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 52:58 Foul by Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City). 52:58 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 50:54 Foul by Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City). 50:54 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 49:25 Corner, Cardiff City. Conceded by Modibo Diakité. 48:18 Attempt missed. Jordon Mutch (Cardiff City) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Declan John with a cross. 47:15 Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 47:15 Foul by Andrea Dossena (Sunderland). 45:26 Offside, Sunderland. Steven Fletcher tries a through ball, but Emanuele Giaccherini is caught offside. 45:00
Second Half begins Cardiff City 1, Sunderland 0. 45:00 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Steven Fletcher replaces Fabio Borini because of an injury.
Sunderland scored two late goals to rescue a point against Cardiff City in the first match since the Bluebirds sacked Malky Mackay.
The hosts dominated and were in control after Jordon Mutch's shot was deflected in off Modibo Diakite and Fraizer Campbell fired home from 12 yards out.
But substitute Steven Fletcher set up a tense finale from close range.
And in the last minute of injury time, Jack Colback's shot deflected off Steven Caulker and into the net.
Full report to follow.
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini is taken to hospital after falling ill at Cardiff City Stadium
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini was taken to hospital after taking ill during the Premier League match with Cardiff City.
The 22-year-old was conscious when he left the Cardiff City Stadium, but was on a drip.
Sunderland have confirmed they will make a statement regarding the player, who is on loan from Liverpool, after the match.
More to follow ...
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Sunderland's Borini 'taken to hospital after collapse'
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini has reportedly been taken to hospital after collapsing at half-time of the Premier League match at Cardiff City.
The on-loan Liverpool player was reported to have collapsed in the dressing room at the break and was immediately taken to hospital.
Various media outlets said the player was initially unconscious before coming around after treatment, but there was no official word from Sunderland, who are expected to comment after the match.
Italy forward Borini, 22, seemed on form in the first half, having a few efforts well saved by David Marshall in the Cardiff goal.
Borini came through the ranks at Chelsea before helping Swansea to promotion from the Championship in 2011. His form led to a transfer to Roma, who sold the player to Liverpool the following summer.
He has made 16 appearances for the Black Cats this season, scoring twice.
Sunderland's Fabio Borini released from hospital after feeling ill
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini has been released from hospital after falling ill during his team's 2-2 draw at Cardiff City.
The Italian, 22, was replaced by Steven Fletcher at the beginning of the second half and was taken to hospital after being "really, really sick".
"He was sick before the game but wanted to play, but at half-time it was too much," Poyet said.
After the game Poyet revealed Borini was "feeling better".
"The doctor called me," Poyet said. "He is not going to fly back with us, he will stay down here overnight, but he has been released from hospital.
"Luckily it is nothing serious.
"We were really, really worried so the doctor decided rightly to take him to hospital.
"But he has been released now. It was a virus or sickness, so no problems."
Borini, on loan from Liverpool, had Sunderland's best two chances of a poor first period.
His side improved after the break and ended up drawing 2-2 thanks to two late goals, including one by Fletcher.
Poyet praised the attitude of his players to come back into the game, with Fletcher's 87th-minute strike followed by Jack Colback's injury-time equaliser.
"The character was there all the time," he said.
"In the last 20 minutes I could see a goal coming. Everything changes with a goal - it looks like you have more players. In the end we deserved a draw."
The Uruguayan said he was disappointed by his side's slow start in the Welsh capital.
"I didn't expect it. It took us 25-30 minutes to get going. You cannot lose that time in a game. Luckily today, it was only 1-0. The game looked difficult for us.
"Credit to the players. Cardiff couldn't leave their half and paid the price. There is something going on when you're 2-0 up - it changes your attitude."
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Sunderland eye Marcos Alonso loan but more spending unlikely
Sunderland are close to signing former Bolton defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina but boss Gus Poyet is unlikely to get more funds in January.
It is understood owner Ellis Short is unwilling to invest in the team, meaning Poyet will have to sell before he can buy in the transfer window.
Poyet will otherwise have to continue with the club's transfer policy of signing free agents or players on loan.
DID YOU KNOW?
Marcos Alonso made only one senior appearance for Real Madrid - as an 89th-minute substitute for Gonzalo Higuain in a 2-0 win over Racing Santander in April 2010
Eight of the 14 players who arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer were either season-long loan deals or free transfers.
While Poyet is only looking to make temporary additions, relegation rivals including West Ham and Crystal Palace are expected to be busy, with funds being made available to Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis respectively.
While Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League, they boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Boxing Day.
The omens for the Black Cats do not look good, though.
Only West Brom, in the 2004-05 season, avoided relegation after being bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas.
Sunderland: Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso joins on loan
Sunderland have completed a deal to sign Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso on loan for the rest of the season.
Alonso has had a medical at the Stadium of Light and will join the Black Cats' squad officially when the transfer window opens in January.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, who left Bolton for Fiorentina in May, is Gus Poyet's first signing as manager.
"I was looking for a player in that position on the left side and I hope he will help us," Poyet said.
"I am delighted that everything is agreed."
Alonso began his career at Real Madrid, where he made just one appearance for the club's first team after a long stint with the club's 'B' team.
The defender joined Bolton in July 2010 and went on to make 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.
Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League table and Poyet will have limited funds to bring in new players next month.
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Sunderland eye Marcos Alonso loan but more spending unlikely
Sunderland are close to signing former Bolton defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina but boss Gus Poyet is unlikely to get more funds in January.
It is understood owner Ellis Short is unwilling to invest in the team, meaning Poyet will have to sell before he can buy in the transfer window.
Poyet will otherwise have to continue with the club's transfer policy of signing free agents or players on loan.
Spaniard Alonso, 22, left Bolton for Italian outfit Fiorentina in May 2013.
Eight of the 14 players who arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer were either season-long loan deals or free transfers.
While Poyet is only looking to make temporary additions, relegation rivals including West Ham and Crystal Palace are expected to be busy, with funds being made available to Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis respectively.
While Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League, they boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Boxing Day.
The omens for the Black Cats do not look good, though.
Only West Brom, in the 2004-05 season, avoided relegation after being bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas.
Sunderland AFC Vs Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stadium of Light
Date: Wednesday, 1 January
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland duo Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini are doubtful through illness, while John O'Shea has a shoulder problem and will also be assessed.
Defender Wes Brown serves the final game of a three-match ban.
Aston Villa will monitor the fitness of Christian Benteke (knee) and defender Ron Vlaar (calf) as they look to end a run of five games without a win.
Vlaar's possible return would be timely as fellow centre-back Ciaran Clark serves a one-game ban.
MATCH PREVIEW
Though it is Sunderland who reside at the foot of the Premier League table, there's a distinct feeling that it is they and not opponents Aston Villa who go into the new year with a great deal more to be positive about.
Unbeaten in their past four league games, three of which were away, Gus Poyet's side are exhibiting the qualities essential to mount a survival bid.
In addition, the psychological boost they received by knocking Chelsea out of the League Cup will have energised them still further and given them genuine belief that they have it within them to disprove the theory that the side at the bottom at Christmas is a virtual certainty to be playing Championship football next season.
The visitors are in the midst of a miserable sequence of results; without a win in five, their draw with Swansea at the weekend ended a run of four straight defeats.
They were booed off by their disconsolate supporters, and may be relieved to playing away, where they've been far more effective throughout Paul Lambert's reign.
Another defeat at the Stadium of Light, though, and they will have allowed the hosts to move to within just three points of them. Like it or not, they'll be the side in the sights of the bottom three.
With fixtures against Arsenal and Liverpool looming straight after, they can ill-afford to begin 2014 by succumbing to the Black Cats.
It's also a clash of the side with the most red cards (Sunderland) against the one with the most yellows (Villa), and considering there have been four players sent off in the past six meetings, perhaps we should expect a feisty afternoon.
It all points to a fixture of both intensity and nervousness in equal measure.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Aston Villa are unbeaten against Sunderland in their past five fixtures, scoring nine and conceding three (W2, D3).
The Black Cats have won four, drawn four and lost four of 12 Premier League home games against Villa.
Villa have the better overall record, with 78 wins to Sunderland's 54 in head-to-head fixtures.
Sunderland
Sunderland are currently on a four-match unbeaten run (W1, D3).
The Black Cats have failed to win any of their nine games against bottom-half opposition this season.
Two of Sunderland's three Premier League wins in 2013-14 have come at the Stadium of Light.
Four teams in the Premier League have scored more goals than Sunderland and Villa's combined total of 33 prior to the latest round of matches.
27% of Sunderland's goals have been scored in the opening 15 minutes, the highest proportion in the Premier League this season.
Aston Villa
Paul Lambert's side are without a win in their past five games.
If the Villans fail to win it will be their longest sequence without a league victory since an eight-game run between December 2012 and February 2013.
Villa have lost half as many games (3) away from home as they have at Villa Park (6).
Only Fulham (14) have conceded the first goal in a game more frequently than Aston Villa (12).
Aston Villa have scored just two goals in their past five matches.
Villa captain Ron Vlaar scored his first goal for the club against Sunderland in the 6-1 victory last April.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"Sunderland have found a bit of form, going unbeaten in their last four in the league as well as reaching the semi-final of the Capital One Cup.
"Aston Villa have been heading in the opposite direction over the past few weeks, losing four in a row before their draw with Swansea at the weekend."
Mark Lawrenson's Premier League predictions: Sunderland v Aston Villa
This is another big game at the bottom of the table.
Sunderland have found a bit of form, going unbeaten in their last four in the league as well as reaching the semi-final of the Capital One Cup.
Aston Villa have been heading in the opposite direction over the past few weeks, losing four in a row before their draw with Swansea at the weekend.
I would have to back Sunderland here, to add to Villa's problems. I still don't think Paul Lambert's side are in real danger of going down, though.
I have said it before that most teams in the Premier League have peaks and troughs and this is undoubtedly Villa's bad spell.
A month ago they looked in great shape however and went five league games unbeaten. Since then the games have come thick and fast and their results have been poor but I remain a fan of Lambert and I understand what he is trying to do, on a relatively small budget.
Because of that small budget I think Villa's chairman Randy Lerner understands there will be good months and bad months. December has been a bad month.
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Steve's prediction: Another massive game. Sunderland to edge it for me, not enough to get them out of trouble but enough to put Villa in it. 1-0
Sheffield Wednesday have extended the loan spell of Sunderland striker Connor Wickham.
The 20-year-old, who also spent time on loan with the Owls last season, has been at Hillsborough since 1 November.
The England Under-21 international has scored six goals in eight games and will stay at the club until 29 January.
He began his career at Ipswich before moving to Sunderland in a deal worth around £8m in June 2011, and has since made 40 appearances for the Black Cats.
Meanwhile, Glenn Loovens has also extended his stay with the Championship club.
The 30-year-old signed on a month-by-month basis in early December but the Dutch defender has now agreed a contract extension through to the end of the season.
The former Cardiff and Celtic centre-back has so far made five appearances, during which the Owls have conceded only three goals and lost just once.
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Aston Villa at Stadium of Light on Wednesday Jan 1, 2014.
There is the stench of desperation seeping into Sunderland’s bid for survival after Aston Villa grabbed a victory that strengthened their position in the mid-table comfort zone.
Sunderland huffed and puffed, but did not possess the power to blow Villa’s defence down. Their effort could not be faulted, but once again their lack of quality was exposed by an away team that took the lead and ended the contest knowing they should have won by more.
At the final whistle, Gus Poyet had three strikers and a former England international in Adam Johnson on the pitch, yet Villa repelled their increasingly manic attempts to find an equaliser with a degree of ease that should alarm the Black Cats manager.
A curt post-match press conference betrayed the pressure he is feeling.
Relegation from the Premier League looks likely because Sunderland cannot beat the teams around them in the table.
“It is difficult for me, I need to be careful about what I say,” said Poyet. “I will say very little, I’m sorry about that, but it’s for the best. I’m disappointed, I’m fed up.”
Sunderland are playing better than they were before Poyet arrived in October, but they are as toothless under him as they were under his predecessor Paolo Di Canio. They concede too many soft goals and struggle to score them, even in games like this when they are able to exert pressure. The crowd tried their best to encourage, but they could not tolerate the directionless attacks that ruined a performance that had initially hinted at so much better.
Many are starting to fear the worst. An away win at Everton on Boxing Day brought hope, a battling point at Cardiff City was evidence of their spirit, but this defeat shattered illusions.
Poyet will try to improve the squad this month. He has already secured the signing of former Bolton Wanderers left-back Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina and is hoping to complete deals for Brighton midfielders Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt, but he needs a striker. Sunderland had 17 shots on goal here, of which only one was on target.
Poyet can only do so much on the training ground and he cannot legislate for the sort of mistake that gifted Villa the lead.
Lee Cattermole should have collected a pass from Valentin Roberge with ease, but misjudged the greasy surface and the ball rolled past him.
Gabriel Agbonlahor accepted the gift and rounded Vito Mannone with a shimmy before rolling the ball into the empty net.
You will find few who try as hard as Cattermole and the mistake tortured him. Sunderland’s captain was taken off at half-time, more out of kindness than a desire to punish.
“After the mistake it was very difficult for Lee,” said Poyet. “It was difficult for the players to maintain a good relationship with the fans so I dropped Lee.
“I thought taking him off was the best thing for the team, it wasn’t anything to do with the way he was playing.”
Until they scored, Villa had struggled. Sunderland poured forward and had two good chances to take the lead, the first when Steven Fletcher was played in by Emanuele Giaccherini, the second when the Italian’s cross fell to Ji Dong-won and the South Korean fired wide.
Sunderland continued to create chances, Jack Colback taking too long to get a shot away, allowing Villa’s defence to squeeze the space and his shot deflected wide.
Agbonlahor’s goal, though, gave Villa the chance to play to their strengths on the counter-attack, Leandro Bacuna exposing the lack of pace in the Sunderland defence with a run and shot that flew narrowly wide.
They were even better at exploiting Sunderland’s desperation in the second-half, frustrating them with the discipline and bravery of their defence and exposing them with their speed going forward.
Bacuna was kept out by a brilliant save from Mannone before Christian Benteke was denied a goal when Phil Bardsley cleared off the line. “It was his first game back and he looked more like his old self,” said Villa manager Paul Lambert. “He is a young player who has lost confidence.”
Tempers began to fray after Sunderland had been denied an equaliser by a tight offside decision when Giaccherini swept home a knock-down from Fletcher. Poyet went for broke, replacing centre-back Roberge with Johnson, but rather than open up Villa’s defence, he exposed his own.
Villa should have scored twice in the final 10 minutes, but substitute Marc Albrighton was denied by another good save from Mannone before firing over when one-on-one with the Italian.
“I thought we deserved the win and we could have made it more comfortable as we had three or four good chances to score,” added Paul Lambert.
“We are not a club that can cope with injuries to key players, young players lose confidence quicker than experienced ones, but we had players back today and that helped. I will try and improve the depth of the squad this month if I can, but if we can’t we can’t.”
Sunderland (4-1-4-1)
Mannone; Celustka, Roberge (Johnson 76), Diakite, Bardsley; Cattermole (Borini 46); Ji (Altidore 66), Colback, Ki, Giaccherini; Fletcher.
Subs not used: Pickford, Dossena, Larsson, Gardner, Johnson.
Booked: Giaccherini, Ki, Ji, Colback
Aston Villa (4-4-2)
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar (Albrighton 69), Baker, Luna; Bacuna. Westwood, Delph, Weimann; Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Subs not used: Steer, El Ahmadi, Albrighton, Bowery, Tonev, Kozak, Donacien.
Phil Bardsley: Sunderland strikers to blame for struggles
Sunderland have scored just 15 goals in 20 Premier League games and Phil Bardsley has made it clear where he feels the blame lies for the team's worrying position.
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has blamed the club's misfiring strikers for failing to lift the Black Cats out of the relegation zone over the Festive period.
Sunderland slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on New Year's Day to ensure they start 2014 stuck at the foot of the Premier League, four points adrift of safety.
A shock win at Everton and a battling point at Cardiff City appeared to have given Gus Poyet's side a platform to launch themselves out of the bottom three, but familiar failings in front of goal against Villa ruined those encouraging results on the road.
Sunderland have scored just 15 goals in 20 Premier League games and, despite ending the match with three strikers on the pitch, the defeat to Villa was the ninth time they have failed to score this season.
It is a wretched statistic and Bardsley made it clear where he feels the blame lies for the team's worrying position.
"We dominated possession, kept the ball and moved the ball, trying to bring them out and create chances," he told the Shields Gazette.
"We created chances but again we didn't convert them, and that has been a banana skin for us this season.
"We chased the game and tried to create opportunities in the second half, and I think Emanuele Giaccherini's goal might have been onside – so that decision went against us.
"But at the end of the day, in front of goal, we are just simply not good enough at the minute."
Poyet is trying to sign a striker in the January window, but his budget is limited and he may have to sell to buy the calibre of player he needs to drag the team out of trouble.
The Uruguayan has already signed former Bolton Wanderers left-back Marco Alonso on loan from Fiorentina and is hoping to complete a £3m move for Brighton pair Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt, although his former club are not impressed with the size of Sunderland's bid.
Sunderland could revive interest in Ignacio Scocco as Gus Poyet looks for goals
The Black Cats were interested in the forward in July, and might take a second bite at the cherry.
Sunderland have been offered forward Ignacio Scocco as they look to add some firepower to their side in January.
Director of Football Roberto De Fanti considered bringing Scocco in last summer but was put off by the £4million fee for a 28-year-old.
The forward instead joined Brazil's Internacional, but didn't settle and will be allowed to leave the club this winter.
The Porto Alegre club are willing to loan out the striker, who was top scorer in Argentina last season, and Scocco's representatives are hoping that the Black Cats will revive their interest.
A return to his homeland remains a possibility, but Inter want a permanent deal in the region of £3million that may be too costly for suitors River Plate and Racing Club.
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Sunderland fans anger over ‘bubble trip’ to Newcastle on derby day
FUMING football supporters have hit out after it emerged that Sunderland fans travelling to next month’s Tyne-Wear derby may have to do so on official coaches.
The so-called “bubble trip” has been slammed by supporters and could mean that all of those attending in the away end at St James’s Park for the February 1 clash will have to travel on official coaches where they will be issued with their match tickets on board.
The move was mooted at a Sunderland AFC branch liaison meeting although the club today said a number of options were still being looked at.
Fans have branded the plan “a joke”, with many saying they will be inconvenienced by having to travel to the Stadium of Light to get on buses when they already live near to Newcastle. Scores of people were arrested as violence flared at last season’s Tyne Wear derby in Newcastle in April following Sunderland’s 3-0 win at the ground.
Fans took to Twitter to voice their concerns.
Luke Bowley wrote: “If this bubble trip is true, it’s another example of how atrociously Northumbria Police treat Sunderland fans.”
Another user @safc1879_ wrote: “Might not bother doing Newcastle away if its a bubble trip. Might have a student ticket for sale if it is. Absolute joke.”
Janet Rowan, of the Chester-le-Street supporters branch of Sunderland AFC, was at the branch meeting where the proposals were discussed. “Everyone is trying to get some sort of compromise that the police are happy with,” she said.
“Things haven’t been finalised, and I know that the club are looking at putting on alternative routes so that fans wouldn’t all have to travel to Sunderland.
“I can understand the police’s problem because for the derby at the Stadium of Light they can close off Sheepfolds, but St James’s is in Newcastle city centre where there are loads of back alleys where people can be hiding.”
A spokeswoman for Sunderland AFC said a number of options were being looked at for arrangements for the game.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “We are still working with clubs and other partners regarding arrangements for this upcoming fixture and the information will be released in due course.”
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Jones set for Schalke exit as Villa, West Brom and Sunderland eye USA midfielder
A cluster of Premier League clubs have been alerted to the availability of Jermaine Jones, with the likelihood of the player leaving Schalke this month growing stronger.
The 32-year-old, who spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers three seasons ago, hasn’t travelled to the club’s January training camp in Doha.
And Jones, out of contract in the summer, wants a move away from Gelsenkirchen quickly. Schalke are keen to make some money back on the midfielder they signed in 2007.
Aston Villa, West Brom, Sunderland, Norwich and Crystal Palace are all keeping tabs on the situation.
Although his spell at the Veltins Arena is coming to an end, Jones has made 18 appearances for Schalke this season - including both Champions League defeats against Chelsea.
Any move to England would be short-term, with Jones desperate for game time ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
The midfielder has been capped 38 times for the USA - despite being born in Germany.
FA Cup prediction: Sunderland v Carlisle 5/1/14 (14:00 GMT)
Carlisle have been struggling away from home in League One, with only two wins out of 12 games on the road, and I cannot see them improving that record at the Stadium of Light.
I do not think Sunderland need any more games to go with their battle to stay in the Premier League and their two-legged semi-final with Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, but they are going to get at least one more in the FA Cup.
Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa condemned Gus Poyet’s side to their twelfth league loss of the season with the Black Cats having only won one of their last nine Premier League matches as they sit rooted at the bottom, four points from safety.
Sunderland have, however, fared better in cup competitions this season reaching the semi-final of the League Cup where they will face Manchester United, while they have been given a generous tie against League One outfit Carlisle with Poyet hoping to win the competition he won with Chelsea back in 2000.
Carlisle travel over from Cumbria in not too dissimilar form as they sit 15th in League One having lost three of the last four, with the most recent being a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Crewe.
The club’s managing director recently stated that the club had overspent since Graham Kavanagh became manager in September and players must be sold this month, therefore, if the Blues were able to produce an upset over their Premier League opponents, it would come as a much needed boost economically for the club.
The pair have been drawn together in the cup on three occasions, with each game going to a replay. Carlisle have come away victors once while Sunderland have progressed twice, winning 3-1 the last time out in 1995.
KICK-OFF: Sunday, 2:00pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Carlisle 1 (Walling) Sunderland 3 (Armstrong 2, Gray), FA Cup 3 Round Replay, January 1995
Sunderland 1 (Russell) Carlisle 1 (Davey), FA Cup 3 Round, January 1995
Carlisle 0 Sunderland 1 (Howey), FA Cup 3 Round Replay, January 1994
STATS:
Sunderland have received the most red cards in the Premier League this season (5), the same number as Carlisle who have played four more games (24) with forward Lee Miller been shown red three times.
Both sides have claimed six points from their last six league games – Sunderland W1 D3 L2, Carlisle W2 L4.
Carlisle have only won two away games this season whilst Sunderland have won one more than that at home (3).
The forthcoming Tyne-Wear derby, scheduled for Saturday 1st February 2014, will now kick off at the earlier time of 12.45pm.
Supporters are advised that the game has not been selected for TV broadcast on this occasion.
An announcement will be made regarding official transport to St James’ Park for Sunderland fans in due course.
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Derby ticket and travel news
Info regarding arrangements for St James' Park trip.
Sunderland AFC fans attending the Tyne-Wear on February 1st 2014 are being advised of new travel and ticketing arrangements for the fixture, which will kick off at 12:45pm.
After consultation with fans groups, the respective Safety Advisory Groups, Newcastle United FC and Northumbria Police, the club’s plans will build on last season’s coach travel arrangements, which received positive feedback from SAFC fans.
All Sunderland supporters attending the game will be required to travel to St James’ Park on official transport. This will include a fleet of buses departing from the Stadium of Light and official supporters’ branch transport, with designated rendezvous points along the route. Further details will be released in due course.
Transport, including the official supporters’ branch coaches, will be provided free of charge by Sunderland AFC.
Fans are advised that SAFC’s terms and conditions of issue for tickets for the game will clearly state that official transport must be used in order to gain access to St James’ Park.
Supporters will also be required to leave St James’ Park on the official transport provided.
Sunderland AFC’s head of safety, Paul Weir, said: “The safety of all fans at the derby is our priority. We also recognise the need by all parties to consider the safety of people going about their day to day business in Newcastle.
“We have consulted with fans groups regarding the implementation of these new arrangements and whilst we recognise that some of our fans may be inconvenienced, we are working to minimise this as much as possible.
“We have liaised closely with Safety Advisory Group members, who are in full support of the new arrangements and this is an on-going process to make the derby a safe and enjoyable event for everyone, with a view to continuing to make it better in the future.
“I would like to thank our fans for their positive input so far and I am confident that these new arrangements will be a success."
Further information will be announced in due course regarding departure times and details for the official transport.
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Newcastle v Sunderland meeting brought forward
Next month's Tyne-Wear derby clash between Newcastle and Sunderland will now kick off at 12.45pm.
The game at St James' Park on Saturday, February 1 was initially due to get under way at 3pm, but is not being broadcast live and the start has now been brought forward.
Trouble flared in Newcastle city centre on April 14 last year after the Black Cats had won 3-0 in the Barclays Premier League at St James'.
Loan signing Marcos Alonso could be handed a Sunderland debut in Sunday's FA Cup third round tie against Carlisle.
The full-back, who joined the club from Fiorentina for the rest of the season earlier this week, is in line to be involved as manager Gus Poyet looks for a response to Wednesday's dismal 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.
Central defender Wes Brown is available after serving a three-match ban and partner John O'Shea could return after sitting out the same three fixtures with a shoulder problem but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has had to delay shoulder surgery which could rule him out of much of the remainder of the campaign because of illness.
Carlisle skipper Paul Thirlwell is set to miss out on facing his first club, due to a calf injury he suffered in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Crewe.
Sean O’Hanlon is doubtful with a knee injury, meaning boss Graham Kavanagh could be forced into major changes in defence.
Connor Townsend, on loan from Hull set to slot in at left-back, but Max Ehmer’s loan from QPR has come to a conclusion.
Pascal Chimbonda could feature against his former side as a centre-back, while Brad Potts may come in at right-back.
Sunderland have been eliminated in two of the last three seasons at the third round stage to teams from a lower division (Notts County in 2011, Bolton in 2013).
The two have plenty of FA Cup history, with Sunderland beating Carlisle in Round 3 in 1994 and 1995, both in replays.
However, the Cumbrians dumped the then holders out in 1974, in a replay at Roker Park after a 0-0 draw.
Sunderland have never beaten Carisle at home in the FA Cup (D2 L1).
Carlisle last made it past the third round in 1997, beating Tranmere 1-0 - they've lost their last three games at this stage (Arsenal in 2001, Everton in 2010, Torquay in 2011).
Name:
ManU!lkKsICw.462014-01-04 16:04
Newcastle Unite 1 - 2 Cardiff City Attendance: 31,166 put the myth to bed that they get 50,000 fans each week.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-05 13:20
>>732
>Man Utd fan commenting on attendance
OT looks half-empty today.
Sunderland 3 Carlisle 1 match report: Adam Johnson and debutant El Hadji Ba give manager Gus Poyet a boost
Beleaguered Gus Poyet was handed a boost as Sunderland eased past League One Carlisle to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round.
The relegation-haunted Black Cats headed in at 1-1 at half-time after Matty Robson had cancelled out Adam Johnson's fine free-kick.
However, Sean O'Hanlon's own goal and a late strike from substitute El-Hadji Ba meant it ended 3-1 to the hosts, killing off any hope of an upset for the 5,631 travelling fans among a crowd of 21,973 and securing a fourth round home tie against either Kidderminster or Peterborough for Poyet's men.
The fact that it was achieved without skipper John O'Shea, Italy midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini and main striker Steven Fletcher will have been a source of comfort for the Uruguayan amid a cluttered schedule.
However, while progression in both domestic cup competitions has been welcome, it is the fight for Premier League survival which remains the overriding priority.
Carlisle have their own problems with the club sitting just three points clear of the drop zone, but they should return to league action boosted by a creditable display after they more than made a fist of it against top-flight opposition.
Their visit to Wearside came at precisely the wrong time for Poyet and his players with the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester United scheduled for Tuesday evening, and the manager made seven changes as he attempted to manage his scarce resources.
But the Uruguayan returned to the dressing room at half-time with many questions remaining unanswered.
Poyet chose to field midfielder Ki Sung-yueng alongside Wes Brown on his return from suspension in central defence, while there was another start for striker Ji Dong-won on the left wing.
But it was Craig Gardner, prompted by midfield colleagues Johnson and Sebastian Larsson, who carried the biggest threat for the home side in the early stages with a series of long-range efforts, although only one of them forced visiting goalkeeper Greg Fleming to make a save.
Fleming did, however, distinguish himself with a fine one-on-one block to deny Jozy Altidore after he had been played in by Johnson with 17 minutes gone, and the United States international later scuffed another effort harmlessly wide from close range.
In the meantime, Prince Buaben had tested Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone at his near post with the League One side still well in the game.
The visitors eventually fell behind 12 minutes before the break as Johnson produced a piece of real quality after Gardner had been tripped by David Amoo 25 yards out.
His curling free-kick was too well placed for Fleming and sailed inside the post to give the Black Cats the advantage they craved.
However, the lead lasted just nine minutes as Amoo atoned for his part in the opening goal by sending in a cross which had Mannone flapping helplessly and Robson latched on to the loose ball to smash it home off the underside of the bar despite Brown's best efforts on the line.
Mannone was grateful to collect James Berrett's deflected injury-time effort as the Cumbrians sensed an opportunity.
But the Black Cats restored their lead within five minutes of the restart when Johnson played Larsson's cross first time back across goal and Carlisle skipper O'Hanlon sliced his attempted clearance past Fleming and into the net.
The visitors immediately embarked upon the search for a second equaliser with full-back Brad Potts getting forward well in support of Amoo down the right, but with Sunderland starting to retain possession their hopes dwindled.
Ki and Ji departed for Phil Bardsley and senior debutant Duncan Watmore with 27 minutes remaining, and the former Altrincham striker almost made his mark within five minutes when he fed Altidore and then ran on to the American's back-heeled pass before forcing another good save from Fleming.
The Black Cats assumed complete control as time ran down with Watmore providing fresh legs and an enterprising outlook, and the visitors found themselves having to defend ever deeper as time ran down.
Ba, an 80th-minute replacement for Larsson, made sure in the final minute of normal time with a helping hand from Altidore to complete a solid afternoon's work.
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Sunderland confirm they want to keep Steven Fletcher after interest from Celtic and Hull
Manager Gus Poyet says: 'I don’t want to sell Fletcher. He’s our top scorer and he’s the one who is going to score the goals and make the difference.'
Gus Poyet has claimed he wants to keep striker Steven Fletcher at Sunderland despite attempts by Celtic and Hull City to sign the club's top goalscorer last season.
Fletcher has been in and out of the side under Poyet and the Uruguayan admits no player is unsaleable if a ridiculous offer is made, but he would prefer to keep the Scotland international.
Hull boss Steve Bruce is a big admirer of Fletcher, but his interest has not been encouraged and Hull are unlikely to be able to match Sunderland’s valuation. Former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill paid £12m for the 26-year-old in the summer of 2012 and the club will want to at least recoup that money, although Poyet does not want to part with him.
“Of course I don’t want to sell Fletcher,” said Poyet. “He’s our top scorer and he’s the one who is going to score the goals and make the difference.
“Three days ago we were talking about how happy we were with him after he’d scored a great goal against Cardiff. He had a great chance the other day [against Aston Villa] but did not score. It happens. It’s football.
“I’ve got no issues with Steven, that’s why he’s playing. If I had issues I wouldn’t be playing him. We need to use the squad because of the quantity of games. I don’t take anything personal with any player, sometimes they get it wrong.
“If they don’t play, sometimes it can be a tactical reason and sometimes we don’t explain it because if you did that every time you would not stop calling players. The idea is we try to get the best out of them. That is our job.
“I’m not the type of person to say ‘no-one is for sale’ and then we sell one,” added Poyet. "Why? Because every single player has a price. That is the truth. If someone comes with a crazy offer for a player he will go. I’m not talking about Fletcher, I’m talking about every player.”
Bridcutt close to joining Sunderland as Poyet wraps up £2.5m deal for midfielder
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is close to tying up a £2.5million deal for Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
The move could be funded by Nottingham Forest who are keen to sign Sunderland striker Connor Wickham for £5million.
Bridcutt, a 24-year-old Scotland international is Poyet’s number one target in the transfer window and the two clubs are close to agreeing a deal which could take the fee up to £5m.
Bridcutt, a former Chelsea youth player is keen to be reunited with former Seagulls boss Poyet who is also hoping to secure a deal for Bridcutt’s Brighton team-mate Will Buckley.
Sunderland have opened talks with midfielder Jack Colback over a new deal. He is one of eight players out of contract at the Stadium of Light at the end of this season.
Wickham has been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and the England Under-21 international has scored seven goals in nine games but Forest have revived their interest and are looking to sign him permanently.
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Capital One Cup semi-final: Manchester United visit Sunderland for first leg
Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of going out of the FA Cup when they travel to Sunderland for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
A 2-1 loss at home to Swansea City at the weekend further increased the pressure on David Moyes after what has been a difficult start to the new manager's reign at Old Trafford.
United have made it through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League but are currently seventh in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, so the League Cup now represents Moyes' best chance by far of claiming a trophy in his maiden campaign at the club.
He has insisted that he will not be treating the Sunderland clash any differently in the wake of their FA Cup exit, maintaining that it has always been vital for the Red Devils to try and reach the final.
But, having ended 2013 with a six-match winning streak in all competitions, the defeat by Swansea was a second home loss in succession at the start of the new year after going down to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
United have knocked out Liverpool, Norwich City and Stoke city to reach the last four of the Capital One Cup but will be wary of the threat posed by Sunderland, who beat Chelsea in dramatic fashion after extra-time in the previous round.
The Black Cats also edged out Southampton in the last 16, having come through earlier ties against Milton Keynes Dons and Peterborough United.
A 3-1 victory over Carlisle United in the FA Cup on Sunday kept up their fine record in the domestic knockout competitions this season, but manager Gus Poyet has called on his men to become more consistent in the coming months.
There have been signs of more solidity in recent weeks, even though Sunderland remain bottom of the Premier League, with just one defeat in their last seven games.
Sunderland, who like United will have had just over 48 hours to prepare for the match, were beaten 2-1 when the sides met in the league in October as Adnan Januzaj's dazzling breakthrough performance inspired a thrilling comeback.
Victory over United on Tuesday would provide an important confidence boost and set them up for the return leg at Old Trafford on 22 January.
Sunderland
A Villa (h)0-1
Cardiff (a)2-2
Norwich (h)0-0
Chelsea (h)2-1
John O'Shea returns to the Sunderland squad for the clash with United.
The Republic of Ireland defender has missed the last four games with a shoulder injury but resumed training late last week and is in contention to start the first leg at the Stadium of Light.
O'Shea's back four colleagues Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite have recovered from the knocks which kept them out of Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup third round victory over Carlisle and could feature.
However, goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) remain on the sidelines.
Man U
Moyes is expected to recall a number of big names for the trip to Wearside.
Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and David de Gea are all set to return after sitting out Sunday's shock FA Cup home defeat by Swansea.
Robin van Persie (thigh) and Phil Jones (knee) are unlikely to be involved.
Marouane Fellaini (wrist), Ashley Young (shoulder) and Nani (hamstring) are definitely out, Fabio starts a three-match ban and Rio Ferdinand faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee at the weekend.
Newcastle United and Sunderland fans unite to oppose Tyne-Wear derby day police plans
Groups including Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust, nufc.com, Roker Report, The Mag, True Faith and Wise Men Say fight travel restrictions
An unlikely alliance of Newcastle United and Sunderland fans have launched a campaign against the decision to make the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby a “bubble” match.
Groups, fanzines, podcasts and websites A Love Supreme, Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust, nufc.com, Ready To Go, Roker Report, Seventy3, The Mag, True Faith and Wise Men Say, with the backing of the Football Supporters’ Federation, have come together to express anger that Black Cats fans will not be allowed to make their own way to the match on February 1.
Instead Northumbria Police have arranged that Sunderland fans will be forced to travel to and from St James’ Park on designated supporter coaches.
In a joint statement the campaigners said that bubble matches “place huge restrictions on an individual’s freedom of movement and can cause massive problems for fans travelling from areas other than the town or city of the club they support.“This is about more than travel logistics though – it’s about a decision which effectively labels every travelling fan a potentially violent hooligan,” they said.“There’s no disputing that there was disorder outside St James’ Park after the derby in April 2013. However, the vast majority of those arrested were mindless idiots who hadn’t even been to the match.
“There is absolutely no place for violence at football and as match-going fans we don’t want hooligans in football grounds.“However, Northumbria Police’s decision to enforce a bubble match goes against that principle. Bubble matches punish the vast majority of law-abiding, match-going fans, because of the actions of the few.“This decision is alienating the very fans that Northumbria Police and Sunderland AFC say they are trying to protect. It’s an own goal.“The north east derby can produce a fantastic, white hot atmosphere, but rivalry and hatred don’t have to go hand-in-hand.”
While the restrictions only affect Sunderland fans this season the campaigners said they fear it sets a precedent which could be extended to Newcastle United’s travelling support in future years.
Martyn McFadden, editor of Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme, said: “This decision is fundamentally wrong and an attack on law abiding football fans. We are not animals and should be able to choose an appropriate mode of transport to travel to matches.
“The only positive to come from this scenario is that fans from both clubs have come together to oppose this.”Michael Martin, editor of Newcastle United fanzine True Faith, agreed: “Things have taken quite a surreal turn as, for once, we totally agree with Sunderland fans on something. This is a disgraceful decision.”
“The civil liberties of supporters are all too often forgotten in the bureaucracy of modern football,” added Stephen Goldsmith, of the Wise Men Say podcast.
“We believe supporters of both clubs should be shown the respect they deserve and be given the right to make their way to the Tyne-Wear derby as they see fit.
“The authorities have an opportunity to work with supporters of both clubs to come to the only correct conclusion and remove this restriction.”
Biffa, from NUFC.com, said: “As recently as 1997, Tyne-Wear derby games were played out with no official away presence and the concept of ‘bubble’ policing represents a partial return to those unenlightened days.
“The antics of the infamous ‘horse puncher’ and the consequent media frenzy following last season’s Tyneside derby meeting have triggered a clampdown on travelling fans mostly unaware of and unaffected by those events.
“In short, this is a punishment for those who have committed no crime.”
Mark Jensen, editor of The Mag, agreed: “Everybody understands the need to try and ensure the safety of fans attending a football match but this goes too far because of the actions of a small number of people, most of who didn’t even go to the last derby at St.James’ Park.
“A dangerous precedent will be set if the ‘bubble’ plan goes ahead and the authorities be seen to have washed their hands as to their responsibilities to the law-abiding, overwhelming majority.”
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Fleetwood: Sunderland's Mikael Mandron signs on loan
Fleetwood Town have signed Sunderland youngster Mikael Mandron on loan until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old French striker made two substitute appearances for the Black Cats in the Premier League last season, but has not played a game this term.
"I am really excited to discover football in the Football League and hopefully be able to play in the first team," he told the Fleetwood website.
"I'll give my best here and work as hard as possible to get in the team."
Mandron netted 12 goals in 13 games for Sunderland's Under-18 team in 2012-13 and has stepped up their Under-21 side this season, scoring six in seven appearances.
Danny Welbeck is relishing tonight’s trip to Sunderland, the club that nurtured his growth while on loan at the Stadium of Light during the 2010/11 season.
At 19, United’s Academy graduate temporarily joined the Black Cats under the management of Reds legend Steve Bruce and scored six goals in 28 appearances, helping secure a 10th place finish in the Premier League – the club’s highest since 2001.
Since then, Welbeck has become a star for club and country and is now looking forward to facing his old club during this evening's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg.
“I really enjoyed my time at Sunderland,” Danny told ManUtd.com. “The fans were great, the stadium is great and it's such a family club. I really enjoyed it and it'll be good to go back. Sunderland is where I learned my trade, getting games in the Premier League and scoring goals. I really enjoyed my time there and it will be a good occasion to go back, especially because it is a semi-final and we could get to Wembley.
“These are going to be two difficult and exciting games. It is home and away and we fancy ourselves against anyone. We have got to go into the games with confidence and the right mentality, trying to get the win.”
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Preview: Sunderland
Date, time and coverage: Tuesday 7 January, 19:45 GMT. Live TV coverage in the UK on Sky. Follow the action live via ManUtd.com's rolling blog and MUTV Online's radio commentary.
Form guide: After elimination from the FA Cup on Sunday against Swansea, Manchester United will hope for a much better outcome in the Capital One Cup. The semi-final first leg match provides an opportunity to not only get back to winning ways but also to move a step closer to securing a Wembley trip on 2 March. Unlike the Reds, Sunderland progressed to the FA Cup fourth round - their 3-1 home win over Carlisle at the weekend capped a reasonably successful festive period for the Black Cats. Nine days after knocking out Chelsea to set up the semi with United, they claimed an impressive away league win over Everton on Boxing Day.
Ins and outs: The Reds are suffering from something of a minor injury crisis at the moment. First-choice strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were ruled out of the Swansea match, as were Phil Jones, Rafael, Nani, Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young. Rio Ferdinand was hurt during that game and the man who replaced him, Fabio, is suspended after his dismissal. Sunderland's absentees include Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar and goalkeeper Keiran Westwood who are nursing a hip and shoulder injury respectively.
Last meeting: A certain Adnan Januzaj made a name for himself, scoring two superb goals to bag all three points for the Reds in a 2-1 league win at the Stadium of Light on 5 October.
Betting: United are firm favourites with bwin to take the spoils in the Tuesday evening clash, priced at 1.70 with Sunderland coming in at 5.00 and the draw at 3.60. Why not take a punt on Adnan Januzaj repeating his October heroics? He’s at 8.70 to open the scoring.
Did you know? The semi-final against Sunderland will be the Reds' 12th consecutive cup tie against a fellow Barclays Premier League side. The last time United played a team from outside the top flight was in November 2011 when Wilfried Zaha and Crystal Palace (then in the Championship) pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in the League Cup.
The manager: The recently appointed Gus Poyet has steadied the ship at Sunderland to a certain extent after the erraticism of Paulo Di Canio threatened to leave the Black Cats well adrift of the Barclays Premier League survival places. The Wearside club still remain rooted to the foot of the table but have shown signs in recent weeks that staying up is far from beyond them.
Star man: Recently linked to a big move to Juventus, midfield playmaker Emanuele Giaccherini could prove to be a tricky customer for the Reds' defence. Sunderland's joint-top goalscorer on three goals, United fans may remember the fine save he forced from David De Gea back in October, a stop that legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel described as 'one of the best in Premier League history'.
Quote/unquote: “I watched Sunderland beat Chelsea and not only are they fighting for Gus Poyet but he has also got them playing some good football. It will be a more difficult game than people
will imagine on Tuesday.” – Jonny Evans.
Whistle blower: Andre Marriner will take charge of this cup tie. The West Midlands-born referee last presided over a match involving the Reds only last month, in the home defeat to Newcastle.
Rivals watch: Crosstown rivals Manchester City play the first leg of their semi-final a day later than United, at home to West Ham on Wednesday evening.
All supporters can buy tickets for the second leg at Old Trafford now. Tickets for under-16s are priced at just £5 each (with an accompanying adult). Buy online or by calling 0161 868 8000.
Manchester United manager David Moyes braced for Sunderland battle as pressure grows
Under-fire Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he will not be treating Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final at Sunderland any differently just because his side were dumped out of the FA Cup.
The two-legged encounter with Gus Poyet's side has taken on 'must-win' proportions given it is United's only realistic chance of domestic silverware this term.
United are off the pace in the Premier League and were eliminated from FA Cup competition at the third round stage for only the second time in three decades on Sunday, and Moyes is under pressure on Tuesday night.
But he said: "Our approach to Sunderland had to have the FA Cup game in mind because it was two matches in 48 hours.
"It has always been vital for us to win every game and get to every final if we can. There is a job in front of us in every competition we enter. We have got to overcome Sunderland in a two-game match to reach the final.
"It will be a difficult game and difficult to judge exactly how the first leg will go. But we will try to get ourselves to the cup final if we can."
Moyes will bring back some senior men who sat the Swansea match out.
Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic should all return, at a stroke providing some much-needed experience.
And whilst Wayne Rooney is troubled by a groin problem, the mere fact he was able to play against Tottenham on New Year's Day suggests he will push himself through a game of even more importance.
The unknown is Robin van Persie, who did appear to be nearing a return after a thigh problem, but about whose comeback Moyes spoke in negative terms at the weekend, when the Scot claimed not to know when his key striker may reappear.
Even without the back-to-back Golden Boot winner, United are still expected to overcome a side they have already beaten this term, thanks to the first two goals of Adnan Januzaj's fledgling Old Trafford career.
Watch Sunderland take on Manchester United live on Sky Sports 1 tonight, with coverage from 7.30pm.
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Capital One Cup: Sunderland v Manchester United match preview
Having lost their first two games of 2014, Manchester United will be hoping to return to form when they face Sunderland tonight in the first leg of their Capital One Cup Semi Final.
David Moyes’ squad has been a shadow of the team they were last season as they now sit seventh in the Premier League and were also knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend to Swansea. At this stage of the season last year, United were 7 points clear at the top of the league.
Their League Cup form is promising however, as they have yet to concede a goal in the competition. Gus Poyet’s Sunderland, currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with 14 points. There might be a reason for optimism within the Black Cats squad as they have lost only once in their last seven games.
With United’s hopes of a successive Premier League title quickly fading, and their recent exit from the FA Cup, David Moyes is running out of domestic trophies to win, which should make for an exciting League Cup Semi Final.
KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Sunderland 1 (Gardner) Manchester United 2 (Januzaj (2)), Premier League, October 2013
Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1 (Bramble), Premier League, March 2013
Manchester United 3 (Van Persie, Cleverley, Rooney) Sunderland 1 (Campbell), Premier League, December 2012
STATS:
Sunderland have gone 20 games without a win against Manchester United in all competitions.
United's last defeat on Wearside was a 2-1 League Cup defeat after extra-time at the Stadium of Light in November 2000.
Gus Poyet's side have won all five of their home ties in both League Cup and FA Cup this season, with four of those inside 90 minutes.
Manchester United are yet to concede a goal in their three League Cup ties so far.
ODDS:
Sunderland to win: 4.75
Manchester United to win: 1.72
Draw: 3.3
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC 1 on Wednesday at 11.15pm
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Vidic, O’Shea fit for Sunderland v Man Utd clash
INSPIRATIONAL defender Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to Manchester United’s starting line-up for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Sunderland.
The 32-year-old was not even on the bench for United’s FA Cup third round defeat to Swansea City on Sunday.
But with the Red Devils needing a morale-boosting result at the Stadium of Light, the classy Serbian has been told to expect an immediate recall.
United boss David Moyes finds himself under scrutiny after back-to-back defeats for the club at Old Trafford – the club has not lost three games in a row since 2001.
And Moyes is looking to field the strongest side available to him at Sunderland, to prevent that happening.
As well as Vidic, instant recalls are expected for first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea and skipper and left-back Patrice Evra, after both were rested for the Swansea game.
Tyneside-born midfielder Michael Carrick should also return to the side, while utility man Phil Jones has a chance of being involved after missing the last four games with a knee injury.
Moyes’ main problems remain up front, with fitness concerns over Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
Marouane Fellaini and Nani are thought to have no chance of being involved, while Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Young and Rafael da Silva are doubts.
Fabio da Silva is starting a three-match ban after his red card against Swansea.
By contrast, Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has almost a full squad to choose from, with only Keiren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar definitely out.
Poyet was short of three centre-halves for Sunday’s FA Cup game against Carlisle United but all three – John O’Shea, Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge – are expected to be available for selection for the visit of the reigning Premier League champions.
He told the Echo: “John’s shoulder problem is now healed and he is fine.
“Valentin had a problem with his back after the Aston Villa game which meant he couldn’t really train for three days but he is fine too.
“And Modibo Diakite had a tightness in his groin which has sorted itself out now – so whereas for the Carlisle game I only had one centre-half, Wes Brown, I’ve now got four to choose from.
“We have virtually a full-strength squad and we were able to rest quite a few players, the way the Carlisle game worked out, so we have no excuses in that direction for the visit of Man United.
“We just have to go out and make sure we perform.”
GUS Poyet says Sunderland fans should not mistake a lack of new arrivals as a sign that constant transfer work is not going on behind the scenes at the club.
The Black Cats boss signalled ahead of the January transfer window that he wanted to bring in three or four new faces as quickly as possible. And on the eve of the window re-opening, the club announced the signing on a season-long loan of Fiorentina left-back Marcos Alonso.
Since then though it has all gone quiet and although Poyet has insisted that he will not give details away of the players he is trying to sign, he has revealed that everything is being done that can be done to bring in new signings.
“There is a lot happening,” he told the Echo. “But I’m afraid there is nothing to actually report.
“I will say that it is very difficult – you could not imagine.
“People think you just go to a chairman, get a telephone number of a player, ring him and then buy him.
“But it’s not like that, it’s not like going to a supermarket and buying something. There are so many things that need to come together – the player, the money, the club, the transfer window and so on.
“So that’s what we are working on, making lots of calls, doing lots of work but things just don’t come together straight away and although that’s frustrating, we can only accept it.”
As well as bringing players in, Sunderland are looking to move a few on. But Poyet revealed: “It’s the same problem – getting players out is exactly the same, very complicated. And a lots of clubs might come calling for a player that you don’t want to give away but no-one comes for the ones who you do want to give away!
“It’s tough and you have to be patient but you also have to keep working away it and I can assure fans that that’s exactly what we are doing.”
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Gray: Sunderland must go for it against Man Utd
MICHAEL Gray says Sunderland must avoid an inferiority complex when Premier League champions Manchester United come to the Stadium of Light tonight.
The Red Devils will be looking to crush the Wearsiders in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final this evening in a bid to make the return leg at Old Trafford a formality.
And Gray says if Sunderland are to prosper, it is essential that they play with confidence and intent on home turf.
He told the Echo: “Outside of Sunderland, not many people will be giving us a chance and I can understand that.
“But I don’t see any reason why Sunderland can’t do well providing they play with self-belief and are ready to take the game to United.
“United will come to the Stadium of Light looking for a win, because that’s what they do whether they are home or away.
“They will not be looking to play with caution, they will play their usual attacking game and look to win the game confidently.
“It’s been a tough time for David Moyes and Manchester United recently but they’ll know if they can get a big win at Sunderland, it will quieten the critics – they will have that as an extra incentive.
“But from a Sunderland point of view, I think it’s important they recognise it is going to be tough but then go out and give it a real go.
“With a striker like Steven Fletcher in your side, you’ve always got a chance of scoring, while players like Adam Johnson, Craig Gardner and Seb Larsson have that ability to nick goals from set-pieces.
“I think the patient, passing football Gus Poyet has them playing has helped build confidence within the team.
“But when they’re attacking, especially in a cup game where momentum is everything, I think it’s important that they make maybe one or two less passes around the opposition penalty area and make sure they get their shots in.”
While Gray points out that in a cup-tie anything can happen, and predictions are usually futile, he is convinced that Sunderland have to give a good account of themselves at home if they are to retain realistic hopes of a first appearance at Wembley since the play-off final of 1998, in which he played a famous role.
He was also involved in Sunderland’s last League Cup semi-final, when Sunderland lost over two legs to Martin O’Neill’s Leicester City in 1999 and he recalled: “The home leg at the Stadium of Light was the crucial one.”
Peter Reid’s men lost the home leg 2-1, with Tony Cottee getting two goals and Grant McCann pulling one back.
And even though Niall Quinn scored at Filbert Street to briefly raise hopes, Cottee pounced again and Sunderland went out after the 1-1 draw.
Gray recalled: “It’s one of the biggest disappointments of my whole career because we had a great team then, a great team and I would love to have seen able to raise a trophy at Wembley.
“What cost us was the home tie, we never really did ourselves justice that night and though we were by far the better team in the return leg, we’d left ourselves too much to do.
“That’s why I think that Sunderland have to go for it a little at the Stadium of Light tonight.
“I know United are still Premier League champions but they’ve shown a few vulnerabilities in recent games and I think it’s vital that Sunderland genuinely test them at the Stadium of Light.
“If they’ve got a fighting chance at Old Trafford on the return, it could be some second leg.”
Gray will be on radio duty in the Press Box for tonight’s game and hopes he will be commentating on a famous cup night for the Wearsiders.
He said: “I love cup football. I was lucky to go to Wembley in 1992 as part of the youth team at Sunderland and was able to watch the game and really enjoy the experience.
“That was a great cup run with Johnny Byrne scoring in every round up to the final and the fans loved it.
“I know it has been a tough season for Sunderland supporters so far, but I know they’ll enjoy the occasion this evening and I know how much they will get behind the team.
“The cups have been good to them this season, I only hope it continues that way tonight.”
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Sunderland boss: Raise the roof against Manchester United
GUS Poyet wants to give Sunderland fans another cup tie to savour at the Stadium of Light when Manchester United visit for the first leg semi-final of the Capital One Cup.
And he hopes supporters turn up in their numbers to raise the decibel levels for a game in which the Black Cats will need all the help they can get.
United arrive on Wearside lagging in the Premier League title race, freshly out of the FA Cup and having lost their last two games.
Sunderland by contrast have lost only one of their last six matches and are undefeated in cup competition this season.
But Poyet knows that United will be firm favourites to progress to the Wembley final in March, despite those statistics and is looking for the fans to play their part.
He said: “For sure this is a game in which the fans can make a difference because you get fantastic atmospheres in cup games – when they are night matches especially – and I know our fans will be making a lot of noise.
“That will be great for our players, who are already feeling good after the win over Carlisle.
“I know that we are underdogs for Man United but we were underdogs against Chelsea in the last round and look what happened there .”
Ultimately though, Poyet says it will come down to the players themselves to determine what progress can be made.
“What I will say, is that we will have to play well,” he insisted. “We have to play well. Sometimes in the cups, in the early rounds, you can play badly and get through.
“But that’s not the case in the later rounds when you are playing top sides looking at a final. There’s no such thing as an easy semi-final.
“The idea is that you go out there and perform well over two legs to get to the final.
“To have hopes of that, we have to do everything as well as we can.”
Kick off, for Sunderland’s first League Cup semi-final since 1999, is 7.45pm..
Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and just £5 for under 16s and over 65s.
Supporters can purchase tickets in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office, which is open until kick-off.
Cash turnstiles will be operating for home supporters with numbers 35, 36, 50, 51, 61 and 62 open from 6.15pm with admission prices remaining at £20 and £5 for concessions.
Phil Bardsley or Ryan Giggs OG TBC (45 mins)
The game needed a goal, and there it is! Seb Larsson whips in a free-kick to the back post, Wes Brown gets totally free at the back post to put it back across goal and Phil Bardsley stabs it in! On second viewing, was that a Ryan Giggs own goal? It was indeed, the veteran tackled Bardsley and steered the ball over the line from a few yards out.
Live Text Commentary
45:00 +2:37 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 0, Manchester United 0. 45:00 +0:43 Foul by Jonny Evans (Manchester United). 45:00 +0:43 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 43:43 Patrice Evra (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 43:43 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 42:27 Attempt missed. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Ryan Giggs with a cross following a corner. 42:01 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Wes Brown. 39:07 Attempt saved. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 37:27 Offside, Manchester United. Adnan Januzaj tries a through ball, but Ryan Giggs is caught offside. 35:41 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 35:41 Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United). 34:57 Foul by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 34:57 Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 32:57 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 32:57 Foul by Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United). 32:49 Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Danny Welbeck. 30:43 Attempt missed. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Patrice Evra. 30:26 Hand ball by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 24:57 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 24:55 Attempt blocked. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Michael Carrick.
23:56 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 23:56 Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 23:24 Booking
Booking
Patrice Evra (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 23:22 Hand ball by Patrice Evra (Manchester United). 23:10 Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 22:13 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 22:13 Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 20:50 Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 20:50 Foul by Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United). 17:42 Attempt saved. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Tom Cleverley. 14:46 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 14:46 Patrice Evra (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 14:40 Attempt blocked. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 13:16 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 13:16 Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 11:59 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Steven Fletcher. 9:48 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 8:32 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 8:32 Foul by Danny Welbeck (Manchester United). 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
"Sunderland put in a tremendous performance tonight. Everyone will talk about Manchester United and the players they missed but Sunderland did the job they were there to do. They played some very good football but Manchester United, other than Januzaj created absolutely nothing."
Manchester United lost a third game in a row for the first time since 2001 as Sunderland took a precious one-goal advantage into the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg.
Fabio Borini's penalty gave the hosts the edge after Tom Cleverley was controversially penalised for a challenge on Adam Johnson.
Ryan Giggs' own goal in first-half injury time gave Sunderland the lead.
Nemanja Vidic levelled with a towering header soon after the restart.
Live Text Commentary
Full time
Full Time
Match ends, Sunderland 2, Manchester United 1. 90:00 +5:45 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 2, Manchester United 1. 90:00 +3:51 Booking
Booking
Vito Mannone (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 90:00 +2:28 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 90:00 +1:16 Foul by Michael Carrick (Manchester United). 90:00 +1:16 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +0:39 Attempt missed. Michael Carrick (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Darren Fletcher following a corner. 90:00 +0:14 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Fabio Borini. 90:00 +0:08 Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Giggs. 89:19 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Wes Brown. 86:45 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester United. Javier Hernández replaces Luis Antonio Valencia. 84:09 Attempt saved. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 83:44 Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 83:44 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 82:39 Booking
Booking
Chris Smalling (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 82:36 Hand ball by Chris Smalling (Manchester United). 81:02 Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 81:02 Foul by Wes Brown (Sunderland). 79:35 Attempt missed. Patrice Evra (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Darren Fletcher. 78:01 Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Luis Antonio Valencia with a cross.
76:41 Booking
Booking
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 76:30 Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76:30 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 75:53 Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Darren Fletcher with a headed pass. 74:47 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Nemanja Vidic. 73:47 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester United. Darren Fletcher replaces Tom Cleverley. 72:36 Attempt blocked. Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Michael Carrick. 71:30 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 71:18 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jozy Altidore replaces Steven Fletcher because of an injury. 70:32 Delay in match Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) because of an injury. 70:08 Foul by Danny Welbeck (Manchester United). 70:08 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 69:04 Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Danny Welbeck. 68:30 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 65:11 Foul by Rafael (Manchester United). 65:11 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:00 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Manchester United 1. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top right corner. 62:56 Booking
Booking
Rafael (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card. 62:37 Penalty conceded by Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) after a foul in the penalty area. 62:37 Penalty Sunderland. Adam Johnson draws a foul in the penalty area. 61:30 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by David de Gea. 61:29 Attempt saved. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 60:54 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester United. Chris Smalling replaces Jonny Evans because of an injury. 59:18 Booking
Booking
Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 59:04 Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 59:04 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 58:07 Attempt missed. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick. 57:14 Foul by Rafael (Manchester United). 57:14 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 56:22 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Steven Fletcher with a headed pass. 55:51 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Adam Johnson replaces Emanuele Giaccherini. 54:39 Hand ball by Tom Cleverley (Manchester United). 54:13 Attempt saved. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michael Carrick. 52:05 Foul by Ryan Giggs (Manchester United). 52:05 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 51:22 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Manchester United 1. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) header from very close range to the top right corner. Assisted by Tom Cleverley with a cross following a corner. 50:57 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Steven Fletcher. 50:13 Booking
Booking
Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 50:02 Hand ball by Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland). 48:13 Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United). 48:13 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 47:20 Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 47:20 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 47:04 Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:04 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Manchester United 0.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 17:07
does anyone remember the last time we (Man Utd) lost 4 matches on the trot in all competitions?? I'm travelling all the way from malta to watch Man Utd vs swansea this weekend and would like to know the odds of it NOT happening hopefully...... don't feel like being on the wrong end of a Man united stats, maybe next season picking a new team as well.
Sunderland target Liam Bridcutt hands transfer request to Brighton after they reject £2.5m bid
Scotland midfielder tries to force the issue and set up a reunion with former Seagulls boss Gus Poyet at the Premier League's bottom club
Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has already made a £2.5million offer to the south coast club - who sacked him as manager at the end of last season - for the 24-year-old Scotland international.
But the Seagulls, who are again chasing promotion to the Premier League after losing in the playoffs under Poyet, have been reluctant to sell to the Black Cats.
Now Bridcutt is trying to force the issue - and clearly wants to rejoin his old boss in the North East to try to keep rock-bottom Sunderland in the Premier League.
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Brighton's Liam Bridcutt hands in transfer request in attempt to secure Sunderland move
BRIGHTON midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request in a bid to push through a move that would see him reunited with former boss Gus Poyet at Sunderland.
Poyet has already offered £2.5m for Bridcutt, who was Player of the Year twice in a row under the Uruguayan boss, but Brighton have rebuffed the Black Cats attempts to take the 24-year-old to the Stadium of Light.
The rejected deal is thought to have included additional payments based on performance that could have seen the fee rise to £5m.
But the Seagulls see Bridcutt as an important part of their promotion push this season and are reticent to see the player leave.
But the Scottish international is seemingly determined to join Poyet in the North East and has handed in a transfer request to force the issue.
Sunderland are reportedly preparing to offload Connor Wickham to Nottingham Forest to help fund a move for Bridcutt.
Wickham has been on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, where he has scored seven goals in nine games, prompting Forest's attempt to try and sign the England Under-21 international on a permanent deal.
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Transfer news: Brighton's Liam Bridcutt hands in transfer request
Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request as former boss Gus Poyet tries to take him to Sunderland.
Sky sources understand the 24-year-old Scot has asked to leave the Championship club as the Black Cats continue to try and negotiate a double deal for him and winger Will Buckley.
Poyet has refused to discuss his January targets in public, but the 46-year-old Uruguayan is known to admire a man he took to the Amex Stadium in August 2010.
Whether or not former Chelsea trainee Bridcutt's move will persuade Brighton, who declined to comment on the matter on Tuesday evening, to part with one of their most prized assets remains to be seen.
Poyet has already signed Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso on loan for the remainder of the season, but hopes to bring in up to four more players before the end of the month.
Sunderland currently sit bottom of the table - four points from safety - with just 14 points from their opening 20 games.
I see Moyes is blaming the refs. Again. That excuse is starting to feel like a millstone, What is very telling at the moment is how the media have turned. Their knives are sharpened, and Moyes is in their sights. Despite my enjoyment of the apparent decline of United (no apologies, it's great to see), seeing the fickle, sycophantic, gutless press turn on a person is no fun at all.
The crazy thing is that United can still rescue this season(relatively speaking), and I am taking nothing for granted.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:17
Cost of Moyes' contract - £25m
Cost of Fellaini - £27m
Cost of patching up team - £100m+
Cost of missing out on Champions League - £150m
Cost of servicing Glazer debt pa - £60m
Ferguson & Charlton's expressions - Priceless
Somethings in life are too precious; for everything else, there's David Moyes
Name:
LFC!R5WeHKv5KY2014-01-07 18:20
It's a shame the game was overshadowed by the Man Utd fans throwing lit flares at the Sunderland fans where no doubt there were women and children just trying to enjoy a game of football.
It's about time the FA did something about the Man Utd hooligans who are in danger of moving from 2nd to 1st in the hooligan arrest league table.
Thank god there were no serious injuries!!
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:23
>>747 I was reading that Manu blokes are using their 'children' to smuggle car flares in the games.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:25
"It is difficult we just need to keep going. We didn't do a lot wrong. I thought the referee was going to blow in our direction for the first goal. I couldn't believe he gave a free kick. It was a terrible decision.
"We are all just laughing at them at the minute. We get a player booked for doing the same. It looks as though we are having to play them [officials] as well as the opposition at the moment.
"I thought the players, our crowd were unbelievable, the players deserved to get a result. It's a two legged game and I am really looking forward to the second leg."
David Moyes Post Match Interview
David Moyes has already done that in his interview with 5L ! Claims Johnson dived and that the Sunderland free kick for their first was not a foul. God they miss Howard Webb.
Name:
Schadenfreude!NISVI3q4cI2014-01-07 18:28
>>749 This is like watching the Bull elephant slowly dying on the serenget plain, the once invulnerable master of his domain reduced to wallowing in the dust struggling as the hyenas and vultures swoop to take a bite, slowly the mastodon dies bite by bite, aware to the last as it's mighty skeleton is stripped bare.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:31
Don't forget the contribution of all those officials over the years , Fergie time will now go as it's more likely the opponents will score near the end
Sunderland 2 Manchester United 1: match report
Read a full match report of the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
This was an atrocious, lifeless, shapeless performance from Manchester United, who have now lost three games in a row for the first time since 2001. Where was the fight? Where was that old swagger? Where was the refusal to accept defeat?
This was embarrassing from United and David Moyes.
Sunderland’s players were hungrier, better organised and, even on a cold evening, left the field with their shirts soaked in sweat. With Sir Alex Ferguson watching on, Moyes looked powerless to influence the game.
It is only half-time in this Capital One Cup semi-final but United’s players will need to raise their game immeasurably in the second leg in a fortnight. It was an indictment of United’s performance that they were painfully reliant on an 18-year-old Adnan Januzaj.
United’s supporters sang in support of Moyes, and the Old Trafford board remains supportive of the new man, but he urgently needs to invigorate the players, and also draft some new talent in.
The 40-year-old Ryan Giggs conceded an own goal but United clawed their way back into it with an equaliser from Nemanja Vidic, whose agent earlier in the day had told Radio Crc in Naples that his client was “a very good player and will have no trouble finding a new club. For the time being we are remaining calm. However, at the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United”.
Vidic was well placed to deal with Adam Johnson’s run into the box after 64 minutes but Tom Cleverley conceded a penalty with a stupid challenge, going in with his right foot when it was crying out for a tackle with the left. Cleverley tangled with Johnson, and Fabio Borini thundered the penalty in.
United fans kept singing but this was another dispiriting display. For Sunderland, their fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle, loving the gutsy defiance of their players.
Gus Poyet had selected an attacking line-up with Ki Sung-yueng and Sebastian Larsson supporting Steven Fletcher with Borini cutting in from the left and Emanuele Giaccherini working the right.
It was an adventurous approach, continuing in the second half with the introduction of the superb Johnson, indicative of a desire to exploit any nerves in the visitors’ ranks.
Sunderland actually did not play particularly well in the first half but still turned around in front, courtesy of the Giggs own goal.
United were still missing Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie while Rio Ferdinand had also fallen lame with a knee injury and is expected to be out for two weeks. The away following were strong in their support for Moyes but were given only moments of hope from their team before the Vidic equaliser early in the second half.
United started slowly, Patrice Evra and Giggs making mistakes in possession. The only promise was supplied by Januzaj, who mixed up occasional runs down the left with shimmies through the middle. Fouled by Lee Cattermole, Januzaj took the free-kick that flew into the wall. Moments later, Giggs saw his shot deflect off Phil Bardsley on to the bar.
Bardsley was standing up well to United’s intermittent threats.
From one Danny Welbeck run angled right, Januzaj made quick ground through the middle, taking the ball from the England striker. Januzaj went left, cutting into the box, looking to take on Cattermole. Suddenly, Januzaj tried to curl the ball in but Bardsley headed clear. Back came Januzaj again, firing a shot that hit Giggs in an offside position, and his follow-up was ruled out.
Up in the top tier containing the away fans, there was brief belief that the goal stood and a red flare came down, narrowly missing the Sunderland fans. The home supporters were enraged, gesticulating up at the top tier as police arrived and then a steward took the burning pyrotechnic and placed it in a box.
United can expect a call from the FA and the possibility of their allocation cut on their next visit.
United had brought a substantial following. But the sight of many empty seats elsewhere told a story as much of financial hardship endured by many in the area as feelings towards the Sunderland team.
A third home game in six days had drained pockets; for those who travel to watch Sunderland, the five away games in December and January will have cost £192 in tickets (as well as 2,390 miles), compared to the £215 for the nine home fixtures.
The team’s spirits, if not their league position, have been lifted immeasurably by Poyet.
They weathered a flurry of United pressure, including a Vidic header wide, before taking a brief lead before half-time.
After Jonny Evans fouled Steven Fletcher, Larsson lifted in a free-kick and the goal was a blur of United past and present. Wes Brown headed across and Giggs turned the ball in under pressure from Bardsley.
Moyes must have got into his players at half-time. They emerged early, hungry for the equaliser. Steven Fletcher headed a Giggs free-kick away for a corner. Cleverley took responsibility for the dead-ball situation, curling the ball in. Brown was too sluggish to deal with Vidic, who headed home. Another flare was lit in the away end.
Sunderland responded. David De Gea saved from Larsson. Poyet had sent on Johnson, who was jeered for his City connections by the visiting fans but soon made United pay.
Running in from the right, Johnson cut into the box and went down under a stupid challenge from Cleverley. The only surprise was that Andre Marriner took so long to point to the spot.
Borini took charge, thumping the ball high into the net. Rafael was cautioned for dissent and should then have been given a second yellow when fouling Borini.
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Capital One Cup: Sunderland defeat Manchester United 2-1 in semi-final first leg
Sunderland increased the pressure on beleaguered Manchester United manager David Moyes with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
The Black Cats claimed their first victory over United since November 2000 thanks to Fabio Borini's second-half penalty at the Stadium of Light as the Red Devils suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions, their worst run since May 2001.
Borini fired high into David de Gea's net in the 64th minute on Tuesday night after Tom Cleverley was penalised for a clumsy challenge on substitute Adam Johnson as he burst into the box.
Sunderland took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Ryan Giggs could only turn the ball into his own net under pressure from Phil Bardsley after Wes Brown's pass following Seb Larsson's free-kick.
United equalised early in the second period as Nemanja Vidic headed home Cleverley's corner, but Borini's penalty means that more questions will be asked about Moyes' management, even though there is still time for redemption in the second leg at Old Trafford on January 22.
The tie, of course, is far from over and United, who were watched by their former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and director Sir Bobby Charlton, may approach the second leg confident of clawing back the deficit.
However, they have already lost five times at Old Trafford this season - to West Brom, Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle and Swansea - and Sunderland will travel dreaming of a first trip to the League Cup final since 1985.
Despite their lowly league standing, the Black Cats started confidently against a United side whose form had been indifferent leading into the game.
Debutant Marcos Alonso provided a useful outlet down the left, while Ki Sung-yueng's invention from central midfield kept the United rearguard on its toes.
But in truth, the home side never really threatened until the closing stages of the half, and it was the Red Devils, who took time to get going, who had the greater threat.
After Borini and Larsson had gone for goal from long distance at the other end, the visitors started to make an impact and nearly took the lead when Michael Carrick picked out Giggs in space and the Welshman was allowed to make ground before unleashing a shot which clipped Bardsley and crashed against the bar.
With Carrick starting to pull the strings and Patrice Evra and Januzaj finding space, United started to find their rhythm and Bardsley had to head away Januzaj's curling 33rd-minute shot as it arced toward the top corner.
The teenager thought he had made the breakthrough five minutes later when, after his initial effort had hit Giggs in front of goal, he rammed home the rebound.
However, an offside flag correctly ended his celebrations with Giggs having strayed beyond the last defender when he made his unwitting contribution.
Moyes' disappointment was to increase in injury time at the end of the first half when Brown turned Larsson's free-kick back across goal and Giggs bundled it under his own net under extreme pressure from Bardsley.
It took the visitors just seven minutes of the second half to restore parity, as Cleverley floated a corner to the far post and Vidic climbed high above Brown and John O'Shea to power a header home.
Sunderland, for whom Larsson had forced a fine save from De Gea minutes earlier, refused to succumb and they regained the lead when Cleverley tripped Johnson, with referee Andre Marriner awarding a penalty on the advice of assistant Peter Bankes.
United were furious but replays suggested it was rash from Cleverley and suitably punished, Rafael was booked for protesting - and was then fortunate to stay on the field after catching Borini soon after.
Borini sent the keeper the wrong way to put United on the back foot once again, and although the visitors threw men forward as time ran down, they rarely threatened to square the tie.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 19:33
Moyes will be fired either at the end of the season or even before. A team with the history of United will not put up with such mediocre results. There has been no improvement in United's play from the moment Moyes took over to now. If anything they have regressed and the team has regressed as a whole.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-08 10:11
WHY oh why Moyes is not bleeding the young ones. The GLAZIERS will not invest the income of Man United. they rather pocket the profits or invest in other ventures in the USA. The news that 200 millions is given for transfer kitty could just be an excuse to make fans happy. SAF should stay away from Old Trafford or at least ensure that money is available. SAF had made what Man United is now. No attempts to strengthen the center midfield and the centerback positions. Moyes bought FELLAINI at 27 million pounds. Included in that cost must have been the loyalty sum to Fellani that otherwise would have been borne by EVERTON. Smart business by Everton !
Now Moyes faces FA investigation after claiming United 'have to play' referees following Cup defeat at Sunderland [/i]
* United suffer third defeat in a week after losing to Spurs and Swansea
*Moyes rages at penalty decision as Sunderland win first leg
*Despite win Black Cats boss Poyet says United are favourites to progress[/i]
The Football Association will investigate Manchester United manager David Moyes' latest outburst against referees following Tuesday night's defeat to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.
The 2-1 first leg loss was United's third defeat in a week - the first time this has happened since 1992 - and Moyes claimed afterwards his team are 'playing referees as well as the opposition.'
It follows on from Moyes saying it was 'scandalous' that United were not awarded a late penalty against Tottenham in a league defeat at Old Trafford on New Year's Day.
An FA spokesman said: 'We are looking into David Moyes' comments to the media following the match at Sunderland.'
After Fabio Borini's penalty consigned United to another defeat, Moyes said: 'After the first 15 minutes I thought we were very good. We defended a terrible free-kick, but how the referee has given a free-kick for that is way beyond me.
'I just cannot see how that is a free-kick. 'And the penalty? We had a player booked for that theother day against Tottenham. The referee is in a great position to look at it, down the line, 15 yards, and the linesman gives it from behind and he cannot see through Patrice Evra.
‘That is what we’re finding at the moment. The performance was good without having the last bit.
‘I have experience and I can sense it’s on the verge of turning. I sense we’re about to get a bit better.’
More than 5,000 Manchester United supporters were in the 31,547 crowd and Moyes paid tribute to them and Ferguson, who left the Stadium of Light through the Press room carrying a bottle of red wine.
Moyes added: ‘I can only see Alex as a great sounding board, a great help, and so is Sir Bobby Charlton, he is terrific. Bryan Robson is at the training ground regularly.
‘It’s great 5,000 came up tonight and they were fantastic throughout the game. They recognised how well their team had done for most of the game.
‘This hasn’t happened at Man United for a long time. I thought the support were great for sticking with their club, sticking with their manager and that is exactly what you need when you are not doing so well.
‘We need a couple of fair decisions. We had a couple of penalty kicks against Tottenham and we have one given against us tonight for that. My goodness, give me strength.’
Moyes will hope to have strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie fit for the second leg.
But there is more concern for the manager with United captain Nemanja Vidic set to leave Old Trafford this summer after his agent said he is unlikely to sign a new contract.
Vidic’s four-year deal runs out at the end of the season and talks over a new one have stalled, with Italian clubs Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli monitoring the situation.
His agent Silvano Martina said: ‘At the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United. Vidic, given his contract situation, has several teams looking at him.’
Tuesday night’s win for Sunderland was their first over United for 20 games. And manager Gus Poyet, whose side are bottom of the league, was at a loss to explain their excellent cup form.
He said: ‘It is something I need to find out why we beat top teams and are so clinical in the cup and can’t do the same in the league. That’s my job.
‘Are we favourites? No chance. They have Rooney and van Persie to come back. We are in a better situation but playing Man U away, anything can happen and we need another very good performance.’
Andre Marriner had no choice but to award Sunderland a penalty after his assistant Peter Bankes flagged that Tom Cleverley had tripped Adam Johnson just inside the penalty area.
A referee can over-rule his assistant but given the relative positions of the two officials that was not credible.
Although Cleverley’s contact was at most minimal, it was a silly challenge in a critical area and that forced Bankes to make a decision.
Perhaps it was harsh but Manchester United’s reaction was over the top, with Ryan Giggs shouting at Marriner and Rafael picking up a yellow card for his protest.
The Brazilian might well have seen red minutes later when making a rash tackle but Marriner wisely decided that the two offences did not merit a dismissal and left United with 11 players.
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United face FA wrath after fans set off flares during defeat at Stadium of Light
Manchester United face punishment from the FA after their supporters lit flares during the 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat at Sunderland.
Flares were lit in the away end at the Stadium of Light, with some being thrown into a section of home fans.
The FA announced on Wednesday that the flare incidents would be investigated. A spokesman said: 'We are contacting both clubs to seek their observations in relation to the use of flares last night.'
The visitors won't have been cheering by the end of the match, however, which saw United succumb to a third loss in a week.
Hot on the heels of a Premier League defeat by Spurs and being dumped out of the FA Cup by Swansea, Fabio Borini's penalty consigned David Moyes' men to another loss after Nemanja Vidic levelled Ryan Giggs' own goal.
Moyes vented his frustration at the penalty, which saw Adam Johnson fall under pressure from United midfielder Tom Cleverley.
Moyes said of referees: 'We're having to play them as well as the opposition at the moment. It's really terrible, it really is.
'We're actually beginning to laugh at them, that's the thing.'
Sunderland closing in on Argentine defender Santiago Vergini
The 25-year-old will join the Black Cats' battle to stay in the Premier League once he's agreed an exit from Estudiantes.
Sunderland are close to signing Argentine defender Santiago Vergini from Estudiantes de La Plata.
The 25-year-old centre-back won a national league title at Newell's Old Boys in June under now-Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, but after just five months at Estudiantes he is closing in on a Premier League move.
The defender needs only to agree a pay-off with Estudiantes, thought to be in the region of £400,000, to settle the remaining six months of his contract at the Estadio Unico.
Sunderland sporting director Roberto De Fanti has extensive contacts in South America and last week turned down the opportunity to sign Vergini's former teammate, Argentina forward Ignacio Scocco.
But Gustavo Poyet is set to give the green light for the defender to sign an 18-month deal with an option for an extra year if the move is a success.
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Sunderland could revive interest in Ignacio Scocco as Gus Poyet looks for goals
The Black Cats were interested in the forward in July, and might take a second bite at the cherry
Sunderland have been offered forward Ignacio Scocco as they look to add some firepower to their side in January.
Director of Football Roberto De Fanti considered bringing Scocco in last summer but was put off by the £4million fee for a 28-year-old.
The forward instead joined Brazil's Internacional, but didn't settle and will be allowed to leave the club this winter.
The Porto Alegre club are willing to loan out the striker, who was top scorer in Argentina last season, and Scocco's representatives are hoping that the Black Cats will revive their interest.
A return to his homeland remains a possibility, but Inter want a permanent deal in the region of £3million that may be too costly for suitors River Plate and Racing Club.
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Sunderland target Liam Bridcutt hands transfer request to Brighton after they reject £2.5m bid
Scotland midfielder tries to force the issue and set up a reunion with former Seagulls boss Gus Poyet at the Premier League's bottom club
Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has already made a £2.5million offer to the south coast club - who sacked him as manager at the end of last season - for the 24-year-old Scotland international.
But the Seagulls, who are again chasing promotion to the Premier League after losing in the playoffs under Poyet, have been reluctant to sell to the Black Cats.
Now Bridcutt is trying to force the issue - and clearly wants to rejoin his old boss in the North East to try to keep rock-bottom Sunderland in the Premier League.
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Sunderland plot moves for Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt and QPR's Shaun Wright-Phillips
Black Cats boss Gus Poyet could go back to former club for the 24-year-old Scot and is also weighing up a move for out-of-favour QPR winger Wright-Phillips
Gus Poyet last night launched a raid on former club Brighton by making a £2.5million bid for Liam Bridcutt.
The Sunderland boss sees the midfielder as having Premier League potential and wants him in as soon as the transfer window opens.
Crystal Palace made a failed attempt to sign the 24-year-old last summer.
Poyet is also looking to sign QPR’s former England, Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The 32-year-old has not featured for Harry Redknapp’s Hoops since a 1-0 win at home to Charlton in mid November.
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West Brom eye Craig Gardner transfer from Sunderland back to the West Midlands
Ex-Birmingham midfielder is set to be a free agent at the end of the season and Baggies hope to sign him either then or for a small fee this month
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace fancies a cut-price deal for Craig Gardner.
Sunderland midfielder Gardner is set to be out of contract in the summer and seems likely to leave the Wearsiders on a Bosman. But they may decide to cash in on the former England U-21 international this month.
Peace rates Gardner, who scored 10 goals for Midlands rivals Birmingham in the 2010-2011 season to earn a £6million move to the Black Cats.
If the Baggies fail to land the 27-year-old this month, they will follow up their interest in the summer.
Peace, meanwhile, is continuing to interview potential new coaches as the quest to replace Steve Clarke - sacked on December 15 - rolls on.
Former Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf has emerged as the latest name to be sounded out.
Emmanuel Frimpong 'mocks David Moyes following Sunderland defeat'
Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong reportedly poked fun at Manchester United manager David Moyes following his side's defeat to Sunderland in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final.
The Red Devils, who appointed Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor in the summer, recorded their third defeat in a row when they succumbed to a 2-1 loss at the Stadium of Light yesterday.
Following the result, according to 101greatgoals.com, Frimpong posted a photo on Instagram of the former Everton boss mocked up as a hitch-hiker holding a board saying Goodison Park.
Frimpong is said to have swiftly deleted the post.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-08 16:37
FULL-TIME - Man City 6 - 0 West Ham
Six and out. That's that one done and dusted. What next for West Ham and Big Sam?
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-08 17:24
Why do you Brits use the word 'football'?. You play soccer, not football. Football is an American sport.
With Sunderland bottom, West Ham in freefall and more than half the Premier League in a scrap, we look at the relegation dogfight and predict who'll be down and out.
We're gearing up for the tightest relegation battle in Premier League history.
Just nine points separate Sunderland in 20th and relative high flyers Hull City in 10th.
The truncated nature of the bottom half means every side has a fighting chance of clawing themselves to safety. Are some, however, doomed for the drop?
Sportsmail investigates, taking the bottom 11 clubs and predicting each of their results over the remaining 18 matches of the campaign.
West Ham fans look away now...
For our forecast has your boys propping up the table come May 11 and heading back to the Championship.
There's also bad news for Sunderland and Crystal Palace followers as, despite mini revivals under new bosses Gus Poyet and Tony Pulis, the Black Cats and Eagles slip the wrong side of the top-flight trapdoor.
Scroll down for our results and analysis...
HOW THEY STAND (table as at Jan 9)
10th Hull
11th Aston Villa
12th Stoke
13th Swansea
14th West Brom
15th Norwich
16th Fulham
17th Cardiff
18th Crystal Palace
19th West Ham
20th Sunderland
ASTON VILLA (Villa result first)
Jan 11: Arsenal (h) 0-2
Jan 18: Liverpool (a) 0-3
Jan 28: West Bromwich Albion (h) 1-1
Feb 1: Everton (a) 0-2
Feb 8: West Ham United (h) 1-0
Feb 11: Cardiff City (a) 1-2
Feb 22: Newcastle United (a) 1-1
March 1: Norwich City (h) 0-0
March 8: Manchester City (a) 0-4
March 15: Chelsea (h) 1-2
March 22: Stoke City (h) 1-1
March 29: Manchester United (a) 0-2
April 5: Fulham (h) 2-0
April 12: Crystal Palace (a) 1-1
April 19: Southampton (h) 2-1
April 26: Swansea City (a) 1-2
May 3: Hull City (h) 1-0
May 11: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
POINTS: 40
POSITION: 12th
VERDICT: Villa's indifferent form persists as the season wears on and only four home wins keeps them at arm's length from danger..
CARDIFF (Cardiff result first)
Jan 11: West Ham United (h) 2-0
Jan 18: Manchester City (a) 1-3
Jan 28: Manchester United (a) 0-2
Feb 1: Norwich City (h) 2-1
Feb 8: Swansea City (a) 2-2
Feb 11: Aston Villa (h) 2-1
Feb 22: Hull City (h) 1-1
Mar 1: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
Mar 8: Fulham (h) 2-1
Mar 15: Everton (a) 0-1
Mar 22: Liverpool (h) 1-3
Mar 29: West Bromwich Albion (a) 0-2
Apr 5: Crystal Palace (h) 1-1
Apr 12: Southampton (a) 1-3
Apr 19: Stoke City (h) 0-0
Apr 26: Sunderland (a) 1-2
May 3: Newcastle United (a) 2-2
May 11: Chelsea (h) 1-3
POINTS: 35
POSITION: 15th
VERDICT: With four wins from the next five at the Cardiff City Stadium, the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer effect sees the Bluerbirds soar clear.
CRYSTAL PALACE (Palace result first)
Jan 11: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
Jan 18: Stoke City (h) 2-1
Jan 28: Hull City (h) 2-2
Feb 1: Arsenal (a) 0-2
Feb 8: West Bromwich Albion (h) 2-1
Feb 12: Everton (a) 1-1
Feb 22: Manchester United (h) 1-2
Mar 1: Swansea City (a) 1-1
Mar 8: Southampton (h) 2-2
Mar 15: Sunderland (a) 0-1
Mar 22: Newcastle United (a) 1-3
Mar 29: Chelsea (h) 1-3
Apr 5: Cardiff City (a) 1-1
Apr 12: Aston Villa (h) 1-1
Apr 19: West Ham United (a) 1-2
Apr 26: Manchester City (h) 0-3
May 3: Liverpool (h) 1-3
May 11: Fulham (a) 2-2
POINTS: 30
POSITION: 18th
VERDICT: Seven points from the next three home matches give Palace supporters hope but a miserable March drags them back into the mire.
FULHAM (Fulham result first)
Jan 11: Sunderland (h) 2-0
Jan 18: Arsenal (a) 0-2
Jan 28: Swansea City (a) 1-1
Feb 1: Southampton (h) 1-2
Feb 8: Manchester United (a) 0-2
Feb 12: Liverpool (h) 1-3
Feb 22: West Bromwich Albion (a) 0-1
March 1: Chelsea (h) 2-3
March 8: Cardiff City (a) 1-2
March 15: Newcastle United (h) 2-1
March 15: Manchester City (a) 0-4
March 29: Everton (h) 1-1
April 5: Aston Villa (a) 0-2
April 12: Norwich City (h) 2-0
April 19: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
April 26: Hull City (h) 1-1
May 3: Stoke City (a) 0-0
May 11: Crystal Palace (h) 2-2
POINTS: 33
POSITION: 16th
VERDICT: Meulensteen's men continue to flirt with the drop zone until the final day when, avoiding defeat by Palace, they ensure their Premier League status.
Jan 11: Chelsea (h) 1-3
Jan 18: Norwich City (a) 1-1
Jan 28: Crystal Palace (a) 2-2
Feb 1: Tottenham Hotspur (h) 2-2
Feb 8: Sunderland (a) 1-0
Feb 11: Southampton (h) 1-2
Feb 22: Cardiff City (a) 1-1
March 1: Newcastle United (h) 3-2
March 8: West Ham United (a) 1-2
March 15: Manchester City (h) 1-3
March 22: West Bromwich Albion (h) 2-1
March 29: Stoke City (a) 0-0
April 5: Swansea City (h) 1-0
April 12: Manchester United (a) 1-3
April 19: Arsenal (h) 1-3
April 26: Fulham (a) 1-1
May 3: Aston Villa (a) 0-1
May 11: Everton (h) 3-2
POINTS: 44
POSITION: 10th
VERDICT: Nothing to worry about for Steve Bruce's boys. They build on their impressive first half of the season to finish in the comfort of mid-table.
NORWICH (Norwich result first)
Jan 11: Everton (a) 0-1
Jan 18: Hull City (h) 1-1
Jan 28: Newcastle United (h) 2-2
Feb 1: Cardiff City (a) 1-2
Feb 8: Manchester City (h) 1-1
Feb 12: West Ham United (a) 1-2
Feb 22: Tottenham Hotspur (h) 1-3
Mar 1: Aston Villa (a) 0-0
Mar 8: Stoke City (h) 1-0
Mar 15: Southampton (a) 0-2
Mar 22: Sunderland (h) 2-1
Mar 29: Swansea City (a) 1-2
Apr 5: West Bromwich Albion (h) 1-1
Apr 12: Fulham (a) 0-2
Apr 19: Liverpool (h) 0-4
Apr 26: Manchester United (a) 0-2
May 3: Chelsea (a) 1-4
May 11: Arsenal (h) 1-3
POINTS: 31
POSITION: 17th
VERDICT: Chris Hughton's side have the most daunting run-in of all those scrapping it out at the bottom and, despite losing the final five matches, they scrape home.
STOKE (Stoke result first)
Jan 11: Liverpool (h) 0-2
Jan 18: Crystal Palace (a) 1-2
Jan 28: Sunderland (a) 0-0
Feb 1: Manchester United (h) 1-1
Feb 8: Southampton (a) 0-2
Feb 11: Swansea City (h) 2-1
Feb 22: Manchester City (a) 0-4
Mar 1: Arsenal (h) 2-2
Mar 8: Norwich City (a) 0-1
Mar 15: West Ham United (h) 1-0
Mar 22: Aston Villa (a) 1-1
Mar 29: Hull City (h) 0-0
Apr 5: Chelsea (a) 0-3
Apr 12: Newcastle United (h) 1-1
Apr 19: Cardiff City (a) 0-0
Apr 26: Tottenham Hotspur (h) 1-1
May 3: Fulham (h) 0-0
May 11: West Bromwich Albion (a) 1-2
POINTS: 36
POSITION: 14th
VERDICT: It's not pretty and there are a few goalless draws along the way, but Mark Hughes and his Potters keep their points tally ticking over and finish some six clear of the drop.
SUNDERLAND (Sunderland result first)
Jan 11: Fulham (a) 0-2
Jan 18: Southampton (h) 2-1
Jan 28: Stoke City (h) 0-0
Feb 1: Newcastle United (a) 1-2
Feb 8: Hull City (h) 0-1
Feb 12: Manchester City (a) 0-4
Feb 22: Arsenal (a) 1-3
Mar 1: West Bromwich Albion (h) 1-1
Mar 8: Liverpool (a) 1-4
Mar 15: Crystal Palace (h) 1-0
Mar 22: Norwich City (a) 1-2
Mar 29: West Ham United (h) 1-0
April 5: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 1-1
April 12: Everton (h) 1-2
April 19: Chelsea (a) 0-2
April 26: Cardiff City (h) 2-1
May 3: Manchester United (a) 0-2
May 11: Swansea City (h) 1-1
POINTS: 30
POSITION: 19th
VERDICT: The disastrous first half of the season does for Sunderland. Still they give themselves hope of survival thanks to a couple of good home wins but ultimately they fall short.
SWANSEA (Swansea result first)
Jan 11: Manchester United (a) 2-2
Jan 18: Tottenham Hotspur (h) 2-2
Jan 28: Fulham (h) 1-1
Feb 1: West Ham United (a) 1-0
Feb 8: Cardiff City (h) 2-2
Feb 11: Stoke City (a) 1-2
Feb 22: Liverpool (a) 1-3
March 1: Crystal Palace (h) 1-1
March 8: Arsenal (a) 0-2
March 15: West Bromwich Albion (h) 2-0
March 22: Everton (a) 1-1
March 29: Norwich City (h) 2-1
April 5: Hull City (a) 0-1
April 12: Chelsea (h) 1-1
April 19: Newcastle United (a) 2-2
April 26: Aston Villa (h) 2-1
May 3: Southampton (h) 1-1
May 11: Sunderland (a) 1-1
POINTS: 43
POSITION: 11th
VERDICT: Swansea have too much class to get dragged into the dogfight and are always looking down on the strugglers.
WEST BROM (West Brom result first)
Jan 11: Southampton (a) 0-2
Jan 18: Everton (h) 2-2
Jan 28: Aston Villa (a) 1-1
Feb 1: Liverpool (h) 0-2
Feb 8: Crystal Palace (a) 1-2
Feb 11: Chelsea (h) 0-2
Feb 22: Fulham (h) 1-0
Mar 1: Sunderland (a) 1-1
Mar 8: Manchester United (h) 2-2
Mar 15: Swansea City (a) 0-2
Mar 22: Hull City (a) 1-2
Mar 29: Cardiff City (h) 2-0
Apr 5: Norwich City (a) 1-1
Apr 12: Tottenham Hotspur (h) 1-1
Apr 19: Manchester City (a) 0-3
Apr 26: West Ham United (h) 2-1
May 3: Arsenal (a) 1-3
May 11: Stoke City (h) 2-1
POINTS: 39
POSITION: 13th
VERDICT: A pair of home wins over Cardiff and West Ham during the run-in is enough to see the Baggies to safety.
WEST HAM (West Ham result first)
Jan 11: Cardiff City (a) 0-2
Jan 18: Newcastle United (h) 1-1
Jan 29: Chelsea (a) 0-4
Feb 1: Swansea City (h) 0-1
Feb 8: Aston Villa (a) 0-1
Feb 11: Norwich City (h) 2-1
Feb 22: Southampton (h) 1-1
Mar 1: Everton (a) 1-1
Mar 8: Hull City (h) 2-1
Mar 15: Stoke City (a) 0-1
Mar 22: Manchester United (h) 1-1
Mar 29: Sunderland (a) 0-1
Apr 5: Liverpool (h) 0-2
Apr 12: Arsenal (a) 0-4
Apr 19: Crystal Palace (h) 2-1
Apr 26: West Bromwich Albion (a) 1-2
May 3: Tottenham Hotspur (h) 2-2
May 11: Manchester City (a) 0-4
POINTS: 29
POSITION: 20th
VERDICT: There is an upturn over February and March as Andy Carroll returns to fitness, but with too much to do they finish bottom.
OUR FINAL PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
It's bad news for supporters of West Ham, Sunderland and Crystal Palace as they slip out of the top flight and head for a season in the Championship. No more trips to the likes of Old Trafford, Anfield and the Etihad, for at least another season.
PREMIER LEAGUE PLACES 10-20
10th Hull City 44pts
11th Swansea City 43
12th Aston Villa 40
13th West Brom 39
14th Stoke City 36
15th Cardiff City 35
16th Fulham 33
17th Norwich City 31
18th Crystal Palace 30 (GD -30)
19th Sunderland 30 (GD -33)
20th West Ham 29
Brighton reject Bridcutt transfer request as Sunderland bid £2.5m for midfielder
Brighton have rejected Liam Bridcutt's transfer request, with Sunderland offering £2.5million for the midfielder.
It is understood the 24-year-old Scot has asked to leave the Sky Bet Championship club with the Black Cats having been engaged in advanced talks for both he and winger Will Buckley for several days.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has refused to discuss his January targets in public, but the 46-year-old Uruguayan is known to admire a man he took to the Amex Stadium in August 2010.
Sunderland are also interested in a £350,000 deal for Argentina international defender Santiago Vergini from Estudiantes de La Plata.
The 6ft 3ins centre-back has six months left on contract and Sunderland are considering offering him an 18 month contract.
Poyet has already signed Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso on loan for the remainder of the season, but hopes to bring in up to four more players before the end of the month.
Sunderland want Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt to help their survival fight
Sunderland are expected to sign Brighton’s Liam Bridcutt by the end of the month after the midfielder handed in a transfer request.
The Seagulls’ player of the season last term is desperate to move to the Stadium of Light to be reunited with former Albion manager Gus Poyet.
The Brighton Evening Argus reports that the Black Cats have already made a £2million offer for the 24-year-old Scot, who was born in Reading.
That offer was rejected and prompted Bridcutt to ask to leave the Championship club, who are now expecting the Premier League outfit to increase their bid in the next few days.
MORE: Celtic shouldn’t hurry to sign Steven Fletcher
Poyet is a big admirer of Bridcutt as he took him to the Amex Stadium four years ago when he was signed after leaving Stockport as a free agent.
He has since made more than 130 appearances for the Sussex club in all competitions.
Sunderland could use Bridcutt to replace Craig Gardner who is wanted by West Brom.
Can Sunderland’s spirit keep them in the Premier League?
A real Jekyll and Hyde performance from Sunderland saw Gus Poyet’s men salvage an unlikely point at Cardiff – and one which could prove priceless come May.
If there was to be a situation which perfectly summed up the very nature of following Sunderland it was Saturday.
Going into the televised late kick-off, Sunderland could not have wished for a better set of results as West Ham were held to a draw, Fulham were mauled by the Tigers and Crystal Palace were beaten by Manchester City, despite a spirited display which deserved more for their efforts.
The stage was set therefore as Gus Poyet’s men travelled to a Cardiff City side which were in turmoil following the dismissal of Malkay Makay and the on-going circus lead by the barmy ring-leader Vincent Tan.
Black Cats fans were buoyed by an unlikely victory at Goodison Park on Boxing Day and were relatively confident that their side could see off the Welsh side and really give their survival bid a significant boost.
However that is not how things work around here.
Instead Sunderland put in one of the worst defensive displays that I have seen in a long while, certainly under the stewardship of Poyet.
Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge were completely shambolic which was extremely worrying considering their solid display just days before at Everton.
However, the chaotic display which the central defenders put in was positively world class in comparison to the abysmal showing from Andrea Dossena at left-back who was left completely out of position almost constantly and was shown up completely by Cardiff’s Craig Noone who terrorised the Italian all evening.
Despite the obvious defensive frailties, Sunderland actually looked quite dangerous when going forward and created a number of chances but were unable to find a break-through and on the hour mark found themselves two goals down courtesy of the obligatory Fraizer Campbell goal which was as predictable as turkey-curry being on the menu over the last few days.
However substitute Steven Fletcher, introduced at half-time following some worrying scenes in the Sunderland dressing room which resulted in Fabio Borini being hospitalised, managed to drag Sunderland kicking and screaming back into the contest with a deft finish more befit of what we have come to expect of the Scot.
If only Jozy Altidore could take note of his team-mate’s composure in front of goal having missed an embarrassing open goal earlier in the contest which has only led to patience wearing increasingly thin with the American profligacy in front of goal.
Fletcher’s eighty-third minute strike sparked a remarkable turnaround from the visiting side as Sunderland went on to throw everything they had left at a Cardiff defence which looked increasingly shaky as the pressure mounted.
Just when it seemed the Black Cats’ efforts would all have been in vain, Jack Colback latched onto a loose ball in Cardiff’s area and his shot found its way into the back of the net.
Cue pandemonium. Cue hope. We’re not down yet.
Early FA Cup draw is a bad idea, says Sunderland boss Gus Poyet
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has questioned the decision to hold the fourth-round draw before several third-round ties had been completed.
The Uruguayan guided his side past League One Carlisle but knew before half-time the victors would face Kidderminster or Peterborough in the next round.
However, he said: ‘I don’t know if it’s a good idea. It’s an opinion – I don’t want the FA to get mad with me because I’m not trying to go against anyone.
‘I’m just saying if the draw was a top, top team from the Premier League at home, I am sure that Carlisle in the second half, maybe, it would be a little bit different.
‘If you are 1-1 at half-time and you get Arsenal at home and you are Carlisle, what a second half they are going to give you, that’s for sure.’
Adam Johnson, El-Hadji Ba and an own goal sealed the win.
Why do Sunderland beat the good teams but not the rubbish ones?
‘Dad, how come we can beat the good teams but not the rubbish ones?’
That’s what one young Sunderland fan said, with a puzzled look on his face, as he left the Stadium of Light following Sunderland’s victory over Manchester United in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final.
‘That’s Sunderland, son’ replied the father with an air of wisdom that only comes with many, many years of following this weird and wonderful club.
To be fair, the lad has a point too. Despite Manchester United’s recent woes, Sunderland entered last night’s contest as rank outsiders to David Moyes side, yet the reigning Premier League Champions continued the recent trend of looking like nothing more than an average, middle table outfit.
The beleaguered David Moyes did his best in the aftermath of defeat to protect his players with attempted smokescreen straight from the Alex Ferguson manual by laying blame with the officials. Nice try David but unfortunately that excuse was about as effective as Tom Cleverley.
The simple fact of the matter is that Manchester United were unable to really test Sunderland’s resolve last night and were restricted to long-range efforts which were either gobbled up by an ever grateful Vito Mannone or sailed wide of the Italian’s goal.
Indeed Manchester United’s best chance of the evening, other than Nemanja Vidic’s towering header of course, came via a deflected Ryan Giggs drive from distance which crashed off the crossbar.
While the majority of analysis following the game centered around Manchester United’s failings, Gus Poyet is owed an awful lot of credit for the manner in which he has managed his squad during this busy period and the way in which he set up his side last night.
In fact it was an inspired substitution which turned the game on its head as the unpredictable Adam Johnson put in a performance which we all know he is capable of but so often flatters to deceive and his introduction brought some much needed guile and trickery to Sunderland’s attack.
The winger’s jinking run was the catalyst for the game’s winning goal as Johnson meandered into Manchester United’s penalty area before being felled by a clumsy tackle from the midfield maestro Cleverley.
Much has been made of the incident, a decision which was made by the assistant referee rather than Andre Marriner himself, but there can be no doubting the ham-fisted effort that Cleverley made of the situation and a penalty was correctly rewarded.
Fabio Borini once again made himself a hero, following his goalscoring antics in the Tyne/Wear derby, with a penalty which oozed composure and confidence. Borini has slowly made himself an important figure in Sunderland’s squad and if Liverpool deem him surplus to requirements I’d certainly be keen to make his stay on Wearside a more permanent arrangement.
Manchester United will undoubtedly make more of a fight of it come the second leg but Sunderland have secured themselves a priceless advantage and the Wembley dream, for now, lives on.
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Jack Wilshere backs Sunderland to pile on the misery for under-fire Manchester United boss David Moyes
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is expecting Sunderland to beat Manchester United in tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final.
David Moyes takes his under performing team to the Stadium of Light for the first leg on the back of Sunday’s shock FA Cup defeat to Swansea and a Premier League loss at home to Tottenham on New Year’s Day.
United are once again without their injured deadly duo of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie and Wilshere believes bottom of the table Sunderland can take full advantage.
‘Wish we were involved in this game tonight,’ he tweeted. ‘Anyway fancy Sunderland! Playing well in this competition to this year!’
Wish we were involved in this game tonight! Anyway fancy Sunderland! Playing well in this competition to this year!—
Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) January 07, 2014
Transfer window: Sunderland midfielder Cabral loaned to Genoa
Sunderland midfielder Cabral has joined Italian Serie A side Genoa in a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old signed for the Black Cats on a free transfer in July after leaving Swiss top-flight club FC Basle, for whom he played Champions League football during a four-season spell.
He started Sunderland's opening day defeat by Fulham, but that remains his only Premier League appearance.
His last action came in a 3-2 League Cup victory over MK Dons in August.
"It was difficult for him to play - sometimes there is not a clear reason, but there are other players in his position and we were looking for special things and he didn't work, for me at least," said Sunderland boss Gus Poyet.
"Now he's got a very good opportunity to play in Italy with a very good club and I hope everything goes well for him."
Cabral's career league games
Lausanne, 2005-07: 26 appearances
Sevilla (loan), 2008-09: 26 appearances
FC Basle, 2007-13: 99 appearances
Sunderland, 2013-14: one appearance
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TRANSFER TALK: Hull boss Bruce distances himself over Sunderland swoop for Fletche
STEVE Bruce has rubbished reports that Hull have put in an £8m bid for the signature of Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher.
Former Sunderland boss Bruce is used to wild transfer speculation at this stage of the season but felt the need to speak publicly about the reported Fletcher interest.
He said: “I saw a story that we’d bid £8million for Steven Fletcher and I just thought, “where on earth have they got that from?”
“I haven’t got a clue where it’s come from.”
The Hull boss already has one Sunderland striker on his books with Danny Graham on loan at the KC Stadium for the remainder of the season.
But while Fletcher is not currently on his radar, he confirmed he is looking for reinforcements up front.
“It’s no secret we want to improve up front,” he admitted.
“We’ve got a couple of irons in the fire and, if they come off, then it would be fantastic. It would give the squad a lift by adding a striker.
“I’ve said for years that you’re only as good as your strikers. That’s the hardest part of any side to fill. “Anyone we bring in has to improve our team though.”
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Sunderland close to deal for Estudiantes’ Vergini
SUNDERLAND are closing in on the signing of Estudiantes centre-half Santiago Vergini, Gus Poyet has confirmed.
The Black Cats are in talks with the cash-strapped South American club, who are prepared to sell the unsettled defender to balance the books.
The 25-year-old was a member of Newell’s Old Boys who won the Argentine league title before his move too Estudiantes last summer.
But the switch has not worked out and with Estudiantes reportedly struggling with cash flow problems, the club are prepared to cash in on Vergini, with the play set to move for less than £500,000 – the price of settling the last six months of his contract.
Poyet, is usually tight-lipped over transfer talk, but feels the deal is close enough to comment.
He said: “On the subject of Vergini, we are very close but it is not done.
“I’m afraid that’s all I can say – until it is done, there’s nothing else can say.
“There are other stories out there, which are just rumours, but the Virgini signing, yes, we are interested and it is close.”
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Rowell Report: Transfer window is huge for Sunderland in relegation battle
A WEEK into the transfer window and things seem to be hotting up with Sunderland who, having secured Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina on the eve of the New Year, are now being firmly linked with players coming in and going out.
We’ve had Liam Bridcutt trying to force events by handing in a transfer request at Brighton.
Meanwhile, at the time of writing, it seems certain that Cabral’s stay at the Stadium of Light is coming to an end, with the player having gone out to Italy with a view to securing a loan move to Genoa.
All these things are signs that moves are now set to take place and although we can see, with the Bridcutt and Cabral stories that things are starting to happen, I’m sure there’s an awful lot more happening behind the scenes that we are not privy to.
This is going to be a very interesting and possibly crucial window for Sunderland.
But I also think, it’s going to be a very important window potentially for every club in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The January transfer window is usually a one where a tweak is made here, a correction there.
But in this particular window, I don’t think that any of the bottom eight in the Premier League can feel as though they have safety secured and, because of that, this window could determine who stays up and who goes down.
I don’t think it’s any exaggeration to say that a very good transfer window for one club, and a very bad one for another, could make all the difference.
In that context, we have to be pleased with the little progress Sunderland have made so far because left-back Alonso’s debut against the Premier League champions was very impressive.
He’s Gus Poyet’s first signing.
And if that’s the calibre and potential of the players he’s bringing in, then that bodes well for Sunderland.
Sunderland boss Poyet: Johnson can be our saving ace
GUS POYET is desperate for Adam Johnson to be Sunderland’s secret weapon in their Premier League survival bid.
The Black Cats’ head coach has identified the former England winger as the player capable of being Sunderland’s match-winner on a regular basis – providing he can find a purple patch of form in the months ahead.
But he’s aware – given Johnson’s sporadic impact at the Stadium of Light since his £10million transfer from Manchester City in August 2012 – that that could well be his biggest challenge of the campaign.
“We have to find a way to get the best out of Adam because I understand that has not been the case so far,” Poyet told the Echo. “Adam Johnson needs to make the difference.
“He’s that type of player – a player who has the quality to change the match for you in a single moment – and we need him to be making the difference for us in games.
“If he’s not doing that, then it is my job to change that and to help him.
“But I was pleased to see him do well against Carlisle United and hopefully that is the start of things turning around for him.
Johnson scored Sunderland’s first goal in the 3-1 FA Cup third round win over Carlisle, saw his shot deflected in for his side’s second and played a major part in creating the third.
And he followed that up with an eye-catching substitute appearance against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup semi-final, in which he asked all sorts of question of the Red Devils’ defence and earned the penalty from which Fabio Borini scored the match-winner in the 2-1 first leg victory.
Poyet said: “Adam’s performance made my day – I think it was the thing I was most pleased about in the whole game because we need him to play like that regularly.”
The Uruguayan hopes the 26-year-old, who he believes has the talent to regain his England place, can play a major part in Sunderland’s efforts to make their league results match their cup form.
Johnson has scored twice in the Capital One Cup, once in the league this season, but Poyet sees the potential for a sustained run of form in attack if he can work out what suits the player best.
He told the Echo: “We know Adam has the ability to win us games, it is just a case of getting him to do it more often. He knows that too, and I believe that he is just as keen as we are to get the best out of him.
“It has been frustrating for him and us, but there are signs there that we might be able to find the way to get the best out of him.
“If we can do, it will be fantastic, because, to get out of trouble, we need to win more games and he is the player who can win a game for you – we’ve seen that in his last couple of performances.”
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Sunderland boss will sign a keeper
SUNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet has confirmed he is the market for a new keeper.
Keiren Westwood is likely to be out for the remainder of the season, and Poyet said today that it is a position he intends to strengthen in this transfer window.
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Rowell Report: Opportunity knocked, but Sunderland fell short against Aston Villa
LAST week’s game against Aston Villa saw Sunderland let themselves and the fans down yet again in a Premier League game.
After two good results at Everton and Cardiff, a home game against a struggling team was the perfect opportunity to climb the table.
But that great opportunity went begging.
Not only did Sunderland fail to win, even a point proved beyond them and Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan barely had a save to make.
When he was beaten, by Emanuele Giaccherini, the linesman wrongly flagged for offside.
And not for the first time this season, a big decision went against Sunderland.
But Sunderland only had themselves to blame – you can’t gift the opposition a goal, as Lee Cattermole did, and not risk suffering the consequences.
It is beyond belief that we are now into January but still Sunderland are waiting for their first win against a team in the bottom half of the Premier League!
And when that sort of statistic develops, you can’t be surprised to find yourself at the bottom of the pile.
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Rowell Report: Sunderland must take cup mentality into Fulham crunch
AFTER two successful cup games, it is back to Premier League action this weekend, as Sunderland face fellow strugglers Fulham in a crucial match at Craven Cottage.
This game really is a dogfight between two teams fighting for their lives, with points all that matters – and that rarely provides a feast of football.
In their last home game, Fulham did what we can’t do, by beating a team around them and gaining a huge three points when West Ham provided the opposition.
It was Fulham who beat us as the Stadium of Light way back in August in the first game of the season, which got our campaign off to the worst possible start, and we’ve struggled badly in the league ever since.
But Fulham have their own problems – they have the worst goal difference in the Premier League and just a couple of games ago conceded six in the second half of their game at Hull City.
So Sunderland must go there with confidence and a positive attitude, because Rene Meulensteen’s men are vulnerable defensively.
The Black Cats need to find the mentality they have when they play cup ties.
Because of our league position, the pressure is greater in league games, but they must deal with that as we can’t afford to lose further ground in the battle to avoid the drop.
Police identify Manchester United fan who threw flare at Sunderland supporters during cup clash
A MANCHESTER United supporter who hurled a flare at opposing fans at the Stadium of Light has been identified.
Flares were lit in the away end, with at least one thrown into a section of home fans, as United lost 2-1 to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Club officials today confirmed that the offender had been identified and his details passed to Northumbria Police.
Paul Weir, head of safety and security at Sunderland AFC, said: “Fortunately, there were no injuries from flare being thrown into the lower North Stand.
“The offender in the away section of the ground has been identified and details passed onto the police. “The use of pyrotechnics is something that the club is working with the Premier League to combat at the Stadium of Light and the incidents were dealt with by trained Fire Stewards.”
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Sunderland enter race to sign Roma midfielder
Sunderland have joined the race to sign AS Roma's defensive midfielder Michael Bradley, according to the Daily Mirror.
The American is in talks with FC Toronto about a possible return to the MLS, but Sunderland are said to be showing some late interest.
Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven are also said to have made contact with the player, in a bid to strengthen their midfield.
Roma currently sit in second place in Serie A after an incredible, record-breaking start to the campaign which saw them win their first 10 league games.
But Bradley has fallen out of contention at the Stadio Olimpico and looks set to depart the club.
Sunderland will have their work cut out to signed the midfielder as FC Toronto are said to have offered him a lucrative $6.5million (roughly £4 million) per year contract, which equates to roughly £75,000 per week.
If the Black Cats can top that, or convince Bradley that he should come to the Premier League, they may land the player - who has many years left at only 26-years-old.
His experience playing in the top league in Italy for years will undoubtedly steady Sunderland as they fight for Premier League survival, and his high quality passing could provide the difference in a relegation battle that looks set to rumble on until the last day of the season.
TRANSFER TALK: Hull boss Bruce distances himself over Sunderland swoop for Fletcher
STEVE Bruce has rubbished reports that Hull have put in an £8m bid for the signature of Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher.
Former Sunderland boss Bruce is used to wild transfer speculation at this stage of the season but felt the need to speak publicly about the reported Fletcher interest.
He said: “I saw a story that we’d bid £8million for Steven Fletcher and I just thought, “where on earth have they got that from?”
“I haven’t got a clue where it’s come from.”
The Hull boss already has one Sunderland striker on his books with Danny Graham on loan at the KC Stadium for the remainder of the season.
But while Fletcher is not currently on his radar, he confirmed he is looking for reinforcements up front.
“It’s no secret we want to improve up front,” he admitted.
“We’ve got a couple of irons in the fire and, if they come off, then it would be fantastic. It would give the squad a lift by adding a striker.
“I’ve said for years that you’re only as good as your strikers. That’s the hardest part of any side to fill. “Anyone we bring in has to improve our team though.”
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Ryan Giggs fires an Old Trafford warning shot at relegated Sunderland, we have the ref next time, again.
Ryan Giggs has warned Sunderland that Manchester United are due a change of fortune as they contemplate a Capital One Cup semi-final fightback and have the referees in there pocket once again.
The 40-year-old Welshman, in particular, was out of luck on Wearside on Tuesday night as the Red Devils slipped to a 2-1 first-leg defeat, which leaves them with work to do when the sides meet again on January 22 to determine who will make the trip to Wembley, with Man U play so bad we need the referees to give us soft easy goals and pens.
Giggs rattled the bar with a deflected shot, denied Adnan Januzaj nothing at the Stadium of Light this season with an unwitting block from an offside position which the goalkeeper would have saved and then bundled Wes Brown’s cross into his own net, and all before the break.
However, he is confident the tie is far from over as Man U now have the referees in there pocket again just like the last 18 years and is already eagerly anticipating a second crack at the Black Cats with ten pens in the first half.
Piggs said: “We did not have that little bit of referee luck. I hit the crossbar and Adnan hit a shot against me when I was offside and the referee never played on like they used to.
“On another day, the referee would have given that, but it just did not go for us. We will keep plugging away and we will look forward to the second leg. We are still in it and we look forward to it at Old Trafford.”
It was a reverse which left manager David Moyes with further questions to answer, with the reigning champions 11 points off the pace in the race for the Premier League title and having bowed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle at the weekend. But it was they who looked to be assuming control of the first leg as the clock ticked into stoppage time at the end of the opening 45 minutes until Sunderland were awarded a free-kick, much to Moyes’ annoyance, since when do referees help other teams not call Man U, said Moyes.
His mood took a further turn for the worse when Brown was allowed to return Sebastian Larsson’s delivery across the face of goal, where Giggs and Phil Bardsley converged on the ball only for the former to get the decisive touch.
Skipper Nemanja Vidic dragged the visitors back into it within seven minutes of the restart when he climbed hands first over John O’Shea and Brown to power home Tom Cleverley’s corner.
However, Cleverley’s nasty trip on substitute Adam Johnson gave Fabio Borini the chance to smash home a 65th-minute penalty.
Giggs said: “I thought the referee decisions were harsh, because only Man U can win them. I thought the first one was a free-kick to us – even if we did kick that Sunderland player over, we still have got to defend the free-kick.
“We got punished for that, but we were getting back into the game with a great header from Nemanja, and it looked like there was only going to be one winner.
“We created enough chances, but unfortunately the referee went against us for the first time ever.
“We were quite happy with our performance. We felt we did enough to at least get a draw. The only chances they really had were set-pieces. It was just one of those nights.”
Man Utd: David Moyes charged with misconduct by FA
Manchester United manager David Moyes has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association.
It is in relation to comments made after Tuesday's 2-1 League Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Sunderland when Moyes, 50, said United are "beginning to laugh at referees" for their "terrible" decisions.
He added that they are "playing referees as well as the opposition".
Moyes has until 18:00 GMT on Wednesday, 15 January to respond to the charge.
"It is alleged the comments called into question the integrity of the match officials... and/or implied that such match officials are motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute, in contravention of Rule E3(1)," said a statement.
The first-leg defeat was United's third loss in a week - the first time that has happened since 1992.
The Premier League champions were beaten 2-1 at home by Tottenham at the start of 2014 and followed that up with elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea, which was also played at Old Trafford.
The former Everton manager was also irked by a decision during the Spurs defeat, stating it was "scandalous" United were not awarded a late penalty.
Moyes, who succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at United at the end of last season, said he had the pedigree to guide the club through "difficult" times.
"I have done it before, I'm experienced and I just sense that it's just on the verge of turning," he added. "I sense that we are about to get a bit better.
"If you are going to be in this job, then that's what happens. You have got to win and in the last few games, I have not won.
"We are going through a difficult time. It's part of football management, it's never going to be an easy ride."
Earlier this week, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was fined £8,000 over comments he made about referee Lee Mason after the defeat at Manchester City.
We are going through a difficult time - it's part of football management, it's never going to be an easy ride”
Man Utd manager David Moyes
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Capital One Cup: Sunderland defeat Manchester United 2-1 in semi-final first leg
Sunderland increased the pressure on beleaguered Manchester United manager David Moyes with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
The Black Cats claimed their first victory over United since November 2000 thanks to Fabio Borini's second-half penalty at the Stadium of Light as the Red Devils suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions, their worst run since May 2001.
Borini fired high into David de Gea's net in the 64th minute on Tuesday night after Tom Cleverley was penalised for a clumsy challenge on substitute Adam Johnson as he burst into the box.
Sunderland took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Ryan Giggs could only turn the ball into his own net under pressure from Phil Bardsley after Wes Brown's pass following Seb Larsson's free-kick.
United equalised early in the second period as Nemanja Vidic headed home Cleverley's corner, but Borini's penalty means that more questions will be asked about Moyes' management, even though there is still time for redemption in the second leg at Old Trafford on January 22.
The tie, of course, is far from over and United, who were watched by their former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and director Sir Bobby Charlton, may approach the second leg confident of clawing back the deficit.
However, they have already lost five times at Old Trafford this season - to West Brom, Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle and Swansea - and Sunderland will travel dreaming of a first trip to the League Cup final since 1985.
Despite their lowly league standing, the Black Cats started confidently against a United side whose form had been indifferent leading into the game.
Debutant Marcos Alonso provided a useful outlet down the left, while Ki Sung-yueng's invention from central midfield kept the United rearguard on its toes.
But in truth, the home side never really threatened until the closing stages of the half, and it was the Red Devils, who took time to get going, who had the greater threat.
After Borini and Larsson had gone for goal from long distance at the other end, the visitors started to make an impact and nearly took the lead when Michael Carrick picked out Giggs in space and the Welshman was allowed to make ground before unleashing a shot which clipped Bardsley and crashed against the bar.
With Carrick starting to pull the strings and Patrice Evra and Januzaj finding space, United started to find their rhythm and Bardsley had to head away Januzaj's curling 33rd-minute shot as it arced toward the top corner.
The teenager thought he had made the breakthrough five minutes later when, after his initial effort had hit Giggs in front of goal, he rammed home the rebound.
However, an offside flag correctly ended his celebrations with Giggs having strayed beyond the last defender when he made his unwitting contribution.
Moyes' disappointment was to increase in injury time at the end of the first half when Brown turned Larsson's free-kick back across goal and Giggs bundled it under his own net under extreme pressure from Bardsley.
It took the visitors just seven minutes of the second half to restore parity, as Cleverley floated a corner to the far post and Vidic climbed high above Brown and John O'Shea to power a header home.
Sunderland, for whom Larsson had forced a fine save from De Gea minutes earlier, refused to succumb and they regained the lead when Cleverley tripped Johnson, with referee Andre Marriner awarding a penalty on the advice of assistant Peter Bankes.
United were furious but replays suggested it was rash from Cleverley and suitably punished, Rafael was booked for protesting - and was then fortunate to stay on the field after catching Borini soon after.
Borini sent the keeper the wrong way to put United on the back foot once again, and although the visitors threw men forward as time ran down, they rarely threatened to square the tie.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet says potential British signings are more interested in their pay than playing
Uruguayan manager reveals he has been forced to look abroad in the transfer window because many homegrown targets are too happy sitting on the bench at big clubs.
Gus Poyet has revealed Sunderland’s attempts to buy British players are being hampered by the fact too many of them are more interested in how much they earn than playing regularly. Of the 14 players signed by Sunderland in the summer, only one was British, the former Altrincham forward Duncan Watmore.
It is a failing Poyet wanted to address this month, but he is once again forced to look abroad as clubs either want too much money for their British players or the players already earn too much money to consider moving to Sunderland.
Poyet is still hopeful of pushing through a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Liam Bridcutt, but he has also signed Spanish defender Marco Alonso from Fiorentina and is on the verge of capturing Argentine centre-back Santiago Vergini for £500,000 from Estudiantes.
“So far players who’ve been in England, or British-based players, even if they are foreign, it is difficult to get them,” said Poyet. “Sometimes there are English players and they’re on the bench at teams, not playing, and they should be playing in another team, but because we cannot pay them [enough], there’s no chance of them coming.
“It’s not because there’s too many foreigners in England, it is because there are not enough British players playing at the top teams. It’s the system that’s wrong.”
Poyet, who has allowed unwanted midfielder Cabral to leave for Genoa this week, added: “There are teams who want too much money, there are teams who have no limit on what they pay. There are clubs with more money and big squads and it’s impossible to get those players.
“I wanted to play when I was a player, but it’s down to the player’s character, the future they have and what they want.”
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Sunderland boss Poyet on Verg of landing long-time transfer target
Gus Poyet says he has been tracking transfer target Santiago Vergini since he was making Premier League plans with Brighton
Gus Poyet has revealed that Santiago Vergini is a long-time transfer target after confirming Sunderland are ‘very close’ to signing the Argentina international.
The Black Cats are aiming to sign the 25-year-old centre-back on a short-term deal until the end of the season - the Wearsiders paying only the £500,000 remaining on his contract at cash-strapped Estudiantes - but with an option to extend his stay assuming Sunderland retain their Premier League status.
Poyet has done his homework on Vergini after starting to track him last season while in charge at Brighton with a view to bringing him to England had the Seagulls won promotion to the top flight through the play-offs.
He said: “He is a player I know well because we were following him last season in case we went up with Brighton.
“I watched him for about six months when he was with Newells Old Boys and the way he plays, understands football and his physical size made me think of him as a potential signing.
“He has played one game for the national team and he has also been in the squad a few times.
“Then of course, everything happened in the summer, Brighton did not go up and I left the club.
“However, he is still a player who interests me and now we have the possibility of signing him here at Sunderland.”
Vergini joined Estudiantes in the summer but his new club are prepared to let him go to balance the books.
The deal is not finalised, however, with Poyet adding: “We are very close but it is not yet done.”
Even if Vergini’s move went through today, international clearance was unlikely to be processed in time for him to play at Fulham tomorrow.
One deal which has gone through is Cabral’s loan move to Genoa, the Italian side having the option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Poyet said: “Cabral has gone and we wish him well.
“It was not working out for him here and now he has a great opportunity to restart his career at Genoa.”
Laudrup rules out Ki return from Sunderland despite Swansea injury toll
Michael Laudrup has ruled out recalling Ki Sung-Yueng from Sunderland despite Swansea City's injury crisis.
Swansea are missing seven senior players for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at Manchester United and Laudrup is likely to include two or three reserve-team faces on his bench at Old Trafford.
Ki, meanwhile, impressed during his season-long loan at Sunderland and Swansea are entitled, under the terms of Ki's loan, to recall the South Korean.
However, Laudrup insisted he would not take that option. When asked if he had considered recalling the midfielder, he said: 'Yes and no. Of course it's a possibility, but there are a lot of things you have to take into consideration.
'Sunderland are last in the table, but they are in a cup semi-final and Ki is playing regularly.
'I don't think bringing him back would help either of us. If I bring him back he will sit on the bench and maybe play some games.
'Imagine then, if Sunderland go to the final, how that would affect the player mentally.'
FULHAM v SUNDERLAND: All the latest team news and stats as Black Cats attempt to move off the bottom of the table
Craven Cottage (Saturday, 3pm)
Fulham team news:
Fulham captain Brede Hangeland could return after a three-month absence in Saturday's clash with Sunderland.
The Norway defender underwent surgery in December to clear sciatic nerve trouble and is back in full training with the Whites.
Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg will have an ankle complaint assessed before the match, while full-back Kieran Richardson is available after hamstring tightness.
Steven Fletcher is set to keep his place in Sunderland's starting line-up for the Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham after shrugging off a slight knock sustained in the midweek Capital One Cup win over Manchester United.
Black Cats boss Gus Poyet does not expect any fresh injury concerns and could keep faith in the side that secured their 2-1 first-leg win, although Adam Johnson is pushing for a recall after being singled out by Poyet for special praise.
Poyet is without midfielder Cabral who has moved to Genoa on loan until the end of the season, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Fulham have kept six clean sheets in their last nine Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W4 D4 L1).
Sunderland have won only two of their nine previous Premier League trips to Fulham (D2 L5), though both victories ended 3-1.
Darren Bent has scored a goal every 360 minutes on average for Fulham; his worst record at any of his six PL clubs. His best minutes/goal ratio came at opponents in this game Sunderland (161).
Fulham have conceded a league-high 18 Premier League goals at home this term.
Sunderland remain the only team in the bottom eight not to have won a game against a fellow side currently in that section of the Premier League table.
Dimitar Berbatov has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances for Fulham.
In fact the mercurial Bulgarian has scored nine goals in his last nine Premier League appearances in January.
This is Sunderland’s second lowest points total after 20 games of a Premier League season (14). In 2005/06, they had managed just six points at this stage.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in four league games away from home (W1 D3).
Only once in Premier League (two in 2007/08) have Fulham had fewer clean sheets to show for themselves after 20 games of a Premier League this season than they do this season (three).
*Stats supplied by Opta
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Man United fans are getting a taste of life as an ordinary club... Moyes is not mean enough to influence referees like Fergie did
Fans of any team other than Manchester United must have been baffled by David Moyes' comments after their third consecutive defeat that his team are 'playing referees as well as the opposition'.
Isn't that how every other supporter feels on a regular basis? And is Moyes suggesting that under the champions' previous manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, decisions didn't go against them?
Having refereed Fergie's United 57 times I would like to think that I officiated impartially and as evenhandedly as I did when refereeing any team.
However, I would concede there was a sense of relief when United played well and won, particularly at Old Trafford.
I knew if they didn't win there was every chance of seeing and, more importantly, hearing Ferguson and reading his comments about me in the papers the next day.
All referees knew that Fergie's standing in the game - and the fact that he was at the biggest club - meant that when he unleashed the hairdryer on a referee there were inevitable headlines.
Did that mean I favoured them? Definitely not. But the subconscious mind works in a strange way and statisticians would point to figures that support their claim United gained from officials' decisions during Fergie's reign.
The Scot stated in his foreword to my autobiography Seeing Red that I was the referee he wanted to see appointed to the biggest games, but he added I did not give decisions which favoured his team and that I was 'hopeless' in some of United's games.
So his impression was that I clearly never did United any favours.
Of course Moyes has had to deal with a few dubious decisions, in particular the one to not award a penalty when Ashley Young was brought down by Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
However, he had to deal with those regularly when he was managing Everton and he dealt with those with a lot more dignity than he has managed of late.
Is this latest outburst a reaction to the undoubted pressure that Moyes finds himself under or is it an attempt to put pressure on upcoming referees?
If it is then I fear another defeat for Moyes, who must accept that he does not have the same intimidating presence as his predecessor had. However hard referees tried, that presence did affect some decisions.
Nor has he mastered the 'dark arts' style of referee management preferred by Jose Mourinho, who is currently the manager who referees know can create a critical headline or two.
I always felt a sense of relief when United played well and won, particularly at Old Trafford... I knew if they didn't there was every chance of reading Ferguson's comments about me in the papers the next day
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Moyes in the dock as Man United boss is charged for ref blast after Sunderland defeat
Manchester United manager David Moyes has been charged with misconduct for his comments about match officials following the 2-1 defeat by Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.
The Football Association announced the charge, which comes after Moyes said United were 'playing referees as well as the opposition' following his side's third defeat in a row.
An FA statement read: 'Manchester United manager David Moyes has been charged for misconduct by The FA in relation to post-match media comments he made following his side's game against Sunderland on Tuesday 7 January 2014.
'It is alleged the comments called into question the integrity of the match officials appointed to that fixture and/or appointed to Manchester United fixtures generally, and/or implied that such match officials are motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute, in contravention of Rule E3(1).'
Moyes has until 6pm on January 15 to respond to the charge.
Moyes issued his blast after questioning the awarding of a free-kick that led to Sunderland's opening goal and a penalty. It followed the United manager saying it was 'scandalous' his side were not awarded a late penalty against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
He said on Tuesday: 'I feel we are having to play the opposition and the referees. We are all just laughing at them at the minute.'
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was fined £8,000 and warned as to his conduct on Thursday after admitting a similar charge.
Premier League predictions Mark Lawrenson: Fulham v Sunderland
Sunderland rode their luck a little bit against Manchester United on Tuesday but ended up with a really good win in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
It is back to reality for the Black Cats now in their relegation fight and it is these games that are the important ones for them, against another struggling team.
The Cottagers have shaken up their entire coaching setup with the arrivals of Alan Curbishley and now Ray Wilkins to join manager Rene Meulensteen.
After getting thrashed 6-0 by Hull, they bounced back well to beat West Ham in their last league outing, and another home win here would be huge for them.
Sunderland are still down amongst the dead men but, since Gus Poyet took charge in October, they have not been that bad.
The Black Cats have been playing OK and have been competitive in games, but their big problem is that they look goal-shy.
They seem to have to make an awful lot of chances to get a goal and that means they make things very difficult for themselves.
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
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Fulham Vs.Sunderland
Barclays Premier League Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Saturday, 11 January
TEAM NEWS
Fulham are likely to be without defender Brede Hangeland because of an ongoing sciatic nerve problem.
Netherlands international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg could return after a four-game absence with an ankle injury.
Sunderland have no new injury concerns despite being in midweek League Cup action against Manchester United.
Gus Poyet is without long-term absentees Carlos Cuellar (thigh) and Kieren Westwood (shoulder).
MATCH PREVIEW
Having commentated on Fulham's second-half capitulation at Hull City over Christmas, I had them down as relegation certainties.
That day in East Yorkshire they were spineless in defence and toothless in attack, a combination that could only have one outcome. But significantly that day they were missing Scott Parker and Dimitar Berbatov, while the back four had a makeshift feel to it.
Keeping Parker fit and just keeping Berbatov will be pivotal in their hopes of survival. There's bound to be interest in the Bulgarian during the transfer window but in selling him, Fulham risk losing their chief asset in the bid to remain in the Premier League.
Looking at Rene Meulensteen's squad I firmly believe there's enough quality in it to avoid the drop - just! Recent results support that judgement as either side of the horror at Hull, they beat Norwich and West Ham.
Now they face another fellow struggler, knowing victory would put further distance between themselves and the bottom three.
Although still anchored to the foot of the table, Sunderland should make the trip south in confident mood. On Tuesday they wrote another chapter in their remarkable Capital One Cup story and their 2-1 first-leg success in their semi-final against Manchester United leaves them tantalisingly close to Wembley.
Many on Wearside fear a repeat of 1985 when Sunderland combined an appearance in the League Cup final with relegation from the top flight, but it need not end that way.
Gus Poyet's team have cobbled together a reasonable run recently on the road. They're unbeaten in their last four games, finally securing their first away win of the season at Everton on Boxing Day. A repeat of last season's 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage would bring even greater celebration.
This will be the fourth time I've covered Sunderland this season and I've yet to commentate on a goal by them! But with Fulham's leaky defence that should change this weekend.
Whether they'll return north with all the points is another question and might well depend on the fitness of Parker and the mood of Berbatov.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Fulham won the last meeting between the clubs at the Stadium of Light, Pajtim Kasami scoring the only goal.
Sunderland were victorious at Craven Cottage last season, winning 3-1 in one of only four successes away from home last season.
The Cottagers have won eight of 19 Premier League encounters, with four victories for the Black Cats.
Fulham
Fulham's 42 goals conceded this season is the most of any Premier League team.
The Cottagers have conceded the first goal in a league-high 15 games but have fought back to win three games from losing positions, the joint second best record.
They have not drawn a Premier League match in 16 fixtures since a 1-1 draw with West Brom on 14 September.
Dimitar Berbatov has scored nine goals in his last nine league appearances in January.
Sunderland
Sunderland are unbeaten in their last four away matches in the league, their best run since a six-game streak between August-November 1999.
They remain the only team in the bottom eight not to have won a game against another side currently in that section of the Premier League table.
The Wearsiders have scored only five goals on their travels this season, one-third of their entire league tally.
Gus Poyet's side have won just once in the top flight on the back of their four Capital One Cup ties this season.
Lee Cattermole has scored just four career league goals, one of which came against Fulham while at Middlesbrough in August 2007.
45:00 +2:02 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Fulham 0, Sunderland 2. 44:22 Foul by Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham). 44:22 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 43:24 Scott Parker (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 43:24 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 42:41 Attempt missed. Adel Taarabt (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Clint Dempsey. 40:08 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Fulham 0, Sunderland 2. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Adam Johnson following a set piece situation. 39:18 Booking
Booking
John Arne Riise (Fulham) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 39:08 Foul by John Arne Riise (Fulham). 39:08 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 38:47 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by John Arne Riise. 38:05 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Philippe Senderos. 37:46 Foul by Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham). 37:46 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 36:28 Booking
Booking
Steve Sidwell (Fulham) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 36:24 Foul by Steve Sidwell (Fulham). 36:24 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 34:34 Attempt saved. Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 33:55 Foul by Damien Duff (Fulham). 33:55 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 32:53 Offside, Fulham. Sascha Riether tries a through ball, but Dimitar Berbatov is caught offside. 31:25 Attempt missed. Scott Parker (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Steve Sidwell. 31:12 Adel Taarabt (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 31:12 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 29:54 Booking
Booking
Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 28:10 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Fulham 0, Sunderland 1. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) from a free kick with a left footed shot to the top right corner. 27:09 Foul by Steve Sidwell (Fulham). 27:09 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 26:27 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by John Arne Riise. 25:29 Attempt missed. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Damien Duff with a cross following a corner. 24:34 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 24:33 Attempt saved. Adel Taarabt (Fulham) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Dimitar Berbatov. 22:37 Foul by Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham). 22:37 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 21:29 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from very close range is just a bit too high. Assisted by John O'Shea with a headed pass following a set piece situation. 20:49 Foul by Steve Sidwell (Fulham). 20:49 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 20:36 Foul by Scott Parker (Fulham). 20:36 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 20:06 Foul by Philippe Senderos (Fulham). 20:06 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 17:23 Attempt saved. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Adam Johnson. 16:23 Attempt missed. Clint Dempsey (Fulham) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Adel Taarabt. 15:42 Adel Taarabt (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 15:42 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 15:19 Damien Duff (Fulham) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 15:19 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 14:42 Attempt missed. Adel Taarabt (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Steve Sidwell. 11:34 Scott Parker (Fulham) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 11:34 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 8:25 Attempt missed. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Sascha Riether following a fast break. 7:50 Foul by Fernando Amorebieta (Fulham). 7:50 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 6:14 Attempt saved. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) with an attempt from very close range is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Adel Taarabt with a cross. 5:51 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by John O'Shea. 3:27 Foul by John Arne Riise (Fulham). 3:27 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Fulham Vs Sunderland Full time
Full Time Match ends, Fulham 1, Sunderland 4. 90:00 +4:06
Second Half ends, Fulham 1, Sunderland 4. 90:00 +3:11 Philippe Senderos (Fulham) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +3:11 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 90:00 +2:39 Attempt missed. Pajtim Kasami (Fulham) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Dimitar Berbatov. 90:00 +0:04 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by John Arne Riise. 89:26 Offside, Fulham. David Stockdale tries a through ball, but Pajtim Kasami is caught offside. 88:58 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Wes Brown. 88:54 Attempt saved. Steve Sidwell (Fulham) right footed shot from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by John Arne Riise with a cross. 87:10 Attempt missed. Scott Parker (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is too high following a corner. 86:53 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 86:46 Attempt missed. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Pajtim Kasami with a cross following a corner. 86:33 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 86:11 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Ondrej Celustka replaces Adam Johnson. 84:57 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Fulham 1, Sunderland 4. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner. 84:06 Penalty conceded by Philippe Senderos (Fulham) after a foul in the penalty area. 84:06 Penalty Sunderland. Jozy Altidore draws a foul in the penalty area. 81:13 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Wes Brown. 79:01 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Ki Sung-Yueng. 78:24 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Wes Brown.
78:23 Attempt blocked. Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ashkan Dejagah. 78:10 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Fulham. Darren Bent replaces Clint Dempsey. 74:56 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson replaces Fabio Borini. 74:05 Foul by Philippe Senderos (Fulham). 74:05 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 73:29 Foul by Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham). 73:29 Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 71:45 Offside, Fulham. Fernando Amorebieta tries a through ball, but Ashkan Dejagah is caught offside. 70:36 Attempt blocked. Pajtim Kasami (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ashkan Dejagah. 69:32 Booking
Booking
Adam Johnson (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 68:51 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Fulham 1, Sunderland 3. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ki Sung-Yueng with a through ball following a fast break. 68:00 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Fulham. Ashkan Dejagah replaces Damien Duff. 67:41 Philippe Senderos (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 67:41 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 65:39 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jozy Altidore replaces Steven Fletcher. 64:52 Attempt missed. Clint Dempsey (Fulham) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Sascha Riether with a cross. 62:58 Steve Sidwell (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 62:58 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 62:39 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Fulham. Pajtim Kasami replaces Adel Taarabt. 62:16 Attempt missed. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Adam Johnson with a cross following a corner. 61:55 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Scott Parker. 61:25 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by David Stockdale. 61:20 Attempt blocked. Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 58:48 Booking
Booking
Scott Parker (Fulham) is shown the yellow card. 58:44 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Marcos Alonso. 57:32 Booking
Booking
Jack Colback (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 57:22 Adel Taarabt (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 57:22 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 56:38 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Fabio Borini. 56:18 Adel Taarabt (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 56:18 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 54:24 Adel Taarabt (Fulham) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 54:24 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 51:22 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Fulham 1, Sunderland 2. Steve Sidwell (Fulham) header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Damien Duff with a cross following a corner. 50:58 Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Marcos Alonso. 50:26 Clint Dempsey (Fulham) wins a free kick on the left wing. 50:26 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 49:07 Steve Sidwell (Fulham) wins a free kick on the right wing. 49:07 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 46:52 Attempt saved. John Arne Riise (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Steve Sidwell. 45:00
Second Half begins Fulham 0, Sunderland 2.
Sunderland off bottom after Adam Johnson treble sinks Fulham
Fulham 1 Sunderland 4
Fulham Steve Sidwell 52
Sunderland Adam Johnson 29, Sung-Yeung Ki 41, Adam Johnson 69, Adam Johnson 85 pen
Adam Johnson struck a hat-trick and set up a goal for Ki Sung-yueng as Sunderland strode off the bottom of the table in impressive style and plunged Fulham into deeper peril. Sunderland, seeking to become only the second side in the Premier League era to dodge relegation after being bottom at Christmas, are now just a single point from 17th place, and Fulham are only out of the drop zone by the same margin. On this evidence Gus Poyet's team look the better bet to survive.
Both teams arrived in relatively good form but still in bad positions, making this a clash where the result would be read like a prophesy: the loser would feel doom was nigh. To Poyet's credit, Sunderland handled the stakes with a composure seldom seen from teams in last place. They calmly deflated a Fulham side that began as if buoyed by two wins in their last three league matches and the return of Clint Dempsey, who was making his first league start since rejoining the club on loan from Seattle Sounders. It turned out the continued absence of Brede Hangeland was more significant as Fulham yet again shipped a slew of goals.
Still, the American was warmly welcomed back by the Craven Cottage crowd in Fulham's hour of need. Adel Taarabt, however, looked the home side's most dangerous and dynamic player, taking regular tilts at the visiting defence. But Sunderland had not lost any of their previous four away matches in the league and showed a solidity that confounded Fulham, even if Dimitar Berbatov spurned two decent early chance to open the scoring. The Bulgarian headed a Taarabt corner into the arms of Vito Mannone in the seventh minute and two minutes later he miscontrolled when sent clear on goal by Sascha Riether following a mistake by Wes Brown.
Other than that, Sunderland absorbed most of what Fulham could muster and gradually asserted themselves going forward. Phil Bardsley forced an awkward save from David Stockdale before Steven Fletcher nodded over from close range. Taarabt tried to shift the flow back in Fulham's favour and, in the 25th minute, waltzed into the Sunderland box before shooting from a tight angle. Mannone batted the ball behind.
Johnson pestered the home defence constantly with his jagged runs and cutting crosses and on the 29th minute he angered them even more when he tumbled outside the box following questionable contact from Steve Sidwell. The referee Mike Dean awarded a free-kick and Johnson got up to curl it towards the top corner from 20 yards. Stockdale got both hands to it but failed to make the save.
Then Fulham's familiar frailties really became apparent. Their veteran players started to look sluggish and disjointed as Sunderland showed greater energy and cohesion. That superior sharpness was encapsulated by the visitors' second goal, which came from a well-worked free-kick.
Johnson pulled the ball back from the right to the unmarked Ki, whose shot from 10 yards got a slight deflection on its way into the net.
Fulham had to improve and temporarily did so, though Sidwell's goal in the 52nd minute was aided by abominable defending, Marcos Alonso merely watching as his opponent nodded a Duff corner into the net from close range. Now things started to get frantic.
Tempers and the tempo rose and Cattermole risked a red card by lunging at Scott Parker, though, despite the protestations of the home player and fans, the referee deemed it a legitimate attempt to win the ball.
Fulham found more vigour but Sunderland created the clearer chances. Fabio Borini fired wide from long rage for Sunderland before Lee Cattermole went closer, Stockdale pushing his 25-yard shot behind for a corner.
The keeper, who looked jittery throughout, almost gifted Sunderland a goal-scoring chance in the 66th minute but Philippe Senderos tidied up after the goalkeeper's botched clearance.
Sunderland then scored through the best move of the match. Ki glided through midfield, swapping passes with Jozy Altidore as he went, before sliding a gorgeous pass behind Riether to Johnson, who struck a first-time shot under Stockdale from a tight angle.
Johnson completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot late on after Senderos oafishly fouled Altidore in the box.
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Premier League - Sunderland stun Fulham with brilliant away win
Premier League, Craven Cottage - Fulham 1 (Sidwell 52) Sunderland 4 (Johnson 29, 69, 85 pen)
Adam Johnson’s virtuoso hat-trick gave Sunderland a vital 4-1 victory away to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Johnson got his first from a free-kick, bending the ball from 35 yards out in to the top corner. Despite goalkeeper David Stockdale getting two hands on the ball, Johnson's stunning free kick flew through his palms and in to the top corner.
His second came early in the second half after a wonderful counter attack from the away side. Ki brought the ball out from the penalty area before playing a one-two with Jozy Altidore on the half way line. He delayed and delayed and delayed his pass inside Riise but when it came it was inch perfect for Johnson to rifle home low with his right foot.
And then a few minutes from time Altidore won a penalty off Phillippe Senderos who left a trailing leg as the big American waltzed past him and in on goal. Johnson stepped up and blasted the ball low into the bottom right corner sending Stockdale the wrong way.
The winger also set up Sunderland’s second when he played a low free kick to Ki on the penalty spot for the South Korean to sweep home and give the Black Cats a 2-0 first half lead.
Fulham rallied early in the second half and pulled one back through a Steve Sidwell free header from a corner to get the score to 2-1 but the West Londoners couldn’t muster another goal before Johnson put them to the sword later in the second half.
The win lifts Sunderland off the bottom of the table and in to 19th place, just two points off Fulham who sit outside the relegation zone in 16th.
KEY MOMENTS
9’ – BERBATOV BLUFF – Sasha Reither caught Wes Brown in possession on the right wing before playing a low pass to Berbatov in the penalty area. The Bulgarian tried to take the ball first time on his left foot but was off balance and could only shank the ball wide.
29’ – MAGIC JOHNSON – Adam Johnson stood over the ball looking seriously confident as he lined up his strike from 35 yards out. He bent the ball with power over the wall but provided just enough dip to get it under the crossbar. David Stockdale flung himself at it and got two hands on the ball but the power of the shot sent the ball into the back of the net.
41’ – CONTROVERSIAL GOAL – Fabio Borini tucked the ball past Riise on the right wing with the Norwegian flying in. The Italian appeared to hurdle the tackle but fell to the floor and a free kick was given. Johnson stood over it and laid the ball to Ki who swept home to put Sunderland two goals up. But should it have been a free kick in the first place?
52’ – FULHAM FIGHTBACK – Steve Sidwell glanced in a free header from just five yards out as Damien Duff swung the ball in from a corner. Sunderland’s marking was woeful as the English midfielder headed home the easiest goal of his career.
69’ – SWIFT COUNTER – Sunderland produced one of the counter attacks of the season when Ki was able to bring the ball out from his penalty area, play a one-two with Jozy Altidore on the half way line and then drive at the Fulham defence before playing a slide rule pass inside Riise at full back for Johnson to smash home with his right foot.
85' – HATTRICK HERO – Johnson smashed home a penalty after Altidore was tripped in the area for his first ever Premier League hattrick. The winger sent the goalkeeper the wrong way as he sealed the game for Sunderland.
KEY STATS
Adam Johnson scored his first ever Premier League hattrick while Dimitar Berbatov didn’t score for the first time in three games.
The hattrick was also Sunderland’s first since Darren Bent, now at Fulham, scored in their 4-0 home win against Bolton in 2010.
Sunderland only enjoyed 41% possession and had only 10 shots compared to Fulham’s 17 but had more on target with six to the home side’s five.
Steve Sidwell is now Fulham’s top scorer with five goals – from defensive midfield. This is also the first time Sidwell has scored five goals in a single Premier League season.
TALKING POINT
Can Sunderland drag themselves out of the relegation dogfight in the second half of the season? With more performances like this, then it is certainly do-able but the Black Cats must be wary of inconsistency. If they can keep players like Wes Brown and John O'Shea fit at the back with Johnson and Ki combining going forward, they've got every chance.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Adam Johnson (Sunderland): There was only ever going to be one winner despite an awesome display from fellow goalscorer Ki. The winger was dynamic and inventive and finished every opportunity that came his way. Also set up Ki for the second with a well worked free kick.
Fulham 1-4 Sunderland: Full match highlights and report, as Johnson scores three
Adam Johnson scored a hat-trick as Sunderland won 4-1 against Fulham at Craven Cottage in a key game at the bottom of the Premier League table on Saturday.
Johnson opened the scoring with a sweetly-struck free-kick just before the half-hour mark and then set up Ki Sung-yeung to make it 2-0.
Ki then returned the favour for Johnson to score again midway through the second half after Fulham had reduced the deficit through Steve Sidwell, and he completed his hat-trick from the spot five minutes from time.
The result lifts Sunderland off the bottom of the table and, while they remain in the relegation zone, they are now within two points of the Cottagers, who are 16th.
Gustavo Poyet’s side were fresh from a 2-1 win against Manchester United in midweek in their League Cup semi-final first leg, but they had only managed one win in nine league matches.
They also lost 1-0 to Fulham when the teams met at the Stadium of Light on the opening day of the season but the London club have been particularly suspect defensively in recent weeks, conceding 16 goals in five league matches coming into the weekend.
They went behind with 28 minutes played here. Referee Mike Dean awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, and Johnson stepped up to curl a left-footed shot into the top-right corner of David Stockdale’s net.
The goalkeeper should perhaps have done better, but Johnson was not complaining and he was then the architect when the visitors doubled their lead four minutes before the break.
This time he played a short free-kick from the right low for Ki, whose first-time shot found the net through a crowd of players.
Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen would have had strong words for his players at the interval and they got back into the game in the 52nd minute when Damien Duff’s corner from the right was headed home from inside the six-yard box by an unchallenged Sidwell.
That gave the hosts hope of taking something from the game, but Johnson and Sunderland had other ideas.
They restored their two-goal advantage in the 69th minute at the end of a superb counter-attack, as Ki played a one-two with substitute Jozy Altidore and then slipped a terrific ball in behind the home defence for Johnson, who had raced up the right wing and finished low past Stockdale.
The former Manchester City winger was not finished there though. When Altidore was brought down inside the box by Philippe Senderos with five minutes to go, Johnson stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty and seal a convincing win for the visitors.
Fulham have now conceded four goals or more in four of their last six games, and a disappointing day for them was summed up when Vito Mannone somehow denied Sidwell from point-blank range right at the death.
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Premier League: Sunderland stun Fulham with shock 4-1 win at Craven Cottage
Adam Johnson scored his first Premier League hat-trick as rock-bottom Sunderland produced a shock 4-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The 11-cap England midfielder laid on Sunderland's other goal as Gus Poyet's men drove to a comprehensive win at Craven Cottage.
Goals from Johnson and Ki Sung-Yueng had Sunderland in total control at the break, before Steve Sidwell headed his fifth of the season for Fulham after the turnaround.
Johnson had laid on Sunderland's second for Ki, before the South Korean returned the favour for the Black Cats' third.
Swansea loan man Ki's fine slide-rule pass allowed Johnson to kill off the game, and the 26-year-old delivered as Sunderland claimed their first league win in three attempts.
The Sunderland-born winger then slotted a penalty in the dying stages after Philippe Senderos fouled Jozy Altidore.
Two smart Johnson free-kicks had Sunderland in control, the first a curler into the top corner that David Stockdale could not tip clear.
Johnson's second set-piece allowed Ki to fire home via Senderos' deflection.
Dimitar Berbatov wasted two chances in the first 10 minutes as Fulham fired out of the blocks, but the impetus yielded neither reward nor control.
Clint Dempsey could offer minimal impact as Fulham's influence waned, with regimented Sunderland's superior organisation paying dividend.
Lee Cattermole, so often derided as the wrong side of aggressive, nullified Adel Taarabt in a clear analysis-room ploy from Sunderland boss Poyet.
Fulham's immediate second-half riposte almost created a gritty contest, with Sidwell heading home Damien Duff's corner.
Riether's near-post flick on evaded any Fulham team-mate as the hosts battled to regain the ascendancy.
And Taarabt rejected the smart positioning of both Berbatov and Dempsey to try a tricky near-post effort that Vito Mannone was more than wise to.
Berbatov's acrobatic effort came to nought as well, as Fulham failed to generate any cast-iron opportunities in their second spell of dominance.
It was all too short-lived for Rene Meulensteen's men though, as Sunderland pinched the lead thanks to Johnson's curling free-kick.
Sidwell was incensed referee Mike Dean even awarded the foul, with Johnson capitalising on minimal touch to go down 20 yards out.
Stockdale will certainly feel he should have tipped Johnson's shot around his left post though, after getting a glove to the accurate effort.
Sunderland's pressure told again when Johnson's low free-kick reached Swansea loan man Ki, who finished courtesy of a Senderos deflection.
Duff's pinpoint corner delivery dragged Fulham back into the contest though, with Sidwell sneaking free to nod home.
Senderos had to mop up as Stockdale mad a brave call to come out of his area for a clearance, only for Fletcher to put him under pressure.
The match opened up with both sides sensing their time to strike.
And Sunderland made the most of a lightning break to steal control again.
Racing through a sparse midfield with Fulham over-committed, Ki bided his time and threaded a superlative ball through to the onrushing Johnson.
The former Manchester City midfielder slotted past the motionless Stockdale to reassert Sunderland's dominance.
Against the run of the second half maybe but not the overall contest.
And with time running out Johnson rolled a penalty past Stockdale, after Senderos left a leg hanging out to take down Altidore.
est of the Match
Man of the Match: Adam Johnson. Perfect afternoon for the Sunderland playmaker, with a hat-trick the icing on the cake. Terrorised the Fulham defence from the off and scored his first with an expertly placed free-kick before adding a second just before half-time. The 11-cap England international continued to make his mark and sealed the ideal Saturday afternoon out with a penalty late in the second half.
Goal of the Match: Sunderland's third came straight from the counter-attacking textbook. With Fulham committing men forward, Sung-Yueng Ki raced into opposition territory before patiently waiting and delivering an inch-perfect ball into the path of an on-rushing Adam Johnson, who slid in to fire before David Stockdale.
Save of the Match: With Fulham in onslaught mode, seeking an equaliser at 2-1 down, Vito Mannone was forced to get fingertips on a Pajtim Kasami, cross-shot, which took a deflection and almost crept beyond the Sunderland shot-stopper.
Talking Point: Are Sunderland showing signs of their survival capabilities? The week started with a surprising 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final and a fantastic, free-flowing display to down Fulham away from home will give much hope to manager Gus Poyet. Sunderland have been trenched in the bottom three since the opening day of the season, can Poyet now orchestrate the mother of all comebacks?
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Saturday Jan 11, 2014.
Adam Johnson's hat-trick ensured Sunderland's revival under Gus Poyet continues to gather pace with the Wearsiders moving off the foot of the Premier League table following a victory that dragged Fulham back to within one point of the bottom three.
This was only Sunderland's second win in 10 league games but after victories in the two cups - most notably Tuesday's success over Manchester United in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final - Poyet's side appear to be gathering momentum.
From the moment Johnson put them ahead with a 22nd-minute free kick, the visitors' appeared destined to collect three points.
Ki Sung-Yeung added a second before half time and, while Steve Sidwell gave Fulham hope early in the second period, two more goals from Johnon, the second a late penalty, confirmed a comfortable win.
For Fulham there were few positives and, after improved recent performances, this confirmed they are likely to remain in the relegation battle until the end of the campaign.
it was Poyet's side who demonstrated the composure required in a match with so much at stake, with Johnson providing an attacking outlet capable of unlocking Fulham's flimsy defences.
The quality of the winger's deadball delivery was apparent in the 22nd minute when his free-kick picked out John O'Shea who found Steven Fletcher with a header back across the face of goal only for the Scotland forward to head over from close range.
Unlike Berbatov's effort, that miss would not prove costly and seven minutes later Johnson curled a free-kick over the defensive wall and into the top corner after the midfielder had been fouled by Steve Sidwell.
Fulham looked ragged and they were undone by another well worked free-kick four minutes before the break when Johnson ignored the crowded six-yard area and sent a low ball towards the edge of box where Ki Sung-Yeung finished well with a powerful first-time shot.
Meulensteen's side at least responded well after the restart, working their way back into the game when Sidwell headed past Vito Mannone from Damien Duff's 52nd-minute corner.
But the rally proved short-lived and the game was put beyond Fulham's reach when Ki and Jozy Altidore exchanged passes near halfway and the South Korea midfielder picked Johnson with an excellent threaded pass that was matched by a clinical finish.
Philippse Senderos' trip on Altidore gave Johnson the chance to claim his third.
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Fulham 1 Sunderland 4: Hat-trick hero Johnson guides Poyet's team to three points at Craven Cottage
Adam Johnson's hat-trick spearheaded Sunderland's third win in six days, a ruthless 4-1 Barclays Premier League victory at Fulham.
The 11-cap England midfielder laid on Sunderland's other goal as Gus Poyet's men drove to a comprehensive win at Craven Cottage.
Goals from Johnson and Ki Sung-Yueng had Sunderland in total control at the break, before Steve Sidwell headed his fifth of the season for Fulham after the turnaround.
Johnson had laid on Sunderland's second for Ki, before the South Korean returned the favour for the Black Cats' third.
Swansea loan man Ki's fine slide-rule pass allowed Johnson to kill off the game, and the 26-year-old delivered as Sunderland claimed their first league win in three attempts.
The Sunderland-born winger then slotted a penalty in the dying stages after Philippe Senderos fouled Jozy Altidore.
Poyet's side had seen off Carlisle and Manchester United in cup action since the turn of the year, but badly needed a Premier League win.
Two smart Johnson free-kicks had Sunderland in control, the first a curler into the top corner that David Stockdale could not tip clear.
Johnson's second set-piece allowed Ki to fire home via Senderos' deflection.
Dimitar Berbatov wasted two chances in the first 10 minutes as Fulham fired out of the blocks, but the impetus yielded neither reward nor control.
Clint Dempsey could offer minimal impact as Fulham's influence waned, with regimented Sunderland's superior organisation paying dividend.
Lee Cattermole, so often derided as the wrong side of aggressive, nullified Adel Taarabt in a clear analysis-room ploy from Sunderland boss Poyet.
Fulham's immediate second-half riposte almost created a gritty contest, with Sidwell heading home Damien Duff's corner.
But the home side could not sustain any kind of comeback, and Sunderland powered to a fine result.
Berbatov had two gilt-edged chances in the opening 10 minutes as Fulham settled faster and brighter.
The big Bulgarian barged his way to a clear header from an early corner, only to add no power as he nodded into the ground.
Sascha Riether then robbed Wes Brown before drilling a fine low cross into the area.
Half a yard behind the play though, Berbatov was just not quite sharp enough to control.
The ball bobbled into touch on the other side of the field, and with it went Fulham's first-half opportunities.
Buoyed by avoiding early censure the Black Cats started to build a foothold.
Riether had to move smartly to cut out Fabio Borini's neat through-ball, denying Jack Colback a sight of goal, and Phil Bardsley's 20-yard shot was tipped away by Stockdale.
Steven Fletcher then headed over after John O'Shea nodded back across goal from a well-worked Johnson free-kick.
Riether's near-post flick on evaded any Fulham team-mate as the hosts battled to regain the ascendancy.
And Taarabt rejected the smart positioning of both Berbatov and Dempsey to try a tricky near-post effort that Vito Mannone was more than wise to.
Berbatov's acrobatic effort came to nought as well, as Fulham failed to generate any cast-iron opportunities in their second spell of dominance.
It was all too short-lived for Rene Meulensteen's men though, as Sunderland pinched the lead thanks to Johnson's curling free-kick.
Sidwell was incensed referee Mike Dean even awarded the foul, with Johnson capitalising on minimal touch to go down 20 yards out.
Stockdale will certainly feel he should have tipped Johnson's shot around his left post though, after getting a glove to the accurate effort.
Fulham's second-choice goalkeeper then spilled a Sunderland cross, only for Fernando Amorebieta to head Marcos Alonso's shot clear.
Sunderland's pressure told again when Johnson's low free-kick reached Swansea loan man Ki, who finished courtesy of a Senderos deflection.
Taarabt wasted a promising free-kick to open the second half, before Riether flashed the ball across goal, only for Mannone to claim.
Duff's pinpoint corner delivery dragged Fulham back into the contest though, with Sidwell sneaking free to nod home.
Senderos had to mop up as Stockdale mad a brave call to come out of his area for a clearance, only for Fletcher to put him under pressure.
The match opened up with both sides sensing their time to strike.
And Sunderland made the most of a lightning break to steal control again.
Racing through a sparse midfield with Fulham over-committed, Ki bided his time and threaded a superlative ball through to the onrushing Johnson.
The former Manchester City midfielder slotted past the motionless Stockdale to reassert Sunderland's dominance.
Against the run of the second half maybe but not the overall contest.
And with time running out Johnson rolled a penalty past Stockdale, after Senderos left a leg hanging out to take down Altidore.
Johnson slams in hat-trick to seal emphatic away win.
Adam Johnson stunned Fulham with a deadly hat-trick as Sunderland romped to victory at Craven Cottage.
Johnson was unstoppable throughout the 90 minutes in an effervescent display as he netted a sublime free-kick before setting up a goal for Ki Sung-Yueng as the Black Cats went in 2-0 ahead at the break.
Steve Sidwell's header gave Fulham a way back into the game, but Johnson put the Cottagers to the sword with an emphatic low finish to cap a superb counter-attack before clipping home a late penalty.
Gus Poyet's side looked dangerous every time they attacked and were comfortable winners in the end as they made it seven points from their last three away games and six matches unbeaten overall on the road.
The victory was Sunderland's second in as many seasons at Fulham and the visitors fully merited all three points.
Johnson had earned pre-match praise from head coach Poyet after playing key roles in back-to-back cup wins, and he shone after being handed a start as Sunderland secured a third straight victory in all competitions.
Having played a key role as a sub in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Capital One Cup in midweek, Johnson returned to the starting line-up alongside Jack Colback, with Emanuele Giaccherini and Seb Larsson dropping the bench.
Despite what was to come, Fulham started brightly with a couple of early opportunities falling to Dimitar Berbatov.
The frontman headed a corner straight at Vito Mannone after just seven minutes and should have done better just two minutes later, firing wastefully wide after Sascha Riether won the ball from Wes Brown and picked out his wide-open colleague with a low cross.
Adel Taarabt and Clint Dempsey both fired wide from distance, while Fulham keeper David Stockdale had to be alert at the other end to keep out an 18th-minute effort from Phil Bardsley which took a deflection off Colback, who was attempting to get out of the way.
And the visitors created a good opening with a well-worked move four minutes later – Johnson seeing a free-kick headed back across goal by John O'Shea for Steven Fletcher, who got his head to the ball ahead of Stockdale but could only nod over the bar.
Taarabt was then denied by a good save from Mannone after bursting down the right, but Sunderland surged ahead just before the half-hour thanks to a sublime effort from Johnson.
Brought down by Sidwell just outside the box, the winger dusted himself down and curled a super effort into the top corner from 20 yards - Stockdale got both hands to the ball but couldn't keep it out.
It was a lead they would never lose.
League debutant Marcos Alonso nearly made it two when Stockdale dropped Ki's free-kick, but the defender had to squeeze his shot through a crowd of players and the effort was blocked.
But Sunderland did double their advantage four minutes before the break with another clinical set-piece.
Johnson pulled a training-ground delivery low across the box for Ki, who buried a powerful shot which struck a defender on its way into the net.
The goal was Sunderland's 7000th in all-time league competition – making the Black Cats only the tenth club to achieve that feat.
Sunderland looked comfortable but were pegged back as Fulham halved the deficit seven minutes into the second half.
Damien Duff curled in a corner from the right and Sidwell nipped in to stoop and head home from a couple of yards out.
Now Sunderland were facing a real test as the hosts looked to apply pressure – but the momentum fizzled out as Sunderland continued to look dangerous going forward.
Borini fired wide after drifting in off the left flank before Stockdale did well to claw away Lee Cattermole's deflected shot just after the hour, with the midfielder close to his first goal for the club.
Fletcher then headed over from a well-delivered corner before making way for sub Jozy Altidore 66 minutes in.
And the American played a role in his side's third goal just three minutes later as a textbook counter-attack paid dividends.
The striker touched a neat ball off to Ki who again played the role of skilled technician, sliding a brilliantly-weighted ball into the path of the onrushing Johnson, who drilled his shot through the legs of Stockdale.
But there was to be no way back into the contest this time for Fulham as Sunderland continued to move the ball smartly, with Seb Larsson introduced off the bench in place of Borini.
And a memorable away win was wrapped up five minutes from time when Johnson completed a well-deserved hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Altidore, forward on the break, was clearly fouled by Philippe Senderos and Johnson stepped up to covert the coolest of penalties, rolling the ball into the back of the net with Stockdale diving the wrong way.
It was a fitting way to round off a superb individual performance from the winger and an excellent showing from Poyet's side, who looked bang in form on an important afternoon.
At the other end, Mannone ensured Fulham didn't get more than the one goal with a fine stop late on, somehow blocking Sidwell's shot at point-blank range before Brown slid in to clear the loose ball off the line deep into injury time.
GOALS:
Fulham: Sidwell (52)
Sunderland: Johnson (29, 69, 85 pen), Ki (41)
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Youngsters' unbeaten run comes to an end
Five-game winning run broken by Magpies.
Sunderland U18 0 - 1 Newcastle United U18
Sunderland’s under-18 side saw their five-game winning run come to an end at the hands of their Tyneside rivals Newcastle United at the Academy of Light on Saturday morning.
Tom Heardman bagged the only goal of the game on 55 minutes as the young Black Cats lost their first game in over a month.
It was a scrappy game in which Sunderland’s youngsters never got into their normal fluent passing game which has been such a feature in recent matches.
The Tynesiders gave notice of their intent as early as the second minute when striker Heardman hit the bar with a looping header.
Sunderland replied with Martin Smith shooting wide with a long range effort before Lynden Gooch was much closer with a low shot just past the post.
Smith whipped in two set-pieces from the left with no one able to get on the end of them but defender Tom Beadling had to be at his best with a super block in the area as the visitors pressed before the break.
Ten minutes after the restart, Newcastle took the lead with what proved to be the winning goal. Magpies’ winger Callum Roberts centred from the left for striker Heardman to come in and side-foot first time past Sunderland keeper Peter Burke.
Roberts had another good attempt later in the game but injured himself in the process and was subsequently stretchered off.
As the game entered the latter stages there was still no real build-up of pressure to give any glimmer of hope of saving the game by the home side with Beadling firing over from 20 yards with the last kick of the game.
Academy Manager Ged McNamee was very honest in his summary saying: "It was very disappointing - we never got going in a scrappy game.
“One goal was always going to settle it and unfortunately we weren’t at our best today."
Sunderland: Burke, J. Robson, T. Robson, Colquhoun, Beadling, E. Robson, Greenwood (McEvoy, 64), Smith, Stinson, Gooch (Nelson, 70), Molyneux (Blinco, 75),
Subs not used: Purvis, Pybus.
Sunderland reach 7,000
Sunderland became only the 10th club to score 7,000 goals in Football League and Premier League matches.
They had been on 6,998 goals before this game at Craven Cottage, although they still have a long way to go before they catch Manchester United, who have scored 7,618 goals since the first season of the Football League in 1888.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-11 16:42
A retarded barcode walked up to me earlier in my local in Goatsheed and said 'one dyah wi get te a cup final tee '.
I laughed.. looked him in the eye and said..
'i pet... you will I agree...... but the date will be May 2555'
Sunderland plan Andrew Johnson transfer - and exit of Adam Johnson despite his Fulham hat-trick
Ironically, the Cottagers are among the clubs in for Black Cats' England winger as boss Gus Poyet looks to land frustrated Queens Park Rangers striker
Move over Magic Johnson, Sunderland are preparing some Johnson magic – making one man with that name disappear while conjuring up another, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People.
Gus Poyet, the Black Cats' manager, wants to bring QPR’s fit-again striker Andrew Johnson in on loan to solve his goal-scoring problems.
And the Uruguayan is set to allow winger Adam Johnson to leave, despite his stunning hat-trick against Fulham on Saturday and his starring role as sub in Sunderland’s Capital One Cup defeat of Manchester United in midweek.
Rangers star Johnson, who missed most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury, has been used mostly on the bench by QPR boss Harry Redknapp this campaign and is desperate for regular first-team action.
Winger Adam Johnson, who has struggled since his move from Manchester City to Wearside, is wanted by Premier League strugglers Fulham and Crystal Palace.
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Sunderland line up transfer of 'new Alan Hansen', aka Jack Baldwin of Hartlepool
Black Cats sent ex-skipper Paul Bracewell to Victoria Park on Saturday to watch young League Two centre-half who's been compared to the Liverpool legend
Sunderland are on the trail of the ‘new Alan Hansen’ – Hartlepool central defender Jack Baldwin, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People.
The Black Cats are utilising the experience of Paul Bracewell to look after their young players, and their former skipper was dispatched last week to run the rule over the 20-year-old defender.
Relegation-threatened Sunderland were also one of several top clubs at Victoria Park on Saturday, watching Rochdale striker Scott Hogan.
Rochdale have turned down a near-£1million offer from Peterborough for Hogan, one of the most sought-after strikers in the lower leagues.
* FORMER Chelsea scout Gwyn Williams - the man credited with discovering John Terry - could be the next to join Gus Poyet’s scouting team at the Stadium of Light.
Williams worked with Poyet both at Chelsea and Leeds United.
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Augsburg set to bid for Sunderland’s Ji Dong-won
GERMAN side Augsburg have revived their interest in Ji Dong-won, the Echo understands.
And that will delight Sunderland, who stand to lose the South Korean striker for next to nothing this summer, when his contract expires.
The misfit forward has been a flop on Wearside since being signed by Steve Bruce for £2m in June 2011 – the one shining exception being the day he scored the match-winner against Manchester City on New Year’s Day 2012.
The former Chunnam Dragons attacker has managed just six starts in his two-and-a-half years at the club, scoring two goals, and head coach Gus Poyet admitted recently he had been at a loss to see how the 22-year-old would fit into his plans.
But Ji’s stock is high in Germany following a successful loan spell when he helped Augsburg escape relegation over the course of 17 games – seven of which were won; three drawn.
Incredibly, ex-head coach Paolo Di Canio turned down a £5m German bid for the striker last summer.
He claimed Ji would be an important player for the Black Cats this season – an opinion the Italian revised after seeing the forward pull out of a great heading opportunity in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in August.
The frankly bizarre, decision not to cash in last year, looked likely to see Sunderland miss out completely on a fee for a player who can leave for nothing in a few months.
But with the Echo having revealed that Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund – makers of that £5m bid – showing an interest in Ji this month, Augsburg have also checked on the striker’s situation
German clubs would prefer to sign Ji when he’s a free agent in the summer.
If that proves to be the case, the Black Cats would get only minimal compensation.
But Sunderland will hope that a Bundesliga side decides to bid on him now rather than risk losing out on the striker in the close season.
Ji can now talk to clubs on the continent and if several clubs are interested in his signature, Sunderland might just recoup some cash and offer greater latitude in the transfer market to head coach Gus Poyet who has included the striker in his last three squads, but admits he is struggling long-term to fit the player into his plans.
The Uruguayan told the Echo: “Ji is a very good player, but I need to find the opportunity to say to him: ‘Here you go. Don’t try to think too much about how we’re playing, just go out there and play’.
“But I haven’t known how to play him because that’s what he needs.”
Sunderland U21s moved up to third place in the table, despite dropping two points at home against Stoke City.
Sunderland climbed one place to third in the Barclays U21 Premier League table despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at Eppleton CW.
Craig Lynch put Sunderland ahead inside the first minute, but James Alabi cancelled out that early striker on eight minutes.
The Black Cats made the perfect start, taking the lead with just 40 seconds on the clock.
George Honeyman’s throughball released Lynch and he lifted his finish over the goalkeeper from just inside the penalty area.
But Stoke levelled after some slack defending inside the box allowed Alabi to score with a deflected shot.
Also in the first half, Honeyman brought a good save out of Stoke keeper Daniel Bachmann, while at the other end Jordan Pickford parried Alabi’s powerful drive from a tight angle.
And in the second half, Pickford made an excellent stop from a Karim Rossi header on 67 minutes, and Bachmann saved a snap shot from substitute David Moberg Karlsson at the foot of his left-hand post.
Sunderland restaurant chain’s support for Kenyan side Sunderland AFC Keroche
A CHAIN of Wearside restaurants are to dish out vital help to an African football team which was created by die-hard Sunderland supporters.
Kenyan side Sunderland AFC Keroche were founded in 2007 with the aim of giving youngsters the chance to play the beautiful game.
The club does however rely on solely on donations to keep it going, something which the Martino’s Group have now pledged to help out with.
The business, which has eateries in Seaham, Seaburn and in Jarrow, South Tyneside, has made the club the recipient of their charity of the year project.
Honorary chairman of Sunderland AFC Keroche, Gary Lamb, said: “We are entirely funded by donations from our generous supporters, most of which are based here in Sunderland.
“Without these we would not be able to run an academy for children of all age groups, to help to give them a focus in life, and try to help them to keep away from the “darker” temptations in life.”
With over 100 children in total attending the SAFC-Keroche academy, the main aim of the club is to give youngsters the opportunity to showcase their footballing talents to a wider audience and hopefully one day may make it as a professional player.
After coming across an online plea for support from organisations, managing directors at Martino’s Group, Gavin and Fiona Leng, recently made the pledge to support the cause. Gavin said: “We have known Gary for quite some time and always thought that his project is outstanding.
“We saw on Facebook that they were in need of assistance to ensure that the next season was as much a success for the youngsters as possible and after discussing things with Fiona we decided we’d be honoured to be one of the first team sponsors.”
Cash donated will help towards the development of the club, which is based in the village of Karai, in the Rift Valley province of Kenya, whose first team is set to compete in the Kenyan National Second Division this year following two successive promotions.
Gavin and Fiona have also said they will sponsor a child who plays at the SAFC-Keroche Academy.
Gary added: “We’d like to thank Gavin and Fiona for coming on board to sponsor our team and academy.
“It’s with great thanks that we continue to provide our support across to Kenya and help those less fortunate to share in our passion.”
Those wanting to get involved with the club can call Gary on 07880 732 078 or email him at GarySAFCLamb@hotmail.com.
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Sunderland recall Billy Knott from Wycombe Wanderers loan spell
Sunderland have recalled Billy Knott from his loan at Wycombe Wanderers.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who has just one Black Cats substitute appearance to his name, scored twice in 23 appearances after initially joining the Chairboys in August.
He agreed a loan extension in November and had been due to stay with the League Two club until 29 January.
Wycombe are currently 18th in the table, just two points above second-bottom Torquay United.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet targets permanent deal for Swansea City's Ki Sung-Yueng.
GUS Poyet has unveiled plans to sign Ki Sung-Yueng on a permanent basis this month.
Poyet describes Ki as Sunderland's most consistent performer this season and is interested in converting his season-long loan from Swansea City into a full-time deal.
Swansea currently have huge fitness problems, with Jose Canas becoming their ninth injured player when he damaged ankle ligaments at Manchester United over the weekend.
Nevertheless, Michael Laudrup has indicated that he will not recall Ki.
And Sunderland boss Poyet has suggested that even if no permanent move is agree, Ki is now sure to remain at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season.
"There is a chance (of a permanent transfer)," said Poyet.
"Swansea had an opportunity to call him back, and they didn't.
"That was a difficult day for me because I was waiting and waiting.
"I think there are a couple of things we need to make sure - where we are and where we want to go, and with the player as well.
"I can see that he's enjoying his football and making a difference."
Ki has been one of Sunderland's star men this season, and scored in their 4-1 win at Fulham over the weekend.
"I want players with that mentality, to make us play, and he's been excellent," Poyet added.
"He's been the most consistent player for me, in my way of playing."
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Swansea City can recall Ki Sung-Yueng from Sunderland — but it is unlikely to happen
SWANSEA City insist they still have the option of recalling Ki Sung-Yueng — but Michael Laudrup remains unlikely to bring the midfielder back despite fitness concerns over Jose Canas.
Laudrup has indicated that he will not end Ki's season-long loan spell at Sunderland because it would be hard for the player to adapt to playing a back-up role at the Liberty.
And that stance is not expected to change even though fellow midfielder Canas has joined Jonathan de Guzman on the injured list.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has suggested Swansea have already missed their chance to end Ki's loan spell.
But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is adamant they could summon Ki if they so wish.
"He is our player and we can recall him up until January 31," Jenkins stated.
Nevertheless, Laudrup has made it clear he is not interested in having Ki back, even though Canas is facing a spell out with ankle ligament damage.
And Poyet is hopeful that Sunderland could yet push through a permanent deal for the South Korean international this month.
"There is a chance," said Poyet.
"Swansea had an opportunity to call him back, and they didn't.
"That was a difficult day for me because I was waiting and waiting.
"I think there are a couple of things we need to make sure — where we are and where we want to go, and with the player as well.
"I can see that he's enjoying his football and making a difference."
Ki has been one of Sunderland's star men this season, and scored in their 4-1 win at Fulham last Saturday.
"I want players with that mentality, to make us play, and he's been excellent," Poyet added.
"He's been the most consistent player for me, in my way of playing."
SUNDERLAND will be backed by almost 9,000 supporters at Manchester United next week after selling out their ticket allocation for the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals.
Black Cats fans faced a hefty financial outlay of at least £45 for adult tickets for the clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday, January 22.
But more than a week before the second leg, Sunderland today confirmed that the away end will be full after selling all of their tickets.
Sunderland are also providing free buses to Manchester and supporters wishing to use the transport must reserve their place by noon on Saturday.
Gus Poyet’s side take a 2-1 lead into the second leg, as Sunderland look to reach their first major cup final since 1992.
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Rowell Report: Half the league in battle to survive
I’M NOT sure I can remember a season where there have ever been so many clubs who could genuinely go down.
When you look at the table, there is a big gap between Sunderland’s opponents on Saturday, Southampton, in ninth and all of those teams below them. It is almost as if there are two leagues in one.
Hull have had a really good first half of the season, but I’m sure Steve Bruce would not say they are safe and they are among 10 or 11 sides who will still be worried about relegation.
Sunderland are battle-hardened though from a season that at times has lurched from one scrap to the next.
They have been playing under the pressure of being in the bottom three, whereas teams who suddenly get sucked into it, can face a massive culture shock.
Sunderland can’t say they aren’t familiar with this position and it’s suddenly thrust upon them.
You look at the trajectory of teams and Sunderland are going upwards.
Over the last 10 games, including cup matches, our record is really good.
The exceptions have been the two poor results against Norwich and Aston Villa, which were the ones we were expected to win.
That’s something Sunderland need to put right – they need to start winning regularly at the Stadium of Light.
But the other clubs down there will be worried about Sunderland.
That win at Fulham on Saturday, along with West Ham’s victory at Cardiff, will have sent shockwaves through the bottom half of the table and a lot of managers will look at that and think Sunderland are not dead and buried.
If you’re down there and you think one team is gone, you are only fearing two places to avoid.
But suddenly, other clubs will look at Sunderland and realise there are spots which they are fighting against.
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Sunderland quoted £5m for Scocco
BRAZILIAN club Internacional are looking for a fee in excess of £5million for Sunderland target Nacho Scocco.
Scocco is one of three Argentine players on Sunderland’s radar, with the Black Cats keeping tabs on both the winger and Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, while they look to finalise a deal for centre-half Santiago Vergini.
Sunderland made enquiries over Scocco’s availability during the summer, after he netted 30 times during 46 appearances in a loan spell at Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys, before he joined Internacional in a deal worth around £4m. But after a fall-out at the Brazilian outfit, Scocco is expected to be on the move again this month, with both the 28-year-old’s agent and his father confirming Sunderland’s interest.
Sources close to Internacional have indicated that the club want to more than recoup their outlay on the one-time Argentine international though and are looking for a fee of more than £5m.
Sunderland, who cannot sign any more players on loan, would be wary of splashing out such a hefty figure, with the club’s league position so precarious and their Premier League status in such significant jeopardy.
But the Echo understands that Sunderland, who were yesterday linked with a move for Catania’s Argentinian striker Maxi Lopez, are working on adding to their attacking arsenal this month and have made headway with an overseas target.
Internacional’s asking price has scuppered Scocco’s chances of moving to his homeland, either with River Plate or Newell’s Old Boys.
But despite Scocco’s agent indicating interest from La Liga outfit Valencia, Sunderland are thought to be the only European club who have made a formal enquiry with Internacional.
The deal for Vergini is far more advanced, with Sunderland hopeful of tying up the formalities of the £500,000 deal.
Vergini is still in Argentina, as he looks to reach a settlement with his club Estudiantes before finalising his switch to the Stadium of Light.
But sources close to the 25-year-old remain confident that the move will be signed and sealed in the next few days.
Meanwhile, Brighton boss Oscar Garcia insists the Seagulls are keen to keep Liam Bridcutt at the club despite the midfielder submitting a transfer request last week.
Bridcutt, who missed Saturday’s victory over Birmingham with a groin problem, asked to leave the Amex Stadium after Sunderland saw a bid of around £2million rejected for the 24-year-old.
When asked whether Bridcutt would still be at the club at the end of the window, Garcia said: “I don’t think anybody can say that about any player, maybe Messi or Ronaldo, but all the other players have a price. But we want to keep him because he is one of our main players.”
Liverpool Ready to Meet £14m Asking Price for Sunderland Winger Adam Johnson
Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers hopes to land England international this month.
Liverpool are said to be ready to meet Sunderland’s asking price for winger Adam Johnson with Brendan Rodgers keen to bring the former Man City man to Anfield.
CaughtOffside understands that the Black Cats are ready to cash in on the England international, who despite his recent hat-trick against Fulham has had a very inconsistent season, with Rodgers ready to fork out the £14m needed to land the wide-man.
Liverpool may attempt to pick up Johnson on a loan deal until the end of the current campaign, which will cost the Merseyside club around £2m, with a view to splashing out on a deal to bring in the 26 year old on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Rodgers will be backed in this month’s transfer market as the club’s American owners look to make funds available to help assist Liverpool’s push for a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
Johnson may well be keen on a fresh challenge having arguably failed to make the most of his obvious potential with moves to Man City and Sunderland and with Gus Poyet’s side struggling at the wrong end of the table there is perhaps even more reason to consider a Stadium of Light exit.
A high-profile move could also re-ignite the winger’s push for a place in Roy Hodgson’s 2014 World Cup squad, perhaps further boosted by the long term injury suffered by Arsenal’s Theo Walcott.
Rodgers is keen to bring in another attacking option in view of the poor displays put in by loaned in Chelsea star Victor Moses and the Liverpool boss is also ready to offload summer signing Iago Aspas.
Liverpool may also consider offering Italian Fabio Borini as a sweetener in any deal to sign Johnson, with the striker currently on loan at Sunderland.
Adam Johnson has scored 11 goals in 63 appearances for Sunderland since his £10m move back in August 2012, prior to which he netted 15 goals in 97 games for Man City, of which 43 were from the bench.
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Sunderland’s Kevin Ball: Time is right for some to make the step up
KEVIN BALL expects the January transfer window to offer a timely opportunity for several of Sunderland’s promising youngsters.
Sunderland Under-21s’ 1-1 draw with Stoke City last night was witnessed by a host of lower league scouts, while Hartlepool and Carlisle managers Colin Cooper and Graham Kavanagh were joined in the stands by Hibernian’s ex-Black Cats boss Terry Butcher.
Academy products Mika Mandron and Liam Agnew left on loan last week to join Fleetwood Town and Boston United respectively, and development coach Ball has reiterated how desirable first-team experience is for Sunderland’s rookies.
Ball told the Echo: “This is the time when some of the players who have been playing a lot and are finding this level relatively comfortable need to take it to the next level.
“It’s not easy to go forward and train and play with the first-team, so go out on loan and experience the real world.
“It’s easy to stay and play this sort of football.
“But sometimes, they need to go and experience some real football.”
After an end-to-end opening 20 minutes last night, when forward Craig Lynch gave Sunderland the lead inside 40 seconds, the game descended into a tight, physical encounter with precious few clear-cut opportunities.
Yet Ball believes that style of encounter was just what those interested spectators were looking to see.
He added: “You talk about the Under-21 League and what you get out of it, and I think that was a proper game.
“There were a few managers there who said exactly the same. They said they would much rather have seen that than 10 of the matches they normally see at this level.”
Sunderland yesterday recalled midfielder Billy Knott from his loan spell at League Two Wycombe.
Knott, who made his Black Cats bow on the final day of last season, has appeared 23 times for the Chairboys since moving to Adams Park on loan in August.
The 21-year-old was due to return to Wearside at the end of this month, but Sunderland have opted to end the ex-Chelsea youngster’s loan a fortnight early.
There has been speculation that Knott could be a target for League One Port Vale, who are keen to bolster their squad with loan additions in the January window.
Rowell Report: Half the league in battle to survive
I’M NOT sure I can remember a season where there have ever been so many clubs who could genuinely go down.
When you look at the table, there is a big gap between Sunderland’s opponents on Saturday, Southampton, in ninth and all of those teams below them. It is almost as if there are two leagues in one.
Hull have had a really good first half of the season, but I’m sure Steve Bruce would not say they are safe and they are among 10 or 11 sides who will still be worried about relegation.
Sunderland are battle-hardened though from a season that at times has lurched from one scrap to the next.
They have been playing under the pressure of being in the bottom three, whereas teams who suddenly get sucked into it, can face a massive culture shock.
Sunderland can’t say they aren’t familiar with this position and it’s suddenly thrust upon them.
You look at the trajectory of teams and Sunderland are going upwards.
Over the last 10 games, including cup matches, our record is really good.
The exceptions have been the two poor results against Norwich and Aston Villa, which were the ones we were expected to win.
That’s something Sunderland need to put right – they need to start winning regularly at the Stadium of Light.
But the other clubs down there will be worried about Sunderland.
That win at Fulham on Saturday, along with West Ham’s victory at Cardiff, will have sent shockwaves through the bottom half of the table and a lot of managers will look at that and think Sunderland are not dead and buried.
If you’re down there and you think one team is gone, you are only fearing two places to avoid.
But suddenly, other clubs will look at Sunderland and realise there are spots which they are fighting against.
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Rowell Report: Welcome break for Sunderland before uphill task against Southampton
GUS POYET will welcome a free week before facing Southampton after a busy festive period where the games have been coming thick and fast.
With a heavy schedule, the coaches don’t have much time to work on the training pitch, as the team are either preparing for games or recovering from them.
At least this week, the team can fully focus on the weekend’s game.
Southampton will provide a big challenge. We beat them in the Capital One Cup earlier in the season, but that was largely their second XI. Their team this time around will be much stronger.
They are a team with a lot of young, talented players and they have occupied a top half position all season.
Mauricio Pochettino, judging by his interviews, doesn’t seem to have mastered the English language yet, but he has certainly got to grips with English football.
He has taken Southampton to another level since taking over from Nigel Adkins, who was controversially sacked.
But Pochettino was backed with big money in the summer and he spent it wisely on quality players – Victor Wanyama, Dani Osvaldo and Dejan Lovren.
Those three, added to the talented youngsters, have produced a team, who are difficult to beat and in 10 away games have only conceded 11 goals.
I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the battle between a rejuvenated Adam Johnson and Southampton’s highly-rated left-back Luke Shaw, which could have a massive influence on the outcome of the game.
After last week’s fantastic win at Fulham, there is new hope and confidence among both team and fans.
And while our position is still very precarious, the players will know a win on Saturday will give them a great chance of getting out of the drop zone.
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Rowell Report: Sunderland’s victory over Fulham was the best yet
SUNDERLAND’S thumping win at Fulham only moved us up one place in the table, but was enormous in terms of morale and what it means for the season.
Suddenly, things are not looking so bleak - just one point from fourth bottom and lots of teams deep in the relegation mix.
Sunderland didn’t just beat Fulham, they won with a fair bit to spare and produced their most convincing win of the season.
To win so emphatically will do wonders for the dressing room and bring great belief to players who have sometimes struggled with the pressure of being bottom of the table throughout the season.
Adam Johnson grabbed the headlines, but it was a true team performance, just when it was needed and at last we managed to beat a relegation rival.
Sunderland’s away form has been good recently, unbeaten in five on the road and seven points from the last three.
Scoring four goals on your travels doesn’t happen too often either, with all of them being different in their execution.
Two different types of goals from free-kicks will please the coaches, but the third goal was the best with a move that started in Sunderland’s own half and ended with a superb pass from Ki Sung-Yeung to set up Johnson.
If there’s one negative, it would be that not for the first time this season, we conceded from a corner. But all in all, it was a great away day.
Earlier in the season, we couldn’t even buy a goal away from home, but the players have turned it around and of all the teams in the bottom half of the league, it’s Sunderland who are the form side.
Manchester United bid for Vito Mannone as Sunderland chase Mariano Andujar transfer.
The Italian has impressed at the Stadium of Light but would he be happy as second-choice at Old Trafford?
Manchester United have made contact with Sunderland over goalkeeper Vito Mannone, according to Gazetta dello Sport.
The Italian sports daily claim that David Moyes is interested in bringing in former Arsenal keeper Mannone as back-up to David De Gea.
The story suggests that Anders Lindegaard could be leaving Old Trafford with the Dane keen for first-team football elsewhere.
And any Mannone departure would open the door for Sunderland to bring in Argentina number two Mariano Andújar.
The Catania goalkeeper is available this winter and, as revealed by MirrorSport last week , Gus Poyet is a fan of the 30-year-old - who will only move to the Stadium of Light for first-team football.
"I like the style of South American goalkeepers," Poyet admitted, "and Andújar is a player that I like and I know."
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Nottingham Forest want to keep Sunderland’s Vaughan
NOTTINGHAM FOREST are pushing ahead with a permanent move for David Vaughan, as Sunderland look to lighten the load on their wage bill.
Vaughan’s loan spell at the City Ground is due to expire on January 29, but with the midfielder out-of-contract at the Stadium of Light in the summer, Forest have made no secret of their ambitions to keep the Sunderland man.
Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi tweeted at the weekend that the club were hopeful of completing permanent moves for loan pair Vaughan and Hull’s Jack Hobbs. “Please be reassured that both I and the manager are working hard to make both players permanent signings,” he said.
And while sources close to Forest have suggested the club may take their time in pushing through the deal, it is still likely to be completed by the end of the January transfer window.
Vaughan, who didn’t feature under Gus Poyet prior to his departure, was highly unlikely to be offered a new contract by Sunderland and the Black Cats will earn a minimal fee from Forest.
But Sunderland are eager to remove an unwanted player from the wage bill, with Vaughan (left) on a decent salary after his Bosman arrival at the Stadium of Light in the summer of 2011.
The Black Cats are conscious of the need to comply with financial fair play restrictions on salaries after getting close to the limits of their wage bill during the summer.
And with on-loan Fiorentina left-back Marcos Alonso expected to be the first of several fresh faces this month, there will inevitably be departures.
Summer signing Cabral, who last week joined Italian side Genoa on loan with a view to a permanent deal, represented one of the first of those exits.
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Ki Sung-Yueng will spend rest of the season at Sunderland
The deadline for Swansea City to recall on-loan Ki Sung-Yueng has passed, meaning he will remain on Wearside for the rest of the campaign
Loan star Ki Sung-Yueng will stay at Sunderland until the end of the season - despite Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins casting doubt on the situation.
Ki’s form has been one of the highlights of Sunderland’s season and the Black Cats were keeping their fingers crossed that Swansea would not exercise their right to recall him this month.
And in the wake of Sunderland’s weekend win at Fulham - in which Ki scored - boss Gus Poyet spoke of his relief that the deadline for Swansea to end the South Korean’s loan stay on Wearside early had now passed.
But Jenkins then clouded the issue by claiming that the Swans could recall Ki at any point up to the end of this month, stating: “He is our player and we can recall him up until January 31.”
In fact, the cut-off date before which Swansea were able to prematurely terminate Ki’s loan deal passed last week, meaning the 24-year-old will remain at Sunderland for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite Jenkins’ claims, Swansea were never likely to recall Ki with manager Michael Laudrup effectively admitting that the midfielder does not figure in his future plans.
Ki is enjoying his time at Sunderland and Poyet would like to keep him on a permanent basis.
Asked this week whether there was a chance of Ki joining full-time, Poyet said: “There is a chance.
“I think there are a couple of things we need to make sure — where we are and where we want to go, and with the player as well.
“I can see that he’s enjoying his football and making a difference.”
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Sunderland striker is wanted man
SUNDERLAND teenager Duncan Watmore is in high demand, with a queue of Football League clubs lining up to take the forward on loan.
Watmore has impressed for Sunderland’s Under-21 side this season after arriving from non-league Altrincham during the summer.
The 19-year-old was handed his first-team bow in the FA Cup third round victory over Carlisle, and stood out on that stage too after being introduced from the bench during the second half.
That form has not gone unnoticed with a string of clubs in the lower leagues looking to seal a loan deal for Watmore before the end of the January transfer window.
Watmore’s suitors are thought to include League One pair Hartlepool United and Carlisle United, with their respective managers Colin Cooper and Graham Kavanagh both at Monday night’s Under-21 clash against Stoke City.
But Sunderland are yet to decide whether to sanction Watmore’s loan or continue his development at the Stadium of Light.
Certainly, Watmore’s game has benefited from six months on Wearside, and the wideman has spent time training with the first-team squad over the festive period.
Yet the Black Cats remain firm advocates of the loan system after the likes of Jordan Henderson and Jack Colback have both made the grade in the first-team following spells in the Football League.
Watmore is not the only member of Kevin Ball’s development squad to be in demand.
Midfielder Liam Agnew and striker Mikael Mandron joined Boston United and Fleetwood Town on loan respectively last weekend.
And it is understood that Scottish Championship side Dundee are interested in attacking midfielder George Honeyman after the 19-year-old impressed in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Hearts last week.
Dundee were also impressed by summer signing David Moberg Karlsson, who has dropped completely out of first-team contention over recent months.
The Scottish side would have to rely on Sunderland heavily subsidising Moberg Karlsson’s wages though if he were to join them on loan after the Swedish winger’s £1.5m summer arrival from IFK Gothenburg.
SUNDERLAND will host Conference side Kidderminster in the FA Cup fourth round after the non-league side claimed a famous 3-2 win over Peterborough in their replay at London Road last night.
Tommy Rowe gave Posh a first-half lead but two goals in four minutes after the break from Michael Gash and Jack Byrne turned the game on its head.
A Britt Assombalonga penalty levelled the scores with 16 minutes to go but parity lasted just two minutes as Joe Lolley grabbed a third for Harriers, who are now the only non-league side left in the competition.
Conference outfit Macclesfield had their cup run ended as three late goals saw them beaten 4-1 at Hillsborough by Sheffield Wednesday.
Chris Maguire delivered an early blow to the non-league team’s hopes as he fired the Owls ahead after just four minutes, but a 65th-minute penalty from Scott Boden had the Silkmen level.
Jacques Maghoma settled the nerves at Hillsborough, though, as he netted with 12 minutes to go and Jermaine Johnson and Miguel Llera sealed the victory late on.
Sunderland loan man Connor Wickham was again refused permission to play by his parent club.
A Joe Garner hat-trick handed Preston a shock 3-2 win over Championship side Ipswich at Deepdale.
Watford eased past Bristol City as goals from Marco Davide Faraoni and Lewis McGugan gave them a 2-0 win.
Port Vale will face Brighton in round four after they claimed a dramatic 3-2 win over Plymouth.
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Anonymous2014-01-15 12:59
Micky Jones. @MickyJSafc
be quality if the Gallowgate set aleet on derby day, all the fat topless Geordies burning would be a tremendous sight mind. #NUFC
Striker makes permanent switch to Bundesliga side.
Striker Ji Dong-won has joined Bundesliga side Augsburg on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old South Korean had a loan spell with the Bundesliga outfit last season, making 17 appearances and scoring five goals.
Ji joined Sunderland from Chunnam Dragons of the K-League in summer 2011 and made a total of 28 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring two goals.
Augsburg are currently eighth in the German top flight with 24 points from 17 games.
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Confirmed: Striker Departs For Germany
Ji Dong-Won has rejoined FC Augsburg, where he had considerable success while on loan last season.
Despite recently returning to first team action at Sunderland under Gus Poyet, it never seemed likely that Ji's stay at Sunderland would last much longer. The Korean was out of contract in the summer and, despite the club rating him highly, he has never been able to establish himself in the first team.
Paolo Di Canio reportedly turned down a £5m bid from German giants Borussia Dortmund for the 22-year-old in the summer, a move which never appeared to be the correct decision and now it seems certain that he has left for much less than the fee we would have received from Jurgen Klopp's side.
Ji played 28 times for Sunderland in all competitions, with only six starts to his name, scoring twice, a late consolation against Chelsea and famously an even later goal against Manchester City in our 1-0 win on New Year's Day 2012.
Despite struggling for Sunderland, Ji had a successful loan spell at Augsburg last season, where he scored five goals in 17 games, as the German side fought their way to safety when it looked likely that they would be relegated before the arrival of Ji.
Although never the most popular figure on Wearside, I'm sure I won't be alone in wishing Ji all the best if his move goes through and thanking him for that memorable late winner against Manchester City.
Sunderland boss Poyet: Man Utd link won’t turn Mannone’s head
SUNDERLAND’S focus is on signing a new goalkeeper – not selling one – after Vito Mannone was linked with a surprise switch to Manchester United.
Reports in Italy yesterday suggested the reigning Premier League champions were considering Mannone as a possible back-up to David De Gea after the £2million summer arrival’s impressive start to his Sunderland career.
But Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has brushed off the speculation and does not expect Mannone’s head to be turned by the rumours.
Instead, Poyet’s aim is to bolster Sunderland’s goalkeeping ranks, with Mannone’s rival Keiren Westwood ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Westwood’s international team-mate David Forde is one name under contention, with the 34-year-old out-of-contract at the end of the season and available for a minimal fee from Championship side Millwall.
Forde is wary of how being number two at Sunderland could affect his international chances, but realises that a move to the Stadium of Light would be financially lucrative.
Sunderland have also been credited with an interest in two Argentine keepers playing in Italy – Catania’s Mariano Andujar and Genoa’s Albano Bizzarri – and Poyet admits it is a position he is looking to strengthen before the end of the January window.
Poyet told the Echo: “I think Vito is calm about everything.
“It was a very different situation for me with Vito and Westy (to give Mannone his first Premier League start) probably one of the hardest decisions I made before Manchester City.
“Unfortunately, Westy has had an operation now and is out for another three months. But I’m calm over Vito. There are players that you can talk openly to and Vito is one of those.
“It’s a position that we are looking at.
“We’re working on a few positions and I can say openly, that we’re looking at goalkeepers, although that doesn’t mean someone will come.
“I don’t want to say I’m going to bring in this, this and this, because then you don’t have the quality. But if there’s a player who I know can come in and help us quickly, then I will do.”
In Westwood’s absence, England Under-19 stopper Jordan Pickford has provided back-up for Mannone and the highly-rated 19-year-old at least has Football League experience after a loan spell at Burton Albion earlier this season.
But Poyet says Sunderland’s need for a new keeper will be highlighted in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg when Pickford is cup-tied.
Pickford’s fellow academy product Joel Dixon will occupy a spot on the bench, with the Middlesbrough-born goalie’s only competitive experience coming in a loan spell at Conference North side Workington Reds earlier this season.
“Joel doesn’t know how he will react if he is asked to go on at Old Trafford, with 20 minutes to go and it’s still 0-0,” added Poyet.
“I need to be fair with him and his family. I’m sure they’d say ‘he’ll be alright, put him on’.
“I would do if I had to, it’s no problem. But we don’t know about him, so it’s uncomfortable for him too.”
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Big match preview: Sunderland may catch Southampton at just the right time
SOUTHAMPTON appeared to be role models for the cluster of clubs financially excluded from the Premier League’s heavyweight gang.
After bouncing back from the trauma of administration and a double relegation, the Saints looked a forward-thinking, upwardly mobile organisation.
Talented youngsters were comfortably promoted from the academy into the first-team.
Investment in the transfer market was spent on quality, not quantity.
And despite the hoo-hah over Nigel Adkins’ dismissal, replacement Mauricio Pochettino had developed the side into one capable of achieving much more than scrapping for survival.
But the events of the last 48 hours have shattered the foundations which had seen Southampton rightly occupy a place in the top 10 throughout the campaign.
The resignation of chairman Nicola Cortese – a character who was never afraid to ruffle feathers – the potential exit of Pochettino and West Ham’s pursuit of Rickie Lambert, have made Southampton this week’s crisis club in the Premier League circus.
Surely it’s the perfect time for Sunderland to face the Saints then?
Well, that looked to be the case when Sunderland headed to Cardiff last month, yet the Black Cats didn’t heed the warnings of an early backlash from the Bluebirds.
It took a stunning late turnaround for Gus Poyet’s side to save face.
It will only be a benefit of the fixture list if Sunderland win tomorrow.
Yet, given Southampton are away from home, the manager remains in situ and stability has been the side’s key attribute this season, the preparations of tomorrow’s visitors will inevitably have been affected.
Pochettino’s side are not bang in form either after last week’s scrappy success against West Brom was only their second victory in 10 league games.
The loss of key summer signing Victor Wanyama to injury has inevitably affected results, with their Capital One Cup loss at the Stadium of Light in November, showing Pochettino doesn’t necessarily have strength in depth.
This is indeed a golden opportunity for Sunderland to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
Psychologically, moving out of the bottom three for the first time since August would be huge, while, even more importantly, Sunderland would move a step closer to averaging a point per game.
That will have been one of Poyet’s principal targets on taking charge.
Barring any last-gasp injuries, Poyet will surely name an unchanged side to the one which triumphed so comprehensively at Fulham and the confidence of those players will have soared after such a handsome victory.
While that 4-1 win extended Sunderland’s unbeaten run on the road to five though, there remain question marks over their home form.
Against the big boys at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats have been excellent, in both cup and league.
But when the likes of Norwich and Aston Villa came to Wearside and stockpiled men behind the ball, Poyet’s side struggled to find an answer to break them down.
It’s a pattern that Sunderland cannot afford to become a habit, with the likes of Stoke, Hull, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Cardiff still to visit the Stadium of Light this season.
The head coach will hope that a rejuvenated Adam Johnson can provide the guile needed to unlock stubborn visiting defences, and this is an acid test of the £10million winger’s credentials.
Was Johnson’s treble at Craven Cottage a one-off or can he find the consistency to make him a genuine contender for the World Cup squad?
If it’s the latter, Sunderland’s chances of emerging victorious tomorrow will improve significantly.
Another three points for the Black Cats really would shake up the relegation dogfight and provide a huge boost ahead of Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.
After such turmoil on the South Coast, there is plenty for Sunderland to prey upon.
DANNY GRAHAM is attracting interest from the Championship, with his loan spell at Hull City in doubt after the Tigers boosted their attacking ranks.
Sunderland frontman Graham has netted just once for Hull since joining Steve Bruce’s side on a season-long loan during the summer.
And the capture of £7.5million former Everton frontman Nikica Jelavic, plus the expected signing of Shane Long from West Brom, is likely to push Graham down the pecking order at the KC Stadium.
Reports today have suggested several Championship clubs are keeping tabs on Graham and he could be recalled by Sunderland before the end of the transfer window and sent back out on loan.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet stressed last week though that he wasn’t looking to recall either Graham or midfielder Alfred N’diaye, who is on a season-long stint with Turkish side Eskisehirspor.
And with Graham on big wages at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland would require a suitor capable of paying large portion of that salary, rather than putting a further drain on their own finances.
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Sunderland take a £1.5m hit as flop striker Ji joins Augsburg
Sunderland are understood to have received £500,000 from German side Augsburg for Ji Dong-Won, a quarter of what they paid for the forward
Sunderland are believed to have lost £1.5m on flop forward Ji Dong-Won.
The South Korean’s unhappy two-and-a-half year stay on Wearside came to an end yesterday, as he joined German side Augsburg for an undisclosed fee.
But it is understood that the Bundesliga side – where he enjoyed a successful loan spell 12 months ago – have paid around £500,000 for the man who cost £2m when he joined the Black Cats from Chunnam Dragons in the summer of 2011.
The 22-year-old was out of contract at the end of this season, when he would have been able to leave for minimal compensation.
Sunderland could have sold him on at a profit last summer, but then-boss Paolo Di Canio surprised everybody by rejecting a bid in excess of £5m for him from German giants Borussia Dortmund.
Ji made 28 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland, including only four league starts, and scored two goals.
The deal with Augsburg was done quickly, with Poyet admitting: “We were not even thinking about this possibility, it was all done in three days.
“It didn’t work out for him here. Let’s hope it works for him there. We wish him well.”
English Premier League: Sunderland v Southampton match preview
Southampton have experienced a turbulent week. Nicola Cortese resigned as chairman, and the club’s owner Katharina Liebherr has installed herself as his temporary replacement. The Saints’ manager Mauricio Pochettino had previously stated that if Cortese left then so would he, but he has confirmed in the past week he will be staying with Southampton.
On the pitch things are more positive, the team getting back to winning ways in the league last week against West Brom. The side are comfortably in the top half, largely thanks to their sturdy early season defence and the form of England internationals Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert. Should Southampton’s English trio shine, all three points will be heading back to the south coast.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet meanwhile will be delighted that his side’s cup form is finally rubbing off in the league. The League Cup semi-finalists produced a masterful performance against Fulham last weekend, firing four goals past the Londoners.
They largely had winger Adam Johnson to thank for their victory, the former Manchester City man powering home three goals. The hat-trick, the first of his professional career, moves him to the top of Sunderland’s scoring charts on four. His performance was reminiscent of the dazzling displays that convinced Manchester City to wrestle him from Middlesborough, and they will have to continue if Sunderland are to avoid the drop. A win on Saturday could see them climb out of the relegation-zone, and as high as fifteenth.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12:45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Sunderland 2 (Bardsley, Larsson) Southampton (Yoshida), League Cup, November 2013
Southampton 1 (Fonte) Sunderland 1 (Giaccherini), Premier League, August 2013
Sunderland 1 (Bardsley) Southampton 1 (Puncheon), Premier League, May 2013
STATS:
Southampton have not beaten Sunderland in their last six meetings.
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez is joint third highest English goalscorer in the league this season.
Sunderland’s top goal scorer meanwhile is Adam Johnson on four, having scored a hat-trick last week.
The Black Cat’s Wes Brown is one of only two players, the other being Kevin Nolan, to have been sent off twice this season.
ODDS:
Sunderland to win: 3.1
Southampton to win: 2.3
Draw: 3.3
TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 12.45pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm.
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Gus Poyet hopes Sunderland can take advantage of Southampton's turmoil
• Manager says Nicola Cortese's exit 'will affect their players'
• Uruguayan determined to keep hold of Premier League lifeline
Gus Poyet hopes his players can capitalise on considerable turmoil at Southampton when Mauricio Pochettino's side visit Wearside on Saturday.
Sunderland moved off the bottom of the Premier League with a 4-1 win at Fulham last weekend and their manager is looking for another victory against visitors left confused and bitterly disappointed by the resignation of Southampton's executive chairman Nicola Cortese.
"Without any doubt it will affect their players," said Poyet. "If it's a mess in your club and something is not normal it will affect you. We'll see how they react but it's about how much is in their players' heads. It's not what the manager likes, I can tell you that. It's not the best thing that can happen to you."
Not that Poyet is about to underestimate Southampton's high-quality pressing game. "They have something totally new and unique," he said. "You cannot compare them with any other team in the world. They have their own system and style of play with very young players, adapting to the style very well. It was something refreshing for the Premier League which is very welcome."
Sunderland's manager is hoping to welcome Santiago Vergini, the Argentina centre-half, to Wearside soon and confirmed negotiations with Estudiantes for the 25-year-old are continuing.
One player leaving the Stadium of Light is the South Korea striker Ji Dong-won, who is moving to Germany to join Augsburg for an undisclosed fee, but Poyet will not be selling Vito Mannone – Sunderland's goalkeeper and the subject of reported interest from Manchester United – or allowing the similarly impressive on-loan midfielder Ki Sung-yueng to return to Swansea. "Ki cannot be recalled," said a manager determined his team will keep hold of their Premier League lifeline after inheriting a seemingly hopeless cause from Paolo Di Canio.
"We were very far away from every other team, everybody was looking at the table and writing us off completely," said Poyet. "But now we are there in the mix, so I would like to say that half of the job is done, but the other half is going to be as difficult as the first."
The Uruguayan believes Adam Johnson's recent renaissance is down to the new patient, possession-based passing style he is implementing. "Adam needs a team to play one way, I am convinced," said Poyet. "You can't just give him the ball and expect him to dribble past everybody every time. You don't see a player do that apart from your Messis. And [Lionel] Messi does that because he plays in a team that keeps the ball forever. They give you the chance to rest and when you get it and you are fresh, you can go past it.
"When I got here the idea was just give it to Johnno but, first, it's predictable and, second, it's very easy for the opposition to deal with."
Sunderland director of football Roberto De Fanti has left the club.
The Italian oversaw a raft of big-money signings during former boss Paolo Di Canio's reign.
Fourteen players arrived on Wearside during the summer transfer window last year, incurring a total outlay of £19.38m.
Emanuele Giaccherini, who cost £6.5m, was the most expensive acquisition while nine players left the club, bringing in £19m; Simon Mignolet accounted for nearly half of that when he moved to Liverpool in a £9m deal.
A club statement said: "Sunderland AFC has announced that the club has parted company with director of football Roberto De Fanti.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Roberto and wishes him well for the future."
In the interim, chief executive Margaret Byrne, who was responsible for the administrative side of transfers before De Fanti's arrival, will resume that responsibility with Argentinian defender Santiago Vergini having arrived on Wearside this week with a view to tying up a move.
Ji Dong-Won: Ex-Sunderland striker to join Borussia Dortmund
Ji Dong-Won has agreed a four-year deal to join Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund in the summer - a day after leaving Sunderland for Augsburg.
The South Korea international, 22, left the Premier League strugglers for an undisclosed fee on Thursday to join Augsburg until the end of the season.
And within 24 hours it was announced he will join Bundesliga rivals Dortmund on a free transfer in July.
Ji looks set to replace Bayern Munich-bound Robert Lewandowski.
The Poland striker, 25, agreed a five-year deal with German and European champions Bayern earlier this month.
"Dong-Won Ji is a professional who can play in several positions across the attack," said Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc.
"We're delighted to be getting this talented player on a free transfer in time for the new season."
Ji signed for Sunderland in June 2011, scoring just two goals in 28 appearances. He netted five times in 17 appearances during a six-month loan spell with Augsburg last year.
Sunderland, who during the summer rejected a £5m bid for Ji from an unnamed German side, reported to be Dortmund, allowed him to rejoin eighth-placed Augsburg for an undisclosed fee.
Last season's Bundesliga runners-up Dortmund, who were beaten by Bayern in the Champions League final at Wembley, are fourth in the current table, 12 points adrift of Pep Guardiola's leaders.
How to save £5m in 12 months
Borussia Dortmund were reported to have made a £5m bid to sign Ji Dong-Won in the summer but it was rejected by then-boss Paolo Di Canio
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-17 14:58
Ji Dong Won Gon
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-17 15:00
Di Canio turned down £5m for him from Dortmund in the summer what a douche!
45:00 +2:05 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 1, Southampton 2. 45:00 +1:26 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 45:00 +1:23 Attempt saved. Rickie Lambert (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. 45:00 +0:32 Steven Davis (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 45:00 +0:32 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 42:22 Foul by Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton). 42:22 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 41:40 Attempt missed. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 41:38 Attempt blocked. Adam Lallana (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Steven Davis. 37:27 Booking
Booking
Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 36:57 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Wes Brown. 33:37 Attempt missed. Wes Brown (Sunderland) header from the right side of the six yard box misses to the left. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a cross following a corner. 33:12 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Jose Fonte. 33:10 Attempt blocked. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Marcos Alonso with a cross. 31:34 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Southampton 2. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Johnson. 30:08 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 0, Southampton 2. Dejan Lovren (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Steven Davis with a cross following a corner. 29:46 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by John O'Shea. 28:20 Attempt saved. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Rickie Lambert. 26:06 Offside, Sunderland. Adam Johnson tries a through ball, but Phillip Bardsley is caught offside. 25:05 Offside, Southampton. Jose Fonte tries a through ball, but Rickie Lambert is caught offside. 22:34 Foul by Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton). 22:34 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 21:29 Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 21:29 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 20:50 Attempt missed. Rickie Lambert (Southampton) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Morgan Schneiderlin with a through ball. 17:30 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Adam Johnson. 16:52 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Sebastian Larsson. 16:19 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Marcos Alonso. 16:03 Attempt blocked. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Adam Lallana with a cross. 14:57 Attempt blocked. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jack Cork. 12:30 Attempt missed. Jack Cork (Southampton) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is too high. 10:06 Booking
Booking
Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 9:46 Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 9:46 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 3:49 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 0, Southampton 1. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Morgan Schneiderlin with a headed pass. 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Adam Johnson's goal helped relegation-battling Sunderland come back from two goals down to draw against Southampton.
Jay Rodriguez arrowed in a low 22-yard strike to put the visitors ahead and a steered Dejan Lovren volley from a corner extended the lead.
Fabio Borini's shot on the turn then pulled one back for the Black Cats.
Southampton missed several chances and were punished when Johnson powered in a rising shot, with Steven Fletcher having a late Sunderland chance saved.
More to follow
Full time
Full Time
Match ends, Sunderland 2, Southampton 2. 90:00 +7:03 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 2, Southampton 2. 90:00 +6:30 Attempt blocked. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Craig Gardner. 90:00 +5:50 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Jose Fonte. 90:00 +1:47 Hand ball by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 90:00 +0:45 Attempt blocked. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 89:32 James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) wins a free kick on the right wing. 89:32 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 88:15 Foul by Rickie Lambert (Southampton). 88:15 John O'Shea (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 87:25 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Southampton. Maya Yoshida replaces Dejan Lovren because of an injury. 87:10 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 86:25 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Southampton. James Ward-Prowse replaces Gastón Ramírez because of an injury. 84:20 Delay in match Dejan Lovren (Southampton) because of an injury. 84:20 Delay in match Gastón Ramírez (Southampton) because of an injury. 82:00 Attempt saved. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from long range on the right is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Craig Gardner. 80:55 Offside, Sunderland. Fabio Borini tries a through ball, but Steven Fletcher is caught offside. 77:23 Offside, Sunderland. Fabio Borini tries a through ball, but Steven Fletcher is caught offside. 76:48 Foul by Calum Chambers (Southampton). 76:48 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
75:07 Attempt saved. Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom right corner. 75:05 Attempt blocked. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Marcos Alonso. 74:38 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Dejan Lovren. 74:32 Attempt saved. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Steven Fletcher. 73:12 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Southampton. Gastón Ramírez replaces Adam Lallana. 72:20 Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 72:20 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 71:30 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Steven Fletcher replaces Jozy Altidore. 70:42 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Southampton 2. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Craig Gardner. 66:42 Calum Chambers (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:42 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 63:52 Offside, Sunderland. Craig Gardner tries a through ball, but Fabio Borini is caught offside. 62:13 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jack Colback replaces Sebastian Larsson. 61:59 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Craig Gardner replaces Lee Cattermole. 60:41 Attempt missed. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Rickie Lambert. 59:11 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 59:08 Attempt missed. Luke Shaw (Southampton) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Adam Lallana following a fast break. 58:04 Attempt saved. Jose Fonte (Southampton) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Steven Davis with a cross. 57:35 Adam Lallana (Southampton) wins a free kick on the right wing. 57:35 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 55:55 Attempt saved. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Lallana. 55:09 Foul by Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton). 55:09 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 54:08 Attempt saved. Calum Chambers (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Morgan Schneiderlin. 50:50 Offside, Sunderland. John O'Shea tries a through ball, but Marcos Alonso is caught offside. 49:09 Foul by Jack Cork (Southampton). 49:09 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 48:30 Attempt saved. Luke Shaw (Southampton) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Artur Boruc. 47:42 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Rickie Lambert. 46:57 Foul by Dejan Lovren (Southampton). 46:57 Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 45:45 Foul by Rickie Lambert (Southampton). 45:45 Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 45:13 Attempt missed. Steven Davis (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Rickie Lambert with a headed pass. 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Southampton 2.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-18 14:59
Jozy Altidore is one of the worst forwards since the premier league began no excuses hes crap.
Friendlies:
Local Select XI 1 Sunderland 13 (10 July 2013)
Sunderland 1 FC Chiasso 0 (17 July 2013)
FC Midtjylland 0 Sunderland 1 (7 August 2013)
Barclays Premier League Asia Trophy:
Tottenham 1 Sunderland 3 (24 July 2013)
Manchester City 1 Sunderland 0 (27 July 2013) FINAL
Premier League:
Sunderland 0 Fulham 1
Southampton 1 Sunderland 1
Crystal Palace 3 Sunderland 1
Sunderland 1 Arsenal 3
West Bromwich Albion 3 Sunderland 0
Sunderland 1 Liverpool 3
Sunderland 1 Manchester United 2
Swansea City 4 Sunderland 0
Sunderland 2 Newcastle United 1
Hull City 1 Sunderland 0
Sunderland 1 Manchester City 0
Stoke City 2 Sunderland 0
Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0
Sunderland 3 Chelsea 4
Sunderland 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2
West Ham United 0 Sunderland 0
Sunderland 0 Norwich City 0
Everton 0 Sunderland 1
Cardiff City 2 Sunderland 2
Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 1
Fulham 1 Sunderland 4
Sunderland 2 Southampton 2
League Cup:
Sunderland 4 MK Dons 2
Sunderland 2 Peterborough United 0
Sunderland 2 Southampton 0
Sunderland 2 Chelsea 1 (aet)
Sunderland 2 Manchester United 1
FA Cup:
Sunderland 3 Carlisle United 1
Upcoming Games:
Manchester United v Sunderland (LEAGUE CUP) [22 January 2014]
Sunderland v Kidderminster Harriers (FA CUP) [25 January 2014]
Sunderland v Stoke City (Premier League) [28 January 2014]
Sunderland have signed Argentine defender Santiago Vergini on loan until the end of the season.
The 25-year old centre-back plays for Uruguayan club Atletico Fenix, but he has been on loan at Argentine side Estudiantes this season.
Vergini, who will wear the number 27 shirt, has previously played for Italian club Verona and renowned Argentina club side Newell's Old Boys.
The defender won his first international cap in 2012.
Vergini is Sunderland's second signing of the January 2014 transfer window, with Gus Poyet's side having already recruited Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso on loan for the rest of the season.
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Man Utd Vs Sunderland
CAPITAL ONE CUP SEMI-FINAL SECOND LEG
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Wednesday, 22 January
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show on Wednesday at 2315 GMT, BBC One.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United will be without captain Nemanja Vidic as he begins a three-match suspension following his sending off against Chelsea.
Patrice Evra is a doubt after he limped off in that match, while Wayne Rooney may again miss out along with fellow striker Robin van Persie.
Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher is a doubt due to a troublesome Achilles injury.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuellar remain on the sidelines.
MATCH PREVIEW
David Moyes has swatted away any talk of a crisis at Old Trafford but the embattled Manchester United manager knows that if his side do not overturn a 2-1 deficit to Sunderland in their League Cup semi-final second leg then the chances are that he is going to end his first season in charge without any domestic silverware.
“We will try and do everything we can to get through even getting my players to cheat and dive. I want to give the supporters something to cheer about. There has not been an awful lot. I am fully aware of that”
Manchester United boss David Moyes
Their defeat to Chelsea means the prospect of retaining their Premier League title are looking increasingly slim. They have won just one of their last five matches and the ease with which so many clubs have picked up once-rare victories at Old Trafford this season will give Sunderland real hope they can end their own 46-year winless streak at the Theatre of Dreams - and reach their first major cup final for 22 years.
They have one of the Premier League's form players in England's forgotten man Adam Johnson. He has either scored or assisted nine of the Black Cats' last 11 goals and has been the key man in a revival that has seen Gus Poyet's team lose just one of their last nine matches.
However, they went 2-0 down within just 31 minutes against Southampton on Saturday prompting an angry Poyet to say his side will be knocked out by Manchester United if they start like that again at Old Trafford.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Sunderland have only won two of their last 25 meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (L18 D5), though both of these victories have come in the League Cup (the first leg of this tie and in 2000-01) .
The Black Cats have not won at Old Trafford in a major competition since May 1968 (D9 L16).
Sunderland and Manchester United have both won one of two previous League Cup ties between the sides; the Red Devils won a third round second replay in 1976-77 before the Black Cats won 2-1 in a fourth-round tie in 2000-01.
Manchester United
*Manchester United have won eight of their last nine League Cup semi-final ties, losing only to Chelsea in the 2004-05 season.
*They have scored in all but one of their last 18 League Cup games, scoring a total of 40 goals in those matches.
*The Red Devils have not lost consecutive League Cup games since September 2007.
*Eight of the last nine teams to win the first-leg of a League Cup semi-final 2-1 at home have been eliminated. Manchester United overturned a 2-1 deficit against Manchester City in 2009-10, winning 3-1 in the second leg at Old Trafford.
*They have won the League Cup four times in 1992, 2006, 2009 and 2010.
Sunderland
*They have only scored more than one goal in just five of their 22 league matches this season, but have scored at least two goals in all five of their League Cup ties this season.
*The Black Cats have only managed two wins in their last 10 League Cup games away from home at top flight sides (D2 L6) and are without a clean sheet in 11.
*They were runners-up in 1985, losing 1-0 Norwich.
LIAM BRIDCUTT’S eagerness to join Sunderland has again been highlighted after the midfielder was left out of the Brighton squad for Saturday’s defeat at Derby.
Bridcutt has been one of Sunderland’s principal targets during the January transfer window after the defensive midfielder worked under Black Cats boss Gus Poyet at Brighton.
The 24-year-old saw a transfer request rejected by the Seagulls earlier this month after Sunderland failed with a bid of around £2million for the former Chelsea youngster.
And Brighton boss Oscar Garcia revealed on Saturday that Bridcutt was not in the right frame of mind to feature against the Rams.
Garcia said: “He was available for selection but he spoke with Nathan (Jones, Brighton assistant manager) and he said that maybe he would not be focused on the game 100 per cent.
“A lot of things are happening around him and he was honest and for this he didn’t play.”
Poyet has already brought left-back Marcos Alonso to the Stadium of Light this month and is on the verge of wrapping up a deal for Argentine centre-half Santiago Vergini.
But the head coach is keen to make further additions, with Bridcutt, plus Brighton team-mate Will Buckley, both on the Uruguayan’s wish-list.
Poyet gave a strong hint that was still the case last week when he told the Echo that he was looking for domestic signings, as much as he was keen on overseas recruits.
He said: “We are looking everywhere. England is part of everywhere and I think the possibility of bringing in a player that is English or British and a foreigner, is exactly the same.
“We try to make sure that we bring in players that have already played in England first, if it is a foreigner.”
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No magic behind my return to form, insists Sunderland star Adam Johnson.
Sunderland star Adam Johnson puts his change in fortunes down to nothing more than a fluctuation in form
Adam Johnson insists there is no secret underlying his Sunderland renaissance.
The former Manchester City star made little impact in the first 18 months after his £10m move to Wearside, but since the turn of the year he has taken centre-stage for the Black Cats.
And the England man has either scored or provided the assist for an incredible nine of Sunderland’s last 11 goals in all competitions.
Yet Johnson says the change in his fortunes is nothing more than a player emerging from a ‘bad spell’ of form.
“I’m on a nice run of form and I’m delighted with how it’s going,” said Johnson.
“I just want to keep getting my head down, working hard and keep helping us to get points.
“People go through bad spells in their career and good spells.
“I haven’t changed anything at all. Nothing that I’ve been doing in training or anything.
“You’ve just got to keep working hard.
“You don’t turn into a bad player over six months or a year.
“I’ve come back into form and I’m delighted with that.”
Johnson scored one and made one as the Black Cats came back from 2-0 down to earn a point against Southampton at the weekend.
He provided the assist for Fabio Borini, and then equalised with his seventh goal of the season – and his fifth in four games.
He said: “We’re showing the spirit that we’ve got and it almost feels like a win for us after coming back from 2-0 down and being really poor in the first half-hour.
“But to make it 2-1 at the end of the first half was massive for us. That totally changed the game.
“Southampton crumbled a bit, their passing wasn’t as crisp, they started giving the ball away and we capitalised on that.”
Sunderland might even have won had they taken one of their chances in the final 15 minutes, but in the circumstances Johnson admits they were happy with the point.
He added: “Even in the last 10-15 minutes, we could have even nicked it.
“We didn’t, but at 2-0 down, we’d have been delighted with a point.”
Tyneside Yobs jailed after Newcastle vs Sunderland derby trouble
FOOTBALL hooligans who were involved in trouble after last season’s Tyne-Wear derby have been jailed for a total of 45 years.
Of the 76 people so far dealt with by the courts, 45 of the main offenders have been jailed from between four months and 21 months.
Others - including juveniles and first time offenders - have been sentenced to community orders for their role in the disorder, which was broadcast across the country.
The trouble erupted in the wake of Sunderland’s 3-0 win at St James’s Park in April.
All of those sentenced by the courts have been given football banning orders of up to six years, ensuring they will not be attending football matches for several seasons.
Police are warning others that getting involved in disorder could see them end up in prison or with a criminal record which could ultimately impact on their future.
Out of the 156 arrested, 57 said they had been to the match and 33 were season ticket holders.
Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “This was very much football-related disorder, the worst in the country last season, and no-one wants to see a repeat of those scenes.
“I’d like to reassure people that the disorder which happened after last season’s fixture was unusual and we took swift and decisive enforcement action to ensure those suspected of being involved were progressed through the courts.
“Public safety is our priority and this enforcement action has resulted in a number of prison sentences and banning orders, ensuring those involved are not at next month’s fixture.
“We know from interviews and court hearings that some of those involved did not set out to cause trouble and many of the younger offenders were first or second time offenders who had not been in trouble with police previously.
“I’d urge people to think about their actions and the impact this could have on their lives, their community and the city in which they live.
“This disorder was in no way reflective of the people who live in the Northumbria Police area or of North East football supporters, who want nothing more than to support their team in a safe and enjoyable environment.
“We always put safety first and with this at the forefront of our minds we’re working closely with both football clubs and other partner agencies to prevent a minority from putting the safety of others at risk.”
In total, 93 people were charged with offences following the derby in April, with 17 cases still being progressed through the courts.
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Sunderland reject Steven Fletcher SPITS on rickshaw driver - then posts pic on Instagram calling him a cunt.
Fletcher also filmed the sickening London incident, in which the grinning Scottish international deliberately flobbed on the driver's back
Premier League star Steven Fletcher filmed himself spitting on the back of a rickshaw driver taking him on a night out.
Then the shameless £12million Sunderland striker proudly posted a picture of the cabbie’s phlegm-covered jacket on Instagram with the message “Al spit on ya back ya cunt.”
Scottish international Fletcher also filmed the sickening incident on his mobile as the rickshaw took him and a pal through the streets of London.
During the video, which he also posted, Fletcher, 26, can be seen grinning alongside his giggling friend.
Footage and images of the vile incident – which drew appreciative comments from several of his followers – were later removed from the player’s account.
Black Cats fans will be shocked by the behaviour of their £40,000-a-week striker. There are around 150 bicycle rickshaw – or pedicab – drivers working in London. They are mainly foreign students striving to pay for their studies.
In stark contrast to Fletcher’s wealthy lifestyle, many struggle to make enough to cover the expense of running the cab, despite working dangerous night shifts in busy traffic.
The Scot is not the first Sunderland player to have been in trouble off the field in recent seasons.
Last year midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, 29, now with West Brom, was banned after admitting drink driving. Fletcher shares a £650,000 country home in Co Durham with beauty queen partner Rachel Monaghan, 21, and daughter Darcy-Mae.
Fashion-mad Fletcher sparked fury among fans in 2012. He tried to flog his new clothing range to 100,000 Twitter followers just hours after a Scotland defeat made it almost impossible for them to qualify for this summer’s World Cup finals.
David Moyes is not having the best of times as Manchester United manager, and an exit from the Capital One Cup will heap further pressure on him.
The 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday was the seventh time they have lost in the Premier League this season, and United must turn around a 2-1 deficit to Sunderland if they want to reach the final of the League Cup.
Sunderland were value for money for their victory in the first leg, and there is a danger that if Untied fail to overcome Sunderland, then Moyes is going to end up trophyless in his first season in charge.
United are 2/5 to qualify for the final, while Sunderland are 7/4 to complete the job and reach the final, but with the team currently struggling, United have a tough task to beat a side who sent Chelsea packing from the competition.
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Man Utd star Vidic out of Sunderland semi-final
MANCHESTER UNITED skipper Nemanja Vidic will miss Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland after he was sent off against Chelsea today.
Vidic was dismissed in stoppage time of Man United’s 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge and he will miss the next three games as a result, albeit the reigning Premier League champions could decide to appeal the decision.
United boss David Moyes already has injury worries over strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, with only the latter boasting a slim chance of featuring against the Black Cats.
Sunderland will head to Old Trafford with a 2-1 lead from the first leg, as the Black Cats look to reach their first major final since 1992.
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Quinn hat-trick gives Newcastle derby win against Sunderland
QUINN is a name which has inflicted misery for Newcastle United on Tyneside.
But at St James’s Park tonight, Magpies youngster Jonathyn Quinn proved Sunderland’s nemesis after his hat-trick ended the Black Cats’ hopes in the FA Youth Cup with a 4-0 win.
Three poacher’s efforts from the Ashington-born frontman secured a comprehensive victory for Newcastle in the Under-18 derby, before strike partner Adam Armstrong put the icing on Sunderland’s humiliation to send the hosts into the fifth round.
While Sunderland had gone toe-to-toe in a scrappy opening 45 minutes, without ever hurting Newcastle, the final scoreline was as comprehensive as it suggested after an awful second half from the visitors.
Ged McNamee’s side never recovered from going a goal down on the stroke of half-time and couldn’t even manage a meaningful effort on the Newcastle goal in response.
For long periods of the first half, Newcastle weren’t much more threatening.
Sunderland stopper Maksymillian Stryjek was forced into a smart save in the fifth minute after the Black Cats were careless bringing the ball out from the back.
Quinn nipped in on the edge of the Sunderland area and drove a right-footed shot across goal which was pushed away by Stryjek.
But the remainder of the half was a scrappy affair, with both sides struggling to create anything clear-cut.
The only effort on goal Sunderland could muster was a weak shot from the left-hand side of the area by Thomas Robson which was straight at goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
But on the stroke of half-time, Newcastle got their noses in front when Rolando Aarons jinked down the left and drove a low powerful low cross into the area which was coolly helped into the far corner by Quinn.
Magpies striker Armstrong should have done better in the 54th minute when he met Quinn’s inch-perfect cross from the right, but he couldn’t make a clean contact and sent his glancing header across the face.
But moments later, Newcastle did double their advantage when Macauley Gillesphey’s cross from the right was spilled horribly by Stryjek and Quinn poked it home from cross range.
Quinn’s hat-trick arrived in the 73rd minute - and it was almost a carbon-copy of his first - as he met a low cross from the right, this time from Jamie Sterry, and curled it into the far corner.
It got even worse for Sunderland in the 82nd minute when Sunderland substitute Andrew Nelson sent a suicidal back-pass towards his own goal which went straight to the feet of Armstrong.
The striker had just Stryjek to beat and kept his cool to tuck it away low to the keeper’s left.
Armstrong almost grabbed a second in stoppage time when he span away from Ross Colquhoun and bore down on Stryjek, only for the keeper to block well with his outstretched right leg.
It was irrelevant though. Sunderland’s misery had been sealed long before the final kick.
THE TIMING of Roberto De Fanti’s dismissal as Sunderland director of football may have caused a few eyebrows to raise.
With a fortnight to run of the January transfer window, it seemed a touch surprising to shuffle the club’s management structure while deals were still to be done.
But, in reality, the loss of the agent-turned-Ellis Short favourite won’t have any destabilising effect on Sunderland’s bid for reinforcements. Quite the contrary, if anything.
Chief executive Margaret Byrne is well versed in conducting transfer negotiations, while Gus Poyet has been behind those players Sunderland have targeted this month.
Ever since gauging the calibre of Sunderland’s summer signings in his first few weeks in the job, Poyet has been determined to be pro-active over the fresh faces, rather than delegating them to De Fanti, as Paolo Di Canio had done.
But while Poyet’s focus must now turn to the demands of four crucial games inside 11 days, including a League Cup semi-final and the derby, business in these next two weeks could be pivotal towards Sunderland’s survival hopes.
Poyet claimed after an entertaining, if perhaps fortuitous draw against Southampton, that he was looking for new recruits “everywhere” throughout the side.
Yet Saturday highlighted the two areas which have to be a priority – central midfield and centre-forward.
Southampton have enjoyed more time to fine-tune the brand of football which Poyet is attempting to bring to Wearside. Inevitably, they are able to do it more cohesively at present.
But they also have more quality in those pivotal positions.
Morgan Schneiderlin utterly dominated the middle of the park, both creatively and defensively, by constantly pressing Ki Sung-Yueng and denying the influential South Korean the chance to dictate proceedings.
It was only when Ki moved into a deeper role, when Lee Cattermole went off, that the on-loan Swansea man was able to exert some control.
Perhaps that provided Poyet with food for thought over whether both midfielders can be including in the same XI at home.
But Sunderland have to be cleverer than just relying on Ki to feed Fabio Borini or an increasingly influential Adam Johnson, who had an engaging battle with hugely promising Saints left-back Luke Shaw.
Like the rest of his team-mates, Cattermole was guilty of cheaply surrendering possession on the rare occasions when Sunderland saw anything of the ball, while Seb Larsson endured a game to forget, highlighted by the cheers from the crowd which greeted his removal.
Even when asked to move into the hole behind Jozy Altidore at the start of the second half, when Sunderland finally began to show some intensity, Larsson was unable to improve his impact.
Craig Gardner made a telling contribution when he replaced Larsson and finally offered some decent support to the frontman.
Consistency has been a problem for the Brummie though and, with his contract expiring in the summer, that attacking midfield role is one which remains a problem.
So, too, does the striker, particularly if the knock which restricted Steven Fletcher to an emergency contribution from the bench, develops into a serious injury.
Altidore was forced to feed off scraps, but the American needs to do more to help himself.
The £6million summer arrival’s first-touch lets him down, while he too often lets his marker get ahead of him when one of the full-backs knocks the ball down the channel to relieve some pressure.
There have been calls for Danny Graham and Connor Wickham to be recalled – particularly strong for the latter given his goals return at Sheffield Wednesday – yet there has to be a suspicion that Poyet is not convinced by either. He is likely to look elsewhere.
The bottom line is that Poyet needs more players who can make the difference at the Stadium of Light.
Away from home, Sunderland look a solid, well-drilled outfit, very capable of exploiting any gaps on the counter-attack.
Yet aside from Johnson, there hasn’t been enough to worry sides on Wearside, particularly when they have done their homework on the Black Cats.
Some of that has to come down to a lack of intensity from kick-off.
Far from starting like an express train after the 4-1 victory at Fulham, Sunderland were more Thomas the Tank Engine on Saturday lunchtime.
The lack of pressing on Southampton was frighteningly exposed by Jay Rodriguez for the early opener, albeit it was an excellent finish from the former Burnley man, while it took some suspect goalkeeping from Artur Boruc to kick-start the Black Cats after the Pole couldn’t keep out Fabio Borini’s fourth goal of the season.
It’s fine for Sunderland to try to take the sting out of the game on the road, but at the Stadium of Light, they need to take the initiative.
But the home form has been a problem for far longer than just Poyet’s reign. There have been just four Premier League wins at the Stadium of Light since the turn of 2013 and that is an unwanted statistic which requires attention from fresh pairs of eyes.
A point after playing so poorly for long periods against an impressive Southampton side is nothing to complain about.
Such a return would hardly have been classed as a disaster prior to kick-off, regardless of the turmoil off-the-field at St Mary’s last week, and it keeps Sunderland’s tally ticking over.
Yes, Sunderland could have moved out of the bottom three with a victory, but it’s points, not places, which are the overwhelming priority at this stage.
But Sunderland will need to win three, probably more, times at home before the end of the season.
The upcoming Stadium of Light games against Stoke, Hull, West Brom, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Cardiff and Swansea will decide their fate.
Poyet needs to make sure his acquisitions over the next 12 days are astute enough to garner enough points from that pivotal set of fixtures.
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Sunderland new signing could play in cup semi-final against Manchester United
SUNDERLAND have signed Argentine centre-half Santiago Vergini on a season-long loan.
And the South American could go straight into the Capital One Cup semi-final squad against Manchester United if his international clearance comes through in time.
A more likely debut might be against Kidderminster Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round this Saturday.
But manager Gus Poyet will be less concerned about when the 25-year-old makes his debut than the fact that lengthy negotiations have paid off and the the defender will be in Sunderland colours for the rest of the campaign.
Vergini was on loan with Argentinian club Estudiantes from his Uruguayan parent club Atletico Fenix and the deal was not straight-forward to pull off.
Vergini, who will wear shirt number 27, is Sunderland’s second signing of the January transfer window - Marcos Alonso having joined on loan from Fiorentina at the start of the month.
Vergini has one international cap, which he picked up in 2012, having begun his career in Paraguay with Olimpia, briefly playing with Italian side Verona in 2011 before a successful spell at title-winning Newell’s Old Boys in his home country.
He joined Estudiantes in 2013 but the move has not worked out and Sunderland have taken advantage.
Sunderland sweating over Fletcher fitness for Manchester United tie
Gus Poyet was hoping to rest the Scotland international against Southampton at the weekend due to a slight knock, but brought the forward on in order to salvage a point
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is doubtful for Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester United due to an achilles injury.
The striker was restricted to fewer than 20 minutes in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Southampton, coming on as a substitute for Jozy Altidore.
Gus Poyet's men head into the encounter at Old Trafford with a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg, but face the prospect of being without the Scot for the return match as they attempt to reach Wembley.
"We were trying not to play him at all (against Southampton) because he had a problem, a little injury," told the Sunderland Echo.
"We would not have involved him if we had been doing well. I asked him to take a risk for him and for his team-mates, and credit to him, he did.
"It's a tricky injury, and he could have made it worse, but he was happy in his warm-up and he gave us a very good 20 minutes."
Sunderland go in search of a first Capital One Cup - or equivalent competition - final appearance since losing 1-0 to Norwich City in the 1985 showpiece in high spirits, having lost just once in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
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Sunderland’s interest may be fading in Scocco as Cardiff move to land Argentinian winger
SUNDERLAND’S interest in Nacho Scocco appears to have cooled, with Cardiff City now in pole position for the Argentine winger.
Scocco has been on Sunderland’s radar throughout this transfer window – as the 28-year-old was during the summer – with the Black Cats’ interest confirmed by both the forward’s agent and his father.
Sunderland are thought to have made a formal enquiry with Brazilian club Internacional earlier in the month over Scocco’s availability.
But the Echo understands that Internacional held a meeting with Scocco and his agent yesterday and there was no mention of any further interest from Sunderland.
However, fellow strugglers Cardiff City are thought to have made an enquiry and Internacional are now waiting for a concrete bid from the Premier League’s basement boys.
Gus Poyet has refused to comment on the speculation regarding Scocco, but the head coach appeared to brush off Sunderland’s interest when asked by the Echo last week.
Scocco, who netted 30 goals in 46 appearances for Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys last season, would command a significant outlay in terms of wages, while Internacional are looking for a transfer fee in excess of £5million.
While Internacional are likely to accept a lower figure, given Scocco is keen to leave the club, it would still require a significant outlay from Sunderland, who have been cautious over stretching themselves financially in this window, given their Premier League status is in such jeopardy.
And although Sunderland are on the verge of sealing a deal for Argentine centre-half Santiago Vergini, Poyet has been keen to land players with experience of English football, who are able to hit the ground running.
As Poyet told the Echo last week, British players are as high on his radar as any overseas recruits.
He said: “We are looking everywhere. England is part of everywhere and I think the possibility of bringing in a player that is English or British and a foreigner, is exactly the same.
“We try to make sure that we bring in players that have already played in England first, if it is a foreigner.”
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Rooney set for Manchester United return against Sunderland
The England striker had been easing himself back into work at Carrington after returning from a warm-weather recuperation break in Egypt, but is now back in full training
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is back in full training and is expected to be included in the squad to face Sunderland in the Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Rooney had been struggling with a groin injury since the end of December, and aggravated the problem after playing against Tottenham on New Year's Day.
Manager David Moyes had sent Rooney to Egypt for some warm-weather recuperation work with a United fitness coach with a view to getting him fit for Sunday's clash against Chelsea.
And although the club were hopeful he would be back to face the Blues upon his return, Rooney had been easing his way back into training and was not ready for the trip to Stamford Bridge, where Samuel Eto'o's hat-trick helped deliver a 3-1 victory for Jose Mourinho's side.
But the striker was involved in full contact training on Monday - including ball work and tackling - and although he is not thought to be ready for 90 minutes, he is expected to play some part against the Black Cats, who lead 2-1 from the first leg.
"Wayne is really keen to get back into the side and is going full throttle in training," a Carrington source told Goal.
"The medical guys have given him the all clear to play, so it should hopefully just be a case of getting his fitness up to scratch."
Rooney's contract expires at the end of next season and Goal understands that he has repeatedly rejected United's attempts to enter negotiations over a new deal.
Sunderland hope to have new Argentinian goalkeeper Oscar Ustari on bench at Manchester United.
SUNDERLAND have signed Argentinan goalkeeper Oscar Ustaria and are now in a race against time to have him available for the Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester United
The 27-year-old joins from Spanish side Almeria on loan until the end of the season and Gus Poyet is desperate to have him on the bench as back up to Vito Mannone at Old Trafford.
But that will depend on whether the paper-work is processed in time for the evening kick-off.
Ustaria is yet to arrive in England and is expected to fly into Manchester on the day of the game, with the first chance he is likely to have of meeting his new team-mates being in the hours in the run-up to the match.
Poyet told the Echo: “We will have to wait and see whether things are done in time but we are hopeful.
“He is a good keeper, an experienced keeper, and if it is at all possible for him to be involved against Man United, then that’s an opportunity we want to take.
“It will be helpful, especially if we have a game where it goes to extra time and penalties and it is possible that for one reason or another he ends up being involved in that.
“You can never predict cup games and it could be one of those situations where he makes his debut, is forced to come on and becomes a hero but certainly it would be nice to have the option to include him.”
The Black Cats were linked with a string of goalkeepers after head coach Gus Poyet admitted the club was in the market for an experienced keeper following Keiren Westwood’s shoulder operation.
There has been talk of Argentine keeper Mariano Andujar as well as Millwall’s David Forde.
But Ustaria, who moved to La Liga from Boca Juniors last summer, became the clear target.
He is Sunderland’s third signing of the January transfer window, joining Estudiantes’ Santiago Vergini and Fiorentina’s Marcos Alonso.
And Poyet is hopeful of more: “Beyond Ustaria, we are still working on a few new signings.
“There are a few too many rumours - some players I know, some I don’t - but we are just getting on with it.
“There’s a little bit more work for me with Roberto De Fanti leaving but nothing I can’t handle.”
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-21 11:33
Man Utd are just one disaster after another under moyes.......defeats, injuries, failures in the transfer market, vidic off..and the Brazillian Hobbit losing his head again and diving in with 2 feet........lack of discipline, loss of belief in Moyes from the team..?......he is on the brink...why will it be any better for the next 5 years.?
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Music!WUaY/FyUGo2014-01-21 11:37
>>812
London plastics like you are not really Man Utd supporters....
The training facilities at Old Trafford must be of very poor standard when they sent Rooney to Egypt to get fit!! The same happened a few years ago; when rooney was sent to America to regain his fitness!!! There's something far wrong at this club. Rooney doesn't even like the heat. We've all saw pictures of him on holidays in the past, where he's either hiding in the shade; or he's in the swimming pool smoking and wearing a whole bottle of Factor 50 sun-cream piled an inch thick on his body!!!! So what do Man Utd do? They send him to Egypt, so he can lie in an air-conditioned room; 'cause it's 40 degrees Celsius outside! Enough to burn your feet if you walked on the sand barefoot (i know, I've been there) And Moyes expects the players and fans to believe that Rooney's trip to Egypt will speed up his fitness?! Even Gary Neville wouldn't believe that nonsense!!!
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:40
Thousands of free tickets given to local schools and plenty more offered to Manchester University Student's Union at £10 a pop for the Sunderland game. There'll till be plenty of empty seats but because they've issued the free and cut price tickets they'll all be added to the official (inflated) attendance. 43,000 empty seats against Newcastle in your last League Cup campaign.
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blues2014-01-21 11:42
It's a sign of the arrogance and and condescending attitude Utd fans have shown toward other fans over the years. You are bad losers, and worse winners. You haven't just celebrated your success like other fans do, you've put yourselves out to humiliate other fans. It's the "we are Manchester United, we are bigger than England, and the rest of you are nobodies" attitude that has led to the rest of us "nobodies" despising you so much. And that my friend, is the reason for the delight at your decline.
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:44
"he's kept himself right when he's been away?" sorry i thought he was sent abroad for (a joke) training to work on fitness and now Moyes is pleased he's not got fat and drunk! What the hell is going on? Rooney should stop acting like he's the greatest thing to have happened to united and Moyes needs to stop pandering to him because he's too scared Rooney will leave at the end of the season. Oh, and note to Rooney, you're a sportsman so being fit isn't some great achievement. I really hope we sell him, nobody is bigger than the club
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:46
Blame Rooney and RVP for United's poor league form. Injured for taking a corner? Taking holiday to nurse a leg? Not Moyes fault at all. Just a bunch of babies. If United can't get to top 4 with these two back. Then the summer will be interesting...
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-21 11:47
>>817
Let's all hail the return of the "white Pele," looking forward to him setting a record of failing to score in yet another WC this summer, whilst en ger land go out in round one yet again. On another note RVP looks really happy in the above picture. Must be the excitement of working under the tactical and intellectual genius that is the "chosen one...."
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:48
enjoy her land are only in the WC because of a ridiculously easy qualifying group. No we are not but we do have the most expensive footballer in the world who is playing for a real "big" club: REAL MADRID. Remember he refused a hundred million pound move to United, because in his (many others in 2014,) United are no longer a big club. Deutschland 2014. Looking forward to en ger land's humiliating exit once again. Remember 2010, roon is an over rated pie eater, who will do nothing in the heat of Brazil.
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:49
Rooney and van Persie coming back is bad news for 15 teams yet to play them. City excluded of course!!!
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:49
>>820
I will give them 3 games before one of them is injured again
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Music!WUaY/FyUGo2014-01-21 11:50
>>821
Read this guys previous comments, something tells me he is a United fan hahaha.
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:51
Thank goodness Shrek is back. Agent Moyes can put his £150mil loan away.
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Anonymous2014-01-21 11:53
Sunderland please get rid of all ex Man U players in your team.. Find players who really have the passion for the club not because of past performance.
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Anonymous2014-01-21 12:24
I hope sunderland kick manu ass @ot, and the cheating refs don't help manu like they have been doing.
Capital One Cup: Manchester United v Sunderland match preview
David Moyes will be looking to recover from a string of defeats when his team take on Sunderland tonight in the second leg of the Capital One Cup Semi Final. Currently one goal behind after the first leg, Manchester United will need a good performance if they are to progress through to the final.
After suffering a devastating 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, Moyes is running out of games to catch up with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are now 14 points ahead in the table. United’s form has been uncharacteristically poor in recent weeks, having suffered four defeats in their last five games, two of which were at Old Trafford. Sunderland currently sit second to bottom of the Premier League and remain in a fight for their survival. Their chances of progressing through to the Capital One Cup Final remain strong after they beat United 2-1 in the first leg of the semi-final. Gus Poyet’s men have also won three of their last four games, so will be confident going into tonight’s match.
KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Sunderland 2 (Giggs (og), Borini) Man Utd 1 (Vidic), Capital One Cup, January 2014
Sunderland 1 (Gardner) Man Utd 2 (Januzaj (2)), Premier League, October 2013
Sunderland 0 Man Utd 1 (Bramble), Premier League, March 2013
STATS:
Sunderland have only won two of their last 25 meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (L18 D5), though both of these victories have come in the League Cup.
Javier Hernandez has scored three goals in just 199 minutes of League Cup action this campaign.
Only Manchester City (75) and Leicester (57) have fired in more shots in this season's League Cup than Sunderland (54).
Manchester United have scored in all but one of their last 18 League Cup games, netting 40 goals in total in this run.
ODDS:
Man Utd to win: 1.33
Sunderland to win: 9.0
Draw: 4.5
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC 1 at 11.15pm
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Preview: United v Sunderland
Date, time and coverage: Wednesday 22 January, 19:45 GMT. Live TV coverage in the UK on Sky Sports. Follow the action live via ManUtd.com's rolling blog and MUTV Online's radio commentary. Match highlights will be on MUTV Online from 24 hours after full-time.
Form guide: Defeat to Chelsea on Sunday meant a fourth defeat in five outings for Manchester United in 2014, while the visitors are on a four-match unbeaten run. The Black Cats' latest result showed character – after trailing 0-2 at home to Southampton on Saturday, they turned it around to claim a point with a 2-2 draw.
Ins and outs: United will be without skipper Nemanja Vidic, who begins a three-match ban for the straight red card he received at Stamford Bridge. Marouane Fellaini is edging back towards full fitness following wrist surgery and a back injury, but the Belgian is still some time away from availability. Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney missed the trip to Chelsea due to their ongoing thigh and groin issues but David Moyes said on Sunday that he hoped the pair were not far away from full fitness. Sunderland have brought in defender Santiago Vergini on loan this week, but it remains to be seen if the Argentinian will make the squad for Wednesday.
Last meeting: Sunderland claimed the first-leg spoils with a 2-1 win, which came courtesy of an own goal from Ryan Giggs and a penalty from on-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. It was a cruel stroke of luck for Giggs, who struck the crossbar and was flagged offside when Adnan Januzaj 'scored' before he inadvertently put the home side ahead. Vidic's header levelled the match early in the second half, but Borini restored Sunderland's lead from the spot after Tom Cleverley was controversially adjudged to have fouled Adam Johnson just inside the area.
Betting: United's online betting partners bwin make the Reds favourites to win the match at 1.33, and give a price of 1.38 for David Moyes' men to advance to Wembley. A draw on the night, which would not be good enough for United, is at 5.00 and a Sunderland win is 8.50, while the price for the visitors triumphing in the tie overall is 2.80. Adnan Januzaj was in sublime form in the first leg at the Stadium of Light, and the talented teenager is 6.50 to open the scoring on Wednesday.
Did you know? The Reds were either level or trailing after the first leg of the club's last three semi-finals in this competition, in 2006, 2009 and 2010. However, in each year United won the second leg to advance to the final and claim the trophy.
The manager: Gus Poyet has certainly improved Sunderland's fortunes following the turbulent reign of the combustible Paulo Di Canio, and while his side remain mired in a battle against relegation from the Barclays Premier League, the cup run under the affable Uruguayan has lifted spirits for Black Cats players and fans alike.
Star man: The first player signed in Roberto Mancini's time as manager at Manchester City, Adam Johnson had become surplus to requirements by August 2012 when Sunderland's then-manager Martin O'Neill brought him back over the Pennines to his native Wearside. The winger has been in good form of late, posing problems off the bench in the first leg against United and bagging a hat-trick at Fulham, leading to talk of a recall to the England set-up ahead of the World Cup.
Quote/unquote: "We did so well to win the first leg against Manchester United but we've still got to finish the job. The cup run has given us a tremendous lift." Gus Poyet
Whistle-blower: United will hope the presence of referee Lee Mason will be a good omen – the Reds have won both games where the Bolton official has been in charge this season, at home to Stoke and away to Aston Villa.
Rivals watch: It would take a footballing miracle for West Ham to overturn a 6-0 deficit from the first leg of their semi-final and prevent Manchester City from claiming a place at Wembley on 2 March. Stranger things have happened – but not very often.
AFTER tomorrow night’s Capital One Cup semi-final against Old Trafford, Sunderland will stay in cup mode when they face Kidderminster in the FA Cup this weekend.
There’s no glory to be gained when you are drawn at home against a non-league club.
All Sunderland can do is get the job done and progress to the next round.
This game is all about Kidderminster, as being a non-league club they have done exceptionally well to get as far as they have.
And every neutral will be rooting for them to beat the Premier League team.
It’s their day.
And the Kidderminster fans and players will, I’m sure, make the most of the occasion.
It’s up to Gus Poyet and Sunderland to make sure their team is not the victim of a giant-killing.
There’s little doubt that Poyet will make changes for this game.
Youngsters Duncan Watmore and El-Hadji Ba made an impact in the last round and it would be no surprise if they feature again, along with other squad players.
It’s easy to forget that Adam Johnson was out of the team before he played against Carlisle United in the last round, where he scored, was man-of-the-match and has never looked back since.
Other players should take notice and follow Johnson’s example if they get the chance on Saturday, as a good performance can put them in the head coach’s plans for future league games.
Whatever team Poyet puts out, he must give total respect to Kidderminster and not under-estimate them.
They beat Peterborough at home to reach round four and will come to the Stadium of Light with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
That’s what makes this tie dangerous, so Sunderland need to be as professional in their approach to this game as any other because anything but a win would be hugely embarrassing and can have a negative and damaging effect on the rest of the season.
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Borini: Sunderland aiming for a win not a draw against Manchester United
FABIO BORINI insists Sunderland are targeting victory at Old Trafford tomorrow, rather than hanging on for a draw.
Sunderland take a 2-1 advantage into their Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester United after on-loan Liverpool forward Borini’s match-winning penalty from the first meeting between the sides a fortnight ago.
A draw in Manchester tomorrow night would be sufficient for Sunderland to secure a place in their first major cup final since 1992.
But despite Man United’s troubles this season, Borini (left) remains wary of the goal threat of the reigning Premier League champions and says the Black Cats must look to triumph in the second leg, rather than settling for a stalemate.
Borini told the Echo: “We’re not going there to lose, we’re going there to win.
“If you try to get a draw, then the first thing that comes to your mind is to lose and that will happen.
“We’re going there to win and to play our game.
“It’s Man United. If you sit back, sooner or later they will score. They’ve got great players.
“We have to play our way to Wembley.”
Borini has played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s cup run after he was on the scoresheet in the quarter final success against Chelsea and again in the semi-final first leg with Man United.
The Italian’s goal against Southampton on Saturday was his fourth in red and white, although the 22-year-old refuses to make public the target he has set himself for the season.
But Borini said it was important to keep Sunderland’s points tally ticking over prior to their Capital One Cup and FA Cup commitments, with so little separating the sides in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
“Yes I’ve set a goals target, but I’m not going to say it in the media!” he said. “I’m keeping that to myself and my mentor coach.
“It’s very important to not give points away.
“Saturday was a point that we have gained and it was an important performance to get back in the game.
“When you see how close the table is, you need to keep in contention and not lose games.
“Every point counts.
“Good results gives you confidence and we’ve got some consistency over recent weeks.”
Sunderland will be cheered on by almost 9,000 supporters at Old Trafford and Borini believes that could be crucial when Gus Poyet’s side attempt to contain the reigning Premier League champions.
“It’s very good to have that many fans there,” added the Italian international.
“To have 9,000 out of 75,000 is very important, especially when we’ve got that one goal advantage.
“You need the fans at hard moments and I’m sure there will be some at Old Trafford tomorrow, so hopefully they can help us.”
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I believe that the manager should have the final say
THE big news off the pitch last week was the departure of the club’s first ever Director of Football Roberto De Fanti.
His exit sparked a lot of questions, but the one most prominent in my mind was: Will anybody notice?
There was an interesting coincidence in the fact that Sunderland played Southampton at the weekend who had just got rid of their own big administrative figure, executive chairman Nicola Cortese.
But while Cortese was credited with being the mastermind behind Southampton’s revitalisation, we know little about De Fanti other than the fact that he never gave any Press interviews and was credited with being the man behind bringing in 14 new signings last summer.
Firstly, can I just say that I never want to see Sunderland sign 14 new players in a transfer window again.
I know it sounds exciting at the time when you’re hearing about one new signing coming in after another.
But trust me, as someone who has been in football dressing rooms for many years, it doesn’t work.
And in this particular case, if you take away the two loan signings from Premier League clubs – Ki Sung-Yueng and Fabio Borini, who we can agree are doing well – only one player out of the remaining 12 has nailed down a first team place.
And even that one player – Vito Mannone – only secured his spot after Keiren Westwood’s injury.
I don’t know if Sunderland will persist with the Director of Football model, but personally, I prefer the traditional situation where the manager has all the say in who comes in.
My view is that I trust a football manager far more than I would, an administrator.
If the director of football is little more than a well-paid gopher who does an important job of taking some of the pressure and responsibilities off a manager, I think that’s fine – player recruitment is a tough and arduous process.
But when these new positions start dictating who comes in too much, I think it becomes a case of the tail wagging the dog.
For me, the manager should always be the person making the key decisions on transfers.
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Sunderland’s precious point against Southampton may prove the difference
A DRAW against Southampton wasn’t what I was hoping for, but after seeing Sunderland outplayed for the vast majority of the game, we ended up with a point more than we deserved to get.
To come back from two goals down deserves credit, but Southampton have got to be wondering how they didn’t go home with all three points, as they dominated the game and had more than enough chances to put the game out of Sunderland’s reach.
Southampton impressed me.
They’re a seriously good team who play attractive football and for long periods Sunderland couldn’t get near them.
After last week’s uplifting 4-1 win at Fulham, I expected Sunderland to start quickly and put Southampton under pressure.
But the opposite happened and Southampton were two goals ahead before we had a shot on goal.
Somehow Sunderland got themselves back on level terms, but Southampton’s goalkeeper Artur Boruc will be disappointed with his efforts to stop both Sunderland’s goals, especially Adam Johnson’s equaliser which seemed to take him by surprise.
Johnson is in a purple patch at the moment, scoring and claiming an assist against the Saints, he’s writing his own headlines.
And he was Sunderland’s biggest danger and best outfield player on the day.
Sunderland’s top performer though was goalkeeper Vito Mannone who kept us in the game with a number of saves and when the home keeper is the star player, that tells its own story.
Gus Poyet made two changes from the team that beat Fulham in the previous game, bringing in Seb Larsson and Jozy Altidore, but both had games to forget and neither of them justified their selection.
Sunderland did not play well against Southampton and had to fight and scrap for a share of the spoils.
But it is never a bad sign when a team comes back from a two-goal deficit and the point gained could be huge at the end of the season.
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic's claim for wrongful dismissal rejected
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has had his appeal against his dismissal against Chelsea rejected by an Independent Regulatory Commission, the Football Association has announced.
Therefore, the centre-half's three-match suspension commences with immediate effect, starting with the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Vidic was shown a straight red card for scything down Eden Hazard close to the end of United's 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Serbian will also have to sit out the Premier League visit of Cardiff and the trip to Stoke as part of his suspension.
His absence is a blow to David Moyes' struggling side, whose season suffered
another setback in their comprehensive defeat by the Blues, which left them 14 points off league leaders Arsenal and six off the Champions League places.
The 32-year-old will be missed by a defence which has looked particularly vulnerable in recent matches, having conceded nine goals in five games.
Rio Ferdinand could be out for anything up to another four weeks with the knee injury he picked up in the FA Cup third-round defeat by Swansea on January 5.
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Nemanja Vidic loses appeal over red card against Chelsea
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has been banned for three matches after losing his appeal against his red card against Chelsea, the Football Association has announced.
Vidic's claim for wrongful dismissal was rejected by an independent regulatory commission on Tuesday.
He was sent off in United's 3-1 defeat on Sunday for a foul on Eden Hazard.
An FA statement read: "The player's three-match suspension commences with immediate effect."
The 32-year-old Red Devils captain will now miss the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland on Wednesday and Barclays Premier League games at home to Cardiff and away to Stoke.
His absence is a blow to David Moyes' struggling side, whose season suffered another setback in their comprehensive defeat by Chelsea, which left them 14 points off league leaders Arsenal and six off the Champions League places.
The Serbian will be missed by a defence which has looked particularly vulnerable in recent matches, having conceded nine goals in five games.
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Nemanja Vidic appeal rejected by Independent Commission
Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic has had his claim for wrongful dismissal rejected by an Independent Regulatory Commission.
Therefore, the player’s three-match suspension commences with immediate effect.
Vidic had received a red card for serious foul play in his side’s game against Chelsea on Sunday 19 January 2014.
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Nemanja Vidic's suspension stands after appeal is REJECTED
THE FA have upheld their three-match ban for Nemanja Vidic after the Manchester United defender saw his appeal for wrongful dismissal against Chelsea rejected.
Vidic was given a straight red towards the end of United's 3-1 defeat on Sunday when he lunged in on Eden Hazard.
The Serbian was gobsmacked at the time by the referee's decision and he his three-game ban still stands which will see him sit out of United's Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at home to Sunderland.
An FA statement read: "Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic has had his claim for wrongful dismissal rejected by an Independent Regulatory Commission.
"Therefore, the player’s three-match suspension commences with immediate effect.
"Vidic had received a red card for serious foul play in his side’s game against Chelsea on Sunday 19 January 2014."
Transfer window watch: Sunderland set to step up pursuit of Bridcutt
Former Albion boss Gus Poyet is poised to step up his pursuit of Liam Bridcutt - by selling Lee Cattermole.
Cattermole is being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Stoke City, which could clear the way for Sunderland to increase their bid for Bridcutt.
Stoke are closing in fast on Cattermole for a transfer package of around £5 million, according to the Sentinel newspaper.
Cattermole occupies the defensive midfield role at the Stadium of Light earmarked by Poyet for Bridcutt.
The Seagulls rejected a £2 million bid for Bridcutt at the beginning of the January transfer window.
Chairman Tony Bloom is determined to keep hold of the player of the season for the last two years but Bridcutt has made clear his desire to leave Albion.
He had a transfer request rejected in the wake of Sunderland's offer and told the management staff he was not in the right frame of mind to play at Derby last Saturday after recovering from injury.
The view from Manchester: United MUST overcome mighty Sunderland if they're to stand any chance of stopping the Man City juggernaut
Where do you even start when discussing how vital a match tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg has become for Manchester United?
Do you analyse an awful start to this calendar year that has seen four defeats in five, with last weekend’s damaging loss at Stamford Bridge surely ending the club’s hopes of retaining their Premier League title?
Or the fact that this competition now represents United’s best hopes of silverware in David Moyes’ first season at the helm?
Oh. The continued lack of firepower in the absence of both Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie probably deserves a mention, too.
Simply put, this has been a sobering season for everyone connected with the club. Recent news of an incredible swoop for Juan Mata aside, United have failed to strengthen a title-winning side and paid the price for it.
They’ve seen Old Trafford’s intimidating aura all but vanish and fallen so far off the Premier League pace that it would surely take a triple capitulation from Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea for the reigning champions to have so much as a sniff of finishing in top spot.
Combine that with a limp third-round exit in the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea City and it’s not difficult to see why tonight’s second-leg against Sunderland, and the chance to reach a showpiece final in a season laced with such turmoil, becomes a must-win.
Of course, Gus Poyet’s side will not simply roll over and pass up such an opportunity themselves, and even if United do overturn that 2-1 deficit, the small matter of facing those dear, noisy neighbours comes to the fore.
Barring an extended blip of form away from the Etihad in the season’s early stages, City have been fantastic under Manuel Pellegrini; their new signings have bedded-in well, Sergio Aguero has been utterly lethal and the sheer attacking tenacity they possess has seen almost every visiting side that they’ve come across ripped apart.
United, on the other hand, have found things much more difficult this term, lacking leadership, creativity and inspiration.
Simply put, it’s not a prospective match that most Reds will expect to win. But it’s a derby that United simply have fight for.
The City juggernaut is in danger of laying waste to everything in its path this season, and talk of a quadruple, whilst premature, is far from unrealistc.
One season, as evidenced by City’s dramatic title victory in 2012, will not swing the momentum forever in their favour, but at present, United are certainly thoroughly eclipsed by Pellegrini’s side.
This potential final is a huge chance for Moyes and his players to make a statement: that they’re not the spent force some say they are, and that they can still compete with the country’s best sides.
The thought of allowing City such glory, especially in a derby game, should be all the impetus United require to produce the biggest and most significant display of their season so far.
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Limping in the league and out of the FA Cup, United MUST beat mighty Sunderland tonight or the gulf to City will widen
The League Cup used to be something of an inconvenience for Manchester United, a tinpot trophy to pick up or put down in those dark winter months when European dreams were taking shape and title charges gathered pace.
Sir Alex Ferguson won it on four occasions – including three times in five years between 2006-2010 – but its primary function was as a proving ground for his next generation of young stars.
On Wednesday night at Old Trafford, this much-maligned competition will take on far greater significance for Ferguson’s successor David Moyes and the ailing Barclays Premier League champions.
Out of the title race and out of the FA Cup in January, only the most optimistic United fan would tout them as serious Champions League contenders now.
The Capital One Cup looks to be as good as it gets, and to win it Moyes’s team must first of all overturn a 2-1 deficit against Sunderland from the first leg of their semi-final. After the disappointments suffered already this season, failure really isn’t an option.
If reaching the final seems well within United’s capabilities, however, stopping the Manchester City steamroller at Wembley is another matter altogether.
When the two teams met there in the FA Cup semi-final in 2011, United were the dominant force and City the rich, young upstarts snapping at their heels. Victory for Roberto Mancini’s side that day was monumental.
It not only set City on course for a first trophy in 35 years but also the Premier League title itself 12 months later.
Ferguson’s last stand saw United win it back, of course, but the power shift had already begun.
It has moved at such an alarming rate that United are in danger of being left behind by their rivals, just as Ferguson so ruthlessly knocked Liverpool off their perch in the early 90s.
If you had suggested to a Liverpool fan back then that they would still be waiting for their next title 24 years later, they would have thought you were mad.
Some are predicting that the Old Trafford empire will crumble in similar circumstances now. Others believe that reports of United’s demise are greatly exaggerated.
Either way, there is no doubt that a sudden gulf has opened up between the two Manchester clubs this season, with City taking brutal advantage of the post-Ferguson blues across town.
Their 4-1 win at the Etihad in September could have been even greater. Moyes’s side got off lightly. Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham have been hit for six by Manuel Pellegrini’s rampant team this season, Norwich for seven.
There may even be a few United fans who would take an aggregate defeat to Sunderland on the chin if it spared their club a Wembley humiliation at the hands of City.
It would certainly be an epic final, every bit as pivotal as that FA Cup showdown three years ago. A chance for City to rub United’s noses in it, or for the empire to strike back.
Ferguson needed a Carling Cup win in 2006 to soothe the disappointment of United failing to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League for the first time in a decade or wrest the title back from Chelsea. It was United’s only silverware in 2010 as well.
But Moyes’s need is far greater now. The manager who has never won a trophy could not wish for a better time to break his duck – even if it is the League Cup.
Ferguson admitted as much back in October. ‘David must just try to maintain what we have done for the last 20-odd years,’ he said. ‘He shouldn’t try to do anything better or less. Keep the success going – it’s not easy to win a trophy in our league.
‘For David, winning a trophy would be an incredible achievement this year. It doesn’t matter what it is, whether it’s the League Cup, the FA Cup, the European Cup or the Premier League.’
And so it has proved. Who would have thought the League Cup would be so significant for Manchester United?
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Sunderland eye Celtic striker Georgios Samaras to help push for Premier League safety
The Greek forward is out of contract at Parkhead in the summer and could be available for around £2million
Sunderland are eyeing Celtic striker Georgios Samaras to help their push for Premier League safety.
The Greek international could be available for £2m, and might be an affordable option as boss Gus Poyet looks to add some more goals to his struggling side.
Poyet's trio of misfiring strikers - Steven Fletcher, Jozy Altidore and Fabio Borini - have only managed nine between them this season.
Sports Direct News suggest Samaras is the man in the frame to add more firepower to the Black Cats' front line.
Despite wanting him to remain north of the border the Hoops do not want to risk losing him for free in the summer and may cash in now.
Hull were interested but fresh from splashing £13m on Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long, look to now be out of the market for a forward.
A more left-field destination for the 28-year-old could be Barcelona - if the fans get their wish anyway.
Bizarrely, Blaugrana supporters voted Samaras as the striker they would most like to come to the Nou Camp this month.
Fiorentina eyeing summer swoop for Sunderland midfielder
The Florence side are just three points off the top three in Serie A and are already planning next summer's business in the event that they qualify for the Champions League.
And they have set their sights on 18-cap Italy international Giaccherini, who could reassess his future if Sunderland succumb to relegation.
Sunderland are unwilling to entertain any offers for the former Juventus man this month.
Giaccherini arrived at the Stadium of Light in July in a £6.5m deal and has scored twice in 17 Premier League outings.
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Sunderland relaxed over speculation surrounding Danny Graham
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is content to sit and wait as Hull City try to offload Danny Graham, who is on loan from the Black Cats
Sunderland are taking a relaxed attitude to reports that Hull City are looking to offload on-loan striker Danny Graham.
Championship sides Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have shown interest in taking the former Swansea man on loan, although the Trotters are understood to be the only club to have made a concrete offer.
Black Cats frontman Graham is on a season-long loan deal at the KC Stadium, and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has no intention of exercising his recall option in the January transfer window.
But Hull - who have signed strikers Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long this month - have decided that the 28-year-old does not figure in their plans either, and are keen to move him on.
The only way they can do that is if they can find another club willing to take him, and then seek the agreement of both Graham and Sunderland.
Poyet said: “We are trying not to get too involved, because it is not really to do with us.
“It is a three-way thing, between Hull, whichever other club, and then we have to give our permission.
“It’s not as though we are looking to bring him back or anything.
“We are just standing back and letting things happen.
“If someone calls us about it, then we will get involved.”
Hull are currently paying Graham’s wages, and they will either have to find a club prepared to take over a Premier League salary - or else make up any shortfall, if a Championship side cannot pay the full amount. Either way, he remains off Sunderland’s wage bill for the rest of the season.
Graham has scored just one goal in 19 appearances for the Tigers this season. He has failed to score in 13 appearances for Sunderland since his £5m move from Swansea at the end of January last year.
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Reaching Wembley with Sunderland would mean as much to me as any fan - Gus Poyet
Gus Poyet insists he would get as big a kick out of taking Sunderland to Wembley as any Black Cats fan
Gus Poyet says reaching a Wembley final with Sunderland would mean as much to him as any fan.
Poyet’s side is just 90 minutes away from the Capital One Cup final, with the Black Cats preparing to take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Manchester United tonight.
The Uruguayan was a Wembley winner three times with Chelsea, scoring two goals in the FA Cup semi-final against Newcastle United in 2000 and then going on to lift the trophy, and also winning the Charity Shield in front of the Twin Towers the same year.
And he would love to lead Sunderland into their first cup final since 1992, and take the Black Cats to the new Wembley for the first time.
“I know how much it would mean to the Sunderland fans to get to Wembley,” he said.
“And to be honest, it would mean the same to me.
“I love that place.
“I love to be involved in finals, and I have great memories of it.
“The best feeling for a manager is to go there and lift a trophy, because then you become closer to the fans and to the club.”
A Ryan Giggs own-goal and a Fabio Borini penalty gave Sunderland victory in the first-leg lead, with Nemanja Vidic pulling a goal back for the Red Devils – although the United skipper will sit out tonight’s game as he starts a three-game ban after being sent-off against Chelsea on Sunday.
Sunderland go into the game having lost just one of their last ten games in all competitions, while Man U have lost four of their last five.
And with all the scrutiny on new United boss David Moyes as his side’s title defence has effectively come to an end before the end of January, Poyet believes this is a good time to go to Old Trafford.
He said “We have to be honest, this is not a normal situation we would have (going to Old Trafford).
“That’s true. At the same time, they are in a situation where they need to get through and that will see them show extra character and commitment.
“But we have to deal with that. It’s part of the game.
“We need to start well, be solid, be good on the ball, and make sure we don’t give anything away cheaply.
“That’s what you have to do to beat a time like Man U.”
Poyet says striker Steven Fletcher is fit to feature after feeling no reaction to the Achilles injury he carried during his 20-minute substitute appearance against Southampton at the weekend.
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Transfer window: Port Vale sign Sunderland's Billy Knott
Port Vale have signed Sunderland midfielder Billy Knott on loan for the rest of the season, following his return from Wycombe Wanderers.
The 21-year-old played 23 games for League Two side Wycombe, scoring twice, after being loaned out in August, only to be recalled to Wearside last week.
But he has now been allowed out on loan again by Sunderland, stepping up another level to League One.
Knott is not be eligible to play in the FA Cup against Brighton this weekend.
He played in both games of Wycombe's first-round replay win at Crewe in November.
This is Canvey Island-born Knott's fourth loan move from the Stadium of Light, having also been at AFC Wimbledon and Woking, for whom he scored eight times in 20 Conference Premier appearances.
Sunderland have had six different men picking the team - Steve Bruce, Martin O'Neill, Paolo Di Canio and Gus Poyet, as well as caretaker bosses Eric Black and Kevin Ball - since Knott signed in January 2011 after being released by Chelsea.
But he has made just one solitary Sunderland appearance, Di Canio bringing him on against Tottenham as a late substitute in a 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane on the final day of last season.
Billy Knott was on West Ham United's books as a youngster before joining Chelsea
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-22 13:51
Sunderland starting XI Capital One Cup semi-final second leg (22/01/2014)
Manchester United 2 Sunderland 1 aet (agg 3-3): match report
Read a full match report of the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on Wednesday Jan 22 2014.
Vito Mannone saved Rafael’s penalty to send Sunderland through to the Capital One Cup final where they face Manchester City at Wembley on March 2. It was a huge blow for David Moyes and Manchester United, a blow softened by the £37m arrival of Juan Mata.
A dramatic tie had been taken to penalties after Javier Hernandez pounced in Fergie time. Phil Bardsley, Phil Bardsley, six years to the day he left Manchester United, thought he had won it for Sunderland but then Hernandez swept in Adnan Junuzaj’s cross.
The shoot-out was so tense. Craig Gardner wasted Sunderland’s first, sending his kick well over. Danny Welbeck stepped up, but was also off-target, blasting his wide. Steven Fletcher’s low strike was then pushed away by David De Gea. United fans shouted relief and joy when Darren Fletcher calmly drove his penalty in.
The pressure was now on Marcos Alonso, who curled his kick past De Gea. Adnan Januzaj placed the ball down, looked at Vito Mannone, lifted some grass from his boot, and was promptly denied by Mannone, who guessed right in every sense. Ki Sung-yueng powered his penalty past De Gea, bringing Phil Jones to the spot. The England international lifted it over the bar.
Surely Adam Johnson would seal a final against his old team but De Gea saved well. Rafael still had to score but Mannone saved, causing a huge wave of emotion to come down from the Sunderland fans.
Earlier Jonny Evans exploited rare hesitant Sunderland defending to head this tie into extra time. The Manchester United centre-half had escaped from his marker, John O’Shea, formerly of this parish, before heading into the net.
Their mood had been lifted by news seeping through that Juan Mata was arriving from Chelsea for £37 million, and would be having a medical today. United had their chances to win the game during normal time but Adnan Januzaj placed his shots wide.
Sunderland also had their chances, with Adam Johnson and Borini a threat, as their huge throng of support roared them on.
Evans’s goal had calmed United in the first half, bringing more noise thudding through Old Trafford. The stadium had already been buzzing, the noise levels set by the 9,000 Sunderland fans who had driven themselves the 150 miles or climbed into the 130 coaches laid on from the Stadium of Light by the club.
Sunderland’s owner, Ellis Short, looked admiringly towards the impassioned sections of support for his club. At a time when atmosphere in English grounds is being debated, the argument for subsidised and expanded away allocations was confirmed here.
United fans themselves were lifted by the thought of Mata heading north from London. The Capital One indeed. They need that spark for the team and also to reinvigorate the club. Mata is also a fine ambassador who will generate fortunes for the club off the field.
The prospect of Mata linking up with Januzaj, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie was a thrilling one for United fans, although Moyes will soon appreciate that Mata is best as a No10, pulling the strings, operating in an area beloved by Rooney.
The playmaking Spaniard would also help Moyes to attract even more stellar talent. Rooney and Van Persie were missing last night, not even fit enough to make the bench.
With United trailing from the first leg, Moyes partnered Javier Hernández and Danny Welbeck in attack, although the Englishman was slightly withdrawn at times. Shinji Kagawa drifted in from the left, soon taking up a more permanent station there with Welbeck going wide. On the flank while Januzaj took one look at the tall Sunderland right-back Marcos Alonso, and started running at him, soon beating him for pace and then drawing a foul.
Sunderland were not sitting deep and defending in depth. They pass so much more under Gus Poyet then under Paolo di Canio. Ki Sung-yeung was in the centre, setting the tempo, spreading the ball wide to Fabio Borini or right to Adam Johnson. Serenaded as a “City reject”, Johnson was frequently engaged in making life uncomfortably for Alex Buttner.
One of Johnson’s passes picked out Borini, who waited for the ball to drop and then sent a thumping half-volley just over David de Gea’s bar. Borini was also shuttling back to help Alonso out. When Januzaj nutmegged Alonso, Borini anticipated well to cover back and block from Rafael.
With eight minutes remaining of the first half, United levelled the tie on aggregate. Januzaj released Kagawa who stood the ball up to the far post. Darren Fletcher, United’s captain, hit the post. Welbeck’s follow-up effort was saved by Vito Mannone and eventually cleared for a corner.
Januzaj took charge, curling the ball in. Welbeck made good contact, athletically turning the ball into the six-yard box where Evans flicked his header unerringly past Mannone. Evans was unmarked because he had lost John O’Shea and because Sunderland’s players had pushed up - all except Borini, who played Evans onside.
Relief for United was met with defiance from Sunderland. Poyet’s side almost restored their aggregate lead shortly before half-time. Johnson delivered a corner met strongly by Wes Brown but Buttner headed clear. Borini, formerly of Liverpool, continued to cause United problems and Chris Smalling’s strong tackle brought cheers from the home fans.
United chased the second. Januzaj sent a free-kick over, Rafael shot over left-footed before Januzaj placed a low shot wide. Sunderland fought back, the lively Borini sending in a strong shot blocked by Smalling.
With Mata arriving today for his medical, Kagawa’s hopes of more football look increasingly limited. On the hour, the Japanese international was taken off by Moyes for Antonio Valencia with Januzaj switching left. The referee Lee Mason had been letting the game but finally ran out of patience with Borini, who had just caught Evans, and booked the Sunderland attacker under a totting-up process.
Januzaj twice had chances to prevent extra time midway through the second half. Collecting Michael Carrick’s pass, Januzaj drove the ball into the hoardings.
Valencia then shrugged off Steven Fletcher’s challenge on the right, before cutting inside and stroking the ball across to Januzaj. The ball bounced slightly awkwardly, and Januzaj’s shot skewed wide. United’s No 44 then let fly with a shot that deflected behind. He took the corner himself, sending in a ball met by Welbeck but Mannone saved.
After 76 minutes, Sunderland screamed for sanction to be taken against Smalling, who had grabbed Fletcher as he threatened to run past him and through on goal. Sunderland simply channelled their frustration into more attacks. Alonso shot wide from a tight angle.
Johnson brought a low save from De Gea. United almost won the tie in normal time when Hernández sped through but was brought down by O’Shea. Januzaj took the free-kick delicately, dinking it over the wall but Mannone saved, sending the game into extra time.
Police begin derby day operation for Newcastle vs Sunderland
POLICE plans are under way to manage the thousands of Sunderland fans heading to Tyneside for next month’s derby.
With a capacity crowd expected at St James’s Park, officers are urging visiting supporters to plan the journeys well in advance.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12.45pm on Saturday, February 1, and police are keen to prevent a repeat of the problems which marred the Black Cats’ last visit to the ground when Newcastle supporters went on the rampage.
Northumbria Police say they will be drafting in extra police officers based at key points around Newcastle and Sunderland, including the transport infrastructure, before, during and after the game.
Roads in Newcastle city centre are expected to be extremely busy and fans are being advised to plan their travel in advance and make the most of free coach travel.
The coaches leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am from the Green Car Park area next to the ticket office.
There will also be direct Metro services for Sunderland supporters on match day. There will be two Metros travelling direct from Sunderland station to Central Station in Newcastle. They will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
For the return journey, there are two Metros running direct from Central Station to Sunderland. They are at 3.45pm and 3.57pm.
Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our role is to help supporters enjoy themselves and ensure the safety of all those attending.”
THE task facing Gus Poyet and his team is monumental.
Recent wins in the FA and Capital One Cup (including last night’s dramatic victory over Manchester United) have helped rebuild confidence, along with a strong come-back against Southampton at the weekend, but the road ahead is tough, very tough.
Competing on three fronts is never easy and before the Black Cats get back to league business they’ve had last night’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester United, and now must welcome Kidderminster to the Stadium Of Light on Saturday.
By the time the game against fellow strugglers Stoke comes around, Poyet’s side will need to be high in confidence if they are to survive.
Their run of games from February until the end of the season doesn’t make for good reading and it might just be one of the hardest run-ins about.
The first match in February is the Tyne-Wear derby, a massive game regardless of the connotations. Following that are Man City and Arsenal as well as a difficult start to March against West Brom and then Liverpool.
Three potentially massive games against Crystal Palace, Norwich and West Ham come after. The point here is that Sunderland literally have no ‘easy’ games between now and the end of the season.
Poyet’s squad will have to be on top form and the addition of centre-back Santiago Vergini could help bolster the back line, but goal scoring is the main issue at the Stadium of Light.
The top league goal scorer at the club is Adam Johnson with five goals and Steven Fletcher weighs in with an unimpressive three. The poorest of the bunch, Jozy Altidore has only scored once in the league this season. With time running out, Poyet needs to bring in some additional fire power.
A major factor in Sunderland’s survival will be their home form. Having secured only two home wins, this statistic needs to go up to at least ten come the end of the season and that would require eight wins from eight home games.
Whilst the win total on the road is exactly the same, it is a big ask to expect anything from Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Man Utd, especially when they are all away from home.
The popular football cliche of ‘every game is a cup-final’ has never been as true as it is for Sunderland at this moment in time. If they aren’t facing Champions League contenders, then it’s relegation six-pointers.
As it stands, Sunderland sit six-points off of Aston Villa in 11th, which in itself is incredible and should give Poyet and his men the belief that they can do it.
Win all the home games, which is doable and the points total will sit on 39. Throw in an away win against Norwich for good measure and it’s 42 points. In a league this tight, 42 points could just be enough to survive.
If they slip up in any of these games, however, not only will their relegation rivals get in front of them, but they will then require points from teams at the top of the table away from home.
Bringing in a striker that will score goals is obviously easier said than done, but something needs to happen. Maybe Connor Wickham could come back from Sheffield Wednesday and pitch in with a few?
The first test will be against Stoke at the Stadium of Light on January 29th, a game that could kick-start the push for survival.
Sunderland ace Wes Brown can't believe the Black Cats have made it to Wembley
WES BROWN reckons if anyone had told him a few months ago he would be heading for Wembley, he’d have called for the men in white coasts.
At about 9.10pm on August 27, the odds on the Black Cats playing in the Capital One Cup final were probably the equivalent of little green men being found on the moon.
Somehow, the players fashioned a stunning comeback from 2-0 down against League One MK Dons, scoring four times late on to avoid an embarrassing upset.
By the time Peterborough arrived on Wearside in the third round, Paolo Di Canio was gone while cup glory was not on new boss Gus Poyet’s agenda when he arrived a week later.
Wednesday’s penalty shootout win at Manchester United put Sunderland into the first major cup final since 1992.
And Brown said: “If you’d asked back in September if there was a chance of us being in a final, nobody would have said yes.
“But we’ve beaten some good teams along the way in Southampton, Chelsea and now United.
“Now we’ve got City in the final and it’s game on. We’ll be going to Wembley looking to win the cup.”
The odds are stacked against Sunderland beating Manchester City on March 2 - but they have been for months.
Under Poyet, however, there’s a feeling that these days, anything is possible.
Brown added: “The lads are buzzing and so too are our supporters.
“Gus has been brilliant. He is on everyone’s side. He helps everyone.
“We know what he wants and that’s what we try to do.
“He changes things at times to see how we react to it and we reacted brilliantly against United.”
Poyet won cup finals as a player with Chelsea and as a coach at Tottenham before guiding Brighton to promotion during his first managerial stint.
He admits he’s been lucky throughout his career though believes he has earned that good fortune.
“You need a bit of luck but I didn’t play football at the top level because I was lucky,” he said.
“I wasn’t the quickest but I was a little bit more intelligent than most and I was not the most skilful but I had an ability to see things happen before a lot of opponents.
“We will see what happens to me as a manager. I believe in luck but you have to help get it. And you cannot buy it.”
“If you’d asked back in September if there was a chance of us being in a final, nobody would have said yes”
Wes Brown
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Sunderland release Capital One Cup Final ticket information
SUNDERLAND fans will be cheering The Lads on from the east end of Wembley Stadium at the cup final.
Sunderland AFC has now confirmed ticket information for the Capital One Cup Final, which will kick off at 2pm on March 2.
The club said there will be a phased sale of tickets for the season ticket holders.
PHASE ONE
SAFC 2013-14 season card holders, with one or more loyalty point (i.e. have attended a minimum of one away game in the last three seasons) can purchase ONE ticket from 9:00am, Monday 3rd February until 12noon, Saturday 8th February. All season card holders in this category are guaranteed to receive a ticket and are strongly advised to use the full week available to secure their seat in order to avoid busy periods.
PHASE TWO
All SAFC 2013-14 season card holders who have not applied in Phase One can apply for ONE ticket per season card, from 9:00am, Monday 10th February until 12noon, Saturday 15th February.
Again, all season card holders in this category are guaranteed to receive a ticket and are strongly advised to use the full week available to secure their seat in order to avoid busy periods.
Should any tickets remain after these two season card holder priority periods, a further announcement will be made.
PRICES
Adults: £100/ £90/ £72/ £56/ £40
Under 16s: £50/ £45/ £36/ £28/ £20
Over 65s: £50/ £45/ £36/ £28/ £20
The club will aim to allocate supporters price preference at point of sale.
This however is not guaranteed and the next available price will then be allocated. Once a ticket has been sold it cannot be upgraded or downgraded in category.
TICKET APPLICATION PROCESS
Season card holders who meet the criteria, can apply either in-person at the Stadium of Light ticket office or by telephone, on the 24 hour hotline number, 0871 911 1973. Applications cannot be made online for this fixture.
Supporters must have their customer number available when purchasing tickets. Applications cannot be processed without this number.
TICKETS FOR DISABLED & VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATRONS
Tickets for disabled and visually impaired patrons can be purchased under the same schedule as above.
The price charged to wheelchair patrons is equivalent to the relevant price for the area in which they’re situated, with their personal assistant (where required) gaining access free of charge.
Concession rates will apply across all of these tickets for Junior Wheelchair patrons, 16 years of age and under, over 65s and ambulant patrons.
The Stadium of Light ticket office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:30pm and Saturday’s from 10:00am - 1:00pm or until kick off on home match days.
Telephone: 0871 911 1973 (24 hour service)
Email: ticket.office@safc.com (for general enquiries)
Sunderland sing praises of Vito Mannone after goalkeeper's heroics against Manchester United
Gus Poyet reveals Capital One Cup finalists sang goalkeeper's name when he entered dressing room after penalty shoot-out display
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone was given a singing ovation by his team-mates and coaches after penalty shoot-out saves from Adnan Januzaj and Rafael secured the club’s first major final for 22 years.
Mannone, a £1.5 million signing from Arsenal, denied the two Manchester United players from 12 yards as Gus Poyet’s team overcame the champions to book a Capital One Cup final clash against Manchester City at Wembley on March 2.
Poyet, who has transformed Sunderland’s fortunes since succeeding the sacked Paolo Di Canio in September, admitted that the Italian goalkeeper was cheered into the dressing room after emulating the heroics of 1973 FA Cup final hero Jim Montgomery.
“As a player Vito had not been playing for a while, but he has been fantastic for us since arriving,” Poyet said. “The whole squad and staff started singing his name when he walked into the dressing room. He was half happy and half embarrassed because it was a special night for him.”
Phil Bardsley’s 119th-minute goal against his former club appeared to put Sunderland in the final before Javier Hernández’s strike 60 seconds later took the game to penalties. “I don’t remember a game like that as a player or a manager,” Poyet said.
“When you score in the last minute you always get through, then if you miss your first two penalties shoot-outs you don’t expect to win the game. But the players have been getting better and better and that was the difference. I was very proud and even if we had gone out, I would have been proud because I felt it was my team going out there, trying their hardest to put Manchester United on the back foot.
“It was difficult to pick them up for the penalties, but it was a great night for a group of players who ran into the ground.
“For the final we need to be brave and have a good day. They
have very good players but if you want to win something you need to be the best. In order to win things you need to play the best and beat them. What a task that will be at Wembley! I believe in luck, but you have to earn it."
Premier League - Match facts: Sunderland v Stoke City
Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Sunderland and Stoke City at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have conceded five own goals this season, more than any other side in the Barclays Premier League.
Stoke have the worst away record in the Barclays Premier League this season with just five points from 11 games and a goal difference of -16.
There have been red cards in three of the last four Barclays Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Stoke.
There have been just five goals scored in the last four Premier League games between Stoke and Sunderland.
Adam Johnson has scored four goals in his last two Premier League appearances.
Johnson has scored or assisted each of Sunderland’s last six Premier League goals.
27 different players have started a Premier League game for the Black Cats this season; no side has given more players a start in 2013/14.
Stoke have won 61% of their aerial duels this season, by some way the highest proportion in the top-flight.
Half of the 20 Scottish goals scored in the Premier League have come from Sunderland and Stoke (five each).
Sunderland have picked up 1.1 points per game in the matches (12 games) Lee Cattermole has started this season but only 0.5 in those he hasn’t (10 games).
Buoyed by their midweek penalty shootout victory against Manchester United to reach the Capital One Cup final, Sunderland will be aiming to avoid a potential banana skin when they host non-league Kidderminster, while the Harriers will be hoping to take inspiration from Sunderland’s underdog triumph, and replicate those cup heroics.
However, Kidderminster are no strangers to this stage of the competition, and will be vying for a place in the Fifth Round for a record second time for a non-league club. The last time they reached the round was in 1994, losing to West Ham.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3.00 pm
PAST MEETINGS:
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STATS:
This fixture marks a historical moment as it will be the first time these sides have ever played each other.
Sunderland have won the FA Cup twice in the history of the competition, in 1937 and 1973.
There are 79 places between the two clubs in English football's league ladders.
Sunderland have won all five of their home games in cup competitions this season (in FA Cup and Capital One Cup).
Kidderminster striker Michael Gash speaking to BBC Radio 5 live ahead of their FA Cup tie with Sunderland: "We have come here with a game plan and Kidderminster will be turning up for a win and a place in the fifth round. For the players and the club days like this don't come around too often so we have to make the most of it."
Mark Lawrenson FA Cup fourth-round predictions: Sunderland v Kidderminster
I was not expecting Sunderland to get through their Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester United but they were very good and they deserved to make the final.
Kidderminster are sixth in the Conference Premier and the only non-league team left in the FA Cup.
They did brilliantly to get past round three because, once Peterborough drew at Aggborough, I thought that would be it. Instead Harriers went to London Road and won the replay.
On paper you would not give them a prayer at the Stadium of Light but I am going to go for a draw, because there might be a little hint of it being after the Lord Mayor's show for Sunderland.
You cannot get a much bigger contrast in the two cup ties they will play in the space of four days: the first one away at United and the second at home to Kidderminster, and Black Cats boss Gus Poyet will have to make sure his players are fully focused on this match.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Casey Stoney's prediction: Sunderland have had a bit of a revival recently. Gus Poyet has come in and has brought in a new way of thinking, and the players seem to have more confidence now.
I have got to be honest, I watched them in the first half of their game against Southampton last weekend and thought they were awful but am sure whatever he said at half-time turned them around because they ended up getting a draw.
I don't think there will be an upset here but I cannot see Sunderland winning by many. 1-0
Sunderland 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers - as it happened
Sunderland avoided an upset in the FA Cup by securing their progress to the fifth round by beating Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts made the perfect start to the game when Charis Mavrias opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a low strike to open his account for the club.
Kidderminster refused to crumble following the early setback but the non-league side failed to find an equaliser as Sunderland held on for the victory at the Stadium of Light.
Read below to find out how Gus Poyet's side knocked out the Harriers.
2.00pmGood afternoon everyone. This match is what the FA Cup is all about. Non-league Kidderminster Harries travel to the Stadium of Light to face Premier League side Sunderland. Can they cause a famous upset? Make sure you stay with me to find out.
2.03pmKidderminster have already upset Newport County and Peterborough United in this season's competition, but this is a different challenge. Andy Thorn's side could become heroes by knocking out the Black Cats today. We've seen the seemingly impossible happen before in the FA Cup.
2.05pmSunderland may be struggling in the Premier League but there will be renewed confidence around the Stadium of Light after they progressed to the Capital One Cup final. Will the penalty shootout success be the turning point in their season?
2.07pmPoyet has elected to make plenty of changes today, with Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini both making their debuts for the club. Full team news to follow shortly.
2.13pmLee Cattermole is the only player to keep his place in the starting lineup following the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final as Poyet chooses to make 10 changes. It's still a strong Sunderland side, despite the changes.
2.16pmDespite originally being ruled out of this game, Callum Gittings is fit enough to take a spot on the Kidderminster bench. Recent signing Adrian Cieslewicz is cup-tied, Lee Fowler misses out with a knee injury.
2.20pmSo, how can Kidderminster cause an upset today? They are the lowest ranked side left in the competition and not many people will be expecting them to qualify for the fifth round but Sunderland will be expecting a tough game. Kidderminster simply have nothing to lose. They can afford to have a go at the Premier League club today and ask questions of the rotated Sunderland side.
2.23pmHarriers striker Michael Gash insisted the visitors would be positive when he spoke to BBC Radio 5 live earlier today: "We have come here with a game plan and Kidderminster will be turning up for a win and a place in the fifth round."
2.26pmPoyet must make sure that complacency doesn't become an issue today. They're heavy favourites to progress but their name is not in the next round yet. Confidence is improving in the Black Cats camp and an extended FA Cup run can boost their survival hopes.
2.29pmYou can also follow live coverage of Southend vs. Hull and Bolton vs. Cardiff by clicking on your chosen game in the scores box on the right of the page. Will one of the Premier League clubs be sent out of the competition today?
2.34pmUstari joined Sunderland earlier in the week on a short-term deal. He makes his debut in goal today but you'd feel that he has a tough challenge to replace Vito Mannone, who has been superb in recent weeks between the sticks. Vergini also starts in defence following his loan move from Atletico Fenix. Poyet clearly rates the defender, who has been on loan at Estudiantes this season.
2.37pmPREDICTION: There's just over 20 minutes left before kick-off, so it's time to have a guess at what the outcome will be this afternoon. I'd expect Kidderminster to make it difficult for the hosts but an early goal for Sunderland could make it a long day. 3-1 to Sunderland.
2.40pmOver 4,000 Kidderminster supporters have reportedly made the trip to the Stadium of Light. That's an excellent effort from the visiting fans. They'll play a big part in attempting to make this an FA Cup classic.
2.43pmThis is the first time that these two sides have ever met in a competitive game. Kidderminster can equal their best effort in the FA Cup by progressing today, which would match their run in 1994 when West Ham knocked them out in the fifth round.
2.46pmTwo-time winners Sunderland haven't lifted the trophy since 1973. Survival in the Premier League is the number one target but the Black Cats have already shown this season how success in cup ties can quickly improve confidence.
2.50pmIf you fancy a flutter on an outsider today, some bookmakers are offering 9/1 on a Kiddermisnter victory today. Is that a fair price? I'm sure a few Harries supporters might fancy their chances of making history at the Stadium of Light.
2.54pmThe players are lining up in the tunnel now and it's the visiting supporters making all of the noise ahead of the kick-off. It's a special day for the non-league side. They'll make sure they enjoy the occasion.
2.57pmCattermole leads Sunderland out in front of the home crowd, who greet the Capital One Cup finalists with a good reception. The action is just moments away now.
2.59pmHere we go then. Sunderland will get the game underway.
1 minClose! Ba picks out Celustka, who whips in an inviting cross but Altidore's flick is cleared away inside the six yard box. Great start from the hosts.
3 minAll of the pressure is on the visitors at the moment. Sunderland win a couple of early corners but the Harriers make a couple of key blocks to keep the Black Cats out inside the first few minutes, with both Giaccherini and Larsson seeing shots stopped by defenders.
5 minGOAL! SUNDERLAND 1-0 KIDDERMINSTER (MAVRIAS)
5 minI mentioned how important an early goal would be this afternoon. Mavrias collects a loose ball after the visitors fail to clear and responds by drilling the opener into the bottom corner for his first goal for the club. Excellent start for Sunderland. It's going to be difficult for Kidderminster from here.
7 minCan Kidderminster respond? They've hardly seen much of the ball since the referee blew the first whistle. It's an impressive start from Sunderland, who seem in no mood to be the victims of an upset today.
9 minSAVE! It's a good comeback from the visitors. Giaccherini clearance falls at Gash's feet and his low strike forces Ustari to make his first stop in a Sunderland shirt.
12 minCLOSE! The chances keep on coming at the Stadium of Light. Roberge curls in a dangerous cross which just evades Altidore but Larsson arrives at the back post to fire a good opportunity over the crossbar.
14 minMore clever play from the Sunderland midfielders, who force the visitors to chase the ball for an extended period before Giaccherini strikes a long-range effort straight at Lewis.
17 minApart from Gash's effort at goal, Kidderminster have struggled to compete so far at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are dominating possession and dictating the tempo of the match.
18 minRoberge has looked threatening when he's picked up the ball in space and another of his crosses almost causes problems when Ba flicks an effort wide of the near post.
20 minCattermole receives the ball 25 yards from goal and with very few options on offer, he decides to unleash a powerful shot. Lewis makes up the ground to collect the ball comfortably. Sunderland still on top.
22 minMuch better from Kidderminster. The away side win the ball in midfield and keep possession for a long period before Johnson's dangerous cross is cleared by Vergini at the near post.
24 minRoberge is the key man again as he beats a couple of defenders on the left before pulling the ball back to Celustka, who strikes a wayward effort well over the crossbar to the delight of the visiting supporters.
25 minCLOSE! Excellent football from the Premier League side again as Giaccherini drills a shot just wide after Mavrias had picked out the Italian just inside the penalty area. A second goal could be on the way soon.
28 minNice work from Jackan on the left for the visitors, who earns himself some space before clipping a ball towards Gash. However, the Sunderland defence respond well to clear the danger under pressure.
31 minSHOT! It's been difficult for Kidderminster in the first half but Gash is doing his best to cause problems for the Sunderland defenders. Ustari is forced into action to deny the forward a clear opportunity.
33 minSunderland are being asked the questions now as Cattermole and Altidore combine to clear a free kick as the visitors begin to become more of an attacking threat.
35 minSHOT! Giaccherini tries his luck again and curls a shot wide from the edge of the box after tricking his way into some space.
37 minRoberge isn't far away from capping off an impressive display with a goal in the first half when he watches a deflected effort sail over the crossbar. Lewis reacts well to collect the ball from the corner that follows.
41 minKidderminster deserve a lot of credit for how they've coped after falling behind so early. Gash's chance may have been their only clear opportunity but they've improved as this first half has progressed. Sunderland will need a second goal.
44 minGiaccherini and Altidore link well on the edge of the box but Dowling steps in to make a crucial interception and deny the hosts another chance as the half-time interval approaches.
3.46pmHALF-TIME: SUNDERLAND 1-0 KIDDERMINSTER
3.48pmNo need for added time at the end of the first half. Sunderland are on their way to the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to an early goal from Mavrias. Can Kidderminster fight back after the break?
3.51pmAndy Thorn will be pretty pleased with what he has seen from his side in the first 45 minutes. The non-league side were expected to be completely outclassed but they've applied themselves impressively following the early setback. Sunderland certainly look the more threatening of the two teams but the job is far from over for the hosts.
3.54pmKidderminster have been positive when they've been able to enjoy extended spells of possession. Gash, in particular, has caused quite a few problems for the Sunderland defence. They remain in this game as long as it remains 1-0.
3.57pmYou can check the scores of all of the other FA Cup games on the right of the page. There is a couple of big shocks on the cards this afternoon. Kidderminster will be desperate to add another one here with a second-half comeback.
4.01pmThe players are back out on the pitch and Kidderminster will get the second half underway.
47 minSHOT! Ba picks up the ball on the edge of the box and fires a shot through a congested penalty area but Lewis makes a comfortable save.
48 minYELLOW CARD! A yellow card was given at the end of the first half, with the referee booking Mavrias for dissent as the players walked back inside at the interval.
51 minYELLOW CARD! Ba clashes heads with Morgan-Smith and the Sunderland midfielder was adjudged to have committed a foul, with a second yellow card being shown.
54 minExcellent goalkeeping from Ustari. Byrne latches onto a long kick from Lewis and breaks into the box but Sunderland's new shot-stopper rushes off his line to deny him an opportunity.
55 minDyer eyes a spot in tomorrow's headlines when he's gifted space 30 yards from goal but his effort is wayward and the chance disappears for the visitors.
57 minKidderminster win a free kick on the halfway line and choose to send a few of the big men forward. The cross is delivered into a good area but Ustari collects from Gowling's header.
59 minSAVE! Vergini almost steals the show on his debut but the defender's powerful 30-yard strike is pushed away by Lewis and the visitors manage to clear the danger.
62 minSunderland are increasing the tempo of their play now as Poyet urges his side on from the touchline. Ba, who has impressed this afternoon, creates space on the edge of the box before curling a shot over the bar.
64 minYELLOW CARD! Kidderminster skipper Storer is cautioned for a late challenge on the lively Roberge as Sunderland looked to launch another attack.
65 minSUBSTITUTIONS: Poyet makes two changes as Fabio Borini and Craig Gardner come on to replace Giaccherini and Ba.
67 minSHOT! A Sunderland corner is cleared to Cattermole, who fires a wild shot over the crossbar from 25 yards out.
68 minSUBSTITUTIONS: Thorn makes two changes of his own as Frederick Ladapo and Callum Gittings replace Johnson and Morgan-Smith.
70 minBorini has only been on for a couple of minutes but he's already managed to frustrate his teammates as he strikes over when a pass would have been a better option.
72 minSUBSTITUTION: Poyet uses his final substitution to bring on Jack Colback for Cattermole.
73 minKidderminster are running out of time at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have looked more likely to score the second goal but the Premier League side will be disappointed not to have killed the game off by now.
75 minCLOSE! Sunderland work a short corner to Gardner, whose deflected shot finds its way to Vergini at the back post and the defender heads wide from close range.
78 minSunderland win a free kick in a very dangerous position but Gardner's cross is easily collected by Lewis in a congested penalty area.
81 minThe hosts win a number of corners and free kicks in the space of a couple of minutes but Kidderminster are doing just enough to stay in the game. Can they create a late chance?
83 minSUBSTITUTION: One final roll of the dice from Thorn as Santiago Aloi replaces Dyer for the closing stages.
84 minSunderland remain on the front foot as Celustka sprints down the wing before seeing a cross cleared behind for a corner. Kidderminster remain stubborn at the back as they clear the danger from the set-piece.
86 minSHOT! Jackman isn't far away from equalising for the visitors when he fires just wide from a tight angle following a quick counter-attack.
87 minCHANCE! What a chance for the non-league side. Gash rises highest to win a header and finds Ladapo, who wastes a brilliant opportunity by firing wide from inside the box. The replay was there for the taking. Is that their chance gone?
90 minThe referee confirms that there will be four minutes of time added on. Sunderland are intent on holding on for the victory.
90+1 minThe hosts almost secure the win in stoppage time but Vaughan reacts superbly to block a Borini striker after the forward had found some space.
90+3 minKidderminster win a free kick just inside the Sunderland half. It's their final opportunity to send some players into the box.
90+4 minEveryone heads forward for the free kick but Ustari takes control to collect the ball and calm the nerves around the Stadium of Light.
90+4 minEveryone heads forward for the free kick but Ustari takes control to collect the ball and calm the nerves around the Stadium of Light.
4.53pmFULL-TIME: SUNDERLAND 1-0 KIDDERMINSTER
4.54pmIt's all over at the Stadium of Light. An early strike from Charis Mavrias proves to be enough for the Premier League side, who progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Kidderminster can be very proud of their display today. They were expected to struggle but they refused to crumble after falling behind.
4.56pmKidderminster had the opportunity to force a replay but they failed to convert their chances late on. Andy Thorn will be full of praise for his side, there's no doubt about that. Great effort from the non-league side.
4.57pmThanks for joining me for this FA Cup clash. I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Make sure you stick around on the site for live text commentary of Stevenage vs. Everton. Goodbye.
Moberg Karlsson and Mitchell at the double in impressive win.
David Moberg Karlsson and Adam Mitchell both bagged fine doubles as Sunderland’s development squad produced a superb second-half performance to defeat Hull City 5-1 in a mid-season friendly at the Academy of Light.
Johnny Margetts had earlier cancelled out Mitchell’s opener before Jordan Laidler put Kevin Ball’s side ahead just before the break.
The young Black Cats were set to travel to Reading in the Barclays U21 Premier League this evening, though that game was rearranged due to both clubs’ involvement in the FA Youth Cup.
Sunderland were the brighter side in the opening ten minutes with Laidler latching onto Andrew Cartwright’s through ball and rounding Joe Cracknell in the Tigers’ goal only for Ben Clappison to get back and deflect the ball behind.
Mitchell gave the under-21’s the lead just inside ten minutes as Scott Harrison’s powerful headed clearance fell into the path of the County Durham-born youngster and he curled a fine effort into the top left-hand corner of Cracknell’s goal from the corner of the box.
It was Mitchell causing most of the problems to the Hull defence throughout the early stages and he went close, after neat interplay with Lawson, to doubling the young Black Cats’ advantage only to be thwarted by Cracknell at close range.
Former Sunderland youngster Matthew Fletcher saw a low effort saved by Jordan Pickford before he pressured the England youth international into conceding possession in his own area and Margetts was on hand to tap home.
Mitchell forced another good save from Cracknell after linking up with Laidler before Harrison headed over at the back post from the resulting corner.
Ball’s side were back in front six minutes before the break as David Ferguson broke down the left and crossed for the on-rushing Laidler who got in front of his man and neatly finished from six yards.
Moberg Karlsson doubled the lead on the hour as he received the ball from Connor Oliver and broke at the Tigers’ defence before dinking a tidy finish over Cracknell.
The Swedish youngster came to life in the second half and twice cut in from the right onto his left foot and fired just over.
Substitute Billy Knott was the provider for Mitchell’s second as the Canvey Island-born forward set the ball out to Mitchell who smashed a left-footed shot against the inside of the far post and into Cracknell’s goal.
Moberg Karlsson scored his second, and arguably Sunderland’s best of the afternoon, as he finished off a good move by beating two defenders and firing a right-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Young Black Cats with two late goals to draw with Burnley.
Sunderland’s development squad scored two late goals to earn a share of the spoils in a 4-4 draw with Burnley in a mid-season friendly at the Academy of Light on Saturday afternoon.
Carl Lawson and Adam Mitchell both notched in the closing stages for Kevin Ball’s side after Jamie Frost and Cameron Howieson had given the Clarets a two-goal advantage.
Jason Gilchrist had given the Lancashire outfit an early lead before Ross Holland and a Jordan Laidler penalty put the young Black Cats ahead.
Steven Hewitt equalised after ten second-half minutes from the penalty spot for Burnley as Sunderland played out their second 4-4 draw in three games.
It was Burnley who took the lead on 17 minutes as Gilchrist latched onto a neat through ball and smashed a left-footed drive beyond Joel Dixon in the Black Cats’ goal.
Ball’s side were level on the half hour, though, as Louis Laing’s strike bounced back off the base of the post and fell kindly into the path of Holland who tapped home from close range.
And the hosts were ahead just a minute later as Craig Lynch was brought down in the area and Laidler stepped up to fire into Burnley keeper Conor Mitchell’s bottom left-hand corner, sending the Northern Irish stopper the wrong way in the process.
Lynch then instigated a counter-attack as Sunderland began exert dominance on the affair and Mitchell was unlucky not to double the advantage with a curling effort from the corner of the box.
The Clarets were level in the 55th minute as Scott Harrison was penalised for a foul on Gilchrist in the area and Hewitt stepped up to equalise from the spot.
And the visitors were ahead three minutes later as Hewitt saw his shot blocked before substitute Frost was well-placed to fire home.
Howieson doubled Burnley’s advantage 20 minutes from time with a low side-footed effort as he rushed in at the back post.
However, as has been the case for the 2013-14 season, Ball’s side never gave up and found a way back into the game in the final minute as Connor Oliver played Lawson through and the forward fired across Mitchell and into the bottom corner.
And the young Black Cats got their reward when Mitchell fired into the top left-hand corner of his namesake’s goal from Laing’s corner in the dying seconds.
Youngsters defeated at Man City Published: 25 January, 2014
Young Black Cats defeated by the league leaders.
Sunderland’s under-18 side went down 2-0 to Barclays U18 Premier League leaders Manchester City in stormy conditions in the north-west on Saturday afternoon.
The young Black Cats went down to a goal in either half against City’s young side who are now unbeaten in 12 games.
Kean Bryan opened the scoring on the half hour for the Citizens as he smashed into the roof of the net from the edge of the box despite the best efforts of Peter Burke in the Sunderland goal.
The conditions got worse as the game progressed and both sides were hampered in their attempts to try and play free-flowing football.
Bersant Celina sealed the win for City after ten second-half minutes as coach Carlton Fairweather rued two mistakes in a close affair at City’s Carrington training complex.
"I thought we played very well,” Fairweather said. “Two silly mistakes cost us the game – we had several chances to get back into it but unfortunately we didn't take them.”
Sunderland: Burke, Ledger, T. Robson, Colquhoun, Beadling, E. Robson, Smith, Wright, Greenwood (Pybus, 45), Nelson (Stinson, 65) Gooch (Blinco, 80).
Mavrias fires winner as Black Cats book fifth-round place.
Sunderland confirmed their place in the hat for the fifth round of the FA Cup with Budweiser by successfully dispatching non-league side Kidderminster.
The Black Cats, who had three-quarters of the overall possession, were largely comfortable throughout and had the lead as early as the fifth minute when Charis Mavrias blasted home his first goal for the club.
And the Greek’s effort proved to be the decider, with Kidderminster throwing men behind the ball in an attempt to keep the deficit at one and strike on the break.
Barring an early chance for Michael Gash and a late flurry, a much-changed Sunderland side were comfortable as they booked their spot in the next round.
Gus Poyet made his intention to make changes clear following the midweek heroics at Old Trafford and the Sunderland boss was true to his word.
Of the side which prevailed in Manchester, only Lee Cattermole started, with 10 changes made including debuts for Argentine duo Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari.
Other alterations included a first Sunderland start for El Hadji Ba after the young Frenchman impressed as a substitute against Carlisle in the previous round.
Seb Larsson, Ondrej Celustka, Modibo Diakite, Emmanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore and Valentin Roberge also came in, as did Mavrias for his first appearance since September.
A strong start from the hosts almost saw them take the lead inside the first minute when Altidore flicked a dangerous Celustka cross goalwards only to be denied by a clearance from Jack Dyer.
But Mavrias wasted no time in making an impression as he blasted the Black Cats into the lead inside five minutes.
Josh Gowling made a mess of clearing Altidore’s flick-on, scooping the ball straight to the youngster who had no hesitation in dispatching a low shot into the far corner beyond a helpless Danny Lewis from 12 yards.
That start was exactly what the visitors, backed by a big away following, didn’t want, but debutant Ustari had to produce a key save at the other end to prevent Harriers from levelling as the 10-minute mark approached.
Giaccherini’s backward pass was too strong for Cattermole and ran straight into the path of Gash, whose shot was well blocked by Ustari before the former Getafe man dropped on the loose ball as it ran towards goal.
The chance was sufficient warning for Sunderland, who tightened their grip on the game with Larsson blasting off-target at the back post before Cattermole forced a save from Lewis with a left-footed effort from 30 yards.
Poyet’s side almost doubled their lead just before the half-hour after Mavrias pulled the ball back from the by-line for Giaccherini, whose shot though a pack of players whistled just past the post.
The visitors were toiling away and got into a couple of promising positions, but the hosts looked comfortable as Roberge, up from the back, saw a 30-yard blast strike a defender and end up on the roof of the net.
Sunderland went in a goal up at the break and looking to extend that advantage to guard against the perils of a slender lead.
Ba forced Lewis into a save two minutes into the second period, firing the ball straight at the Kidderminster keeper from just outside the box after Mavrias found his way to goal blocked.
The visitors were doing their best to frustrate Sunderland, sitting deep and mainly restricting the hosts to shots from distance, including a powerful effort from debutant Vergini which was well beaten out by Lewis.
Poyet introduced Craig Gardner and Fabio Borini off the bench in place of Giaccherini and Ba as he looked to up the ante with 24 minutes to go.
Borini was quickly in the thick of the action, firing wide from the edge of the area after a neat passing move before twisting and turning in the box only to see his shot well blocked by Mickey Demetriou.
Jack Colback replaced Cattermole on 72 minutes, with Larsson taking the captain’s armband as the hosts looked to break Harriers’ dogged resistance.
Celustka nodded Larsson’s free-kick over the bar but there was no way through for Sunderland as Kidderminster, sensing a late opportunity, launched an offensive in the closing minutes.
Left-back Danny Jackman blasted wide from distance, and hearts were in mouths two minutes from time when Gash won a flick-on to sub Frederick Ladapo, who hit his angled shot well only to see the effort flash just wide of the far post.
At the other end Borini was denied a goal only by a fine defensive block following a Sunderland counter-attack as the hosts closed the game out to secure a fifth-round berth.
Sunderland AFC
Team Sheet
Ustari 32 Vergini 27 Diakité 21 Roberge 29 Celustka 12Yellow Mavrias 35 Cattermole (Colback) 33Yellow Ba (Gardner) 22 Larsson 7 Giaccherini (Borini) 23 Altidore 17
Kidderminster Harriers
Team Sheet
Lewis 1 Vaughan 2 Gowling 30 Demetriou 3 Jackman 16 Dyer (Aloi) 26 Johnson (Gittings) 11 Morgan-Smith (Ladapo) 22 Storer Yellow 4 Gash 9 Byrne 7
Manchester City v Chelsea
Sheffield United or Fulham v Nottingham Forest or Preston Arsenal v Liverpool
Brighton & Hove Albion v Hull City
Cardiff City v Wigan Athletic
Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton Athletic Sunderland v Southampton
Everton v Swansea City
What time is the FA Cup draw? Teams, dates and everything you need to know about the fifth round draw
With the teams dropping out and the spectre of Wembley beginning to loom larger, FA Cup dreams are getting closer to being made a reality
The FA Cup is starting to heat up with the eight fifth round ties set to be drawn as the clubs involved can begin casting their eyes over a potential date at Wembley.
Holders Wigan Athletic edged through their fourth-round match with Crystal Palace to continue the defence of their trophy.
Last season's beaten finalists and trophy favourites Manchester City are also in the hat, having come from two goals down to power past Watford.
Fellow big guns Arsenal and Liverpool are also sticking around, as are Everton and Swansea City.
They'll be joined by Chelsea or Stoke, after their tie on Sunday, while Sunderland and Southampton are also in the hat.
League One Preston are the lowest-ranked side in the hat, having held Championship Nottingham Forest to a draw.
And they could be joined by fellow third-tier side Sheffield United, who meet Fulham ahead of the draw.
Who is in the draw?
Arsenal
Nottingham Forest/Preston
Liverpool
Sunderland
Cardiff City
Southampton
Charlton Athletic
Brighton & Hove Albion
Hull City
Sheffield Wednesday
Wigan Athletic
Manchester City
Swansea City
Everton
Sheffield United/Fulham
Chelsea/Stoke City
When are the fixtures?
Ties will be played on the weekend of February 15.
When is the draw?
The FA Cup with Budweiser fifth round draw takes place at approximately 5.35pm.
Where is it and how can I watch it?
The draw will take place at Wembley Stadium and the guests who will select the teams are Tottenham and England winger Andros Townsend and his father Troy.
The draw will be broadcast on TheFA.com and ITV - following the Chelsea v Stoke game.
You'll also find plenty of coverage, reaction and analysis here at Mirror Football as we bring you the latest fixtures as and when they happen.
Phil Bardsley: Expected to sign a new contract at Sunderland
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has told Phil Bardsley not to worry about his future as he wants to keep the defender beyond the summer.
Bardsley's contract expires at the end of the season and it looked like his time at the club was coming to an end when he was frozen out by previous boss Paolo Di Canio after being pictured at a casino in May, before mocking the team on a social media site after their opening day loss to Fulham.
However, Poyet offered him a clean slate and the 28-year-old has re-established himself as a key member of the Sunderland side.
He scored against former club Manchester United in midweek as the Black Cats booked their place in the Capital One Cup final, and Poyet is now keen to sort out a new deal.
"It was a shame Phil's goal wasn't the winner in a way because that would have been a great story - with him being ex-Man United and the year he has had," Bardsley said in the Sunderland Echo.
"But it was still an amazing evening for him and I think it was very emotional for him.
"He cares very much for the team and I know he cares for the club and the supporters too, whatever has been said.
"When I first joined, he was being held separate from the rest of the squad - I gave him a chance but he had to take it, and he has done.
"Now he knows he has a real Premier League future, which is great, considering the situation he was in before.
"I would like to keep him at the club and I have told him so and I know he wants to stay too.
"So that is good news, it is a matter of agreeing where we are and doing that sort of thing, but I don't want him to worry about his future."
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Phil Bardsley told he has a future with Gus Poyet's revived Sunderland
SUNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet has assured Phil Bardsley that he has a future at the club.
The right-back, told by ex-boss Paolo Di Canio he would never play for the club again, has seen his career revived under Poyet.
Bardsley, 28, had disciplinary issues during Di Canio’s stormy reign. But Poyet said: “Now he knows he has a real future here."
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Sunderland's Phil Bardsley a Fulham transfer target and they have offered relegation rivals £1m
Cottagers trying to lure full-back who'll be a free agent in the summer away from one of their relegation-battle rivals - but he's in no hurry to leave Wearside
Fulham made a shock bid for Sunderland hero Phil Bardsley this week, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People.
The Cottagers were hoping their £1million offer for the defender – who is out of contract in the summer – would persuade Gus Poyet's League Cup finalists to let him go, but they will be out of luck.
Poyet is desperate to keep the 28-year-old, especially after his efforts in recent weeks when has put his troubles under Paolo Di Canio behind him.
Sunday People Sport understands Bardsley has been informed of Fulham’s interest but has indicated he would prefer to stay at the Stadium of Light with the promise of a new contract in June.
Bardsley is one of several players with deals coming to an end – but both the club and the players are waiting to see what division the Black Cats will be in.
Fulham were also interested in Adam Johnson – but Sunderland decided they could not let the England winger go after his hat-trick at Craven Cottage.
And Poyet is expecting to complete the signing of Liam Bridcutt from his previous club Brighton before Friday’s deadline.
Meanwhile, Fulham and Crystal Palace are fighting a £3million war for Brondby's 6ft 7in Denmark international striker Simon Makienok.
The 23-year-old has scored 32 goals in 82 Danish Superliga games and turned down a summer move to Russians Terek Grozny.
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Phil Bardsley rejects Fulham's advances
Phil Bardsley has reportedly informed Sunderland that he would rather remain with them than join Fulham.
It is believed that the West Londoners had hoped to sign the full-back in a deal worth £1m.
However, upon learning of their interest, 28-year-old Bardsley has told officials at the Stadium of Light that he would prefer to continue his career on Wearside, according to The People.
The former Manchester United defender's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but it is thought that the deal will be extended, providing that the Black Cats retain their Premier League status.
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Rivals Bid For Sunderland Stalwart
6-years is officially 'stalwart' territory, yes?
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley is the subject of a bid from relegation rivals Fulham, according to Sky Sports.
There was a similar report in today's Sunday Mirror, but it was by Alan Oliver so, until we are out of toilet paper at Roker Report Towers and there is a real emergency, we naturally ignored it.
But now it has come from people who are actually worth taking seriously, it's probably best to acknowledge it.
Had this been the summer, I'd have been pretty chuffed with the news and all in favour of taking their hands off. It has been some turnaround for Bardsley since, however. He has roared back to his best and thoroughly redeemed himself for his summer of stupidity.
Gus Poyet has also spoken about how he wants the full back to be part of his long term plans with a new contract on the table should survival be achieved. Why entertain the possibility of strengthening a rival at the bottom for a relatively tiny fee and disadvantaging yourself in the process?
Even if it was accepted, I doubt Bardsley would want to go. He has a cup final to look forward to and is obviously loving his football at the moment.
Hopefully - and I never thought I'd be saying this a few months ago - sanity prevails and Bardsley sticks around.
Sunderland release a statement in response to Paolo Di Canio's comments on the club's players.
The club statement reads: "Sunderland AFC would like to express its' disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur. The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives."
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Paolo Di Canio threatened with legal action over rant at former Sunderland charges
The Italian slammed Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley after leaving the club, and could now face sanction.
Paolo Di Canio has been threatened with legal action by Sunderland for his weekend rant against his former players.
The sacked Sunderland boss hit out accusing Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley of being unprofessional, and saying John O'Shea was two-faced.
The outburst has angered Sunderland who believed they had an agreement that dressing room rows would be kept in-house by their players, with Di Canio also expected to leave quietly.
But the Italian has smashed that pact, and the Black Cats warned today: "The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives."
Sunderland released a statement expressing its "disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.
"Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
"Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us."
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Rotten! Sacked Sunderland boss Di Canio slams Bardsley and Cattermole and brands O'Shea two-faced in astonishing rant
* Paolo Di Canio called Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole 'rotten'
*He claims they are the most unprofessional players he has worked with
*The Italian also labelled John O'Shea two-faced
*He blames sacked director of football Roberto De Fanti for not signing the players he wanted
Paolo Di Canio has launched a withering tirade at Sunderland duo Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole - branding them 'rotten'.
The Italian, who was sacked by the club last September following a player revolt, also blasted 'two-faced' captain John O'Shea, while the club are refusing to comment on the claims.
In an explosive interview, Di Canio insisted he had the support of the majority of the squad before he was shown the door and replaced by Gus Poyet.
Earlier this month, defender Bardsley had described team spirit under Di Canio as 'beyond dead' while Cattermole said he was close to quitting the north east club.
But Di Canio did not hold back in his criticism of the pair.
'These two players were rotten - the most unprofessional players I have ever worked with,' he told the Sun on Sunday.
Di Canio, who wants to return to management in England, also believes O'Shea owes his team-mates an apology.
'I don't like people who, when they speak to you, don't look into your eyes,' he said. 'He should say sorry to some of his team-mates for the many times he came into my office to say something unfavourable about them.
'This is the same player who also came to me when I first took over and said things about (Martin) O'Neill.
'Of course, he now says something different because he has to play for him (O'Neill) again [for Ireland].'
It was O'Shea who confirmed the player revolt earlier this season but Di Canio insists he had the backing of most of the Black Cats squad.
He claims to have 14 text messages on his phone from players who supported him and believes the board should have given him more time.
The Italian also feels he was unable to the sign the players he wanted, despite 14 new arrivals at the club last summer.
Di Canio said he wanted to sign Jermain Defoe and Tom Huddlestone who were both keen to move north from Tottenham.
He laid the blame at the door of director of football Roberto De Fanti who was sacked last week.
Sunderland currently lie second bottom in the Premier League but reached the Capital One Cup final last week after a thrilling penalty shout-out win over Manchester United.
Poyet's side beat Kidderminster on Saturday to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup, and players were under strict instruction to avoid any mention of the Italian coach, who earlier had also attacked the club in a rambling interview on Football Focus.
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Paolo Di Canio accuses Sunderland of being a weak club and calls the players who rebelled against him 'cowards
Italian, who was sacked as Sunderland manager in September, also says it is his "destiny" to take charge of West Ham United
Paolo Di Canio has accused Sunderland of being a weak football club, the players who rebelled against him of being "cowards” and insisted it is his "destiny” to become the manager of West Ham United.
Di Canio’s ego was badly bruised by his sacking at Sunderland back in September after he had won just two out of his 12 league games in charge.
That poor form was a big concern for the board, but the decision to sack him was taken by owner Ellis Short following a player revolt of unprecedented scale in this country.
A large number of the first team were incensed by the way they were spoken to and treated by Di Canio and The Telegraph revealed how senior players had urged the club’s board to sack him following a furious row in the dressing room after a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
Short has since called the appointment of Di Canio a terrible "mistake", but the Italian, in a bid to put himself forward for new jobs, has launched an astonishing attack on those who opposed him and insisted Sunderland were neither strong enough or good enough to have him as manager.
"It depends what the club wants, if the club is weak then they believe in the players, if they are strong they believe more in the manager," said Di Canio. "That is not something that can only happen at Sunderland, it can happen anywhere.
"To be honest, I have never been part of a group of players that went to the chairman because that is for cowards, I do not like that, it’s not fair. I prefer confrontation with my manager.
"It does not hurt me, it was four or five or six [players], but I do not like people who do not look into your eyes when they speak to you.
"I really believe in work, work, work so my standards are very high for those people without ambition. People with ambition want Paolo Di Canio.
"Sometimes you can make mistakes because you are under pressure, but in terms of what I want people to be, there was no mistake. Sometimes there are managers who are not good enough for some groups, but there are also some groups who are not good enough for the manager. In this case it is the second."
"It was an experience I had, a good experience the first part [keeping the club up], but a bad experience the second part, but that is something that can happen to any manager in the world."
Di Canio has been looking for another job in management since his acrimonious departure from Sunderland and he acknowledged his reputation has been damaged by what happened.
However, the former Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham striker, remains unapologetic and insisted the blame for what went wrong for him on Wearside was not his.
"More than a few things went wrong, I was working with 14 new players, all new together and all from abroad," he added.
Asked if he didn’t want them, why were they there, Di Canio replied: "We should ask the director who has now been sacked, [Roberto] De Fanti why all the targets I mentioned to them and we had all the chances to bring, why they didn’t come.
"When something goes wrong it is obvious some relationships do not work, but I kept the club up with a similar group of players last year when I took over from Martin O’Neill. I saved the club. I will be a manager in England, it is obvious."
There are those who believe Di Canio does not have the temperament to be a top class manager, but the 45-year-old will never be one of them.
He also retains the affection of a large number of West Ham supporters who have been chanting his name during their alarming slump under current manager Sam Allardyce.
"They were chanting my name four years ago when I wasn’t a manager," added Di Canio in an interview on BBC’s Football Focus. "Because my experience there was like they were my family.
"Everybody knows this [it would be special to go back there] but I don’t want to say this now because it is not fair. All I can say is, one day before the end, whether they go up or down and what players they give to me, it will happen, it’s obvious. That is my destiny."
Paulo Di Canio's 'sour grapes' over Sunderland's success
Fans dismiss former manager Paolo di Canio's outspoken comments about the club as merely 'sour grapes' over Sunderland's cup final place.
Ex-Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio thinks he is too good for the club... but fans say his latest remarks are just “sour grapes”.
In a stunning outburst yesterday, the former boss said he “saved Sunderland”, described the Black Cats players as “cowards” for raising issues with the club’s chairman and that some “groups are not good enough” for a manager.
He also announced that his “destiny” is to manage his former club West Ham.
His comments came after Sunderland landed a spot in the Capital One Cup final, with fans labelling his latest controversial outburst as bitter.
Martyn McFadden, editor of fanzine A Love Supreme, said: “It’s obviously typical that he would come out and say something. It just sounds like sour grapes because we wouldn’t have achieved what we have this week with Paolo di Canio in charge. Crazy behaviour cost him his job. He was out of control and has an inflated opinion of his own ability. The statistics show he won two matches in six months when he was in charge.”
The 45-year-old head coach was sacked in September after 13 games with the club at the bottom of the Premier League.
Still without a job, di Canio said he is now focused on a return to management.
During an interview for the BBC show Football Focus, he said: “I saved the club. I believe that there are sometimes managers that are not good enough for some group but there are also some group that are not good enough for a manager. In this case it’s the second for sure.
“It depends what the club wants, if the club is weak then they believe in the players, if they are strong they believe more in the manager.
“That is not something that can only happen at Sunderland, it can happen anywhere.” He went on to say how happy he was for fans that the team would be playing at Wembley in the cup final because they “suffer a lot”.
Martyn said: “He’s right to say our fans suffered but they suffered a lot under his tenure. Effectively it’s taken until now to get back into a fighting position where we need to be able to stay up. The players have recovered things.”
As Sunderland fans made their way to the Stadium of Light yesterday for their FA Cup game against the Kidderminster Harriers, social media sites were buzzing with comments.
Jon Little wrote on Twitter: “Poyet has the same players, and as much as I hate to say it as a #NUFC supporter, they’re playing a much better brand of footy.”
User Dominc SAFC Hardy Tweeted: “Yeah [we’re] that weak that we can get into a cup final unlike his beloved West Ham.”
Andrew Gillespie wrote on the Sunderland AFC News and Banter Facebook group: “Not another Steve Bruce... another sacked manager blaming everybody but himself... At least O’Neill has stayed quiet and got on with things.”
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Paolo Di Canio deluded if he thinks Sunderland players were 'cowards' for orchestrating his demise
Paolo Di Canio has no humility - as shown by his refusal to accept any responsibility for his mistakes
Paolo Di Canio remains a man deluded.
The former Sunderland boss spoke out at the weekend, both on television and in print, to give his side of the story of his sacking in September.
And the Italian let rip, branding those players who mounted a dressing room revolt against him ‘cowards’ in an interview with the BBC’s Football Focus on Saturday, and branding John O’Shea ‘two-faced’, and outcasts Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole as ‘rotten’ in a Sunday newspaper.
He also blasted director of football Roberto De Fanti – who was himself sacked earlier this month – for ‘broken promises’ and failing to sign the players he had identified in the summer.
If the point of Di Canio speaking out in the hagiographic BBC interview was to announce that he is ready to return to management, it backfired spectacularly.
Any owner or chairman who might have been considering appointing Di Canio will surely be having second thoughts now.
Because in Di Canio’s mind, everyone was to blame for his failure but himself.
The owner, the director of football, the players – even the previous manager Martin O’Neill did not escape his wrath.
And Di Canio’s failure to accept any responsibility whatsoever shows he has learnt nothing from the catastrophic mistakes he made during his brief spell as a Premier League manager.
The best leaders in any business – football or any other industry, for that matter – are man-managers. They inspire their staff and get the best out of them.
But Di Canio’s methods had the opposite effect. He alienated key players, destroyed any confidence in the dressing room and ensured the team added up to less than the sum of its parts.
He was quick to take credit for any success – ‘I saved the club’, he said of avoiding relegation last season – yet when things went pear-shaped he pointed the finger at the players.
Criticism within the sanctity of the dressing room is one thing, but Di Canio broke one of football’s unwritten rules when he continually hammered them in public.
Eventually, senior players approached the club hierarchy to let them know that the manager no longer had the confidence of the dressing room.
Di Canio branded those who went over his head ‘cowards’, saying he would have preferred direct confrontation with them if they had a problem.
But do you think he would have listened? No way. They would have joined Bardsley in the ‘Bomb Squad’, banished from the first-team dressing room and left to train with the U21s.
Di Canio had made it perfectly clear from the moment he took charge that it was his way or the highway. There was no room for compromise.
And far from cowardice, in fact it took courage for the players to take a stand.
It showed they cared about the direction in which the club was heading.
They could have said nothing, the decline would have continued and, in all likelihood, Sunderland would have found themselves cut adrift at the bottom of the table with no hope of salvation.
Instead, owner Ellis Short acted, dismissing Di Canio just five games into the season and installing Gus Poyet as his replacement, while there was still time to keep the club in the top flight.
Poyet has got the players – and the understandably-frustrated fans – back on board, given the club a genuine chance of staying up and now led Sunderland to their first cup final in more than 20 years.
It has been an incredible turnaround in the space of less than four months but Poyet has gone out of his way to give the players full credit.
Where Di Canio’s favourite word was ‘I’ – or, because he often referred to himself in the third person, ‘Paolo Di Canio’ – Poyet prefers ‘we’.
And there in lies the difference. Win together, lose together.
Di Canio arrived 10 months ago promising a revolution on Wearside.
But, as history shows, revolutionary leaders usually come to a sticky end once their footsoldiers lose faith in them.
So it was with Di Canio.
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Sunderland consider legal action against Paolo Di Canio after his criticism of the club and its players
Sunderland are taking legal advice after ex-boss Paolo Di Canio hit out at the club and its players in a series of interviews at the weekend
Sunderland are considering taking legal action against former boss Paolo Di Canio after he criticised the club and its players at the weekend.
Di Canio, who was sacked at the end of September following a dressing room revolt, gave an interview to BBC Football Focus on Saturday lunchtime and to a Sunday newspaper, in which he branded captain John O’Shea ‘two-faced’, and Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole ‘rotten’.
He also accused the club of ‘breaking promises’ over the signing of new players, said the club’s hierarchy was ‘weak’ for listening to players’ grievances against him, and insisted he was too good a manager for the squad he had to work with.
As a club, Sunderland have retained a dignified silence since sacking the controversial Italian was dismissed after a disastrous start to the season.
But after Di Canio spoke out at the weekend, Sunderland today issued a statement in which they pointed out that the severance package agreed when he was dismissed included a confidentiality clause and indicating that the club is taking advice over whether the terms of that agreement have been breached.
The statement read: “Sunderland AFC would like to express its’ disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
“The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio’s departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.
“The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.
“Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only two losses in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
“Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us.”
SUNDERLAND are edging closer to the signing of exciting Argentinian attacker Ignacio Scocco.
The Black Cats have held their nerve in their long-term pursuit of the the 28-year-old, who is ready to leave Brazilian side Internacional barely six months after turning down Sao Paolo to join them.
But that patience looks set to pay off, with the arrival of the versatile frontman expected at the Stadium of Light this week.
There have been strong rumours that Cardiff City were ready to match the Black Cats’ bid to sign a player capable of playing on either wing, as an attacking midfielder or as a striker.
But Cardiff’s interest has never fully materialised and if the Welsh club did make an inquiry, it does not appear to have been strongly followed up despite claims from South America.
Scocco’s father, Hector, suggested Cardiff might have joined Sunderland in the bidding for a player Gus Poyet has long admired.
Hector Snr also revealed in a radio interview: “It’s not that Scocco doesn’t like Brazilian football, his problem is that he didn’t have motivation to keep playing for Internacional, nothing else.
“The problem is with Internacional, not with the Brazilian clubs.”
But Sunderland are now in clear pole position to sign the player, although, as in any deal, particularly the complicated South American ones, there is still scope for the move breaking down.
Sunderland have no intention of counting their chickens before they hatch and head coach Gus Poyet has refused to be drawn publicly on Scocco over the last few days.
But behind the scenes, Sunderland are more confident now than they have been previously that the free-scoring frontman could be on his way to the Stadium of Light to massively improve their attacking options.
The 5ft 8in Scocco potentially offers the complete package, combining shooting accuracy with good technical skills and has scored goals wherever he has played, although it would remain to be seen how quickly he would adjust to the demands of the Premier League.
If he does join, he would certainly excite Sunderland fans. He would also be the fourth signing made by Gus Poyet in the January transfer window – joining fellow Argentinians Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini, and on-loan Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso.
Sunderland remain in the chase, meanwhile, for Brighton defensive midfielder Liam Bridcutt and Valencia playmaker Ever Banega, another Argentinian.
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Sunderland recall Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday loan
Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has been recalled from his loan spell with Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
The England Under-21 striker has done well at Wednesday, scoring eight goals in 11 games, but leaves Hillsborough after Gus Poyet exercised the 24-hour recall clause in his loan.
Wickham's loan was due to end following Tuesday's match at Millwall and new
Wednesday manager Stuart Gray was keen to extend that beyond January.
The 20-year-old could now feature for Sunderland when they host Stoke in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
A statement released on the Championship club's offical website said: "Connor Wickham has been recalled by parent club Sunderland, who have exercised the regular 24-hour clause in loan deals.
"Sheffield Wednesday would like to thank Connor for his services and wish him
well for the future."
Wickham has struggled to make an impact in the north east since his #8.1million switch from Ipswich during the summer of 2011.
However, he has impressed during his loan spell and has been linked with Nottingham Forest in recent weeks.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has been monitoring Wickham's progress at Hillsborough, but he has his own problems with summer signing Jozy Altidore in poor form and Steven Fletcher having scored only once in his last 16 appearances for the club.
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Sunderland hit bore nerve with Gus Poyet as Kidderminster expose flaws
• Premier League side begin vital run in sloppy fashion
• Non-league opponents disappointed not to earn replay
Gus Poyet is the sort of manager who spends countless hours scrutinising DVDs of his team's matches but there are exceptions to every rule. "I won't be watching this game again," said Sunderland's manager. "The game was boring, very boring and it was difficult to watch. I don't want to analyse it."
Charis Mavrias's shot into the bottom corner had given his side a fourth-minute lead after a rare error from the otherwise outstanding Josh Gowling. Thereafter an impressive Kidderminster defended brilliantly and very nearly equalised through the substitute Frederick Ladapo but his late shot swerved fractionally the wrong side of the far post.
Sluggish, slapdash and alarmingly low tempo, Sunderland had plenty of possession but used the ball very badly where it mattered. "We couldn't cross properly and we couldn't have a shot on target," conceded Poyet, who looked mightily relieved to avoid a replay and see his side safely through to the fifth round. "That is nothing to do with positions, that is all to do with you, the ball and quality."
The Uruguayan has been criticised for configuring the Capital One Cup finalists in assorted variations of the lone-striker system, some pundits feeling Sunderland's key striker, Steven Fletcher, would be better suited to a 4-4-2 formation.
Here Fletcher was one of 10 players rested after Wednesday's League Cup semi-final triumph at Manchester United but, in his place, Jozy Altidore laboured horribly as an attacking spearhead.
When Altidore won a late header cheers erupted. They came heavily laden with sarcasm, a damning indictment of the £6.5m Sunderland's former director of football Roberto De Fanti invested in the United States striker.
In all, seven of the 14 players signed by the recently sacked De Fanti for a collective £30m last summer started against Andy Thorn's non-leaguers on Saturday. The young Greece winger Mavrias apart, none really impressed, with Altidore and the £8m Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini particular disappointments.
By contrast Kidderminster's principal striker Michael Gash – who forced Sunderland's debutant Argentinian goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into an important first-half save after a bad mistake by Giaccherini – their immensely influential midfielder Kyle Storer and the solidly imposing central defenders, Mickey Demetriou and Gowling, were four of the best players on view.
Storer and friends produced a performance for the near 5,000 strong contingent of away fans to treasure and which Kidderminster's manager hopes can provide a springboard for a spring-time return to the Football League via the play-offs.
Thorn, an FA Cup winner with Wimbledon in 1988, summed it up well. "We're a Conference team at a Premier League team and I'm bitterly disappointed we're not taking Sunderland back to our place."
The concern for Poyet is that although his best XI – a side built around a nucleus of players signed by Steve Bruce and Martin O'Neill who, in several cases, were found wanting in the past and have variously been described as "rotten" and "cowards" by Paolo Di Canio, Poyet's predecessor – is improving, it remains deeply inconsistent.
With the understudies hardly putting together a coherent case for promotion, Poyet must trust the sort of performances his team gave in beating Manchester United over two legs in the League Cup can be replicated during a tricky set of Premier League fixtures.
Before their Wembley date with Manchester City on 2 March, Sunderland face Stoke City at home, Newcastle United away, Hull City at home and then City and Arsenal away. With a fifth-round FA Cup tie also to be played, this will be a pivotal, season-defining four weeks which may determine whether Sunderland run out at the national stadium having a decent chance of avoiding relegation or as a side all but condemned to Championship football next season.
Man of the match Kyle Storer (Kidderminster Harriers)
Sunderland will beat Cardiff to the signing of Argentina forward Ignacio Scocco.
The Black Cats have negotiated a deal with Internacional that will see them pay the Brazilian club £2.5million for the 28-year-old, and also settle the £1.5m debt still owed to Argentine side Newell's Old Boys for his transfer last July.
Sunderland agree fee for Argentina international striker Ignacio Scocco
Sunderland have agreed a £3million fee for Argentina international striker Ignacio Scocco with Internacional, according to Sky sources.
Gus Poyet appears to have beaten off competition from Cardiff's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to land the 28-year-old.
Scocco has been a long-term target for Sunderland, who wanted to sign him before his summer switch to Internacional.
However, the move has been complicated by the fact his current club still have to finish paying former side Newell's Old Boys for his transfer.
Earlier this month, the player's father told Radio Gaucha that two English clubs were looking to sign his son, adding: "It's not that Scocco doesn't like Brazilian football, his problem is that he didn't have motivation to keep playing for Internacional, nothing else.
"The problem is with Internacional, not with the Brazilian clubs."
Should the player join the Wearsiders, he will be the third Argentinian to head for the Stadium of Light this month with keeper Oscar Ustari and central defender Santiago Vergini already on board.
Manager Gus Poyet has also brought in Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina and recalled striker Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday 24 hours before his loan deal was due to expire.
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Stoke eye Sunderland duo Fletcher and Cattermole in £10m double bid
Stoke City are launching a £10million bid for Sunderland pair Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole.
Sunderland on Monday agreed a £3m fee for Argentina international forward Ignacio Scocco from Internacional and recalled Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday as manager Gus Poyet braced himself for bids ahead of Wednesday's game, coincidentally with Stoke.
Poyet is reluctant to lose Fletcher unless he can bring in a replacement but is willing to consider offers for Cattermole, 25, as he tries to sign Valencia's Ever Banega and Liam Bridcutt from Brighton. Will Buckley is another possibility at Brighton.
Nottingham Forest are keen on signing Wickham too but Poyet may keep hold of the England U21 international until Friday.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has brought in Peter Odemwingie as part of the Kenwyne Jones swap with Cardiff but wants Fletcher who he considers a more recognised finisher after seeing a deal for Emmanuel Riviere of Monaco stall.
Norwich have an interest in Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan which may move on should Cattermole arrive.
Real Betis, meanwhile, have made an enquiry for Sunderland midfielder Alfred N'Diaye, who is on loan at Turkish club Eskisehirspor.
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Phil Bardsley set to land new deal at Sunderland just six months after being told he could leave
Bardsley is a free agent this summer and was told he had played his last game for the Black Cats by former chief Paolo Di Canio.
Phil Bardsley is set to land a new deal at Sunderland – six months after being told he was a disgrace and banished to train with the kids.
Boss Gus Poyet hailed the defender as the “incredible” comeback story of the season.
Bardsley is a free agent this summer and was told he had played his last game for the Black Cats by former chief Paolo Di Canio after being pictured surrounded by cash in a casino.
But Poyet brought the 28-year-old back and has been rewarded with goals – including the strike that helped his side book a Wembley final date in the Capital One Cup.
Poyet, who is also talking over a new deal with Jack Colback, said: “When I came here and started watching, I went to see Bardsley and I was thinking, ‘he’s a player’.
“I told him to have a go, but there are no more mistakes or apologies. It’s up to you. And now we are going to talk about a new deal.”
Sunderland will beat Cardiff to Argentina forward Ignacio Scocco (left) after striking a deal with Internacional that will see them pay the Brazilian club £2.5million. They will also settle the £1.5m debt owed to his former club, Newell’s Old Boys.
Poyet has recalled Connor Wickham (above) from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. The striker is wanted by Brighton on loan as part of a deal for their midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
Wickham move to Brighton could help Bridcutt’s switch to Sunderland
SUNDERLAND are determined to land a central midfielder before the transfer window closes but it will be either Liam Bridcutt or Ever Banega – but not both.
And the recalled Connor Wickham could play a part in the deal to land head coach Gus Poyet’s top choice in Bridcutt.
Poyet has already added three new players to his squad this January – on loan Fiorentina full-back Marcos Alonso, and Argentinian pair, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and centre-half Santiago Vergini.
Now he is closing in on a fourth – another Argentinian, Internacional’s versatile attacker Ignacio Scocco in what is believed to a £4m deal (see page 39).
And he plans more arrivals before the window closes with Bridcutt and Banega firmly on his radar.
But the Black Cats’ boss is looking to strengthen with just one central midfielder before the transfer window closes on Friday night.
Poyet has worked closely with Scottish midfielder Bridcutt in his time as Brighton boss and he believes the 24-year-old would fit perfectly into the style of play he wants to develop at Sunderland.
A firm bid, in excess of £2m has been made, with the player himself handing in a transfer request to underline his desire to join the Black Cats.
Brighton have not been involving Bridcutt in games while his future is an issue but have rejected an offer which Sunderland say will not be increased.
The Wearsiders are determined not to be held to ransom and have opened up inquiries on another front, over Valencia midfielder Banega.
The Argentine has two dozen international caps under his belt and the 25-year-old would not come cheap. But he suffered several injuries while at the Spanish club and they may be tempted to cash in on a player they paid Boca Juniors 20m euros for five-and-a-half years ago.
The Argentine has been watched by a number of Premier League clubs but Sunderland are prepared to up their interest if no progress is made on Bridcutt.
Brighton are determined to get more than the money offered so far from Sunderland – pointing out that Poyet himself described Bridcutt as “a £5m player” during his time at the Amex Stadium.
Connor Wickham – recalled from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday yesterday, two days before it was due to end – could become a makeweight in a deal to land Bridcutt, though.
The young striker may go out on loan to the South Coast club, as part of a deal to bring Bridcutt to Wearside.
Brighton are on the lookout for a striker to reinforce their options up front as they look to maintain a push for the Championship play-offs.
And with the Bridcutt situation a difficult one for the Seagulls, they might be tempted to take Sunderland’s offer for the midfielder if it means getting a proven Championship finisher in Wickham for the rest of the season.
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Ignacio Scocco close to joining Sunderland
Sunderland are close to signing Argentine striker Ignacio Scocco, according to head coach Gus Poyet.
Scocco, who plays for Internacional in Brazil, is expected to have a medical shortly, after the clubs agreed a fee.
When asked if the deal was likely to go through, Poyet said: "I hope so. It's not done, but we are very, very close."
Scocco, 28, is set to become the third Argentine to join Sunderland this month, following the arrivals of Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini.
Asked about Scocco in April, South American football expert Tim Vickery wrote in his weekly BBC Sport column: "He might not be a big target man centre-forward, but he has some penalty area presence and moves outside the area with fluidity and intelligence."
Sunderland, who are 19th in the Premier League, have also signed defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina, and recalled striker Conor Wickham from a temporary spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunderland consider legal action over Paolo Di Canio 'cowards' outburst
• Former manager hit out at players and called club 'weak'
• Club now consulting lawyers over next move
Sunderland are consulting lawyers in the wake of the verbal volley Paolo Di Canio aimed at the club and certain players over the weekend.
The Italian, sacked as Sunderland's manager in September, dubbed his former employers "weak" and some first-teamers "cowards" before singling out individuals for special criticism. While Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley were described as "rotten" by Di Canio, Gus Poyet's predecessor said John O'Shea, the side's captain, was "two-faced".
Unhappy that the club's board bowed to a revolt by squad members following a defeat at West Bromwich Albion, Di Canio maintains he should have received greater backing from Ellis Short, Sunderland's owner, and Margaret Byrne, the chief executive.
Short and Byrne see things somewhat differently. In a club statement released on Monday afternoon they answered back. "Sunderland AFC would like to express its disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio regarding the club and its players," it said.
"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure, and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur. The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.
"Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
"Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us."
It did not go down well when, during his weekend interviews, Di Canio suggested he was "too good" for Sunderland before claiming it is his "destiny" to manager West Ham United.
The former West Ham striker and Swindon manager also said he was partly undone by the 14 summer signings made by Sunderland's former director of football Roberto De Fanti, none of whom he claims were players he had asked to be recruited.
He left his most scathing critism for Bardsley and Cattermole, however.
"Those two players [Cattermole and Bardsley] were rotten," he said. "The most unprofessional players I ever worked with. What Bardsley has done in the last year speaks volumes. Photos of him lying on the floor in a casino covered by £50 notes and laughing at the team losing on the opening day, that's public. It's no surprise these players were kicked out of my plans. The reason Sunderland stayed up at the end of last season was because Cattermole was injured and Bardsley played very little."
Poyet is close to completing a £3m, two-and-a-half-year deal for the Argentina striker, left winger or attacking midfielder Iganacio Scocco from Brazil's Internacional.
If, as expected, the 28-year-old – who also interests Cardiff – signs for Sunderland by the end of the week he will become Poyet's third Argentinian recruit this month, joining Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have also acquired Marcos Alonso, a Spanish left-back on loan from Fiorentina, and their Uruguayan manager will be delighted to increase his Spanish speaking contingent by ending Scocco's unhappy stint with Internacional.
52 Sunderland fans banned from Newcastle derby game
MORE than 50 Black Cats fans will not be allowed to go to Saturday’s crunch derby game against Newcastle United at St James’s Park.
A total of 52 Sunderland supporters are currently subject to football banning orders and will not be allowed to attend the Tyne-Wear game.
Officers will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s game on Tyneside, when scores of people rioted following Sunderland’s 3-0 win over their arch rivals.
This Saturday, Sunderland fans are being encouraged to use free coaches provided by the club. They will leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am. Turnstiles at St James’s Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first set of coaches from the Stadium of Light, and then 11.15am generally, with kick-off at 12.45pm.
Two Metro trains travelling direct from Sunderland railway station to Central Station in Newcastle will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
Supporters will have access to full catering facilities at the ground, and after full time, they will be able to wait in the bar areas, where they will have access to refreshments and toilets. They will then be asked to wait until the immediate area outside the ground is clear of Newcastle fans before making their way to the transport.
Operations commander chief superintendent Steve Neill said: “The Tyne-Wear derby is a fantastic event that football fans across the region and country look forward to, and we’re working with clubs, local authorities and fans to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.
“We’re asking Sunderland supporters to work with us, as they did last season, and stay back for a short period of time after the game. “This allows us time to clear the immediate area outside for us to escort them from the stadium and to their transport.
“We’ve carried out hold-backs of supporters in the past at matches both at St James’s Park and the Stadium of Light, and they’ve worked well. Fans fully understand why we do it and are co-operative with officers and stewards.
“The facilities will be open, so it’s as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans, and we’ll bring supporters down as swiftly as possible.”
Sunderland will be looking to record their third straight win over the Magpies after they beat them 2-1 earlier this campaign.
Don Hutchison: How to lose a dressing room in three months
Having played alongside former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio, Don Hutchison can see why he failed to make the right impact on Wearside
It was a pretty routine training session exercise, the sort that professional footballers up and down the country do every day of the week.
Glenn Roeder was the manager of West Ham at the time and he wanted us to improve our cutting edge from midfield. The idea was that Paolo Di Canio would find the wide man, who would then put the ball into the box for us to attack.
All Paolo had to do was find the wide man but the first time he attempted it, he made a mess of it. ‘Fair enough,’ we thought. ‘Even the best players aren’t perfect.’
Then he did it again. And again. And again and again and again. It dawned on us that he was deliberately missing the wide man. He was messing up training because, essentially, he didn’t want to do that particular exercise. The lads were furious with him and so was Glenn. Paolo ended up walking in early.
It’s just one little anecdote but it springs to mind when you hear Paolo crop up and slag off Sunderland players Phil Bardsley, Lee Cattermole, John O’Shea and Steven Fletcher over the weekend. Players who, let’s remember, have just helped Sunderland get to Wembley in the Capital One Cup.
The timing was very strange and he comes across as really, really bitter about what happened during his time at Sunderland. It doesn’t seem as if he realises why he wasn’t successful there and that means he’s doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
It made me chuckle, actually. Paolo says he’s ready to come back and make a success of being a manager but he will never be a manager in a million years. He can’t handle people and he can’t handle different personalities and in the world of football, you’re doomed if you can’t do that. When people talk about ‘losing the dressing room’ that’s what it means in practice.
He criticises the professionalism of those four Sunderland players but let me tell you, he had a very poor attitude to training at times. We had rules at West Ham where you weren’t allowed to use a mobile phone but there was an occasion where he came into training talking loudly on his phone – loud enough that Glenn could hear him.
The rules also stated no motorbikes for players yet he’d turn up at training on his Vespa. One day he could be no use to anyone, the next he’d be brilliant and generous. You just never knew what you were getting with him. Don’t get me wrong, he would turn it on when he played on a Saturday. He was a good player but to then criticise players for their conduct is amazing. He was never a model pro.
The first thing Gus Poyet did when he took over was put Bardsley back in the team which told you a heck of a lot about how he was going to approach that dressing room.
There’s a simple rule: alienate influential players in a dressing room and you’re inviting problems.
Alienate four of them at once and what do you expect is going to happen? You can’t get rid of them all because you have to find a buyer and you’ve just made them damaged goods by criticising them in public.
I don’t actually have a problem with that public criticism. At one club I was called in by the manager who told me that he was going to tell the press he’d fined me two weeks wages for something I’d done. Privately, he told me there would be no fine but he wanted to send a message.
That sort of thing happens all the time. Managers work with their players and tread a fine line with the dressing room. That casino picture wasn’t too clever and I don’t condone it but Di Canio couldn’t have dealt with it worse.
Gus has the dressing room onside but he’s been clever. Those influential players are on his side but he might, privately, have come to the same conclusions as Paolo – that they aren’t the ones he wants to move forward. They are third from bottom and they’re better than that, so something hasn’t been right.
He needs them right now but there’s no certainties. What happens next is far from clear and they might all go in the summer but Gus has them onside, which is the hallmark of a good manager. They will run through brick walls for Gus but they wouldn’t cross the road for Paolo.
Sunderland are planning further contract talks with Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley, though the seemingly perpetually changing situation at the club doesn't appear to be helping.
The duo are part of a large contingent whose deals expire this summer, though they are the only ones who appear to be earmarked for extensions as things stand.
Speaking in The Journal, Poyet said of Colback:
We started negotiations a few weeks ago now. The situation with the negotiations has changed a little bit, because there's another person in charge now [that Roberto De Fanti has left his position of Director of Football].
Let's hope. It's important not to be too aggressive in terms of the contract because of the position we're in, and of course you need to be realistic. They'll say ‘Let's wait, let's see where we finish'. It works both ways.
Seems to be that Colback is keeping his options open a little and waiting to see how the relegation battle pans out for now. That seems fair enough really. He is at an age where is could be about to sign the key contract of his career. I'm sure he won't be short of offers.
Talks apparently haven't started yet with Bardsley - described by Poyet as 'the story of the season' - but they are apparently planned:
No, we haven't [started negotiations yet]. I think we'll try. He knows that we're going to start talking.
His story is incredible. We say to him every now and again ‘You were in the other side, over there (training with the kids)' and now he's scoring against Manchester United and being desperate to take a penalty, he's celebrating and he's the one who got the most emotional.
It has been hard for him. He had a contract here and he was earning his money but you want to be part of things, you want to be on the pitch.
You certainly wouldn't begrudge him a new deal, would you? Well, I wouldn't, anyway. I wouldn't be pushing the boat out or anything and I'd keep it fairly short-term in length, mainly because Bardsley seems to be the type who needs something to fight for in order to get the best out of himself.
It would be nice if both players are Premier League players with Sunderland next season.
Sunderland chairman has made mistakes, but he's rectified them quickly and ruthlessly, and now Cats are on the right track
He stood in the director’s seats, lingering for as long as he possibly could.
The smile was tattooed on Ellis Short’s face as he shook the hands of journalists, supporters and a legion of well-wishers who hung over the box at Old Trafford to congratulate him on Sunderland’s incredible achievement.
Was this the moment a five-year investment which has bought him little more than headaches and strife finally began to reap a glorious dividend?
If it was, you could hardly say Short didn’t deserve it. After facing down the deserved torrent of criticism which followed the rapid rise and fall of Paolo Di Canio in September, the Sunderland owner has barely made a bad call in the last five months.
It all started with a public admission.
Billionaires don’t say sorry very often – most of them don’t need to – but it has been Short’s readiness to remedy his own bad calls which has sown the seeds for Sunderland’s resurgence.
The miscalculation of letting short-term fix Di Canio try to assemble a long-term plan was solved with a ruthless and expensive sacking in September. Short could have demurred or even followed the advice of those who were urging him to cull a supposedly-poisonous dressing room, but he was prepared to embrace the chaos and take the hit to his own reputation.
It was a difficult and traumatic period which encouraged the perception Sunderland were floundering, but it was absolutely necessary.
This was followed by a public admission of culpability in the club’s match-day programme.
His decision to say sorry bought him time and illustrated a recognition he could – and should – do better.
He made the right appointment, too. Gus Poyet was not the universal choice of his legion of advisers, but after a lengthy process of due diligence – again he was accused of dallying – he decided to go with the Uruguyan, whose own reputation had taken a hit after a damaging departure from Brighton.
Last week’s announcement Roberto De Fanti, never the right appointment for the critical director of football role, was gone effectively brought an end to Short’s great gamble of 2013. Sunderland feel better for it.
Just recently, the club has re-aligned itself with its supporters. The decision, jointly taken with Newcastle United, to oppose Northumbria Police’s attempt to categorise February’s derby as a “bubble game” was fully justified – as was paying for the travel of every Sunderland supporter who made their presence felt at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
None of this made a blind bit of difference on Wednesday, of course. The brio and bravery of Sunderland’s second-half performance at Old Trafford was down to Poyet and his players having the courage of their convictions, along with the alchemy of their manager.
If we were in any doubt before Wednesday, the manner of their victory at Old Trafford confirmed there is something special about Poyet. For anyone pondering his man-management skills, just look at the identity of the Black Cats’ two match-winners.
Vito Mannone was a lightly-heralded reserve goalkeeper when Poyet took over and Phil Bardsley was the humiliated and discarded right-back at odds with the club’s support.
Both of these lost boys have been rehabilitated by the new boss.
Wednesday was an epic, adrenaline-fuelled evening, but scratch deeper and the signs are becoming more positive for the Black Cats.
Poyet has given them an identity, direction and pride – but he has been empowered by Short’s decisiveness.
This journey is still far from run. Sunderland remain in the bottom three and in the thick of a desperate battle to stave of relegation.
Yet finally, for the first time since Short assumed control from Niall Quinn, there is a real reason to believe once more.
Hard work, a solution guy and clean slates - Gus Poyet's methods seem to be working, even if there's plenty of work to be done
The mercury had plunged at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare ground and the figure on the stands pulled up his jacket to protect himself from the chill.
On a cold Tuesday in January, Sunderland’s under-21s were taking on Stoke’s young guns. It was freezing enough to make this a night strictly for Black Cats loyals – and Phil Bardsley, of course.
For the right-back was at the match with his son, offering his support to a group of young players that he had trained with – and grown close to – over a summer spent in the wilderness. It might have been cold on that Tuesday evening, but it was positively Mediterranean in comparison to the way Bardsley had been frozen out by Paolo Di Canio.
“He was completely out, he was history in this club, he was gone forever, then with the change of management there was an opportunity to come back, the second chance after what happened and he’s taken it to another level,” Gus Poyet explained of his goalscoring right-back on Thursday afternoon.
“He’s become a very, very important player, so I’m very pleased for him.”
If anything defines the transformation in the mood (if not quite the league position) under Poyet, it is his treatment of Di Canio’s lost boys – who were excellent as Sunderland stormed into the final of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
As the players were embraced by Ellis Short in the dressing room after an epic evening in Manchester, the feeling couldn’t have been further from the fractious atmosphere that typified Sunderland’s work over the summer.
What the Italian saw in Bardsley was an opportunity to assert his authority and face down another Alpha male in the Black Cats squad on the way to stamping his mark on Sunderland.
What Poyet saw was an honest player who had worked diligently with the youngsters over the summer and was precisely the sort of character to build a survival bid around.
His social media indiscretion was foolish but the Uruguayan laid down a marker by wiping the slate clean. Poyet, you see, is a solutions guy. Short is used to managers who knock on his door with problems – for Di Canio it was indiscipline, for Martin O’Neill it was a lack of necessary resources to shape the squad in his own image.
What Poyet has brought to the table is solutions. Everyone could see the problems, but the Uruguayan has set about making it work.
Don’t think for a minute that the journey is complete or that Poyet is entirely happy with his lot. A large-scale shake-up is planned for the summer and it is telling that not one of the players who is out of contract at the end of the season has been contacted for a new deal yet (with the exception of Jack Colback). There has been a trend this season: Vito Mannone, Ki Sung-Yueng, Fabio Borini, Bardsley and even Craig Gardner. Every single one has got better under Poyet. It has not been enough to generate sufficient momentum to extricate Sunderland from the drop zone yet but they have a fighting chance – and are the bottom eight’s form team.
What’s more, the squad has been fused together by the new man. “Gus has been brilliant,” Wes Brown explained.
“He is on everyone’s side. He helps everyone. We know what he wants and that’s what we try and do. He changes things at times to see how we react to it, and we reacted brilliantly against Manchester United. Back in September I could not imagine this club would be going to a Wembley final, and that’s the honest truth. We’ve come such a long way since then. We are playing very different. We are a strong bunch of lads and hopefully we can just keep this going now in the league.”
Poyet feels there is no magic wand. “We have worked,” he explained, simply. “Hard work, convincing the players to keep doing it, non-stop. It’s something we believe in, myself and the staff, then you need the players to realise that, because they’re the ones who go out on the pitch.
“You have to make the realise it’s possible, to be convinced and to be able to do it. I think we were getting better. It was difficult because of the position we were in, but this is the proof that we’re a better team right now.”
There is still plenty left to fight for this season. Sunderland remain in the bottom three and have to vault the Kidderminster Harriers hurdle tomorrow.
“I think we cannot complain about the confidence now going into the next few games,” Poyet said. “We just need to make sure we do the same things. We’ve been on a very good run for the last month and a half, we need to make sure that we continue. The players are right, everybody is fit, which is incredible, so now we need to make sure we don’t relax in the FA Cup, but especially in the Premier League.”
Whatever happens this season, Wednesday was a special night to be cherished for the ages. The noise from the 9,000 who travelled from Wearside was ear-splitting, the joy unconfined. March 2 promises to be a special day.
Brown said: “This result is definitely up there with what I achieved at United.
“We’ve come to Manchester United and have got the result we wanted and now we are in a final. When I was at United, if we had done the same thing to get into a final, the feeling would be exactly the same. But for us to do it here is brilliant.”
Police ban almost 200 football fans from Newcastle United v Sunderland match
Nearly 200 football fans have been banned from Saturday’s derby match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James’s Park.
A total of 123 Newcastle fans are subject to football banning orders, and will not be allowed to attend the Tyne-Wear game.
Another 52 Black Cats’ supporters are also banned.
Police aim to avoid a repeat of last season’s game on Tyneside, when scores of people rioted after Sunderland’s 3-0 win over their arch-rivals.
To help achieve this, Sunderland supporters will be held back in the stadium for a short time after the final whistle.
Supporters will have access to full catering facilities at the ground, and after full-time, they will be able to wait in the bar areas, where they will have access to refreshments and toilets.
They will then be asked to wait until the immediate area outside the ground is clear of Newcastle fans before making their way to the transport.
Operations commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, said: “The Tyne-Wear derby is a fantastic event that football fans across the region and country look forward to, and we’re working with clubs, local authorities and fans to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.
“We’re asking Sunderland supporters to work with us, as they did last season, and stay back for a short period of time after the game.
“This allows time to clear the immediate area outside for us to escort them from the stadium and to their transport.
“We’ve carried out hold-backs of supporters in the past at matches both at St James’s Park and the Stadium of Light, and they’ve worked well. Fans fully understand why we do it, and are co-operative with officers and stewards.
“The facilities will be open, so it’s as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans, and we’ll bring supporters down as swiftly as possible.”
Sunderland fans are also being encouraged to use free coaches provided by the club.
These will leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am.
Turnstiles at St James’s Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first set of coaches from the Stadium of Light, and then 11.15am generally, with kick-off at 12.45pm.
Two Metro trains travelling direct from Sunderland railway station to Central Station in Newcastle will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
Sunderland will be looking to record their third straight win over the Magpies after they beat them 2-1 earlier this campaign.
Sunderland AFC would like to express its’ disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players.
The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio’s departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.
The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives.
Having reached a cup final for the first time in 22 years, whilst also enjoying a run of only one loss in 12 games, we want to focus on what is a positive time for the football club and we would hope it is possible to draw a line under this matter quickly and that there will be no repetition.
Neither the club, head coach Gus Poyet nor the players will be making any further comment on the situation. We are looking forward, not back and are focusing on the vital games we have ahead of us.
Information ahead of St James' trip.
Northumbria Police is advising Sunderland fans of the short hold back taking place at full time after the derby match on Saturday.
As per previous derby matches, officers are asking fans to wait in St James' Park for a short time after the final whistle.
The holdback will be kept to a minimum amount of time and is in place for everyone's safety.
Sunderland supporters are encouraged to use the free coaches provided by SAFC, which will leave the Stadium of Light at 10.30am.
On the day turnstiles at St James' Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first set of coaches from the Stadium of Light, and then 11.15am generally.
Supporters will have access to full catering facilities and after full time the supporters will be able to wait in the bar areas where they will have access to refreshments and toilets.
They will be asked to wait until the immediate area outside of the ground is clear of Newcastle fans then they will be able to leave the ground and make their way to their transport.
The coaches will leave St James' Park for the Stadium of Light swiftly and last season were the quickest way for supporters to get back to Sunderland.
Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "The Tyne-Wear derby is a fantastic event that football fans across the region and country look forward to and we're working with clubs, local authorities and fans to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.
"We're asking Sunderland supporters to work with us as they did last season and stay back for a short period of time after the game - this allows us time to clear the immediate area outside for us to escort them from the stadium and to their transport.
"We've carried out hold backs of supporters in the past at matches both at St James' Park and the Stadium of Light, and they've worked well - fans fully understand why we do it and are co-operative with officers and stewards.
"The facilities will be open so it's as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans and we'll bring supporters down as swiftly as possible."
Sunderland AFC has confirmed ticket information for the Capital One Cup Final against Manchester City, which will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 2 March, 2pm.
Sunderland AFC has been allocated the east end of Wembley and there will be a phased sale of tickets for the club’s season card holders.
PHASE ONE
SAFC 2013-14 season card holders, with one or more loyalty point (i.e. have attended a minimum of one away game in the last three seasons) can purchase ONE ticket from 9am, Monday 3 February until 12noon, Saturday 8 February. All season card holders in this category are guaranteed to receive a ticket and are strongly advised to use the full week available to secure their seat in order to avoid busy periods.
PHASE TWO
All SAFC 2013-14 season card holders who have not applied in Phase One can apply for ONE ticket per season card, from 9am, Monday 10 February until 12noon, Saturday 15 February. Once again, all season card holders in this category are guaranteed to receive a ticket and are strongly advised to use the full week available to secure their seat in order to avoid busy periods.
Should any tickets remain after these two season card holder priority periods, a further announcement will be made.
The club will aim to allocate supporters price preference at point of sale. This however is not guaranteed and the next available price will then be allocated. Once a ticket has been sold it cannot be upgraded or downgraded in category.
TICKET APPLICATION PROCESS
Season card holders who meet the criteria, can apply either in-person at the Stadium of Light ticket office or by telephone, on the 24 hour hotline number, 0871 911 1973.
Applications cannot be made online for this fixture.
Supporters must have their customer number available when purchasing tickets. Applications cannot be processed without this number.
TICKETS FOR DISABLED & VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATRONS
Tickets for disabled and visually impaired patrons can be purchased under the same schedule as above.
The price charged to wheelchair patrons is equivalent to the relevant price for the area in which they’re situated, with their personal assistant (where required) gaining access free of charge.
Concession rates will apply across all of these tickets for Junior Wheelchair patrons, 16 years of age and under, over 65s and ambulant patrons.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
All tickets are sold as instructed by the Football League and as per terms and conditions of sale or at the Stadium of Light ticket office.
TICKET OFFICE OPENING HOURS & CONTACT DETAILS
The Stadium of Light ticket office is open Monday - Friday from 9am - 5:30pm and Saturday’s from 10am - 1:00pm or until kick off on home match days.
Telephone: 0871 911 1973 24 hour service
Email: ticket.office@safc.com for general enquiries.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
Sunderland AFC are back in Barclays Premier League action on Wednesday night, with the visit of Stoke City.
Gus Poyet’s side welcome The Potters to the Stadium of Light for a 7.45pm kick-off, having won five of their last six games in all competitions.
Tickets are still available for the clash, starting at £25 for adults, £19 for over 65s and just £10 for under 16s.
They can be purchased in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office, which is open until 9am -5.30pm on Monday and Tuesday and from 10am until kick-off on the day of the game.
Supporters can also get their hands on tickets 24 hours a day either via the online box office or by calling 0871 911 1973.
Fans can also print their match tickets at home at no additional cost.
Sunderland V Stoke Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men
Wednesday night see’s Capital One Cup Finalists Sunderland welcome Stoke City to the Stadium of Light for what could be a relegation six pointer.
Although Stoke sit 5 points about Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League they are only 4 points ahead of the home team. A win for Sunderland will see them close the gap to only 1 point and could move them out of the bottom 3.
Sunderland are full of confidence off the back of their win on penalties at Old Trafford in the Semi-Final of the Capital one cup, whereas Stoke are coming into the game of the back of a defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round.
Sunderland’s home league form is terrible. They have not won a league game at the Stadium of Light since a 1-0 victory against table topping Manchester City on November 10th. In their last 5 Premier League Games they have 2 wins, 2 draws and a defeat.
Stoke City go into the game without victory in their last 5 games. They have lost 4 and drawn 1. There last win was back on the 21st of December against Aston Villa and their last away victory was away at West Ham United on 31st August 2013.
Interesting Facts
There have been red cards in three of the last four Barclays Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Stoke.
Adam Johnson has scored four goals in his last two Premier League appearances.
There have been just five goals scored in the last four Premier League games between Stoke and Sunderland.
Stoke have won 61% of their aerial duels this season, by some way the highest proportion in the top-flight.
Sunderland have picked up 1.1 points per game in the matches (12 games) Lee Cattermole has started this season but only 0.5 in those he hasn’t (10 games).
Team News
Sunderland should be at full strength for this game as their only injury concerns are long term casualties Carlos Cuellar with a Hip/Thigh injury and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood with a shoulder problem. Manager Gus Poyet has recalled Striker Connor Wickham from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. New loan signing Santiago Vergini will be hoping to make his Premier League debut after arriving on loan earlier this month.
Stoke also have very little to worry about on the injury front. They will still be without the long term injured trio of Matthew Etherington (calf) Andy Wilkinson (ankle) and Robert Huth ( knee).
Manager Mark Hughes has released Jermaine Pennant from his deal so he will no longer be appearing for Stoke City.
One deal Mark Hughes will hope to have completed by Wednesday day is the swap deal between Kenwyne Jones and Cardiff’s Peter Odemwingie. If that deal does go through, expect to see Odemwingie at some point during the game.
Key Men
Fabio Borini
The Italian forward has impressed during his loan spell from Liverpool. So much so that many Liverpool fans are asking for him to be recalled. That’s not an option however and his recent form is an excellent sign for this Sunderland team as they attempt to move out of the bottom 3.
Playing mainly from the left hand side, Borini has created 5 chnces and attempted 18 crosses so far.
Peter Crouch
Former Liverpool striker Crouch has been Stoke’s most creative player so far this season. With 7 clear cut chances and 4 league goals to his name it is clear that all of Stoke’s good attacking play comes from him.
Match Prediction:
Sunderland will be desperate to take their cup form into their league form, especially at home. Stoke will be desperate to stop the run of defeats.
Two desperate teams should equal a not very entertaining game. I think that both teams will be scared to express themselves and it will be a very dull 1-1 draw.
Poyet: Cattermole and Fletcher are going nowhere! Sunderland boss dismisses speculation that pair are moving to Stoke
Unhappy Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has had no contact from Mark Hughes over the possibility of signing Lee Cattermole or Steven Fletcher.
The Stoke boss has been linked with the Sunderland pair, but with Stoke due at the Stadium of Light tomorrow night, Poyet is not so sure the interest from Staffordshire is serious.
Former captain Cattermole and Scotland international Fletcher are both expected to start against Stoke tomorrow night for the latest relegation clash on Wearside.
Poyet said: ‘In the local paper we haven’t thrown any rumours that we are interested in any Stoke player which is what has happened down there for the last week.
‘We have not had any formal approach or offer from Stoke so for them to be linked with two very important players for us is very disappointing.
‘He (Mark Hughes) didn’t call me. I think managers normally call to say when they want a player from another team but he has not called me I can assure you.’
Poyet, who has recalled Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday, is close to finalising a £3million deal for Argentine striker Ignacio Scocco after agreeing the fee with his Brazilian club Internacional. He is expected to be a Sunderland player by the time of Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby.
Sunderland are bracing themselves for a couple of departures before then, with Modibo Diakite due to join Fiorentina and Seb Larsson again attracting interest from Roma.
Poyet added: ‘I hope it (Scocco) can be done, it is not done but we are very very close
'In the agreement (with Connor Wickham) there was a date we needed to make a decision and decided to bring him back on that day, now we are analysing the situation and having a chat with the player.
‘It is impossible to say whether he will move again, he is here, he has trained with us, he is a player we can use and he has been playing well and scoring goals so it depends on the whole squad and the next question is whether Scocco goes through or not. It is not only about one particular player.
‘I am not going to put a time limit on it but I hope we know our squad by Thursday but I would not like to be here on Friday.’
Blackpool winger Thomas Ince, who has been linked with Sunderland, has been in Stoke today to hold talks with the Potters.
There is said to be a fair few top flight clubs interested in the player and today Thomas and his father Paul was at Stoke to see what they had to offer.
The England U21 international has already spoken to Swansea City.
It's being reported that Ince and his Dad will be on Wearside sometime this week to meet up with Gus Poyet.
Out of contract at Blackpool this summer, Sky Sports report that he will see all interested parties and make a decision about his future on Thursday.
Parma have reportedly approached Sunderland to explore to possibility of signing a trio of players, including Emanuele Giaccherini.
The report from Gianluca Di Marzio also suggests the Italians are interesting in taking Mobido Diakite and Charis Mavrias, the latter presumably on loan.
But it is apparently their interest in Giaccherini that is most pressing. The pocket-sized playmaker had quite a decent start to life on Wearside, but has fallen down the pecking order since as he struggles to pin down a position in Gus Poyet's line-up.
It's a bit of a conundrum because in terms of actual talent, Giaccherini is one of the best players Sunderland have. If he could settle into the side somewhere into a role that suited him, he would unquestionably make the team better.
That's a giant 'if' though. Poyet prefers a genuine forward to play from the left, does not seem to care for the 'number 10' role, and doesn't seem to trust Giaccherini enough in central midfield. He is almost just a nice idea rather than an actual useful footballer to Sunderland at the moment.
There is also the effect selling him could have on Sunderland's own transfer business. Poyet has confirmed he'd like one more, presumably Bridcutt, but any further deals are largely dependant on the kind of opportunity that selling players provide.
A deal to take Giaccherini back to Serie A looks complicated due to lower wages in Italy, and his agent has insisted he wants to stay at Sunderland. However, if a deal could be done and it opened up a window to bring in another player more suited to Poyet's plans, I'd be very tempted to take it.
Most Sunderland fans assumed the rumours of interest in Ever Banega were just that until the news was gradually confirmed by reliable reports in England. Sky Sports this week claimed that the Premier League club had made contact with Valencia about a possible move, we believe their sources to be a tweet from a Times journalist.
In Spain, Super Deporte - Valencia's local newspaper, have been covering the Banega situation for some time but it's not Sunderland who are being mentioned. The latest club is Inter Milan and although the Serie A side would be considered a bigger club they don't have the same financial power as Sunderland.
Lots of big clubs have been linked with a move for Banega and in November it was Tottenham who were the main destination mentioned, we said at the time:
'El Mundo aren't one of the usual Spanish rumour newspapers and as such you'll rarely hear stories which originated with them, their football coverage is quite sparse so when they do say something it's worth giving it a second glance. It sounds like they've been proven correct on a claim in August regarding Tottenham and Ever Banega, they said at the time that Spurs had contacted Banega's agent to see if the midfielder would be interested in moving to White Hart Lane in the future.
He has a buyout clause with Valencia of €30m and Tottenham reportedly wanted the midfielder's agent Marcelo Simonian to find out if Valencia would negotiate on that, given the difficulty in getting Roberto Soldado it's a wise way for Tottenham to go about things ahead of a possible future transfer.
Simonian has been speaking to Napoli Calcio, mainly about Javier Pastore, and let slip some interesting information "For Banega the situation is different. I can only say that we're already talking with several clubs for the next market, in the next few days I will be travelling to present all the alternatives to Valencia."'
It quickly became clear that Banega's agent was trying to generate interest and in the following weeks further clubs were linked, including Manchester United. The midfielder's contract runs out in June 2015 so his value will start to drop.
Police urge Sunderland fans to use official coaches to travel to Newcastle on derby day
POLICE are urging Sunderland fans to plan their plan their travel arrangements ahead of the derby game on Saturday.
Officers are encouraging Black Cats supporters to use free official club coaches to travel to St James’s Park for the Newcastle clash.
The coaches depart from the Stadium of Light for Newcastle at 10.30am and will also return Sunderland supporters to the Stadium of Light after the match.
Northumbria Police said the coaches were the quickest way to get back to Sunderland after the match last season.
Turnstiles at St James’ Park will open at 11am for the arrival of the first coaches from Sunderland, and at 11.15am for general admission.
There will be direct Metro services for Sunderland supporters on match day. Two Metros travelling direct from Sunderland station to Central Station in Newcastle. They will leave at 10.43am and 10.55am.
There will also be one direct Northern Rail service, leaving Sunderland station for Newcastle Central Station at 11.19am and arriving in Newcastle at 11.39am.
For the return journey there are two Metros running direct from Central Station to Sunderland at 3.45pm and 3.57pm.
There will also be one direct Northern Rail service leaving Newcastle at 3.38pm, passing through Heworth at 3.46pm and arriving in Sunderland at 4.01pm.
Officers will be based at the transport links to ensure people board the Metros and trains safely.
Roads temporarily closed on derby day between 1.30pm and 5pm will be - Barrack Road in both direction between its junctions with Gallowgate and New Mills; Strawberry Place between its junction with Barrack Road and St James Street; Pitt Street between its junctions with Barrack Road and Wellington Street and Barrack Road, south/eastbound between its junction with Holland Drive and New Mills.
Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: “We want to welcome supporters from both teams and we hope they enjoy what is a great sporting event and a highlight in the footballing calendar for the region.
“We’re continuing to encourage Sunderland supporters to use the free coaches being provided by the club which will get them directly to and from St James’ Park swiftly and safely.
“For those planning to use public transport the Metro and train services on the day will be extremely busy and people should give themselves plenty of time for their journeys.
“We’re working with British Transport Police, Northern Rail and Metro staff to ensure the safety of Metro and rail passengers and will have officers at Central Station and in Sunderland throughout the day.
“The match is one which football supporters across the region look forward to and we’re well aware the vast majority of supporters are there to support their team and soak up the derby day atmosphere.”
Supporters can follow two Northumbria Police Twitter accounts – @NorthumbriaSAFC and @NorthumbriaNUFC – which provide fans of Sunderland and Newcastle with up-to-date information and safety advice for supporters.
IT’S SO far, so good, during a fortnight which could change the entire complexion of Sunderland’s season.
Victory in last week’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg propelled Sunderland to a first cup final in 22 years, while a second trip to Wembley is not out of the question after Saturday’s ugly win over non-league Kidderminster.
But the job is only half done.
While the prospect of seeing Sunderland at Wembley has brought huge enthusiasm to Wearside, the Black Cats must complement that cup success in the bread and butter of the Premier League.
If Gus Poyet’s men can take four points or more from two league games inside four days, it really would transform Sunderland’s prospects.
It’s entirely possible, particularly given Sunderland’s recent record against Newcastle United and the impending departure of the pivotal Yohan Cabaye from St James’s Park.
But tonight’s game is just as important – if not more so – than the weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby.
For all Sunderland’s survival prospects have improved greatly with a return of eight points from the last five games, the Black Cats need to gain some real traction by beating one of their relegation rivals at home.
That has proved to be an arduous task for Sunderland over the last two months.
Poyet’s side have been excellent on Wearside in the League Cup, but in the Premier League, Sunderland fluffed their lines against Norwich and Aston Villa, and needed a remarkable comeback against Southampton to rescue a point.
Sunderland cannot afford to start at the snail’s pace they mustered for the opening half-hour in the 2-2 draw with the Saints.
While the possession-based philosophy introduced by Poyet has served Sunderland so well, the Black Cats still need to mix up their game and go for the jugular in the opening stages at home when paired with sides in the bottom half.
The first 20 minutes tonight will be crucial. Stoke will doubtless adopt the same approach as Norwich and Villa by putting men behind the ball and looking to nick a goal at the other end.
But if Sunderland can get their noses in front early doors – something that has not been a particular strength during Poyet’s stewardship – it will change the entire complexion of the encounter.
Sunderland need far more of a goal threat from their strikers to achieve that platform though, and that is where Poyet’s main decision lies tonight.
Poyet is likely to revert to the vast majority of the side which triumphed on penalties at Old Trafford after leaving out 10 of those players against Kidderminster.
But what does the head coach do up front with both Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher struggling and Nacho Scocco’s move still in the pipeline?
As Poyet has suggested, Fabio Borini could move into a more central role, with Emanuele Giaccherini introduced out wide.
But the other solution would be to re-introduce Connor Wickham after he was recalled two days early from his loan spell at SheffieldWednesday.
Wickham’s confidence is certainly higher than either Fletcher’s or Altidore’s after eight goals in 11 games for the Owls and surely has an opportunity to be included on the bench, if not the starting XI.
The Potters also have a striking dilemma, with Mark Hughes considering the merits of throwing new signing Peter Odemwingie straight into the mix after the swap deal with Cardiff for ex-Sunderland frontman Kenwyne Jones.
Odemwingie certainly adds pace to a relatively sluggish attack, albeit his transfer merry-go-round has affected his form over the last 18 months.
Hughes is also expected to replace Stephen Ireland and Wilson Palacios with Charlie Adam and Glenn Whelan tonight, while Oussama Assaidi could come in for Marko Arnautovic.
The ploy of Poyet’s former team-mate will be one of containment, while hoping Sunderland become frustrated and gaps appear on the counter-attack.
It’s crucial Sunderland prevail in that game of cat and mouse.
Verdict: Home win
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Gus Poyet blasts Mark Hughes over pursuit of Sunderland pair
Gus Poyet has slammed Stoke boss Mark Hughes over his pursuit of Sunderland pair Lee Cattermole and Steven Fletcher on the eve of the teams’ Premier League clash.
Reports claim the Potters are ready to bid a combined £10million for midfielder Cattermole and striker Fletcher.
But ahead of tomorrow’s relegation six-pointer at the Stadium of Light, Black Cats boss Poyet, a former team-mate of Hughes at Chelsea, said of the speculation: ‘I am pleased that in the local newspaper, we didn’t throw any rumours about us being interested in any Stoke player, because that’s what they have done for the last week.
No-one from Stoke, directors or anyone from them, has made any formal approach or any offer, so for them to be linked with two very important players for us before the game is a little bit disappointing.’
Hughes said at the weekend that Sunderland’s progression to the Capital One Cup final made a move for Cattermole unlikely, and Poyet added: ‘He [Hughes] didn’t call me. Some people would say the manager normally would call to say when they want a player of the other team.
‘But he didn’t call me, of that I can assure you.’
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Stoke City’s relegation battle starts against Sunderland
There is a well worn, oft-used cliché in football. It’s frequently trotted out when referring to a clash between two teams that are fighting each other – and a host of other teams – for a title or in a relegation survival battle.
I refer, of course, to the ‘six pointer’ and, in this mid-week cluster of fixtures, Stoke face Sunderland in what could be described thus.
Following the FA Cup weekend just passed, each team in the Premier League has played 22 games – meaning 16 are left for each.
The league has a definite split between the top and bottom half at present. While teams like Manchester United and Newcastle United may be underperforming, it’s unlikely that they will be drawn into a relegation battle come May.
Any team below them – and that is 12 teams – could be relegated by the end of the season.
I don’t ever recall a Premier League table being so divided at this stage of the campaign. Yes, there is usually a battle between five or maybe six teams to stay in the top flight – but 12? That’s unprecedented.
In reality, Southampton could call themselves safe – provided their off-field power struggles don’t affect on-pitch performances.
So, just the 11 teams involved in a relegation scrap then.
We play nine of them – having already met Crystal Palace twice (we are the tenth, obviously).
For me, that’s quite a scary prospect – but a promising one, too.
There are 27 points to be picked up from our battles with those teams – and that would put us on a relative high of 49 points; as good as guaranteed safety.
There are 21 points to be fought for against teams in the top half of the table too. While a more difficult prospect of winning, given our current form, they’re bonus games that I’d be more than happy to pick up some points from.
It’s true that we are in a relegation battle right now – but it’s still too early to declare ourselves doomed.
We can make a positive start to that relegation battle against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
It’ll only be worth three points, but it’ll certainly feel more like six.
Argentina international Scocco arrives at Sunderland for medical ahead of £3m move
Ignacio Scocco has arrived at Sunderland for his medical to complete a £3million move from Internacional.
Manager Gus Poyet has fended off late interest from Cardiff City for the 28-year-old striker who has struggled in Brazil since a move from Newell’s Old Boys.
Scocco has played once for Argentina, scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Brazil in November 2012.
Poyet, who has also signed fellow Argentines Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari this month, should have the 5ft 8in finisher available for the derby at Newcastle on Saturday.
'I hope it goes through because of the characteristics of the player. He's a player who can bring something special around the box that we are missing,' he said on Tuesday.
'I’ve had a good chat with him and he’s comfortable playing as part of a front three.
'We will use him further up the pitch because he is not really a defensive player, so I see him as a striker more than anything else.
'That’s a good thing for us though because we need to score goals and Scocco could provide us with that little extra both in scoring goals and creating them.'
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Thomas Ince set for Hull & Sunderland talks
Blackpool winger Thomas Ince is expected to hold talks with Hull and Sunderland on Wednesday as he prepares to make a decision on his future.
The England Under-21 international has been given permission by the Championship side to discuss a loan move with Premier League clubs.
The 21-year-old met with Swansea City and Crystal Palace on Monday and held talks with Stoke City on Tuesday.
Ince is approaching the end of his contract at Bloomfield Road.
Speaking after Tuesday's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace, Hull manager Steve Bruce insisted he was not planning a move for the former Liverpool youngster.
"There's nothing in that and we're not likely to do anything before Friday," Bruce told BBC Radio Humberside.
Ince began his career at Anfield, making one substitute appearance in the League Cup before joining Blackpool in August 2011.
He has scored 33 goals in 113 matches for the Seasiders and was the subject of January interest from the Reds last season, while he turned down a move to newly-promoted Cardiff in the summer for family reasons.
And he has not featured in either of Blackpool's two matches since his father, Paul, was sacked as manager on 21 January.
Blackpool lost 5-1 at Reading on Tuesday and are 15th in the Championship.
Sunderland - Stoke City Preview: Potters aiming for first win at Stadium of Light
Gus Poyet's side have lost just once in their last seven Premier League matches, while Mark Hughes' side registered their last league win on the road in August.
Two teams with contrasting recent fortunes meet when Stoke City travel to Sunderland.
While Sunderland appear galvanised under the stewardship of Gus Poyet and have put together a run that consists of just one defeat in their last seven Premier League games, in addition to reaching the Capital One Cup final and the FA Cup fifth round, Stoke are struggling ahead of Wednesday's game.
Mark Hughes’ men continue to be inconsistent on their travels and are aiming to avoid a 10th successive away Premier League game without a win.
Stoke's last victory at Sunderland was a 1-0 success in April 1994 – a winless streak stretching 11 matches.
Perhaps the most telling statistic of all for Stoke could be that Sunderland, who are second bottom, could be within a point of Hughes' men should Poyet's side secure a victory on Wednesday.
SUNDERLAND LATEST
7/1 Sunderland are 7/1 with Betway to beat Stoke City 2-1
Stoke, who have failed to score in five of their last six away games in all competitions, are unbeaten in their last three encounters with the Wearside club and the return to full fitness of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is a timely boost, as is the potential arrival of striker Peter Odemwingie.
Begovic made his comeback from a month out with a broken finger in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Chelsea on Sunday and had an immediate impact, producing a string of fine saves.
Odemwingie, meanwhile, is poised to join Stoke as part of the swap deal that should see Kenwyne Jones depart for Cardiff City. Both Cardiff and Stoke will hope to finalise negotiations prior to the midweek Premier League programme.
Stoke manager Hughes believes striker Odemwingie can help his side become more ruthless in attack.
"He's got a little pace which we need to add to our squad and he can play both wide and through the middle," said the Welshman, who looks set to again be without Robert Huth (knee), Matthew Etherington (calf) and Andy Wilkinson (foot).
Poyet made 10 changes to his Sunderland team for the 1-0 home win over non-league Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup on Saturday, but will be expected to revert back to his strongest XI for the visit of Stoke. Connor Wickham has been recalled from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and could be in contention for a place on the bench.
Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and Carlos Cuellar (hip) remain unavailable as Sunderland bid to avenge the 2-0 away defeat they suffered when the two sides met in November.
One Sunderland player who is likely to be at the centre of attention on Wednesday is midfielder Lee Cattermole, who is a confirmed transfer target for Hughes and Stoke.
Adam Johnson sinks 10-man Stoke to lift Sunderland out of relegation zone
Sunderland AFC 1 Stoke 0
Sunderland are still some way from emerging, blinking, into broad daylight but for the moment at least they have escaped the bottom three.
Adam Johnson's early goal was sufficient to offer Gus Poyet's League Cup finalists real hope of avoiding relegation on an intensely nervous night when Stoke were dragged right back into trouble and could have done without being reduced to 10 men following Steven N'Zonzi's contentious sending-off for a second bookable offence.
"It feels like a big win," said Charlie Oatway, Poyet's assistant, who, with the home manager feeling unwell, assumed post-match duties. "It's nice to see smiles rather than strained faces."
With equally important League games at Newcastle United and at home to Hull City impending, he and Poyet believe Sunderland have reached "a moment of truth". Their players certainly appeared to have absorbed the message that beating Stoke was imperative.
With much of the play going through the initially impressive Ki Sung-yueng in midfield, Adam Johnson sparkling on the right wing and Marcos Alonso attacking intelligently from left-back, Sunderland began brightly.
They had created a few chances by the time Johnson's adroit, angled close-range right-foot finish sent them into a deserved lead after Asmir Begovic could only parry Fabio Borini's shot. The clever touch which took Borini beyond Glenn Whelan was emblematic of the team's pleasing evolution under Poyet.
Lee Cattermole's place in the Uruguayan's 'velvet revolution" appeared doubtful after Sunderland's enforcer failed to make the substitutes' bench, officially due to a "calf injury". Mark Hughes covets Cattermole and the way he straight-batted questions about him suggested that a player who divides Wearside opinion could be en route to the Potteries before the weekend. By then Sunderland hope to have signed the Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
With Stoke's debutant Peter Odemwingie struggling and Peter Crouch rarely having a touch, Hughes's side– with relegation worries of their own– began firmly, if deceptively, on the back foot.
Not that Poyet could relax. If Vito Mannone remained underemployed for long periods, a reminder of the fragility of Sunderland's lead came as the increasingly influential Charlie Adam sent a left-foot shot swerving inches wide.
Once Erik Pieters started overlapping from left-back, Stoke perked up considerably. When Adam crossed and Ryan Shawcross found himself unmarked in the box, Mannone was called into action, the Italian saving the defender's header superbly.
Hughes's rising optimism levels sank at the start of the second half when N'Zonzi was dismissed for collecting a second yellow card after tugging Jozy Altidore back just outside the 18-yard area. "A poor decision from the referee," said Hughes. "It was unbelievable. It meant the best team didn't win."
The stage was set for Sunderland to extend their lead but despite some smooth, slick passing from Ki and flashes of Johnson's skill, Stoke defended well.
Rather more alarmingly from Poyet's viewpoint, the visitors began to threaten on the counterattack with Mannone required to save smartly from Odemwingie. That little fright unnerved the home side. With even Ki guilty of dangerous concessions of possession Sunderland seemed to freeze in the bitter Wearside chill as the crowd endured a horribly nervous finale. When the final whistle blew, their team's emergence from the bottom three for the first time since August was greeted with gusto worthy of a World Cup win.
Sunderland's Alfred N'Diaye has joined Spanish top-flight side Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season.
The 23-year-old Senegal midfielder has spent the first half of the campaign with Turkish club Eskisehirspor, scoring three times in 16 appearances.
He was brought to the Stadium of Light for £3.8m in January 2013 by former manager Martin O'Neill and started 15 games for the Black Cats last term.
But he has not played for the club since the final game of last season.
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Newcastle new boy Luuk De Jong won't play against Sunderland
NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew today told new signing Luuk de Jong he’s not ready to play in Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby.
And with time running out in their bid to land Lyons’ midfielder Clement Grenier, the Toon are unlikely to have any fresh faces in their side to face Gus Poyet’s in-form Sunderland.
De Jong declared himself fit and eager to start Newcastle’s biggest game of the season, despite having spent the past four months warming the bench at parent club Borussia Monchengladbach.
But he was brought down to earth with a bump by Pardew who’s is likely to hand him a familiar role as a substitute this weekend.
“I like his confidence and he has trained very well,” said the Toon chief.
“But I would suggest I might be a better judge than he is.
“He hasn’t had much game action and this is the Premier League.”
Pardew, who hopes to sign de Jong on a permanent basis at the end of the season, is in no doubt the Dutch striker can make a big impact at St James’ Park despite his disappointing spell in Germany.
“He is a big presence as a player and we’re looking forward to having him in the squad,” he added.
“He is a goalscorer and if there is a criticism you could aim at us, maybe we could do with scoring a few more goals.”
Pardew, who was reluctant to talk about Yohan Cabaye’s £19m move to Paris St Germain, hasn’t yet given up on signing Grenier even though Newcastle’s tabled bid falls well short of Lyons’ £13m valuation of the 23-year-old.
“It’s on-going as far as I am aware,” said Pardew. “We haven’t heard if the deal is finalised or finished.
“There are two days left and we will have to wait and see.
“I’m obviously hopeful and that is where I sit today.”
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Sunderland warn fans against the use of er… 'polytechnics' ahead of Newcastle derby!
SUNDERLAND appear to have warned their fans against chasing… er… higher education!
Ahead of the Black Cats clash with fierce North-East rivals Newcastle on Saturday, the club have sent a letter to Mackem fans.
Chief executive Margaret Byrne asked supporters travelling to Newcastle's St James' Park to use official club transport.
But, in a bizarre announcement, she also warned fans "about the dangers of flares and polytechnics"!
She wrote: "We have also been asked by the FA to remind supporters about the dangers of flares and polytechnics.
"We sincerely hope that these do not become an issue for our club.
"Both Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United want the derby games to be remembered for the right reasons."
Bemused fans will be pleased to hear their club bosses probably aren't too concerned about the now-defunct further education institutions.
Instead, Byrne almost certainly meant to to write "pyrotechnic" instead.
But that might not stop Toon fans chanting "you're not studying any more" on Saturday!
Margaret Byrne on the dangers of 'polytechnics'??? I did always prefer universities myself! #safc pic.twitter.com/rlL2PDq5l0
— Nigel Anderson (@NigelTA1) January 30, 2014
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Sunderland star Adam Johnson targetting a third straight win over Newcastle
ON-FIRE Sunderland winger Adam Johnson last night looked ahead to tomorrow’s Tyne-Wear derby and declared: “Make mine a treble.”
Johnno is the toast of Wearside right now with six goals in his last six games, helping to lift Gus Poyet’s in-form side out of the relegation zone for the first time since August.
They head for St James’ Park tomorrow undefeated away from home in the Premier League since August and with their sights set on a third successive win over their bitter rivals - a feat Sunderland have not achieved since 1924.
They beat Newcastle at the Stadium of Light in October to give Poyet his first win as Black Cats boss but it’s last season’s stunning 3-0 win in enemy territory, when Johnson found the net with a 25 yard thunderbolt, which is still fresh in the player’s mind.
It proved a false dawn for ex-manager Paolo Di Canio but that afternoon will inspire Johnson this weekend.
“Scoring for England at Wembley is the pinnacle. Nothing tops that but obviously a derby goal for your hometown club does come close,” he said.
“The passion of North East fans is unbelievable and that win kept a few people on our side of the fence very happy for a several months.
“That was our biggest game of the season and it proved a great personal moment for me.
“The win was so special and it’s no different this year. We need to build on our recent results so we’re definitely going there to win.”
Johnson believes Yohan Cabaye’s Toon exit and Loic Remy’s ban, plus Fabricio Coloccini’s continued injury lay-off, could tilt the balance Sunderland’s way.
“We must take advantage of everything that has happened to them,” he added.
“We go into the game knowing it’s a big blow to them losing not one but two of their best players.
“But there will still be quite a few of them wanting to get one over on us after what happened last time.
“I remember there were quite a few angry players afterwards - but that’s the derby for you.”
Sunderland snap up £2.5m Bridcutt as Poyet drafts in fifth signing of window
Liam Bridcutt has completed a £2.5million move to Sunderland from Brighton, becoming Gus Poyet's fifth signing of the transfer window.
The midfielder on Thursday travelled up to Wearside to discuss personal terms with the Black Cats and completed his move on Friday morning.
Brighton had rejected a transfer request from the 24-year-old earlier this month but were unable to prevent him from signing for Poyet's side.
Bridcutt was at the Amex Stadium since 2010 when he joined the club on a free transfer from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Albion boss Oscar Garcia has drafted in Spanish forward David Rodriguez from Celta Vigo.
Brighton have also been watching midfielder Dale Stephens as a potential replacement for Bridcutt but Charlton have rebuffed an offer.
Bridcutt, who will wear the No 23 shirt, had not played for the south-coast club since submitting a transfer request earlier this month after the Black Cats formalised their interest in him.
The midfielder, who made his Scotland debut against Serbia last year, joins fellow January signings Marcos Alonso, Santiago Vergini, Oscar Ustari and Ignacio Scocco at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet needs to clear the decks and bring some money in too to keep owner Ellis Short happy, and Lee Cattermole could be leaving for Stoke City.
Despite Mark Hughes’ surprise that the proposed deal has caused Poyet so much consternation – ‘I don’t know where that came from,’ he said on Wednesday – there is interest in the former Sunderland captain according to first team coach Charlie Oatway.
Speaking at the weekend, Cattermole said: ‘I will definitely be a Sunderland player on Wednesday. I've heard no different and the manager has come out and said he has heard no different. I will be back in training on Monday.
‘I am contracted to Sunderland. They make the decisions not me.
‘It's out of my hands. I'm contracted here for the rest of the season and another two years. It's out of my hands. Until I know any different, I will keep working. I have got a cup final to play in – if I'm here – and that would be brilliant.’
WHO IS LIAM BRIDCUTT?
Starting at Chelsea, Bridcutt had loan spells with Yeovil, Watford and Stockport County before being allowed to leave on a free transfer to Brighton in 2010.
Impressing at the Amex in the engine room of midfield, the Scot was called up to the national side for the first time for the 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Serbia in March last year.
Bridcutt made 132 appearances for Brighton, scoring twice.
ONE OF MANY
As well as making five signings this window, Sunderland snapped up 13 players last summer under Gus Poyet's predecessor Paolo di Canio. Including the five this window, that's 18 altogether.
Here's the full list of Sunderland's movers and shakers:
Summer signings 2013: Vito Mannone, Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini, Ki Yeung-sung, Andrea Dossena, Charis Mavrias, El Hadji Ba, David Moberg Karlsson, Ondrej Celustka, Jozy Altidore, Modibo Diakite, Duncan Watmore
January signings 2014: Marcos Alonso, Santiago Vergini, Oscar Ustari, Ignacio Scocco, Liam Bridcutt
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Brighton's Liam Bridcutt joins Sunderland
Sunderland have completed the £3m signing of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
The Scotland international, 24, has joined on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The Black Cats' fifth signing of the transfer window was signed by Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet when the Uruguayan was Brighton boss.
The former Chelsea academy player made 151 appearances on the south coast and was Brighton's player of the year in both 2013 and 2012.
Bridcutt had a transfer request at the Amex Stadium rejected in early January and had not played since the New Year's Day Championship draw with Bournemouth.
Born in Reading, Bridcutt joined Chelsea as an 18-year-old, but did not play a first-team game for the club and was released in 2010.
Since joining the Seagulls, he has helped them win the League One title in 2011 and reach the Championship play-offs last season.
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Sunderland set to complete £3m deal for Liam Bridcutt - leading to possible Lee Cattermole exit
The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Liam Bridcutt is expected to seal his move to Sunderland today, in a deal worth around £3m.
The 24-year-old has been a long-term target for his former manager Gus Poyet and the deal is close to completion.
He is travelling to Sunderland today for his medical. He would be the fourth signing for Sunderland in this month's transfer window after the Argentinians, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and defender Santiago Vergini, as well as Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso.
The arrival of Bridcutt may yet mean that midfielder Lee Cattermole, who has attracted interest from Stoke City, is permitted to leave.
PSV keeping tabs on out of favour Black Cats striker Altidore as they chase loan
PSV Eindhoven are keeping close tabs on the situation at Sunderland as they are interested in American striker Jozy Altidore.
The Black Cats, who have seen five players arrive in this window, completed a £3m deal for Internacional striker Ignacio Scocco on Thursday and now have a surplus of forwards.
There may be a fee involved but Gus Poyet would prefer a loan deal where PSV paid all of Altidore's £30,000-a-week wages until the end of the season - thought that may prove a stumbling block.
Altidore has been in and out of the team this season, making appearances more often from the bench than from the start.
However, he was extremely impressive during a four-year spell with the Eredivisie's AZ Alkmaar, and PSV are hoping a return will ignite his scoring touch.
Altidore has just one Premier League goal for Sunderland this season.
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Sunderland will not sell Lee Cattermole but Liam Bridcutt set to arrive
• Fellow strugglers Stoke City linked with Cattermole
• Brighton's Bridcutt expected to seal £2.5m move
Lee Cattermole will not be sold by Sunderland this month after all. Stoke City had been keen to sign the combative midfielder but, quite apart from very possibly needing Cattermole in the club's fight against relegation, Gus Poyet is unwilling to sell him to a rival near the bottom of the Premier League.
Even so Cattermole – variously described as "rotten" and "unprofessional" by Poyet's predecessor, Paolo Di Canio – now faces serious competition for his first-team place. Liam Bridcutt, the Brighton midfielder, was on the brink of completing a £2.5m move to Sunderland on Thursday after travelling to Wearside for a medical and is expected to assume the role of sitting in front of the back four and helping choreograph the brand of possession football the Uruguayan is gradually instilling at Sunderland.
The League Cup finalists have also completed the signing of Ignacio Scocco, the Argentina striker, for about £3m from Internacional of Brazil and loaned the midfielder Alfred N'Diaye to Spain's Real Betis. Meanwhile the defender Modibo Diakité is close to a return to Italy with Fiorentina after failing to establish himself in Poyet's plans.
Newcastle v Sunderland: Coalition of the calm look for antidote to poison of Tyne-Wear derby
Tyne-Wear derby has always carried threat of violence so it has been refreshing this week to see supporters from both sides of the divide to call for calm.
The Tyne-Wear derby is arguably the most intensely hostile and passionate derby in English football, but it is also in danger of becoming the most poisonous.
It has been in need of an antidote. Things have got out of hand. The rivalry between two cities 12 miles apart has turned into hatred, soured by violence and aggression that brings the constant threat of crowd trouble.
At the corresponding fixture in April last year, a match Sunderland won 3-0, there were 111 arrests and, infamously a police horse called Bud, was punched by a Newcastle United fan; a granddad in his 50s wearing his scarf over his face like highwayman robber.
It was an embarrassing image that went viral and global. It led to ridicule for the region, already been shamed by the antics of young men desperate to take out the frustration of their derby defeat on the crowing Sunderland fans being escorted by riot police through the city so they could board trains back to Wearside.
It was the culmination of years of growing tension. It is a battle for regional pride that had become a war. The Tyne-Wear derby has always carried the threat of violence, the ferocity of its tribalism will probably always ensure that remains, but it had become almost inevitable.
Therefore, for all of the pride the North East has in its headline sporting event, the passion it invokes and the history of conflict that fuels it, it has been refreshing this week to see supporters from both sides of the divide form a coalition of the calm.
Interestingly, the coalition was brought together in opposition to Northumbria Police, the force charged with trying to maintain law and order on a sporting occasion that can make the North East seem like the Wild West.
The policing of derby games is a stressful affair for those charged with keeping the peace and it is planned like a military opposition. The boys and girls in blue, fluorescent yellow and riot gear deserve some sympathy.
Some of them were injured in April and they should not be attacked with bottles or punches just because they are trying to keep the two sets of fans apart and prevent full scale conflict.
But when Northumbria Police demanded Sunderland fans attending the game were only allowed to travel to St James’ Park this weekend on special buses, rather than use public transport, so called “bubble restrictions” supporters from both clubs were dismayed.
It was, many claimed, an infringement of civil liberties born out of a desire to make things easier for the police and keep costs down.
Sunderland initially agreed, but they scrapped the scheme when they also fell out with the police over their refusal to agree to – as happens with police forces elsewhere in the country – to any derby games that kick off in the afternoon or early evening.
They were wholeheartedly supported by the Newcastle hierarchy, who were equally frustrated by the constant restrictions being placed on kick off times, and the loss of television income that it caused as both Sky and BT Sport are reluctant to always screen these matches as lunchtime kick-offs.
With the help of the Football Supporters Federation, Newcastle and Sunderland fans campaigned against the bubble restrictions and that spirit of reasonable cooperation continued ahead of Saturday’s eagerly anticipated clash.
In a joint statement, backed by prominent fanzines and supporter groups attached to both clubs, there has been call for the region to stage a derby they can be proud of again.
It read: “Two weeks ago fans’ groups and fanzines from Newcastle United and Sunderland launched a successful joint campaign to say “no” to bubble matches.
"Now both sets of fans are linking up to restore pride in the Tyne-Wear derby, championing a white-hot atmosphere and sporting rivalry while rejecting violence.
"Recent seasons have seen an unwelcome level of hatred and disorder around derby games.
"Genuine fans don't want the authorities to have any excuse to cut ticket allocations or restrict travel in future seasons, we just want a game to remember.
"We can keep the passion, but lose the poison. Let's make this a derby to be proud of."
Both clubs have welcomed the sentiments and while Sunderland fans will once again have to be escorted from Newcastle Central Station, up to St James’ Park, it can only be hoped the mindless minority, part-time hooligans and full-time thugs get the message.
Defeat in the derby is unthinkable for either club. Sunderland, who will undoubtedly enjoy reminding their neighbours of the forthcoming trip to Wembley for the Capital One Cup Final, are looking for their third successive victory over their old enemy, as well as a vital win to aid their survival push.
Newcastle United are already out of both cup competitions and have been losing ground in the race for Europe. Having lost their best player, Yohan Cabaye, to PSG this week, the ambition of the club is once again being questioned.
The last thing they need is to suffer another humiliating defeat at the hands of the club they love to beat more than any other.
There is more than just parochial pride at stake on Saturday, but for all of the animosity between these two grand clubs, some common sense and ground has also been discovered.
The result will matter as much as it has always done, but hopefully there will be no repeat of the violence and disorder that overshadowed this wonderful sporting rivalry the last time they clashed on Tyneside.
Premier League: Newcastle v Sunderland match preview
Sunderland head in to the second edition of this season’s Tyne-Wear derby having climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since the second week of the season.
Adam Johnson’s sixth goal in as many games gave Gus Poyet’s men a priceless midweek victory over fellow strugglers Stoke, whilst Newcastle could only draw away at Norwich.
You sense that Saturday’s derby match begins a defining period of the season for The Magpies, if they are to continue their push for European football next season. In their next five fixtures, Newcastle host their biggest rivals before playing three of the league’s top six teams (Tottenham, Chelsea and Everton) as well as a trip to Hull.
Sunderland can take great confidence from memories of their 3-0 away win at Newcastle last year; three points that went a long way to securing survival for The Black Cats. A repeat of those derby-day heroics would arguably be even more important this time round, and would see Sunderland do the double over Newcastle for the first time since 1967.
KICK OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm.
PAST MEETINGS...
Sunderland 2 (Fletcher, Borini) Newcastle 1 (Debuchy), Premier League, 27 October, 2013.
Newcastle 0 Sunderland 3 (Sessegnon, Johnson, Vaughan), Premier League, 14 April 2013
Sunderland (Ba OG) 1 Newcastle 1 (Cabaye), Premier League, 21 October 2013.
Newcastle 1 (Sh Ameobi) Sunderland 1 (Bendtner), Premier League, 4 March, 2012.
STATS...
Newcastle are without a win in their last four Tyne-Wear derbies; their longest winless run v Sunderland since 2002.
Sunderland are currently five games unbeaten away from home in the Premier League; only Manchester City and Tottenham can match this.
If the league table started the day Gus Poyet was appointed, Sunderland would be 12th.
Premier League preview: Newcastle face Sunderland in 149th Tyne-Wear derby
Sunderland's continued fight against Premier League relegation takes them to bitter rivals Newcastle for the 149th Tyne-Wear derby on Saturday.
The Black Cats scrambled clear of the drop zone for the first time since August with their 1-0 win over 10-man Stoke in midweek and are now two points clear of the bottom three.
But with just six points between Cardiff in 20th and Swansea in 11th, Gus Poyet will be well aware that there is still significant work to be done over the final 15 games of the season.
Newcastle, meanwhile, go into the clash shorn of key man Yohan Cabaye, after the France international midfielder completed his move to Paris St-Germain this week.
The Magpies suffered a damaging 0-0 draw to Norwich in midweek, where striker Loic Remy saw red for his late off-the-ball spat with Bradley Johnson, with the club's subsequent appeal rejected.
Alan Pardew's side have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions and have also been beaten by their local rivals in the last two derby encounters.
Since defeating nine-man Stoke 5-1 on Boxing Day, Newcastle have found the net just once in their following five Premier League matches, while they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six top-flight games at St James' Park.
Paul Merson's prediction
This is a big game and the pressure will be on Newcastle to win, especially now Sunderland are out of the bottom three. If this had been played four weeks ago when they were adrift there would have been major pressure on Sunderland, but the reins are off for them now. The sale of Yohan Cabaye was a no-brainer because it's a lot of money for a 28-year-old. Newcastle will miss him, no question, but I still think they will have a bit too much for Sunderland.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2
Newcastle
West Ham (a)0-3
Man City (h)0-2
West Brom (a)1-0
Arsenal (h)0-1
Newcastle new boy Luuk de Jong will go straight into the squad for Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby clash with Sunderland.
However, the 23-year-old loan signing, who has not started a game for parent club Borussia Monchengladbach all season, is likely to be named only among the substitutes despite leading scorer Remy's failure to have his red card at Norwich in midweek overturned on appeal.
Fellow frontmen Papiss Cisse (back) and Yoan Gouffran (muscle strain) remain major doubts, while skipper Fabricio Coloccini continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Sunderland
Stoke City (h)1-0
Kid'minster (h)1-0
Man Utd (a)2-1
Fulham (a)1-4
Man Utd (h)2-1
Sunderland will have two new faces in their squad for the trip to St James' Park after the arrivals of Liam Bridcutt and Ignacio Scocco prior to the January deadline.
Midfielder Bridcutt has moved to the Stadium of Light on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Brighton to link up again with former Seagulls boss Poyet.
One-cap Argentina international forward Scocco arrives from Internacional on a two-and-a-half-year contract and is set to be on the bench this weekend provided the formalities of his move can be completed in time.
Opta stats
Sunderland have not won three successive league games against Newcastle since 1923.
Adam Johnson has scored or assisted each of Sunderland's last seven Premier League goals.
Newcastle have the third best all-time Premier League points per game rate in February (1.71), Sunderland have the worst (0.63).
Mark Lawrenson's Premier League predictions with David Baddiel
Newcastle v Sunderland (Saturday 12:45 GMT)
The Newcastle team might feature a couple of new players this weekend - Luuk de Jong has joined on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach and they are chasing Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier too.
That would make it one out - Yohan Cabaye to Paris St-Germain - and two in, and they will probably balance the books at the end of it too.
It has worked for them in the past, although the majority of the players they signed in the 2013 January transfer window did not really make an impact until this season. Cabaye will be a loss but Newcastle can cope without him.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has done a fantastic job, which began with a win over the Magpies in his first home game in charge in October.
But I just wonder if some of the tough games the Black Cats have had in midweek in the last few weeks - for example, both legs of the Capital One Cup semi-final - could catch up with them.
Sunderland enjoyed a great win over Stoke in midweek but they have had 24 hours fewer than Newcastle to prepare for this game, and playing on Wednesday night and again on Saturday lunchtime does not give them much of a turnaround.
Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 2-0
David Baddiel's prediction: 1-1
Stoke City to make £4 million bid for Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole
Stoke will make an offer for Lee Cattermole after Sunderland finally completed their protracted move for Brighton's Liam Bridcutt.
Mark Hughes is set to make a £4 million bid for Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole.
Hughes, the Stoke manager, will make an offer for Cattermole after Sunderland finally completed their protracted move for Brighton's Liam Bridcutt.
Sunderland completed a £2.75m deal for Bridcutt on Friday morning and his arrival will trigger Cattermole's likely departure.
Stoke have identified Cattermole as a crucial signing, with Hughes keen to recruit a defensive midfielder, and are hopeful of securing a deal before the deadline.
Hughes had been quoted £5m earlier in the transfer window but believes Sunderland will lower their asking price now they have signed Bridcutt.
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Sunderland will not sell Lee Cattermole but Liam Bridcutt set to arrive
• Fellow strugglers Stoke City linked with Cattermole
• Brighton's Bridcutt expected to seal £2.5m move
Lee Cattermole will not be sold by Sunderland this month after all. Stoke City had been keen to sign the combative midfielder but, quite apart from very possibly needing Cattermole in the club's fight against relegation, Gus Poyet is unwilling to sell him to a rival near the bottom of the Premier League.
Even so Cattermole – variously described as "rotten" and "unprofessional" by Poyet's predecessor, Paolo Di Canio – now faces serious competition for his first-team place. Liam Bridcutt, the Brighton midfielder, was on the brink of completing a £2.5m move to Sunderland on Thursday after travelling to Wearside for a medical and is expected to assume the role of sitting in front of the back four and helping choreograph the brand of possession football the Uruguayan is gradually instilling at Sunderland.
The League Cup finalists have also completed the signing of Ignacio Scocco, the Argentina striker, for about £3m from Internacional of Brazil and loaned the midfielder Alfred N'Diaye to Spain's Real Betis. Meanwhile the defender Modibo Diakité is close to a return to Italy with Fiorentina after failing to establish himself in Poyet's plans.
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Sunderland do not have to sell Lee Cattermole,' says Gus Poyet
SUNDERLAND manager Gus Poyet insists his club have not accepted Stoke City's offer for Lee Cattermole.
Stoke are keen to bring the midfielder to the Britannia Stadium before the transfer deadline passes at 11pm.
Their move appeared to have been greased when Sunderland signed another midfielder, Liam Bridcutt from Brighton and Hove Albion.
But Poyet says the Black Cats do not have to sell.
He said this lunchtime: "We were expecting not to do any business today except if there was an incredible opportunity either way, which always appears for different reasons.
"From the beginning of the morning, we started to deal with the Lee Cattermole situation. I am late because in the last few hours we have got to a really impressive point.
"The offer and the situation is not easy. Nothing is finalised. It is still ongoing.
"I don't know what will happen. There are too many things involved. There are many, many things. It is a difficult situation for me as a manager.
"In my mind I had a team, a squad, but at no time did i think I would be talking about Lee Cattermole today.
"It is simple. I would like to keep the group of people I have here."
Cattermole was at Sunderland's training ground this morning but did not train due to a calf injury picked up in an FA Cup win over Kidderminster Harriers last weekend.
Liam Bridcutt in squad for Sunderland-Newcastle Utd derby
GUS POYET insists he will have no hesitation in handing new Sunderland signing Liam Bridcutt a baptism of fire in tomorrow’s Tyne-Wear derby.
Bridcutt today completed his £2.5million move to the Stadium of Light after a month-long pursuit of the defensive midfielder, who worked under Poyet at Brighton.
The 24-year-old is in the squad to face Newcastle United at St James’s Park tomorrow and Black Cats boss Poyet is prepared to include the Scotland international in his starting XI, with Lee Cattermole ruled out through injury, regardless of whether he joins Stoke City or not.
Poyet said today: “Liam has one advantage compared with the rest of the squad, he knows us very well, knows how we play and understands the role perfectly.
“The only thing that can go against him is bad form.
“But if I go with Liam in the team, I’m very relaxed because I know what he can do. He knows the role and does it confidently.
“When you consider the price for him and how much we wanted him, he’s British, he’s young and I think it was a bargain for us.
“He is registered on time and he is in the squad for tomorrow. I’ve got no problems to play him.”
Aside from Cattermole, Steven Fletcher is Poyet’s only other injury worry for tomorrow’s game, with the Scottish striker still struggling with an Achilles problem.
Kilmarnock have taken Swedish winger David Moberg Karlsson on loan from Sunderland for the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old moved to the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee last summer, following three years at Gothenburg.
He signed a four-year deal but has played just once for Sunderland; starting in August's Capital One Cup win over MK Dons.
Kilmarnock have released Cape Verde winger David Silva and sent Jude Winchester on loan to Cliftonville.
But defender Ismael Bouzid, 30, is staying on after signing a new six-month contract.
"I have to thank the manager for showing his faith in me," said the 30-year-old Algerian international, who could feature against Ross County on Saturday after returning to training.
"It has been a tough time for me with the injury lately but the club has given me a new contract, which is a huge weight off my mind.
"Now I hope to do my best for the club and try to repay them for their support."
On his new loan signing, boss Alan Johnston enthused: "David is a quality player who can score goals, create chances and can play on both sides of the park.
"It gives us different options and puts pressure on the players already in the side to perform.
"He has already played for Sunderland's first team during a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong, when he scored against Tottenham. He's gone there with a big transfer fee, so I suppose that gives you an idea of the quality he has.
"He's still young and definitely isn't the finished article, but he has talent and hopefully will make a big impact."
NACHO Scocco is likely to start tomorrow’s Wear-Tyne derby on the bench – if he is given the all-clear to face Newcastle United.
Scocco completed his move to the Stadium of Light yesterday after penning a two-and-a-half-year deal with Sunderland for an undisclosed fee – thought to be around the £4m mark.
Sunderland are still waiting on the Argentine forward’s international clearance to come through so they can register him ahead of today’s noon deadline for the 28-year-old to feature against the Magpies.
But if Scocco is given the go-ahead, he is only likely to be among the substitutes, with Black Cats boss Gus Poyet unsure of whether the arrival from Brazilian club Internacional is sufficiently match-fit to be thrown straight into the starting XI.
Poyet told the Gazette: “It’s difficult to know whether he will be fit enough to play right away. It depends on the game.
“At the beginning, he might be on the bench and then we will see if we need him on the day.
“But I suppose the derby would be a great game for him to make his debut – even if it is just for the last few minutes.”
Poyet has earmarked Scocco to inject some much-needed goal-threat into Sunderland’s play, with only Norwich, Crystal Palace and Cardiff netting less than the Black Cats in the Premier League this season.
“Scocco is a player who can make the difference in the final third,” added Poyet.
“He has the ability to open up a game on his own, to conjure up a goal from nowhere, and he can give you that extra quality in a pass or a free-kick.
“If he really adapts and links well with the players we have got here, he can make a big difference for us.
“I am desperate for that to happen, because if it does it will be a great opportunity for him and for us.”
Scocco had endured an unhappy six-month spell with Internacional after netting 30 times in 46 games in his homeland for Newell’s Old Boys last season.
But after watching Sunderland’s victory over Stoke City from the stands on Wednesday night, Scocco is excited at the prospect of beginning his Black Cats career under Poyet.
“This is one the best leagues in the world and I think Gus Poyet’s idea of football and his project are very interesting,” Scocco told the Argentine media.
“Everybody here at Sunderland welcomed me very nicely. I had my first training session yesterday.
“I watched Sunderland against Stoke on Wednesday and I liked what I saw, especially in the first half. I’ll have to prove my worth.”
Meanwhile, Alfred N’Diaye has sealed his loan move to Real Betis and could make a permanent switch to La Liga’s bottom club.
N’Diaye joined Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan last summer, but the Turkish side decided to bring a premature end to his stay earlier this week.
The 23-year-old has been in discussions with Betis and the Spanish side have now taken over the terms of his loan, with a view to making the deal a permanent one at the end of the season.
N’Diaye said: “Before I came, I knew this was a great club and yesterday when I was doing the medical, I was impressed with the facilities.
“Although the situation at the moment is delicate, Real Betis is a first-rate club and I want to help them back to where they belong.”
Colback shines as Sunderland stun Newcastle United in north-east derby
Newcastle 0 Sunderland 3
Fabio Borini 19 pen, Adam Johnson 23, Jack Colback 80
Sir Bobby Robson once dubbed Gus Poyet "the scourge of Newcastle." As a player with Chelsea and then Tottenham Hotspur Sunderland's manager invariably scored against Robson's old side and two wins in two north-east derbies with Alan Pardew's side suggests he still possesses the knack of undoing the Tynesiders.
It was Sunderland's third straight Tyne-Wear derby win and with Poyet's side playing the better, more considered football it was hard to credit the visitors are struggling to stay in the Premier League and Newcastle aiming for Europe.
Or at least Pardew's team were hoping for a Europa League place before Yohan Cabaye's £20m departure to Paris St Germain last week. On this evidence, life without their best individual and midfield playmaker promises to be horribly tough for Newcastle, who were booed off as travelling fans delighted in directing chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" at Pardew.
The game kicked off with Adam Johnson having scored more goals this season (six) than the entire Newcastle starting XI (five) put together. He began here by creating one, his delicate flick to Phil Bardsley prefacing the visiting right-back being brought down by Vurnon Anita in the area. Fabio Borini stepped up to lash the resultant penalty into the top corner, only to receive a ticking off from his manager for opting to celebrate by perching on a perimiter advertising hoarding with arms aloft.
If Poyet was worried about Borini inciting home fans, Pardew had greater anxieties. They deepened when another cute flick, from Jozy Altidore this time, sent Jack Colback accelerating into the box. His eventual shot took a deflection off Steven Taylor before being parried by Tim Krul but Johnson was on hand to sweep the rebound into the back of the net from close range.
Dark clouds were gathering over Gallowgate but it was easy to imagine that 12 miles down the road on Wearside a brilliant sun was suddenly lighting up the February sky.
Pardew had begun with Cheick Tioté seemingly man marking Sunderland's influential Ki Sung-yueng but what Newcastle had evidently not bargained for was Colback having such a good game in central midfield.
Behind Colback and Ki, Liam Bridcutt was making his debut in a quasi sweeping role between defence and midfield. Brighton's former anchor looked anything but out of his depth, Bridcutt making one marvellous interception to deny Hatem Ben Arfa as his quiet assurance explained precisely why Poyet says he "trusts" him so much.
Judging by the expression on his face, Pardew's faith in his players had been badly shaken and it was no surprise when he replaced Sammy Ameobi with the Netherlands striker Luuk de Jong – newly arrived on loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach – at half-time.
With De Jong far from properly match fit, Vito Mannone remained underemployed but Sunderland's goalkeeper did save a capriciously curling shot from Tioté quite brilliantly before doing well to deny the onrushing Shola Ameobi. Sunderland though could easily have gone three up when, having dribbled beyond two markers, Johnson's curving shot hit a post, with Krul looking well-beaten.
It would have been game over had Newcastle's keeper not saved at Altidore's feet but shortly afterwards Sunderland sealed victory. Appropriately the goal was made and finished by Colback. First he dispossessed Ben Arfa and then, after playing a one-two with Borini, the midfielder stroked a shot past Krul.
Cue Newcastle shirts and season tickets before thrown on the pitch before two idiotic pitch invaders interrupted proceedings. While the first was removed before he could square up to Pardew, the second attempted to show Newcastle's players how to score by seizing the ball and aiming at the empty net. He missed.
45:00 +2:05 Half time First Half ends, Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 2. 45:00 +2:00 Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United). 45:00 +2:00 Liam Bridcutt (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00 +0:20 Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00 +0:20 Foul by Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United). 43:55 Attempt missed. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa. 41:42 Attempt saved. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko. 40:32 Attempt blocked. Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) left footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the right is blocked. Assisted by Adam Johnson. 39:38 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 39:38 Foul by Michael Williamson (Newcastle United). 38:40 Offside, Newcastle United. Vurnon Anita tries a through ball, but Davide Santon is caught offside. 37:55 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 37:55 Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United). 37:22 Attempt saved. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Fabio Borini. 36:14 Foul by Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United). 36:14 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:49 Attempt saved. Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 34:44 Attempt blocked. Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Shola Ameobi with a headed pass. 33:59 Foul by Jack Colback (Sunderland). 33:59 Steven Taylor (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 32:49 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Marcos Alonso with a cross. 31:31 Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 31:31 Foul by Wes Brown (Sunderland). 31:00 Booking Davide Santon (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 30:47 Foul by Davide Santon (Newcastle United). 30:47 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 29:37 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 29:37 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 29:10 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 29:05 Attempt blocked. Davide Santon (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sammy Ameobi. 26:36 Attempt blocked. Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 26:30 Attempt missed. Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko. 26:06 Attempt blocked. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa. 23:56 Attempt missed. Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko. 22:35 Goal scored Goal! Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 2. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner following a fast break. 22:33 Attempt saved. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jozy Altidore. 21:49 Attempt missed. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Tim Krul following a set piece situation. 21:27 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 21:27 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 19:38 Booking
Booking
Fabio Borini (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration. 18:56 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 1. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top left corner. 17:58 Penalty Sunderland. Phillip Bardsley draws a foul in the penalty area. 17:58 Penalty conceded by Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United) after a foul in the penalty area. 16:52 Wes Brown (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:52 Foul by Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United). 16:18 Attempt missed. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Adam Johnson following a set piece situation. 15:20 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 15:20 Foul by Steven Taylor (Newcastle United). 14:31 Attempt missed. Davide Santon (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa following a corner. 13:57 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 12:58 Attempt saved. Davide Santon (Newcastle United) right footed shot from long range on the left is saved in the bottom left corner. 11:55 Booking John O'Shea (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 11:48 Hand ball by John O'Shea (Sunderland). 10:24 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Michael Williamson. 9:39 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 9:39 Foul by Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United). 8:54 Offside, Newcastle United. Vurnon Anita tries a through ball, but Moussa Sissoko is caught offside. 6:41 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 6:41 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 6:07 Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 6:07 Foul by Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United). 4:26 Attempt missed. Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) header from very close range is just a bit too high. Assisted by Adam Johnson with a cross following a set piece situation. 3:45 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 3:45 Foul by Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United). 1:39 Attempt missed. Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko. 1:07 Attempt missed. Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left following a set piece situation. 0:39 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 0:39 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Full Time Match ends, Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 3. 90:00 +3:02 Full time Full Time Second Half ends, Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 3. 90:00 +1:44 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 90:00 +1:44 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +0:43 Attempt blocked. Steven Taylor (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa with a cross. 90:00 +0:20 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 90:00 +0:17 Attempt blocked. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sylvain Marveaux. 88:36 Substitution, Sunderland. Craig Gardner replaces Fabio Borini. 88:14 Attempt missed. Sylvain Marveaux (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Luuk de Jong. 86:55 Booking Paul Dummett (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card. 85:19 Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 85:19 Foul by Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland). 83:29 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 83:29 Sylvain Marveaux (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 82:12 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 81:30 Delay in match (Sunderland). 81:00 Foul by Liam Bridcutt (Sunderland). 81:00 Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 80:44 Attempt saved. Luuk de Jong (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Paul Dummett with a cross. 79:11 Goal scored Goal! Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 3. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Fabio Borini following a fast break. 78:07 Attempt missed. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Fabio Borini with a cross. 76:29 Substitution, Sunderland. Sebastian Larsson replaces Adam Johnson. 74:49 Attempt blocked. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sylvain Marveaux. 73:55 Substitution, Newcastle United. Sylvain Marveaux replaces Vurnon Anita. 73:39 Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 73:39 Foul by Adam Johnson (Sunderland). 72:50 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 72:06 Attempt blocked. Luuk de Jong (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Shola Ameobi with a headed pass. 71:53 Attempt blocked. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) header from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko with a cross. 71:35 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 71:31 Attempt saved. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Tim Krul. 71:16 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 71:16 Michael Williamson (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 69:38 Attempt saved. Luuk de Jong (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Cheick Tioté. 68:53 Attempt missed. Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Marcos Alonso. 68:03 Foul by Liam Bridcutt (Sunderland). 68:03 Luuk de Jong (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 65:39 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Mathieu Debuchy. 65:31 Adam Johnson (Sunderland) hits the left post with a left footed shot from the right side of the box. Assisted by Marcos Alonso from a direct free kick. 65:02 Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 65:02 Foul by Michael Williamson (Newcastle United). 64:04 Attempt missed. Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa with a cross following a corner. 63:45
Substitution, Newcastle United. Paul Dummett replaces Davide Santon. 63:35 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Vito Mannone. 63:30 Attempt saved. Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by Davide Santon. 61:56 Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Wes Brown. 61:07 Attempt blocked. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jack Colback. 60:04 Attempt missed. Jack Colback (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 60:02 Attempt blocked. Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Phillip Bardsley. 59:10 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 58:40 Delay in match Fabio Borini (Sunderland) because of an injury. 58:22 Attempt saved. Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. 55:12 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high from a direct free kick. 54:24 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 54:24 Foul by Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United). 51:13 Attempt saved. Luuk de Jong (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Vurnon Anita. 49:44 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Mathieu Debuchy. 48:39 Attempt blocked. Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Hatem Ben Arfa. 47:45 Foul by Liam Bridcutt (Sunderland). 47:45 Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:17 Foul by Adam Johnson (Sunderland). 47:17 Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 46:05 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 46:05 Foul by Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United). 45:00
Second Half begins Newcastle United 0, Sunderland 2. 45:00
Substitution, Newcastle United. Luuk de Jong replaces Sammy Ameobi.
Sunderland earned their third successive derby win over a poor Newcastle to move further clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Fabio Borini gave the Black Cats the lead from the spot after Vurnon Anita's clumsy challenge on Phil Bardsley.
Adam Johnson doubled the advantage after a deflection took Jack Colback's shot away from goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Newcastle improved in the second half, but were hit on the counter-attack by Colback's smart finish.
In the week they lost Yohan Cabaye to Paris St-Germain, the Magpies, who were booed at half-time and the final whistle, extended their recent run of disappointing results to only one win in seven games.
They have failed to score in five of their last six league games and were again short of ideas.
Too often they were slow to get bodies forward, particularly in a first half that saw Ameobi brothers Shola and Sammy start together for the first time.
The hosts at least came to life after Sammy was withdrawn in favour of debutant Luuk de Jong at half-time.
Cheick Tiote's long-range drive drew a flying save from visiting keeper Vito Mannone and, from the resulting corner, Shola Ameobi should have done better than heading wide from six yards out.
The older Ameobi, recalled for a fixture in which he has scored seven goals, was denied when through one-on-one with Mannone, and later saw a header cleared off the line by Borini.
But by then the damage had been done by a Sunderland side visibly confident after a run that has now seen them go eight games without defeat.
Not only were they quick to get men behind the ball - deadline day signing Liam Bridcutt patrolling in front of the defence - but Gus Poyet's side also looked potent going forward, particularly in the shape of the excellent Johnson, who continued his recent fine form.
After a slow start, the Black Cats took the lead when referee Phil Dowd correctly adjudged that Anita had fouled Bardsley in the box.
With Bardsley running on to Johnson's clever flick between two defenders, Anita crudely cut across and failed to get the ball, leaving Borini to blast high past Krul's right hand.
Soon after, the lead was doubled thanks to a smart move down the Sunderland left.
Jozy Altidore's flick released Colback, whose shot ricocheted off Steven Taylor and bounced away from Krul to the far post, where Johnson swept into an empty net for his sixth goal in four league games.
Though they were pegged back by Newcastle's second-half resurgence, Sunderland still managed to create chances to extend their lead.
Johnson's wriggle through a crowd ended with a curling shot off the post and Altidore was denied when through on goal by Krul's bravery.
But when Colback won the ball on the halfway line, got it back on the left of the penalty area and finished high across goal, the Wearsiders matched their score in the same fixture last season and completed a third straight derby success for the first time in 91 years.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet on Adam Johnson: "If he continues to play like that, no doubt he can go to the World Cup and we will be safe from relegation. We were good in December, but something was missing. Now, he is creating the difference.
"He has not been more confident during his time at Sunderland. I say it's not all about blaming the player. When you have a player of his quality, you have to play a certain way to take advantage."
Johnson: "I'm in one of them sort of moments. January has probably the best month I've had as a footballer. I'm scoring goals and creating others. It's been great.
"I haven't felt any different. Things have started to go for me. I wasn't trying anything before, it just wasn't coming off for me. Now it's turned, I'm enjoying it."
"Of course I have missed international football. It's the best thing of all to play for England. A few months ago I didn't think I have a chance, but maybe I do now. It's a good time to do it."
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (4) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)
Newcastle United
01 Krul
26 Debuchy
03 Santon Booked (Dummett - 64' Booked )
24 Tioté
06 Williamson
27 Taylor
07 Sissoko
08 Anita (Marveaux - 74' )
23 Sh Ameobi
10 Ben Arfa
28 Sa Ameobi (de Jong - 45' )
Substitutes
13 Yanga-Mbiwa
18 de Jong
19 Haidara
21 Elliot
22 Marveaux
36 Dummett
43 Armstrong
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Newcastle United and Sunderland on Saturday Feb 1, 2014
Sunderland are dominating Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby and cruising away from relegation trouble as they secured their third successive victory over their old enemy for the first time since 1923.
The first half of the season was a largely agonising experience for the Wearsiders, but it has been a New Year packed full of joy.
Having reached the Capital One Cup final by beating Manchester United, they have simultaneously dragged themselves out of the relegation zone and done the double over their neighbours.
Having waited 13 years for a win on enemy soil, this was Sunderland’s second 3-0 win at St James’s Park in the space of nine months. It has been a seismic shift in the balance of power in the North East.
Newcastle’s manager Alan Pardew looked like a man heading for the gallows as the Gallowgate End screamed abuse at him, but he was left to deal with a baying mob on his own.
Owner Mike Ashley and Director of Football Joe Kinnear did not even bother to attend the game, aware that their failure to complete a permanent transfer for the second successive window, despite the sale of Yohan Cabaye for almost £20m,has generated anger on Tyneside. Tempers were not controlled as Sunderland inflicted another derby humiliation as pitch invaders tried to remonstrate with the Newcastle bench.
Mathieu Debuchy had the first chance to open the scoring, but his shot on the turn was dragged wide of the far post.
The home supporters roared their approval, but they were soon screaming their frustration as Marco Alonso was left unmarked at a corner and the Spanish full back should have at least put his header on target.
Without Yohan Cabaye as the focal point of their midfield, Newcastle decided – either on instruction from their manager or of their own accord – to bypass it when building attacks, regularly pumping aimless long balls for lone striker Shola Ameobi to compete in the air for against two centre-backs.
It did not work and Sunderland continued to grow in stature, Fabio Borini almost getting on the end of a diagonal ball from Adam Johnson as Newcastle’s defence switched off.
Moments later the Black Cats took the lead, Johnson nonchalantly flicking the ball through two defenders for Phil Bardsley to gather on the move inside the area. Across came Vurnon Anita to cover the danger, but rather than shepherd Bardsley away from goal, the Dutchman steamed in to make a tackle, failed to get the ball and got plenty of the man instead.
The penalty was given and Borini smashed it into the roof of the net. The away fans leapt into the air, Borini was booked for leaping on to an advertising board in front of the home fans.
There was plenty of time left in the half for Newcastle to regain their composure, but instead, they fell even further behind.
A nice flick from Jozy Altidore enabled Jack Colback – a boyhood Newcastle fan – to run at centre-back Steven Taylor. The defender did pretty much everything wrong, backing off for too long and too far, allowing Colback to keep the ball on his stronger foot.
With the goal looming in front of him, Colback had a shot, the ball deflected off Taylor and although Tim Krul did well to get a hand to it, he could only palm it straight to Johnson who rolled the ball into the net.
There was more urgency and zip to Newcastle’s play after the break, but no increase in quality. Pardew threw on Luuk De Jong for his debut after his loan move from Borussia Monchengladbach, but the Dutch international looked like a player who has hardly played this season, which is why he has ended up at Newcastle in the first place.
Twice the striker had opportunities to shoot in dangerous positions, twice he took too long to do so.
At the other end, Colback almost scored a third for the Black Cats, but his shot fizzed wide after more poor defending from the home side.
Newcastle needed a goal but it took them until the 64th minute to test Mannone, who clawed away Cheick Titoe’s effort. From the resulting corner Shola Ameobi headed wide when he should have hit the target.
It summed up the Geordie’s performance, while Johnson’s brilliance epitomised Sunderland’s superiority.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, Johnson bamboozled three Newcastle players and was desperately unlucky to see his shot hit the post. It would have been one of the goals of the season.
Seb Larsson also hit the crossbar for Sunderland and Altidore was denied by Krul before Colback smashed in a third.
Newcastle 0-3 Sunderland: Poyet's men complete historic derby double
The Magpies, without PSG new-boy Yohan Cabaye, were outclassed in the Tyne-Wear derby as the Black Cats posted three consecutive wins over the Toon for the first tine since 1923.
Sunderland ran riot at St James' Park to record a 3-0 win over Newcastle, the first time the Black Cats have done the double over their Tyne-Wear rival since 1967.
Gus Poyet's men took control of the opening exchanges and were rewarded with an early goal when Phil Bardsley was felled inside the box by Vernon Anita. Fabio Borini stepped up to take the resulting penalty and buried it in the roof of the net.
Sunderland doubled the lead moments later from a swift break, as Jack Colback drove towards goal before unleashing a shot that was palmed into the path of Adam Johnson, who tapped the ball into an open net.
Newcastle threw on new signing Luuk De Jong for the second half, though rarely tested Vito Mannone, and it was Sunderland which would net the next, decisive goal, counterattacking at speed once more before Colback rifled the ball past Tim Krul to wrap up the win.
With Loic Remy suspended, Newcastle handed a start to Shola Ameobi – partnered up front with brother Sammy in the league for the first time - while the visiting side handed a debut to Liam Bridcutt.
Both sides had chances to score within a frantic first five minutes. Mathieu Debuchy flashed a shot wide for the hosts before the unmarked Marcos Alonso headed over from six yards for Sunderland.
The match continued in an end-to-end fashion until the visitors moved ahead on 19 minutes. Anita clumsily challenged Bardsley in the area and Borini thundered the resulting penalty into the top corner.
Four minutes later the visiting supporters were on their feet again. Jozy Altidore's neat flick found Colback and his deflected effort deceived Krul who could only parry into the path of Johnson, with the winger tapping home the rebound for his seventh goal in his last eight matches.
Sunderland was comfortable in defense and twice nearly had a third with Johnson heading wide and the impressive Altidore holding off three challengers before shooting tamely at Krul.
Unsurprisingly, Newcastle came out for the second half with more attacking intent and introduced De Jong from the bench for his debut.
The home side had claims for a penalty when Shola Ameobi appeared to be tripped by Bridcutt in the area, before Vito Mannone saved Cheick Tiote's drive and the Nigeria striker headed over from the resulting corner.
Johnson remained a threat at the other end for Sunderland, however, and he almost wrapped the match up by weaving his way into the box from the right and curling his shot onto the far post.
Shola Ameobi continued to pose a threat for Newcastle and had a header cleared on the line by John O'Shea as the home side grew desperate.
That missed chance proved costly, as Colback collected Borini's pass and fired past Krul, ensuring Sunderland ended another weekend out of the relegation zone.
VIEW FROM ST JAMES' PARK
By Harry Slavin
This was the exact same result as when these sides met last season but you have to feel this time around will hurt Newcastle just a litle bit more.
The performance on the pitch only served to emphasize how big a miss Yohan Cabaye will be as the club failed to find any rhythm in the center of the park.
Gus Poyet’s side, meanwhile, is going from strength to strength and never looked in any trouble after Fabio Borini fired the team ahead from the spot and the goals from Adam Johnson and Jack Colback made sure the Black Cats will be partying like it’s 1923.
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Newcastle v Sunderland: Mike Ashley faces new storm if Newcastle lose again
Row K, seat 15, the epicentre of St James’ Park. Mike Ashley’s seat, in the Newcastle United directors’ box. Not cheap. Current estimate, around £250m. He plans to sit in it today, for the 150th Tyne-Wear derby. The eyes of Tyneside bore into this seat. Say what you like about Ashley – and just short of seven years into his reign he continues to stir the very soul of the club’s supporters – but he has guts.
This week he sold Newcastle’s best player, Yohan Cabaye, for £19m to Paris Saint-Germain. Cabaye and a delegation of senior players had expressed unease in the summer of 2012, after Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League, about the lack of investment in the transfer market. Twelve months later, the club finished fifth bottom. There have been no domestic cup runs since Ashley bought the club for £134m in 2007.
Newcastle have looked a good team at times this season, but today there will be no Cabaye, no Loïc Rémy (suspended), no Fabricio Coloccini and no Yoan Gouffran (both injured). If he follows his plan to attend, Ashley will potentially sit at the eye of a storm.
From the back row of Level Seven at St James’ Park, high up in the footballing gods, Tyneside opens before your eyes: from the iconic Tyne Bridge to the modern curves of the Sage arts centre in Gateshead, past the last few cranes at the Swan Hunter shipyard, all the way to where the Tyne meets the North Sea.You cannot see Wearside from up there. It adds to the tribalism that so affects this game. From every vantage point, the stadium casts an imposing shadow. Win here and Sunderland conquer Newcastle.
On 14 April last year, they danced at the back of this huge stand three times. It was Sunderland’s biggest win against Newcastle for more than 30 years. Paolo Di Canio slid on his knees. The win kept Sunderland up but the manner of defeat caused chaos on Tyneside. There were 111 arrests, mostly of people who had not even been to the game.
“I’m conscious of what happened last season when we lost,” says Alan Pardew, the Newcastle manager. “There were all sorts of disturbances in the town. As a manager I felt responsible for that. I don’t want that to happen again. I want us to party on Saturday night. The best thing we can do is try and win the match.”
At the Stadium of Light in October, Sunderland again beat Newcastle. Ashley and Joe Kinnear, his director of football, missed the defeat and the tentative beginnings of the Sunderland revival, under Gus Poyet.
From there, Poyet has slowly taken control to the point that on Monday he berated Mark Hughes of Stoke City for not contacting him over alleged interest in two of his players, Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole. “For a transfer he must call the manager,” Poyet said. “He did not call me.” That was huge.
For all the public rancour that surrounded Di Canio, he could not undermine Roberto De Fanti, the director of football unearthed in a restaurant in London. That was the new plan of Ellis Short, the Sunderland owner, a structure to encourage continuity and keep transfers away from the manager. Di Canio bit his tongue in the summer when Tom Huddlestone was offered less money by De Fanti than he was already on at Tottenham. The midfielder joined Hull. Di Canio ranted and raged. Nothing changed. Di Canio was sacked.
Earlier this month De Fanti, who signed 14 players for around £30m in the summer in another ill-advised Sunderland spending spree, was also sacked. He has yet to be replaced. Poyet returned to Brighton to sign the midfielder Liam Bridcutt yesterday. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the left-back Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina and the central defender Santiago Vergini.
To win a boardroom battle after the carnage of Di Canio is testament to Poyet’s political skill. He is a manager Kinnear and Ashley are both believed to rate. Losing just once in the last 14 games has added to his rising star.
The Sunderland dressing room today will be small, hot and claustrophobic. There is little air, the ceiling is low. That is not accidental. It used to be the base for Newcastle, but they moved to a bigger, more luxurious changing area in 2007 and last summer the home dressing room was given the full treatment. Black-and-white pictures of club legends Bobby Moncur and Jackie Milburn adorn the walls. Each player has his own personal code to a safe in his own locker. Yohan Cabaye’s is now vacant, a small man with great talent and a huge personality. How the French players react to his departure may well determine Pardew’s own future. He must unlock Hatem Ben Arfa, a player he has not trusted this season.
“If you were to say his time is upon him you wouldn’t be far wrong,” adds Pardew. “Sometimes I think people look at him and assume he’s super-confident the way he plays, that he has cast-iron confidence about what he can do, but I don’t think he actually is like that. I think he does worry about the game and his responsibilities. That has to be taken into account. I don’t want to heap too much pressure on him.”
He has no choice. In his bid to avoid becoming the first Newcastle manager since 1924 to lose three successive Tyne-Wear derbies, Pardew is likely to turn to Ben Arfa and Sammy Ameobi, two players he has given 11 Premier League starts this season.
There was a dejected acceptance by Pardew on Thursday that he must now build his third team as Newcastle manager. He has been in charge for just over three years. Continuity is impossible with a club philosophy that a respected Newcastle fans’ website compared on Tuesday to Crewe Alexandra. He adds: “I can’t argue where we are in the table: eighth. That’s our average position over all the years of the Premier League. How can we better it? That’s what I want to try and do.”
At the end of the tunnel to the St James’ Park turf is a short flight of uphill steps. They will seem bigger today for the home side, who dare not stumble.
Development squad stars Liam Marrs and Craig Lynch have left the club, being released from their contracts.
Sunderland AFC wishes both players all the best for the future and thanks them for their endeavours whilst at the club.
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Youngsters face Wolves test
Young Black Cats looking to get back to winning ways in the Midlands.
Sunderland’s under-18 side travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Barclays U18 Premier League on Saturday.
The young Black Cats will be looking to end a run of three consecutive defeats when they travel to the Midlands.
Sunderland lost 1-0 to Wolves in the reverse fixture at the Academy of Light back in October despite large spells of dominance on the day.
A win on Saturday could take the young Black Cats above Manchester United and Liverpool into third place in the north group whilst the hosts would leapfrog Sunderland should they record their second win of the campaign against the Wearsiders.
Kick-off at Wolves’ academy is 1pm and a full report will follow the conclusion of the game on safc.com.
Smoke grenades thrown before Tyne-Wear derby match.
Smoke grenades were thrown as hundreds of Sunderland football fans were escorted through Newcastle city centre ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby match.
The two sets of fans were kept apart by a heavy police presence around St James' Park.
Northumbria Police made nine arrests - three as part of a planned operation before the match, five at the ground and one after the match.
Sunderland beat Newcastle 3-0, their third derby win in a row.
Fans were encouraged go home on organised free coaches while those returning to Central Station were escorted by police officers.
All the coaches had left without reported problems, Northumbria Police said.
Plans requiring all Sunderland fans to travel to and from Newcastle on official transport were withdrawn following a campaign by supporters.
Ahead of the match, a coalition of Newcastle and Sunderland supporters had urged fans to make the match "a derby to be proud of".
They said neither side wanted a repeat of the disorder outside the ground after the fixture last April, which led to dozens of arrests.
One Newcastle fan, 45-year-old Barry Rogerson from Bedlington, was jailed for a year for punching a police horse during the disturbances on the day of last April's game.
A joint statement by both sets of fans read: "Recent seasons have seen an unwelcome level of hatred and disorder around derby games.
"Genuine fans don't want the authorities to have any excuse to cut ticket allocations or restrict travel in future seasons, we just want a game to remember.
"We can keep the passion, but lose the poison."
Northumbria Police said 1,000 officers had been on duty outside the ground.
Angry scenes as so-called football fans square up to police after the Tyne-Wear derby
Angry scenes flared as Newcastle United fans squared up to police after leaving St James Park following their team's 3-0 defeat
Angry scenes flared as so-called Newcastle United fans squared up to police after leaving St James Park following their team's 3-0 defeat.
A wall of police officers, mounted and on foot, was formed on St James' Boulevard after full time while SAFC fans were kept inside.
But as police attempted to move them back, angry fans squared-up to officers, some with their faces covered by scarves.
There were loud bangs as flares were thrown into the air and towards police, startling the horses.
Police dog handlers put on riot helmets and walked towards them.
The fans were forced back by police before Sunderland fans were escorted out of the ground.
Several Newcastle United fans waited to watch their rivals leave.
The Black Cats supporters taunted them singing loudly. Some beer bottles were thrown.
At around 3.45pm a gang of youths gathered surged down Pudding Chare, off the Bigg Market. They began emptying a skip and throwing rubbish towards officers.
PC Pinocchio of Northumbria Police have since said that they do not believe those involved in the Bigg Market disturbance were at the match or involved in supporting the game in any official way.
Four people have been charged following the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park on Saturday.
Northumbria Police made three arrests in a planned operation before the match, five at the ground, two after the match and one on Sunday.
Two have been charged with being drunk and disorderly and two with going onto the pitch.
Smoke grenades were thrown before the match, in which Sunderland beat Newcastle 3-0.
It was the first time since 1923 that Sunderland had achieved three derby wins in a row.
A heavy police presence kept the two sets of fans apart.
The force praised the majority of fans and said plans to transport some visitors in free coaches and escort others through the city centre had been successful.
Ch Supt Steve Neill said: "I'd like to praise supporters from both clubs - they worked well with officers on the ground, were extremely patient and good natured and treated the day in the best spirit."
The number of arrests was "extremely low" considering the capacity crowd of more than 50,000, he added.
"The few people who chose to pose a threat to public safety were dealt with swiftly by police."
Ahead of the match, a coalition of Newcastle and Sunderland supporters said neither side wanted a repeat of the disorder outside the ground after the fixture last April, which led to dozens of arrests.
One Newcastle fan, 45-year-old Barry Rogerson from Bedlington, was jailed for a year for punching a police horse during the disturbances on the day of last April's game.
Premier League: Garth Crooks's Team of the Week
DEFENDER - Phil Bardsley (Sunderland)
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley
If you weren't entirely sure why Paolo Di Canio's services were no longer required by Sunderland, you need look no further than the Italian's refusal to play the likes of Phil Bardsley during his final weeks at the club. The full-back was solid against Newcastle and has been nothing short of amazing under Gus Poyet. It is amazing what players can do with a bit of encouragement.
Did you know? Bardsley has made 165 Premier League appearances for Sunderland. Only Michael Gray (171) has made more.
DEFENDER - John O'Shea (Sunderland)
Sunderland defender John O'Shea
I could have picked Sunderland's entire back line, plus striker Fabio Borini, in my Team of the Week - that's how impressive their performance against Newcastle was. I've gone for John O'Shea, who provided the leadership on the field in a fine Sunderland display.
Did you know? O'Shea has made 118 clearances for Sunderland this season, 58 more than any other player at the club.
MIDFIELDER - Jack Colback (Sunderland)
Sunderland defender Jack Colback
To see Newcastle fans streaming out of St James' Park well before the end of the game was indicative of the pain they were going through. What made their suffering considerably worse was Jack Colback, who hails from Tyneside and who cut Newcastle to ribbons with a team from Wearside. Talk about adding insult to injury!
Did you know? Colback has been involved in four goals this season (two goals, two assists). In his previous 82 Premier League appearances he was involved in just two (one goal, one assist).
MIDFIELDER - Adam Johnson (Sunderland)
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson
Sunderland fans are seeing the sort of performances from Adam Johnson that they once saw from Dennis Tueart in his heyday at the club. Both players also played for Manchester City and England, of course. The question now is will Johnson get a recall to international duty? If he keeps playing like this, then it is a question Roy Hodgson will have to take very seriously.
Did you know? Adam Johnson has now scored (six) or assisted (two) eight Premier League goals in 2014, more than any other player. This was his 200th Premier League appearance.
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Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table this weekend after a comfortable home win over Crystal Palace.
Their victory adds even more intrigue to Manchester City's game against Chelsea on Monday night as City must win to reclaim top spot.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Tottenham dropped valuable points away from home, enabling Everton to make up a little ground after their heavy midweek defeat in the Merseyside derby. At the foot of the table, Cardiff, West Ham and Sunderland all produced impressive victories to leave Fulham firmly rooted to the bottom of the table
GOALKEEPER - Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic
In any other week, Cardiff City's David Marshall would be occupying this spot but in one of the best games I've seen at the Britannia Stadium in years and, in appalling conditions, Asmir Begovic was superb. In swirling wind, what he didn't stop he pushed on to the woodwork. He's no Gordon Banks or Peter Shilton, goalkeepers Stoke fans know well, but against Manchester United there were moments in the game when you thought that not even those two greats could have done any better.
Did you know? Stoke have conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game with Begovic in goal this season, and 3.0 goals per game in the five he has missed.
DEFENDER - Phil Bardsley (Sunderland)
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley
If you weren't entirely sure why Paolo Di Canio's services were no longer required by Sunderland, you need look no further than the Italian's refusal to play the likes of Phil Bardsley during his final weeks at the club. The full-back was solid against Newcastle and has been nothing short of amazing under Gus Poyet. It is amazing what players can do with a bit of encouragement.
Did you know? Bardsley has made 165 Premier League appearances for Sunderland. Only Michael Gray (171) has made more.
DEFENDER - James Tomkins (West Ham)
West Ham defender James Tomkins
The combination of James Collins and James Tomkins at the centre of West Ham's defence will be crucial if the Hammers are to survive the drop this season. Against Swansea, the performance of Tomkins in particular was impressive, and his tackle on Wilfried Bony when the striker was in on goal was brilliant.
Did you know? West Ham have a 24% win rate with Tomkins in the side this season but just 14% when he is not.
DEFENDER - John O'Shea (Sunderland)
Sunderland defender John O'Shea
I could have picked Sunderland's entire back line, plus striker Fabio Borini, in my Team of the Week - that's how impressive their performance against Newcastle was. I've gone for John O'Shea, who provided the leadership on the field in a fine Sunderland display.
Did you know? O'Shea has made 118 clearances for Sunderland this season, 58 more than any other player at the club.
DEFENDER - Erik Pieters (Stoke City)
Stoke City fullback Erik Peters
What a tackle by Erik Pieters on Juan Mata. Just as the Spaniard was about to pull the trigger, Peters threw his entire body towards the ball in order to block the shot, which was destined for the back of the net. Now if Michael Carrick had done the same with Charlie Adam's free-kick then the outcome of a cracking fixture might have been completely different. Manchester United would also be considerably closer to Liverpool and that fourth spot than they are.
Did you know? Only Charlie Adam had more touches for Stoke in their win over Manchester United than Pieters (58).
MIDFIELDER - Charlie Adam (Stoke City)
Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam
The game was made for Charlie Adam. The conditions were atrocious, the battle fierce and the opposition prepared to slug it out with the home side. The Stoke fans would have loved this fixture and, in particular, Adam's left-foot strike that put the game beyond United. The last Stoke player I saw score a goal like that was Potters legend Harry Burrows. He didn't have a bad left foot either.
Did you know? Charlie Adam has now scored seven goals this season in the Premier League, two more than he managed in 2011-12 and 2012-13 combined.
MIDFIELDER - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
It is always good to see talented players return to the first team, especially after a long spell out through injury. I must say I thought it was a masterstroke by Arsene Wenger to bring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back into the fold against Crystal Palace. This fixture was never going to be brutal and at times you got the feeling that Arsenal were toying with the opposition. It was the perfect return for another young Englishman with a point to prove.
Did you know? All five of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's Premier League goals for Arsenal have been at the Emirates.
MIDFIELDER - Jack Colback (Sunderland)
Sunderland defender Jack Colback
To see Newcastle fans streaming out of St James' Park well before the end of the game was indicative of the pain they were going through. What made their suffering considerably worse was Jack Colback, who hails from Tyneside and who cut Newcastle to ribbons with a team from Wearside. Talk about adding insult to injury!
Did you know? Colback has been involved in four goals this season (two goals, two assists). In his previous 82 Premier League appearances he was involved in just two (one goal, one assist).
MIDFIELDER - Adam Johnson (Sunderland)
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson
Sunderland fans are seeing the sort of performances from Adam Johnson that they once saw from Dennis Tueart in his heyday at the club. Both players also played for Manchester City and England, of course. The question now is will Johnson get a recall to international duty? If he keeps playing like this, then it is a question Roy Hodgson will have to take very seriously.
Did you know? Adam Johnson has now scored (six) or assisted (two) eight Premier League goals in 2014, more than any other player. This was his 200th Premier League appearance.
MIDFIELDER - Adam Lallana (Southampton)
Southampton forward Adam Lallana
All three of Southampton's England internationals played brilliantly against Fulham. For me, Adam Lallana was the pick of the bunch but Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert played their part in the total destruction of the Cottagers. The quicker Fulham get their new signings in the team the better - they are the only thing that stands between them and relegation.
Did you know? Adam Lallana has scored (four) or assisted (three) seven goals in his past eight Premier League appearances for Southampton.
FORWARD - Andy Carroll - (West Ham)
West Ham striker Andy Carroll
In midweek against Chelsea, Andy Carroll was West Ham's best defender and best attacker. He produced the same performance against Swansea only to blot his copybook by engaging in a minor altercation with Chico Flores. The incident resulted in the West Ham striker getting his marching orders from referee Howard Webb. It just goes to show that even the very best referees get it wrong sometimes.
Did you know? Six of Andy Carroll's past 11 Premier League assists have been for Kevin Nolan goals. This was his first red card in the Premier League, in what was his 113th appearance.
SUNDERLAND'S Tyne-Wear success story this season continued at the Stadium of Light when Kevin Ball's Under-21s made it two wins in three days over Newcastle United.
After a slow first half, Sunderland fully deserved their victory in the Under-21s Premier League which was secured by a second half penalty from Jordan Laidler and a lovely late finish from Martin Smith.
Laidler, the North Shields-born 18-year-old, who has spent part of the season on loan at Chester, could also have added a second.
But Sunderland's youngsters did enough to warrant the points to follow on from Gus Poyet's first team who sealed their second win of the campaign over the Magpies on Saturday.
Not even the involvement of Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara, who were both involved in the match-day squad at St James' Park on Saturday, could prevent this defeat.
Alan Pardew resisted an opportunity to give Luuk De Jong, after an uninspiring Premier League debut, some extra minutes to build up his sharpness following his move from Boruss
Sunderland offer new deal to resurgent Bardsley in bid to ward off Fulham interest
Phil Bardsley is set to complete a remarkable turnaround in his Sunderland career by opening talks over a new contract.
And his Black Cats team-mate Jack Colback is also in line for a new deal as manager Gus Poyet looks to secure the futures of those at the forefront of his side's recent revival.
Bardsley's career at the Stadium of Light looked over under previous manager Paolo Di Canio, but the arrival of Poyet has seen the former Manchester United defender brought in from the cold.
The full-back has been impressive since his return to the side - and Sportsmail can reveal the Black Cats turned down a £1.5million bid from fellow relegation strugglers Fulham during the January transfer window.
The Cottagers remain interested in Bardsley, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and will return for him in the summer.
But the north-east club have called the defender in for formal talks over an extension as they look to stop him leaving.
Likewise, Colback will be offered a new deal by Sunderland in the coming weeks.
The midfielder is also out of contract in the summer, but Poyet wants to keep him and wants his future sorted as soon as possible.
Colback has already turned down an initial offer from the club, but it is understood good progress has been made as both parties work towards an agreement.
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Sunderland want £6m Ki on permanent deal, but Laudrup sacking throws move in doubt
Sunderland are looking to sign Ki Sung-yeung permanently at the end of the season.
The Swansea City midfielder, midway through a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light, would cost around £6million.
The shock sacking of Michael Laudrup has thrown more doubt around a deal - the two sides failed to negotiate during the transfer window.
And former Celtic midfielder Ki, who has played 20 games under Gus Poyet, has admitted he does not know where his long-term future lies.
But with a Capital One Cup final to look forward to, the South Korea international is certainly enjoying life on Wearside.
Ki said: 'The derby win was a really special game for me and it always is to play in front of these Sunderland supporters. They are always behind us even though we did not deserve it sometimes. They have been great because they have waited for things to turn around and they are now able to celebrate better results.
'I don't know if I will be playing in this fixture next season, honestly. But I am really pleased with all the fans, all the staff and all of the players. I don't know what will happen in the future but at the minute I am very happy playing for this club and with these boys.
'Since the new manager came in we have improved a lot with and without the ball. As the game goes on we have started to win and got confidence as individuals and as a team. That's why we have got a lot stronger. We still have plenty games still to go so we have to keep our concentration on all of the games.
'When you see us play like we have been, it does make us wonder why we have been at the bottom when we know we can play like this. We should not be but we could not get the results, even when we performed well we could not score. We were unlucky. All of these things, but now we are having greater concentration to win the games.
'Even when we are scoring we are never conceding goals. We are no longer bottom and we need to keep going to make sure we don't drop back down there.'
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Sunderland loanee Ki in no rush to decide Black Cats future
MIDFIELDER Ki Sung Yueng plans to keep Sunderland boss Gus Poyet waiting before he makes a final decision on his future.
The South Korean international, on a season-long loan from Swansea, has been at the heart of the Black Cats’ revival under Poyet.
He is desperate to land the midfielder on a permanent basis.
But Ki refuses to be rushed and wants to keep his options open until after the World Cup.
He said: “I don’t know if I will be playing here next season.
“I’ve no idea what will happen in the future but right now I am very happy playing for Sunderland.
“Since Gus Poyet came in, we have improved with and without the ball and are a lot more confident than we were.
“Reaching Wembley and then winning the derby were special and I am really pleased with how things are going.”
Poyet admitted he did consider trying to tie down Ki during last month’s transfer window but instead concentrated on strengthening his squad elsewhere.
The Uruguayan said: “We did think about doing something during the window but we definitely want him to stay at Sunderland.”
Sunderland recovery proves why Paolo Di Canio must never be West Ham manager
Anyone remember that team from earlier this season, Sunderland? Bit rubbish, in-fighting? Where did they go? What changed?
A) Up to 14th place - and Wembley. B) The manager. And those are two good reasons – in addition to the emotional one – why, despite him thinking it is his “destiny”, Paolo Di Canio must never return to West Ham as manager. Please.
As a player, Di Canio was one of the most thrilling I have seen in over 30 years of watching football. I remember the first time I saw him in 1994, scoring a stunner for Napoli against Milan, turning the defence inside out and back again before lashing in from the tightest of angles, then letting rip in wild celebration. No ordinary goal – or goalscorer.
Fast forward five years. Majestic at Celtic, a madman at Sheffield Wednesday – what would West Ham get out of him? Answer: the very best. It was a match made in heaven.
Di Canio was one of those rare overseas players who arrives at a British club and gets it – like Thierry Henry at Arsenal or Sami Hyppia at Liverpool. His Upton Park farewell could not have been more dramatic, coming on to score the winner in his last home appearance, against Chelsea, a game which could have seen us relegated, in the most frenzied atmosphere I have ever experienced at the ground. Talk about the hero being carried out on his shield.
It would have car crash written all over it
And that’s precisely why I don’t want him back at the club other than as a matchday guest or an opposing manager. Look at the precedent. Glenn Hoddle, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Shearer – all attained statue status as players, but returned as managers and left under a cloud, a blot that stays on the record as much as any positive achievement.
Sir Trevor Brooking had the right idea – resist the siren call and leave the legend intact. Ok, so he has stepped into the breach twice in dire emergency and has done remarkably well, but the fact he had the wisdom to stay no longer than was strictly necessary, and left with his reputation enhanced, is incredibly rare.
Di Canio’s problem is that his own standards are so exceptionally high that he struggles with people (like Sunderland’s players) who cannot match them. At the age of 19 he had an injury which could have left him incapable of walking. Having escaped that, his entire career was a second chance, hence his fanatical approach to everything he does – and intolerance of those who do not share it. Add in the emotion of a West Ham return – and it would have car crash written all over it.
Sam Allardicio’s approach may not raise many smiles, but with Paolo, before it begins, you know it will end in tears. So please – after what you gave us, you owe West Ham nothing. Keep it that way, and remain a hero forever. You’re always welcome back – just not on the payroll.
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Liverpool eye Adam Johnson in Fabio Borini swap deal with Sunderland
FABIO BORINI could hold the key as Liverpool weigh up a move for Sunderland winger Adam Johnson.
Johnson has been in electric form for the Black Cats in recent times, scoring six goals in his last four Premier League games, amid rumours he is playing himself into Roy Hodgson's World Cup plans.
And reports suggest that has caused Liverpool to consider making a move for the 26-year-old after missing out on Tom Ince in the January transfer window.
Johnson signed a four-year deal at Sunderland in 2012 after making a £10m move from Manchester City.
Johnson cost approximately £7m when City signed him from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window in 2010, but became increasingly marginalised at the Etihad under Roberto Mancini.
Liverpool, as well as Tottenham, were interested in Johnson when he made the move back to Sunderland - his hometown club, and it seems they could be about to rekindle that interest in the summer.
And according to reports in Italy, Fabio Borini could well end up as a makeweight in any deal.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan at the Stadium of Light from the Reds and has impressed after a difficult and injury-affected start to life under Brendan Rodgers.
Borini is set to return to Liverpool at the end of the season, but the club could consent to him remaining in the north east if it sees Johnson heading in the opposite direction.
Prayers from Africa: Ghanaian king’s holy cheers for Sunderland AFC
AN AFRICAN king has revealed he prays for Sunderland to win every time they play.
King Osei Tutu II of Asante has praised Sunderland AFC for its work in Africa – and told of his holy support for the Black Cats when they take to the pitch.
The king passed on his message to a delegate from SAFC who visited Ghana this week to strengthen Sunderland’s links with Africa.
Graham Robinson, head of international football development for Sunderland, was in Africa as part of the Black Cats partnership with Ghana Premier League champions Asante Kotoko.
The king was unable to meet Graham, but sent his support of the partnership between Sunderland AFC and Asante Kotoko.
In his absence, the king’s representative, Oheneba Adusei Poku officially welcomed Graham to the palace and gave him a tour of the museum in the palace grounds.
The king praised the support received from SAFC in recent times especially, with youth development.
He said the partnership between the two clubs has been of great benefit to Asante and that he wishes it to grow, also writing wrote of how he prays every game for the Black Cats.
On behalf of SAFC, Graham signed the royal visitor’s book at the palace, cementing the club’s place in history.
Graham began his tour with an update meeting from Asante Kotoko board members Kabral Blay Amihere and Frank Apageyi.
The Black Cats, as part of the partnership, share coaching methodologies as well as the transfer of skills through on the ground ‘coach the coaches’ clinics.
Graham continued his tour with a visit to Kumasi, where he observed the Porcupines first team training session. T
Graham said the training session, which took place at the Baba Yara Stadium, demonstrated the talent of the Ghana Premier League champions, who have eight million followers.
Graham also held an intense training session with the Porcupine’s under-17s team. The players from the team, who have been hand-picked from regional school games.
Graham said: “The boys have been fantastic to work with, they’re technically very good and attentive, making it very easy for me to do my job.”
SAFC commercial director Gary Hutchinson said: “Both parties very much value the positive relationship we are continuing to develop and we are looking at a number of ways in which we can continue to help each other achieve our goals.
“Graham’s visit to Africa is an important part of the partnership as it shows our commitment to share our footballing knowledge, in addition to lending business expertise to help African football not only continue to grow, but thrive.”
Graham rounded off his tour with a fond farewell final training session with the Porcupines under-17s team.
In appreciation of all the support in the structural planning of youth development and the implementation of coaching techniques, Graham was presented with a traditional Ghanaian shirt.
Graham’s trip has been part of a burgeoning partnership between Sunderland AFC and Asante Kotoko, who were crowned Ghanaian champions last season.
Rowell Report: Sunderland victory tasted even sweeter
FOR the second time in just under 10 months, I sat in the Press Room at St James’s Park and witnessed a Sunderland manager savouring a derby victory.
Gus Poyet may have been a bit more understated than Paolo Di Canio was last season but it was clear it meant just as much to him.
The result was exactly the same as last year’s but I felt Saturday’s win was better, as I felt Sunderland dominated the game and won more convincingly.
From the start, Sunderland played the game at their own tempo.
They dictated the play and after going a goal up, never looked like allowing Newcastle back into the game.
The 3-0 scoreline didn’t flatter Sunderland – Adam Johnson hit the woodwork and Jozy Altidore should have scored when one-on-one with Tim Krul – and Sunderland were the better team on the day.
Sunderland looked the fitter and stronger team and won the battle in the middle of the park, where Liam Bridcutt, Ki Sung-Yueng and Jack Colback took control and ran the game.
Poyet obviously had a lot of confidence in young Bridcutt, throwing him straight into a derby game, and he quickly got to grips with his role, keeping the team ticking over and rarely wasting possession.
Jozy Altidore has his critics and with his goalscoring record, he can’t complain about that. But I thought on Saturday his all-round game was excellent, holding the ball up well and using his strength and power to lead the line as well as he has done all season.
Newcastle ran out of ideas and unsurprisingly lacked confidence after going two goals down inside the first 25 minutes, and resorted to long balls up to Shola Ameobi, but this was meat and drink to Wes Brown and John O’Shea and their experience shone out like a beacon.
Sunderland are looking the real deal away from home now and you have to go back to November to find their last away defeat.
More importantly, Sunderland’s win on Saturday was the first time this season they have put together back-to-back wins and the result has been a surge up the table.
Saturday’s win was a great team performance. There wasn’t a weak link in the side and every player did exactly what Gus Poyet would have wished for, as the team plan and tactics were executed perfectly.
Early bath! Wes Brown gets sent off after just three minutes against Hull City
Sunderland hopes of picking up another Premier League win today over Hull City were dealt a major blow as Wes Brown was sent-off after just three minutes.
The former Manchester United defender was given his marching orders by referee Michael Jones after he brought Tigers’ striker Shane Long on the edge of the box.
Long was clear through on goal and Brown gave the referee no option but to bring out the red card – the sixth shown to a Sunderland player this season.
It was a huge blow for Black Cats boss Gus Poyet who would have been hoping to build on his side’s 3-0 win at Newcastle last week.
And things went from bad to worse for the home side when Long gave Hull the lead in the 16th minute.
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Sunderland 0-2 Hull City: Long and Jelavic down 10-man Black Cats
Steve Bruce's new-look strike partnership were successful again as his side capitalized on Wes Brown's fourth-minute red card to end a long run of winless Premier League form
Wes Brown was sent off for the third time this season as Hull City beat Sunderland 2-0 on Steve Bruce's return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The defender was given his marching orders after only three minutes for a professional foul on Shane Long after Phil Bardsley's dreadful pass played the forward in.
Long then scored his second goal in as many games with a first-half header and strike partner Nikica Jelavic opened his Hull account with a header of his own after the break, as Bruce's side secured its first Premier League win of the year.
It was the first time that Bruce had been back at Sunderland since being sacked in November 2011, and the Tigers' victory brought his former club back down to earth following its derby win over Newcastle.
Defeat for the hosts was their first in five top-flight games and it was a miserable day for Brown, who was also sent off against Stoke City and Norwich City - although his red card against Mark Hughes's side was overturned on appeal.
Poyet unsurprisingly named an unchanged side following a 3-0 triumph at Newcastle, with Liam Bridcutt making his home defeat at the expense of fit-again midfielder Lee Cattermole. Jake Livermore returned to the Hull starting lineup after being ineligible to face his parent club, Tottenham, with Robbie Brady dropping to the bench.
Sunderland came into the game brimming with confidence after their win at St James's Park but its positivity was punctured early on when Brown was dismissed.
Bardsley was the chief culprit as his sloppy pass set Long clear and Brown upended the striker just outside the penalty area - prompting referee Mike Jones to reach for his red card.
Vito Mannone saved the resulting free kick from Tom Huddlestone and Poyet reacted to Brown's dismissal by replacing forward Fabio Borini with debutant defender Santiago Vergini. That change failed to have the desired effect, though, as Hull capitalized on its numerical advantage 15 minutes in.
Mannone was only able to palm away Huddlestone's corner and the alert Long nodded in from close range after Livermore had helped the ball on.
Hull was in command and ex-Everton striker Jelavic was unfortunate not to score his first Hull goal 10 minutes later when his header was clawed out by the agile Mannone before Long's left-footed strike from outside the area hit the post.
Bruce's side knocked the ball around with confidence at the start of the second half but was almost caught out nine minutes after the break when Steve Harper kept out Ki Sung-Yueng's right-footed effort.
Jelavic should have done better two minutes later when he was sent clear but dragged his tame finish wide of the far post.
Jelavic was not to be denied after 63 minutes, though, when Maynor Figueroa's shot struck Vergini and looped up, with the Croatian duly guiding his header beyond Mannone.
Mannone then denied Sone Aluko a goal on his return from injury when he palmed away the Nigerian forward's left-footed strike as Hull secured a comfortable win.
VIEW FROM THE STADIUM
By Alex Ward
Wes Brown's third red card of the season - a feat only matched by five other players in Premier League history - turned the tide on the Wearside resurgence as his side was given a stark reminder that it is far from being out of the woods. Ahead of Saturday's encounter, Sunderland looked nailed-on to claim the full spoils but it was forced back to the drawing board by one moment of recklessness.
A man short, the Black Cats struggled for fluency from the moment referee Mike Jones reached into his pocket and, for all their tireless endeavor, they could do nothing to claw their way back after Shane Long's early goal.
Hull City's growing relegation fears had been laid bare after four defeats in its last five outings prior to kickoff but the new-look partnership of Long and Nikica Jelavic has breathed life into a malaise-stricken side and paid significant dividends. To Steve Bruce's delight, both capitalized on the numerical advantage as the Tigers were able restore some clear blue water between themselves and the relegation battle unfolding beneath them.
Bruce will not admit it, of course, but the chance to exact some revenge on his former club was just the icing on the cake.
Sunderland's Adam Johnson wins player of month award for January
• Winger is being considered for England recall
• Manuel Pellegrini scoops manager of month award
Adam Johnson has been rewarded for his superb form at Sunderland by being named the Premier League player of the month for January.
Johnson scored a hat-trick in Sunderland's 4-1 away win against Fulham, before hitting the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Southampton and the winner against Stoke City to bring his tally for the month to five.
His form may even earn him a recall for England in time for the World Cup, with the manager Roy Hodgson due to watch Johnson against Hull this weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini, meanwhile, has scooped back-to-back manager of the month awards. He becomes the first person to win the award in consecutive months since Carlo Ancelotti achieved the feat as Chelsea boss in 2011.
Pellegrini guided City to four straight wins in the Premier League during the month, in which his side scored 14 goals in the victories against Tottenham Hotspur (5-1), Cardiff City (4-2), Newcastle United (2-0) and Swansea City (3-2).
GUS POYET hopes the managerial upheaval at Swansea City this week will not scupper Sunderland’s chances of signing Ki Sung-Yueng on a permanent deal.
Midfielder Ki was out-of-favour under sacked Swansea boss Michael Laudrup last summer, with the Welsh club happy to let the high-earning South Korean international join Sunderland on a season-long loan deal.
Even after Ki proved his worth at Sunderland with a series of impressive displays, Laudrup opted not to recall the 24-year-old during the January transfer window.
But with Laudrup relieved of his duties earlier this week, there have been fears raised among Sunderland supporters that the next Swansea boss will take a different view on Ki.
Poyet hopes that doesn’t prove to be the case, with Sunderland still in a strong position to land Ki permanently, given he has entered the final 18 months of his contract.
“I think the important thing is how happy Ki feels when he plays for us,” said Poyet.
“How much he is enjoying his football here?
“Being realistic, he is still under contract to Swansea.
“Now Swansea have changed their manager and who knows whether whoever comes in will want Ki or not want him.
“We will have to manage that situation.
“But if you ask me if he is a player I would like to have here, yes I would.”
Providing Sunderland avoid relegation, the Black Cats will still be odds-on to sign Ki.
The former Celtic man was evasive over whether he expects to remain at the Stadium of Light next season when interviewed this week.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future but at the minute I am very happy playing for this club and with these boys,” he said.
But Ki has enjoyed his spell on Wearside and it is thought he would be happy to make his move permanent.
Swansea are conscious of recouping some of their investment in Ki too after splashing out £6million in 2012 to take the Korean to the Liberty Stadium.
After an England manager dared to make a rare visit to the North East, all Johnson would have been hoping for was a decent platform from his team-mates in which to demonstrate the form which saw him crowned Premier League Player of the Month.
In fairness, Johnson was among a very small minority of those in red and white who did themselves any credit against Hull City yesterday. But he was constantly being forced to conjure a miracle from the most unpromising of situations.
Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown both have to take a share of the responsibility for that after Sunderland’s red-card misery against Hull City this season continued.
It was a bafflingly hapless back-pass from the in-form Bardsley, while Brown had to curb his natural reaction to bring down Shane Long. It would have been far better to let the hugely impressive Republic of Ireland striker score than be reduced to 10 men so early on.
But Gus Poyet’s immediate response, which prompted much head-scratching in the stands, didn’t help Johnson either.
The obvious player to sacrifice for Brown’s indirect replacement, Santiago Vergini, seemed to be Liam Bridcutt.
It would have left Sunderland more open defensively without that protective presence in front of the back four, yet at least the Black Cats would have retained the shape which has seen them enjoy so much success under Poyet.
But taking off Fabio Borini – whose work-rate surely made him the ideal player to keep on when down to 10 men – left Sunderland far too predictable as an attacking force.
Poyet moved Johnson into the hole behind Jozy Altidore, rather than operating from the right flank where he has thrived since the turn of the year, while neither full-back were able to provide any ammunition from the flanks.
Hull knew that as long as they kept a close watch on Johnson, there were few other players on the pitch that could seriously worry them.
Despite the early blow of losing Brown and the questionable reconfiguration of the side, Sunderland didn’t help themselves.
Regardless of the numerical disadvantage, Sunderland flopped with their chronic inability to keep possession or muster any semblance of tempo to put Hull on the back foot.
The Tigers could easily have enjoyed a far more handsome victory with Long and Nikica Jelavic picking the holes in a stretched Sunderland back four.
Certainly, Steve Bruce couldn’t have wished for a much tamer resistance in his return to the Stadium of Light.
Defeat could be costly for Sunderland.
Despite the euphoria of the last few weeks, a return of 10 points from four games and progress into the Capital One Cup final, Poyet’s side – who will have Brown suspended for the next two matches – are far from out of the mire, particularly if they reproduce performances like this.
Given that Sunderland face trips to Manchester City, Arsenal and potentially Liverpool – if both sides are knocked out of the FA Cup next weekend – in their next three league games, it made the Hull one all the more important.
To lose to the Tigers AGAIN the week after derby joy after AGAIN seeing men sent off is a scenario which Sunderland could ill-afford to contemplate.
When will Sunderland learn to stop pressing the self-destruct button?
Sunderland conspired to throw away a golden opportunity for a vital set of three points at home to Hull City, with both sides embroiled in a scrap to avoid the dreaded drop.
The Black Cats only have themselves to blame, however, having smashed the self-destruct button in dramatic fashion with the game barely a few minutes old.
There has been much debate over the catastrophic series of events which led to Wes Brown’s dismissal with fans looking to whom they can point the finger of blame at – Wes Brown or Phil Bardsley.
It was the Sunderland full-back, who had been enjoying something of a rapid resurgence of late, who set the wheels in motion with an absolute horror-show, masquerading as supposed ‘defending’, which allowed Hull Tigers’ new boy, Shane Long, to race in on goal, one-on-one with Vito Mannone.
Enter Wes Brown…
The former Manchester United man flew across his penalty area with a desperate, rash and ill-advised challenge which sent Long flying and indeed Mike Jones to his back-pocket – the easiest decision the man in the middle is likely to make in his career – it was as blatant a red card as you are likely to ever see.
The challenge itself was a real head-scratcher. A player of Brown’s experience and ability should certainly know a lot better than to dive into such a rash challenge. However, the central defender will no doubt have had a few words with his colleague, Bardsley, for having put him in such a difficult situation in the first place.
For me the pair can share the blame thanks to their equal contribution to an outrageous piece of play which basically handed Steve Bruce’s side all three points, again.
It was the worst possible start for Sunderland and left the home faithful in the stands of the Stadium of Light deflated, aghast at what they had just witnessed, a complete contrast to the euphoria and delight that they have revelled in just a week previously having completely embarrassed their local rivals at St. James’ Park.
Make no mistake, this was a real wake-up call for Gus Poyet’s side.
The game itself is tough to analyse. I’m sure Bruce, his side and the travelling supporters will quite rightly be enjoying their performance but while
Hull were well worth their victory this was a game which was decided by the sending-off.
The defeat could not have come at a worse possible time either, with Sunderland now facing a tough set of fixtures which include trips to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool with an FA Cup tie against Southampton sandwiched in the middle.
Of course there is no need to panic, just yet, however you feel that this weekend’s defeat will serve as a genuine warning to Poyet’s men not to allow themselves to become complacent, despite their impressive recent form.
If anything we can at least hopefully look forward to a Bruce press conference which isn’t a Sunderland based moan-fest.
SUNDERLAND will be without Wes Brown for next weekend’s FA Cup tie against Saints after being sent off for the third time this season.
The Black Cats saw their recent Premier League recovery stall as they went down 2-0 to the Tigers at the Stadium of Light after Brown was dismissed with less than four minutes played.
It was all painfully reminiscent of boss Gus Poyet's third game in charge when he sent his side into battle at the KC Stadium on November 2 and saw both Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena sent off before half-time as Carlos Cuellar's own goal handed the home side victory.
Poyet said: “It was one of those days when it doesn't matter how you play or what you do because something will happen and go against you.
“I'm very pleased that we don't play Hull any more this season because every time we play them, something happens.”
Brown's premature exit proved to be the pivotal moment in a game which slipped from his side's grasp before it had really begun.
Phil Bardsley's poor back pass put Shane Long in on goal and the former Manchester United defender's efforts to rectify the damage resulted in a sliding challenge which sent the £7million January signing sprawling.
Referee Mike Jones had little option but to show Brown a red card - his third of the season, although one was later rescinded on appeal - but Sunderland were at least spared further punishment as the offence was committed marginally outside the penalty area.
Sunderland’s woes increased with 16 minutes gone when Long headed them in front, and their misery was complete 17 minutes after the restart when fellow new boy Nikica Jelavic scored his first goal for the club.
Poyet summed up: “We can talk about how (Hull) planned the game or how they wanted to play, but at the end of the day, they won because Wes Brown got sent off, that's the bottom line.
“For five or six games, they couldn't win before this one, so something went for them.”
Dan Wright and Martin Smith earn the young Black Cats their first win in four.
Sunderland’s under-18 side got back to winning ways with a well-deserved 2-0 victory over north-east rivals Middlesbrough at the Academy of Light on Saturday morning.
The young Black Cats started the game brightly in very blustery conditions, kicking into the wind.
However, it was the visitors that were the first to threaten as the young Black Cats’ keeper, Peter Burke, had to tip onto the bar after a neat set-piece was volleyed towards goal at the back post.
The hosts were playing much more controlled football, having to keep the ball on the ground as the wind was making long balls difficult.
And the wind played a part in the opening goal as the ball was held up from a Sunderland clearance before Lynden Gooch won the ball in the air and laid the ball out to Dan Wright who lashed a left-footed strike across goal and into the bottom corner.
Boro were pushing for an equaliser using the wind with the long ball forwards, but Sunderland's defence held firm.
In the second half, the young Black Cats seemed to up their tempo and threatened the visitors defence several times before being awarded a penalty in the 75th minute.
Andrew Nelson spun his defender received a push in the back with the referee having no hesitation pointing to the spot.
Martin Smith stepped up to crash home Sunderland's second high to the keeper’s right.
Coach Carlton Fairweather said afterwards: "It was a scrappy game but we got the job done.
“The wind was a big problem; it was quite literally a game of two halves, with us playing much better football in the second half.
“Overall though I thought we deserved the win."
Sunderland: Burke, Ledger, Colquhoun, Beadling, T. Robson (J. Robson, 54), E. Robson, M Smith, Wright, Greenwood, Gooch (Nelson, 70), Blinco (McEvoy, 80).
Sub not used: Pybus.
Youngsters seal 3-0 friendly win at the Academy of Light.
Sunderland’s development squad ran out 3-0 winners in a mid-season friendly against Nottingham Forest at the Academy of Light on Thursday afternoon.
Louis Laing, Charis Mavrias and Ross Holland bagged the goals for Kevin Ball’s side who stepped up their preparations for Monday evening’s Barclays U21 Premier League clash at Everton with a resounding win over the Reds.
Carlos Cuellar completed 45 minutes as the Spaniard continued his recovery from an injury that has kept him out for nearly four months.
Laing gave the young Black Cats a 13th-minute lead when he crashed home a half-volley from the edge of the area.
That lead was doubled just ten minutes later as Lynden Gooch played Mavrias into the channel and, after flashing a shot across goal and onto the post, the Greek youngster tapped home.
Holland added a third 15 minutes from time as he broke behind the Forest defence on the left-hand side and curled neatly into the keeper’s top left-hand corner.
Adam Mitchell and Holland both went close to extending Sunderland’s lead later in the game, though both were denied by good saves.
Sunderland: Pickford, Cartwright (Oliver, 60), Ferguson (T Robson, 45), Ba (Beadling, 75), Roberge (McNamee, 45), Cuellar (Harrison, 45), Mitchell, Laing (Smith, 45), Gooch (Holland, 56), Lawson, Mavrias.
Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic (knee) has joined the club's injury list ahead of their midweek Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland.
The Serbian is not expected to be out long but misses Wednesday's contest at the Etihad Stadium along with striker Sergio Aguero (hamstring), playmaker Samir Nasri (knee) and midfielders Fernandinho and Javi Garcia (muscle injuries).
Key midfielder Yaya Toure is available after escaping retrospective punishment following an off-the-ball incident involving Norwich's Ricky van Wolfswinkel last weekend.
Wes Brown will miss Sunderland's Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester City through suspension.
The 34-year-old central defender will sit out both Wednesday's visit to the Etihad Stadium and Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Southampton after being sent off for the second time this season - a further red card was later rescinded in November - in the 2-0 home defeat by Hull at the weekend.
January signing Santiago Vergini is likely to deputise, while fellow defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) and striker Steven Fletcher (Achilles) continue to work their way back to fitness, along with goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder), who remains on the long-term casualty list.
* Defeat by Chelsea in their last match at the Etihad Stadium ended a run of 11 consecutive home wins for Man City and 61 Barclays Premier League games without failing to score on home turf.
* The Black Cats have kept four clean sheets in their last six Barclays Premier League away matches.
* Manchester City have not lost back to back Premier League home games since December 2008.
* The Citizens have only kept one clean sheet in their last five Premier League home matches, shipping seven goals in total during this run.
* Sunderland have gone six on the road without defeat in the Premier League (W3 D3 L0) - this after winning just one point in their eight PL away games (D1 L7) prior to this run.
* Man City have won just two of the last eight Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W2 D2 L4), with all four of Sunderland’s victories being 1-0 wins.
* James Milner has scored five goals against Sunderland in the Premier League; more than against any other Premier League opponent. This includes his first ever goal in the competition.
* Former Man City man Adam Johnson has had a hand in eight goals so far in 2014 in the Premier League (six goals, two assists); more than any other player.
* Since the start of their title winning season in 2011-12, Manchester City have conceded only four goals in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League games.
* Manchester City have used just 23 players in the Premier League this season; fewer than any other side.
Sunderland’s ambitious Pickford plots progress in Carlisle loan
JORDAN PICKFORD hopes his loan move to Carlisle will push him closer to first-team contention at Sunderland.
England Under-19 stopper Pickford made his debut for the Cumbrians in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Gillingham after joining the League One strugglers on a month’s loan just 24 hours earlier.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet opted to bring in Argentine international Oscar Ustari on a deal until the end of the season last month, rather than rely on 19-year-old Pickford as back-up to first-choice keeper Vito Mannone.
But Pickford is highly-rated at the Stadium of Light and after spells on loan in the Conference and League Two, the Washington-born custodian hopes his move to Carlisle proves another step up in his development.
Pickford said: “My overall aim is to get into the first team at Sunderland, but I know I need to take things step by step.
“Hopefully that approach will bring success and I’ll get some games for Sunderland.
“I think I’m close to 40 competitive games now, so I just want to get as many more as possible under my belt and hopefully it will all pay off.
“I was only just 17 when I went to Darlington, so that was a really good learning curve for me.
“I was playing in the reserves last season before I got the chance to go to Alfreton in February. I really enjoyed my football there and felt I played well.
“Burton was another step up, which really helped me, so I’m looking forward to this period now.
“Playing games really helps with confidence and as you get into the loan spell you can feel yourself learning and maturing as a keeper.
“You learn when to come for things and when not to, so I think maturity is one of the main things I’m gaining from these loan spells.
“The staff at Sunderland have just told me to do what they know I’m capable of doing. I’ll just keep my head down and be as good as I can be. Hopefully that will bring some good performances.”
Poyet spoke with Carlisle boss and ex-Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh late last week to push the move through, to ensure Pickford could continue his progress with regular first-team football, rather than being limited to the Black Cats’ Under-21s.
Sunderland will cover the bulk of Pickford’s wages at Brunton Park, while there is a 24-hour recall clause in the teenager’s loan deal.
Meanwhile, Pickford’s U21 team-mate Duncan Watmore made his debut for Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian in Saturday’s Scottish Cup upset to second tier visitors Raith Rovers.
Hibs boss, and former Sunderland manager, Terry Butcher admitted Watmore’s display was one of the few positives to emerge from the 3-2 defeat after the 19-year-old penned a loan deal north of the border on transfer deadline day.
“I felt sorry for Duncan Watmore, who was great, but the rest of them were poor,” said Easter Road boss Butcher.
Sunderland chairman Ellis Short dashed Lee Cattermole deal
SUNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet has revealed that it was his chairman Ellis Short who pulled the plug on Stoke City's attempt to sign Lee Cattermole on deadline day.
Poyet has confirmed what Stoke's hierarchy believed at the time - that he persuaded the powers-that-be to U-turn on the £5m sale.
The suspicion at this end is that Poyet didn't want to risk the embarrassment of selling a player to a club that might eventually survive at Sunderland's expense.
“It was a big decision with Lee and it was a credit to the chairman," said Poyet.
“The question was ‘do you need Lee Cattermole?’ I said yes I do. ‘Well he’s going nowhere,’ he said.
“That doesn’t happen a lot in football because it was not easy to turn down that offer.
“That’s when you need someone to ask you the right question at the right time.”
The Sentinel revealed Stoke's desire to sign Cattermole the previous week.
But the timing of the Sunderland v Stoke fixture - two days before the January 31 deadline - forced them to delay their move for the combative midfielder.
But once Sunderland had signed Brighton's Liam Bridcutt after that game, Stoke made their move and believed they had their man... until Sunderland's 11th-hour U-turn.
Sunderland’s Mitchell at the double to deny Everton
Everton U21 2 Sunderland 2 U21
SUNDERLAND fought back from two goals down to gain an away point and extend the unbeaten run of Kevin Ball’s side to four games.
Adam Mitchell’s brace for Sunderland cancelled out Harry Charsley’s two goals and so big was the turnaround in the Black Cats display that they might even have snatched a victory in the closing stages when they were dominant.
Everton went ahead just five minutes in the game when Charsley notched and he extended their lead in the 40th minute when the Toffees hit Sunderland on the counter-attack and he profitted from a pull back from Hallam Hope.
Hope was a threat to Sunderland throughout the first half and the home team could have had more than two goals for their efforts in the opening 45 minutes.
Everton would have been happy with a two-goal lead at the half-way stage but Mitchell reduced the deficit just before the break when a George Honeyman shot deflected into the path of the midfielder, who converted at the back post.
Heavy rain at the Southport FC ground threatened to ruin the game but Sunderland hung in despite Everton starting the second half as positively as they had the first – Hope twice going close before Ethan Jones hit the woodwork with a shot from outside the box in the 52nd minute.
Sunderland rallied and Mitchell forced a save seconds later, as Sunderland worked hard and got on top.
Suddenly it was all about the visitors and they equalised in the 63rd when Smith produced a stunning crossfield pass and Mitchell volleyed home.
They might even have won the game had Connor Oliver not controversially being flagged offside after breaking from midfield in the 70th minute and slotting home.
It was all Sunderland by the end but they could not force that winner.
Coach Kevin Ball though will be pleased by the character his young players showed in coming back from two goals down to keep themselves among the points.
The wind has proven a bit too strong at the Etihad Stadium, as the match has been called off due to safety conditions.
The roads are deemed hazardous around the grounds, and if you are travelling to the game, I would take the advice handed out by Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany...
Game's called off! Make sure you get yourselves home and be safe, weather is terrible! #mcfc — Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) February 12, 2014
Premier League: Sunderland's Gus Poyet describes relegation battle as 'incredible'
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has said that this season's relegation battle will go down to the wire.
No fewer than 11 teams are in the danger of the dropping out of the Premier League, with just four points separating 10th-placed West Ham United from Poyet's side, who are third from bottom at the moment.
The Black Cats can move out of the relegation zone on Wednesday with victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, but the 46-year-old Uruguayan believes that the battle for survival will continue until the final day of the season.
"It's incredible," Poyet told the Chronicle. "I think it's going to go to the wire and I'm not just talking about us.
"I think there are six teams that are going to be fighting right to the end, to the last one or two games.
"The sooner we can get safe, the better, because there are contracts to sort out and players on loan.
"It's very difficult to deal with all that when you don't know what's going to happen.
"We always say that if you go on a good run, you can get out, but if you go on a bad run, you'll be down at the bottom again.
"I think the idea is to make sure we continue to be a difficult team to play against, like we've been for the last two months. Then it will be a surprise if we don't win some games."
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Manchester City v Sunderland postponed for safety reasons
Manchester City's hopes of returning to the top of the table were hit after their home game with Sunderland was postponed.
It came after the Met Office issued "red warnings" for north-west England and Wales, meaning there was a "risk to life" with widespread damage expected.
City would have returned to the summit had they beaten Sunderland, and Arsenal slipped up against Manchester United.
City captain Vincent Kompany tweeted: "Weather is terrible."
Szczesny starred against United... but who do the stats say is top keeper in the Premier League? (The answer might surprise you!)
Wojciech Szczesny was in impressive form on Wednesday night to ensure Arsenal and Manchester United's big clash ended in a stalemate.
But who would you rate as the best goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier League? Szczesny would have his supporters, as would his opposite number at the Emirates Stadium, David de Gea. Petr Cech and Joe Hart, despite his various clangers earlier this season, would also be top contenders.
According to the statistics, however, none of the above rank as No 1 of the No 1s.
In fact, the man who boasts the top save percentage in the division might shock you. Because top of the stoppers is none other than Sunderland's Vito Mannone.
The Italian was shipped out of Arsenal in the summer, having been deemed not good enough to displace either Szczesny or Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium.
But, despite Sunderland's struggles near the foot of the table, Mannone currently sits top of the rankings for top-flight goalkeepers this season.
Another signing of last summer, West Ham's Adrian, sits second in the table behind Mannone, while Southampton stopper Artur Boruc completes an unlikely top three.
That will be particularly true to those Saints fans who watched on in horror as the Poland international gifted Olivier Giroud a goal at the Emirates earlier this season with an appalling attempt at a Cruyff turn. And then another. And another.
Check out the top 10 in the table below.
The Premier League's top 10 goalkeepers (according to the stats...)
Player
Saves Made
Goals Conceded
Save Percentage
Vito Mannone
74
16
82.0
Adrian
37
9
80.4
Artur Boruc
49
14
77.8
Wojciech Szczesny
82
26
75.7
Asmir Begovic
73
26
73.7
Tim Howard
64
24
72.7
Petr Cech
57
21
72.7
Jussi Jaaskelainen
65
24
72.4
Simon Mignolet
82
32
71.2
Joe Hart
50
20
71.0
Sunderland's fixture congestion worsens - but Poyet defends decision to call off Man City game.
GUSTAVO POYET accepts that Sunderland's fixture congestion has worsened after last night's game at Manchester City was postponed an hour before kick off, but the Black Cats boss feels Greater Manchester Police made the only decision that was available to them.
With winds of up to 90mph buffeting the Etihad Stadium, and a number of roads around the ground closed to traffic, the police demanded that the game did not take place because “the safety of those in, around and travelling to the stadium complex could not be guaranteed”.
Sunderland's progress in both cup competitions meant they were already facing a packed fixture schedule in the final three months of the season, and the situation has become more acute as a result of last night's postponement.
A rearranged date will be announced in due course, although it is unlikely to be before the final month of the season given Manchester City's involvement in the Champions League and UEFA's demand for no top-flight clashes with their premier competition.
However, having witnessed conditions deteriorate markedly as Sunderland's coach crawled towards the ground, Poyet has defended the decision to call things off.
“The fixture position is the difficult part,” said the Sunderland boss. “We will have a lot of fixtures to play in a shorter amount of time now, because of our success in the cups.
“It will be difficult for us, and I can't imagine what it will be like for Manchester City, who are still in the Champions League and the FA Cup.
“We came across on Tuesday and prepared as normal. We had a meeting (yesterday morning) and set off for the game as usual. But it was very difficult to get to the ground.
“A journey that would normally take about 25 minutes took more than 40. It's true that we saw a few incidents outside, there were a few panels coming down towards our bus.
“Of course we were ready to play, and we wanted to play. But we have nothing to complain about. You don't know what is going to happen, but we need to be honest. It was a strong decision by the police, and we have to agree with that.”
The late postponement will have frustrated the 1,000-or-so travelling supporters who were due to attend last night's game, although very few had made it to the ground because of serious problems on the M62.
A lorry blew over and blocked the westbound carriageway at around 4pm, forcing a total closure of the motorway for the best part of an hour. One lane was eventually reopened, but many Sunderland supporters were still between Leeds and Huddersfield when the decision to postpone the game was confirmed.
With Manchester Euston station closed and the West coast mainline shutting down completely for more than two hours, the police called an emergency meeting with Manchester City's safety officer at around 6.30pm.
The weather forecast predicted that things would not improve for at least another three or four hours, and while the Etihad Stadium pitch was perfectly playable, the joint decision was surely a sensible one.
A Manchester City statement said: “This evening's fixture versus Sunderland has been postponed due to exceptional and escalating weather conditions.
“The safety of those in, around and travelling to the stadium complex cannot be guaranteed. This decision has been made by the safety officer and Greater Manchester Police. Both managers and the match officials understand and support this decision.”
One result of last night's postponement is that Wes Brown will now miss the Premier League trip to Arsenal as well as Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Southampton as he serves the two-match ban imposed in the wake of his dismissal against Hull. However, the centre-half will still be available for the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City.
Poyet had been planning to make a number of changes for Saturday's cup tie, and while his players' lack of action last night might have prompted a rethink, the Uruguayan has decided to stick with his initial plan of giving some of his fringe players a run out against Southampton.
As a result, the likes of Ondrej Celustka, Craig Gardner, Emanuele Giaccherini and Ignacio Scocco are likely to be involved against the Saints.
“I was looking forward to giving a few players opportunities, and that will not change,” said Poyet. “We have a few players who need to play and deserve to play. For different reasons, they haven't been able to.
“I'm talking about players like Giaccherini and Scocco. They both need minutes, so we're going to use that game for this. But it will all be first-team players, we will not be taking the game lightly. I hope that we win it so we don't have to play a replay.”
Last night's big decision revolved around how to get the Sunderland squad back to Wearside in order to ensure that today's training schedule is not disrupted.
“We have a decision to make now, and we're not sure what to do,” said Poyet, at around 7pm. “There are two options – either we stay close by, have dinner and relax for a while until the roads clear up, then go back or we can get on the bus straight away and take it slowly. I'm going to see what the players want to do.”
Mark Lawrenson's FA Cup predictions with judo star Gemma Gibbons.
Sunderland v Southampton (12:45 GMT)
It is difficult to know what Sunderland will do in terms of their team selection, because they are already in the Capital One Cup final.
After having their midweek game against Manchester City postponed because of the weather, they are already facing a bit of a fixture pile-up at the end of the season, and despite their recent improvement they are still in a relegation battle.
Because of that, I would not expect Black Cats boss Gus Poyet to field a weakened team but he will probably rotate his squad.
Southampton do not have any of those worries and are my pick to sneak under the radar in the FA Cup this season.
Could they win it? Well, win this and get a favourable draw in the quarter-finals, then who knows?
Saints do not have many injuries to contend with and they are back playing well again too. A good FA Cup run could cap a fine season for them.
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
Gemma's prediction: 1-2
Who is up for the Cup? The FA Cup
Southampton are my dark horses for the FA Cup this season. There will be the odd surprise result at the weekend but if they can get past Sunderland then, aided by the draw, I quite fancy them to reach the semi-finals along with the winner of the Everton-Swansea tie.
Liverpool should also be thinking 'we can win this' because Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal will have the Champions League on their minds.
If you are in Europe, that is a huge factor in how you view the FA Cup and we are about to hit the crunch time in the title race too.
Sunderland v Southampton (Saturday, 12.45pm - BT Sport 1)
Sunderland defender Wes Brown will belatedly start his suspension with Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Southampton.
The 34-year-old was expecting to complete a two-match ban this weekend, but it is yet to begin as a result of the postponement of Wednesday night's Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester City.
Striker Ignacio Scocco will make his debut for the club, while there will be a chance too for midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, but defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) will be given another week and frontman Steven Fletcher (achilles) and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) remain on the sidelines.
Provisional squad: Mannone, Ustari, Celustka, Alonso, Bardsley, O'Shea, Vergini, Roberge, Bridcutt, Cattermole, Gardner, Ki, Giaccherini, Johnson, Larsson, Ba, Mavrias, Colback, Altidore, Borini, Scocco.
Southampton have no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie at Sunderland.
Saints returned from Tuesday's 1-0 win at Hull unscathed and assistant manager Jesus Perez suggests there will not be wholesale changes at the Stadium of Light.
Dejan Lovren and Gaston Ramirez suffered ankle ligament damage in the league meeting between the sides a month ago and, despite rehabilitation going well, remain absent.
Provisional squad: Boruc, K Davis, Gazzaniga, Clyne, Chambers, Shaw, Targett, Hooiveld, Fonte, Yoshida, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Cork, Lallana, Isgrove, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, S Davis, Reed, Rodriguez, Lambert, Gallagher.
These two sides have met in the FA Cup on seven previous seasons, with the Black Cats progressing five times.
The two sides have never met before in the fifth round or beyond in the FA Cup.
Sunderland have won only one of their last six FA Cup games against teams from the Premier League (2-0 v Arsenal in 2012), drawing two and losing three.
The Saints have lost seven of their last eight FA Cup clashes with top tier opposition, winning the other game (2-0 v Blackpool in 2011), although six of those games came when Southampton weren’t in the Premier League themselves.
This fixture will see Southampton play away for only the third time in their last 14 FA Cup matches.
The Solent side are unbeaten in their last four FA Cup matches on the road, winning three and drawing one.
Sunderland have won six and lost just two of their last nine competitive matches (D1).
Adam Johnson has scored seven goals in his last eight appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions.
Southampton are unbeaten in eight competitive matches now, winning five and drawing three. Should they avoid defeat in this match, it’ll be their outright best run of 2013-14 so far.
Read a full match preview of the FA Cup fifth-round tie between Sunderland and Southampton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday Feb 15, 2014, kick-off 12.45 (GMT)
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Sunderland v Southampton
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 12.45 GMT.
TV: Live, BT Sport1, Highlights, ITV.
Sunderland (Possible, 4-1-4-1): Mannone; Bardsley, O'Shea, Virgini, Alonso; Bridcutt; Borini, Ki, Colback, Johnson; Altidore.
Out: Brown (suspended), Cuéllar (hip), Fletcher (Achilles), Westwood (shoulder).
Team News
Sunderland defender Wes Brown will belatedly start his suspension with Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Southampton.
The 34-year-old was expecting to complete a two-match ban this weekend, but it is yet to begin as a result of the postponement of Wednesday night's Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester City.
Striker Ignacio Scocco could make his debut for the club, while there will be a chance too for midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, but defender Carlos Cuéllar will be given another week.
Frontman Steven Fletcher and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remain on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Southampton have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the tie.
Dejan Lovren and Gastón Ramírez suffered ankle ligament damage in the league meeting between the sides a month ago and, despite rehabilitation going well, remain absent.
Match Notes
Sunderland have the best cup record in the country and will be confident of following up their progress to the final of the Capital One Cup with a place in the latter stages of its more illustrious cousin.
Southampton were beaten at the Stadium of Light in the League Cup, but were unlucky not to take all three points on their last visit in the league.
The Saints are also in form and ideally suited to play on the counter-attack.
It should be a close encounter.
Stat of the game: Southampton were last in the FA Cup quarter-finals eight years ago.
Gap between the teams: 10 places.
Luke Edwards prediction: Sunderland 1 Southampton 2.
45:00 +1:23 Half time Half Time First Half ends, Sunderland 0, Southampton 0. 45:00 +0:47 Ignacio Scocco (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00 +0:47 Foul by Maya Yoshida (Southampton). 43:50 Hand ball by Luke Shaw (Southampton). 43:12 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 42:23 Delay in match Fabio Borini (Sunderland) because of an injury. 41:28 Booking Booking Steven Davis (Southampton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 41:18 Foul by Victor Wanyama (Southampton). 41:18 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 39:35 Hand ball by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 37:22 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Santiago Vergini. 36:24 Attempt blocked. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 35:55 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Victor Wanyama. 35:52 Attempt blocked. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 35:04 Luke Shaw (Southampton). 35:04 Ignacio Scocco (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 32:38 Foul by James Ward-Prowse (Southampton). 32:38 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 31:07 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by John O'Shea. 30:04 Offside, Southampton. Adam Lallana tries a through ball, but Guly is caught offside. 29:26 Offside, Sunderland. Santiago Vergini tries a through ball, but Fabio Borini is caught offside. 29:08 Foul by Adam Lallana (Southampton). 29:08 Lee Cattermole (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 28:12 Offside, Southampton. Rickie Lambert tries a through ball, but Guly is caught offside. 24:45 Booking Booking Maya Yoshida (Southampton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 24:34 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 24:34 Foul by Maya Yoshida (Southampton). 20:10 Attempt missed. Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Fabio Borini. 16:34 Offside, Sunderland. Andrea Dossena tries a through ball, but Craig Gardner is caught offside. 13:39 Offside, Sunderland. Óscar Ustari tries a through ball, but Fabio Borini is caught offside. 11:45 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Santiago Vergini. 10:24 Attempt saved. James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Rickie Lambert with a headed pass. 8:17 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Maya Yoshida. 8:16 Attempt blocked. Ignacio Scocco (Sunderland) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is blocked. Assisted by Fabio Borini. 4:24 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 4:24 Foul by Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton). 0:42 Foul by Steven Davis (Southampton). 0:42 Ignacio Scocco (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 0:00 First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Full time Full Time Match ends, Sunderland 1, Southampton 0. 90:00 +3:42 Full time Full Time Second Half ends, Sunderland 1, Southampton 0. 90:00 +3:10 Foul by Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton). 90:00 +3:10 Jack Colback (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +2:01 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Sebastian Larsson. 90:00 +1:58 Booking Booking Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 90:00 +1:00 Attempt blocked. Steven Davis (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jay Rodriguez. 90:00 +0:15 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Steven Davis. 89:46 Booking
Booking Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) is shown the yellow card. 89:29 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Victor Wanyama. 89:28 Attempt blocked. Connor Wickham (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Fabio Borini. 88:08 Attempt saved. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jack Colback. 86:45 Attempt missed. Luke Shaw (Southampton) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Victor Wanyama. 85:54 Attempt saved. Jos Hooiveld (Southampton) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Steven Davis. 85:04 Attempt missed. Connor Wickham (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by John O'Shea. 83:37 Foul by Victor Wanyama (Southampton). 83:37 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 82:07 Substitution
Substitution Substitution, Sunderland. Jack Colback replaces Craig Gardner. 81:39 Substitution Substitution Substitution, Southampton. Sam McQueen replaces Adam Lallana. 81:01 Attempt missed. Rickie Lambert (Southampton) right footed shot from very close range is too high. Assisted by Nathaniel Clyne with a cross. 80:24 Offside, Sunderland. Marcos Alonso tries a through ball, but Connor Wickham is caught offside. 79:54 Foul by Maya Yoshida (Southampton). 79:54 Connor Wickham (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 78:59 Attempt missed. Adam Lallana (Southampton) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box misses to the right. Assisted by Nathaniel Clyne with a cross. 78:01 Offside, Sunderland. Connor Wickham tries a through ball, but Fabio Borini is caught offside. 76:44 Substitution Substitution Substitution, Sunderland. Marcos Alonso replaces Andrea Dossena. 74:54 Attempt saved. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Craig Gardner. 73:33 Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 73:33 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 73:03 Attempt saved. Connor Wickham (Sunderland) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson with a through ball. 70:37 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Emanuele Giaccherini. 68:17 Substitution Substitution Substitution, Sunderland. Connor Wickham replaces Ignacio Scocco. 66:11 Hand ball by Jay Rodriguez (Southampton). 65:34 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Jay Rodriguez. 63:53 Foul by Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton). 63:53 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 62:17 Offside, Southampton. Kelvin Davis tries a through ball, but Rickie Lambert is caught offside. 61:49 Substitution Substitution Substitution, Southampton. Morgan Schneiderlin replaces James Ward-Prowse. 61:33 Substitution Substitution Substitution, Southampton. Jay Rodriguez replaces Guly. 61:05 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Santiago Vergini. 61:00 Attempt blocked. Luke Shaw (Southampton) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Adam Lallana. 57:36 Attempt missed. Steven Davis (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by James Ward-Prowse. 56:53 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 56:53 Victor Wanyama (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 56:17 Ondrej Celustka (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 56:17 Foul by Guly (Southampton). 52:41 Offside, Sunderland. Andrea Dossena tries a through ball, but Craig Gardner is caught offside. 50:24 Corner, Southampton. Conceded by John O'Shea. 48:58 Goal scored Goal! Goal! Sunderland 1, Southampton 0. Craig Gardner (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner. 47:30 Attempt missed. Adam Lallana (Southampton) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Rickie Lambert. 47:00 Offside, Sunderland. Ondrej Celustka tries a through ball, but Craig Gardner is caught offside. 45:58 Offside, Sunderland. Emanuele Giaccherini tries a through ball, but Fabio Borini is caught offside. 45:00 Second Half begins Sunderland 0, Southampton 0.
Sunderland continued their cup success this season as a much-changed side saw off a poor Southampton side to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Gus Poyet's Black Cats have already reached the Capital One Cup final but they were rarely tested as Craig Gardner's fine strike settled the tie.
James Ward-Prowse missed a first-half chance for the Saints with Rickie Lambert firing over from four yards, The victory for Sunderland came in front of just 16,777 fans.
Sunderland into FA Cup last eight after Craig Gardner sinks Southampton
If only Sunderland could transfer their cup form to the Premier League, Gus Poyet's side would probably be pushing for Europe rather than endeavouring to stay out of the Championship.
With Poyet having made nine changes to a team battling relegation and already in the Capital One Cup final, the stage looked set for Southampton to book a quarter-final ticket.
Inexplicably given their comfortable League position, Mauricio Pochettino made six changes and, significantly, a strange performance from his players fell some way short of high octane. Few would argue Sunderland deserve a sixth round place which will only add to their already worrying end of season fixture congestion.
For Lee Cattermole, a recall from Poyet represented a chance to try to reclaim his Premier League place from the rested Liam Bridcutt. Sitting just in front of the home defence, Cattermole was excellent, placing spokes in the wheels of wave upon wave of visiting attacks.
With Andrea Dossena looking a weak defensive link at left back, Cattermole's ability to tidy things up was proving invaluable. His effectiveness was such that Oscar Ustari made only two serious first half saves, Sunderland's Argentinian goalkeeper dealing fairly comfortably with James Ward-Prowse's shot and Adam Lallana's cross-shot.
Despite some decent cameo from the classy Emmanuele Giaccherini - these days largely restricted to the reserves and very much the Wearsiders' near forgotten £8.6m Italy international - Sunderland struggled to fully stretch the sporadically shaky looking Kevin Davis in Southampton's goal.
True, Poyet's players won several free-kicks in dangerous positions but their delivery was invariably found wanting. Meanwhile Ignacio Scocco, the Argentina striker making his debut in the home attack, showed off some lovely touches but appeared to be finding the intensity of it all something of a culture shock after leaving Brazilian football – along with South America's summer – behind last month.
Played in pouring rain and with a crowd of under 17,000 ensuring there were large banks of empty red plastic seats inside the 49,000 capacity Stadium of Light, it was turning into a somewhat sorry spectacle.
The fact that nearly 43,000 had turned up here for last week's Premier League defeat against Hull speaks volumes about the FA Cup's diminishing allure but at least Craig Gardner's right foot finally imbued this tie with a touch of quality.
Long range shooting is very much Gardner's party trick and, after beating Victor Wanyama – feeling his way back to form and fitness after a lengthy period out injured – to the ball early in the second half, he unleashed a 20 yard shot which arced imperiously before brushing the underside of the bar as it dipped en route into the top corner, leaving Davis's fingers scratching thin air.
Gardner's touch may not always have been exactly velvet but his well timed runs from midfield frequently took him behind Pochettino's defence and contributing to a growing sense of visiting discomfort.
With Fabio Borini also playing intelligently, Sunderland were passing and moving adroitly enough but the game remained sufficiently open for Southampton to harbour real hope of an equaliser.
They very nearly levelled things when Lallana connected with Nathaniel Clyne's cross but the midfielder's flick flew wide. Then, incredibly, after meeting another Clyne cross, Rickie Lambert missed, scooping the ball over the bar from three yards.
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Manager Reaction - Sunderland 1-0 Southampton
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet speaking to BT Sport: "We have a got a good way of playing now and fighting for the club. Sometimes you need the whole group and sometimes when these games for you it is important for the rest of the season."
Ticketing update regarding Capital One Cup final.
Following the completion of the phase one and phase two application procedures, Sunderland AFC can confirm that the club has sold out its allocation of tickets for the Capital One Cup final.
Tickets have been on priority sale to season card holders and seasonal hospitality members for over the last two weeks and the club has seen unprecedented demand.
Sunderland AFC's chief executive, Margaret Byrne, said: “The interest in this game and the subsequent demand for tickets has been absolutely phenomenal, so much so, we could have filled Wembley many times over.
“When demand far exceeds supply it is inevitable that some people will be disappointed. We would love to be able to take all of our supporters to Wembley with us but sadly it is simply not possible with the ticket allocation we have been given.
“We carefully considered every option available to us and believe that we have allocated tickets in the fairest way possible.
“It goes without saying that every single supporter is important to us, however, recognising and thanking our season card holders, seasonal hospitality members and key partners, who have been the backbone of our support through good and bad times, was our priority."
The club can also confirm that it will not be receiving any additional tickets on top of the allocation that it has already been given.
The final will be screened throughout the stadium’s suites and bars, giving fans who couldn’t make the trip to Wembley the chance to enjoy the game with their fellow supporters.
The match will be shown in Quinn’s Sports Bar, the Montgomery Suite and in Executive Boxes and packages are available including food options and drinks promotions.
Further details are available at www.safc.com/daretodream.
Places are selling fast and supporters are advised to reserve their place as soon as possible by calling 0871 911 1555 or e-mail hospitality@safc.com.
Sunderland AFC has confirmed that the Barclays Premier League game against Liverpool has been postponed due to involvement in the quarter final of the FA Cup with Budweiser.
The Black Cats defeated Southampton in the fifth round of the competition to set up a clash with Brighton and Hove Albion and Hull City.
Gus Poyet’s men were originally scheduled to face the Reds at 8pm on Monday 10 March.
A new date for the game will be announced in due course.
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Sunderland trip to Liverpool postponed
Sunderland AFC has confirmed that the Barclays Premier League game against Liverpool FC has been postponed because of the Black Cats’ involvement in the quarter final of the FA Cup.
Gus Poyet’s side was originally due to face Liverpool at 8.00pm on Monday 10 March.
A new date for the game at Anfield will be announced in due course.
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Youngsters lose at Liverpool
Late goal dents youngsters' play-off hopes.
Sunderland’s under-18 side went down 1-0 to their Liverpool counterparts in the Barclays U18 Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
16-year-old Adam Phillips bagged a 90th minute winner for the Reds in a tight affair played in difficult conditions on Merseyside.
The young Black Cats dominated throughout and had their best opportunity on 18 minutes when Ethan Robson seized upon a loose ball and sped through on goal, but shot wide as he entered the area.
At the other end, Seyi Ojo tucked inside for Ryan Kent, who shifted onto his left and lashed a shot across the face of goal, but Maksymilian Stryjek was able to collect.
Phillips then provided an opportunity for Harry Wilson, though young Sunderland defender Josh Robson was across to block.
Liverpool keeper Ryan Fulton then denied both Lynden Gooch and Andrew Nelson in quick succession as the young Black Cats’ strike partnership looked to break the deadlock.
As the game entered the final minute the Reds Ojo floated out wide to O'Hanlon, who clipped into the middle for Phillips and he was brave enough to lunge low and turn the ball home.
Sunderland thought they had levelled in injury time, but the goal was controversially ruled out.
The young Black Cats lost ground on Manchester City and Everton in the race for a play-off place, though coach Carlton Fairweather was pleased with the youngsters’ performance.
"I thought the lads were fantastic today,” Fairweather said. “The Liverpool side must have cost them somewhere in the region of £1million and I think we were the better side.
“We got the ball down well, created opportunities, but paid the price for our poor finishing.
“If you look at the Liverpool players’ reaction to our disallowed goal you will see why I think we were robbed."
Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, T Robson, Ledger, Beadling, Greenwood, Smith (Wright, 75), E Robson, Pybus, Nelson, Gooch.
Subs not used: McCarthy, McEvoy
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C U21 0 Sunderland AFC U21 2
Unbeaten run continues in fine display in Midlands.
Sunderland’s development squad continued their fine run of form with a 2-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday afternoon.
Liam Agnew and Jordan Laidler bagged the goals for the young Black Cats after Joel Dixon had earlier kept out a first-half penalty against a Wolves side containing nine first-team players, including George Elokobi and January signing Kortney Hause.
However, the efficiency, quality in possession and willingness to get on the ball from Kevin Ball’s side was evident from the off and the physical hosts found it hard to match the visitors for quality.
Agnew was adjudged to have committed a foul in the penalty area in the early stages of the game but Dixon was on hand to dive to his left and excellently tip the spot-kick wide on his 13th Barclays under-21 Premier League appearance of the campaign.
Sunderland took the lead just after the half hour as high-pressing from the young Black Cats saw George Honeyman win possession before playing in Agnew who slid the ball beyond Aaron McCarey in the Wolves goal.
Ball’s side failed to create multiple opportunities, though the ball retention and work-rate ensured they were fully in control of their one-goal advantage.
Laidler made sure Sunderland extended their unbeaten run to five games with a penalty just before the hour mark as the young Black Cats close the gap on leaders Fulham to just three points.
Ball’s side, who have scored in all 14 Barclays under-21 Premier League games this season, head to Manchester United – one of only three sides to concede fewer goals than Sunderland this campaign – next Monday.
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Ball hails 'excellent' win
Coach delighted with victory over experienced Wolves outfit.
Sunderland’s development squad coach, Kevin Ball, hailed his side’s performance at Wolves as 'excellent' as the young Black Cats extended their unbeaten run in the Barclays under-21 Premier League to five games with a 2-0 win in the Midlands.
Ball watched on as Liam Agnew and Jordan Laidler struck either side of half-time to move Sunderland within three points of league leaders Fulham.
And Ball was full of praise for the overall performance of the young Black Cats as they kept up a fine record of scoring in each of their 14 league games this season.
“I thought both individually and collectively we were excellent,” Ball said. “It was a really good game and, to be fair to Wolves, they had a right go at us but we were superb in both defence and attack.
“We didn’t create many opportunities in the game but we were in good in terms of our possession play; we moved the ball well and we had to be because they are a very physical outfit.
“Our effort, not necessarily in terms of running, but in terms of a willingness to get on the ball and make angles for one another to receive the ball was very good and, as I say, I thought we were excellent.”
Wolves named a side including nine first-team players with Football League appearances to their name and Ball was equally impressed with how his side coped against an experienced outfit.
“When we saw the Wolves team we knew it was going to be a proper game for us,” he added. “They had a go and we were looking at our lads to see how they could do against them.
“And, to be fair, we were excellent in how we knocked it about – all over the pitch we did lots of good things.
“We could have gone long ball and, sometimes we do, but I was pleased with how we won the game in the sense we passed our way to the win because that’s how we want to play football here.”
The win sees Ball’s side keep alive their top four playoff hopes and, though Sunderland’s former skipper is keen to emphasise the importance of development and performances, he is pleased to see the competitive edge in recent games.
“I think first and foremost it’s about the development for the lads; we look at performances and only to the next game and how we can improve,” Ball continued.
“However, the impetus the league gives us is good and healthy for the lads because they’re learning how to win in what we believe is the right manner.”
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Development squad head to Wolves
Young Black Cats looking to keep play-off hopes alive.
Sunderland’s development squad will look to keep their Barclays under-21 Premier League play-off hopes alive when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday afternoon (KO 12pm).
The young Black Cats head to Wolves’ Sir Jack Hayward training complex for a noon kick-off as Kevin Ball’s side hope to extend their unbeaten run to five games.
A win in the Midlands would see Sunderland temporarily close the gap on leaders Fulham to three points with the Cottagers hosting Leicester on Monday evening.
The young Black Cats, who haven’t failed to score in a league game this season, are also one of the meanest defences in the 22-team division with only Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton conceding fewer than Sunderland’s 19 goals so far this campaign.
A full report and reaction will follow the conclusion of the game on safc.com.
ARSENAL vs SUNDERLAND: All the latest team news and stats as Gunners aim to kick-start title challenge
Emirates Stadium (Saturday, 3pm)
ARSENAL team news:
To follow...
Sunderland team news:
To follow...
Big match stats:
ARSENAL have lost just one of their last 20 Premier League games against Sunderland (W12 D7 L1).
Sunderland have not won away at ARSENAL in the league since November 1983, losing 10 of the 14 visits since.
Despite Sunderland not scoring in four of the last five visits to the Emirates Stadium, the Black Cats have taken points three times in those encounters with 0-0 draws.
Mesut Ozil made his debut in the reverse fixture earlier this season and set up Olivier Giroud’s opening goal.
Sunderland have gone six on the road without defeat in the Premier League (W3 D3 L0) - this after winning just one point in their eight PL away games (D1 L7) prior to this run.
Adam Johnson has scored or assisted eight goals in six PL apps so far in 2014, one more than he was involved in over 2013 as a whole (seven in 35 apps).
The Gunners have lost just one of their last 17 Premier League games in the month of February (W13 D3 L1).
ARSENAL have not conceded a Premier League goal at the Emirates Stadium for seven hours and 36 minutes.
All five of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s Premier League goals and all five of his Premier League assists have come at the Emirates Stadium.
Sunderland have conceded the highest number of goals following crosses in the Premier League this season (12).
*Stats supplied by Opta
Name:
Anonymous2014-02-20 17:56
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Sunderland's not so fabulous five... Poyet demands more from misfiring strikers who have netted just seven times in 73 games
With just seven Barclays Premier League goals between them in a total of 73 appearances, Gus Poyet certainly needs more from his strikers.
And as he continues the battle for top flight survival at Arsenal on Saturday, and prepares for the Capital One Cup Final showdown with Manchester City, the Sunderland manager could not have thrown down a bigger gauntlet for his misfiring forwards.
On-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini leads the way with three, including two scored against Newcastle United, along with Steven Fletcher, who is set to return from an achilles injury at Arsenal. The only other goal has come from American striker Jozy Altidore who has only managed one in 23 games all season.
Now Dong-Won Ji has gone, Poyet has signed Argentine striker Nacho Scocco, and recalled England Under-21 international Connor Wickham from Sheffield Wednesday. And he has begged one of the five to score the goals which will guarantee survival, and perhaps bring some long-awaited silverware.
Poyet said: ‘What an opportunity for the strikers to become that No. 9 from now until the end of the season and get us six or seven goals. I would love it.
‘If I was a player and I saw that opportunity there, I would be desperate to take it. You know how it is, the one who scores the goals is the hero normally. You become the hero, the salvation against relegation. Now we’re going to have everybody fit, Fletch, Scocco, Connor, Jozy, Fabio - it’s up to them. We haven’ t scored enough.’
Here’s Gus Poyet’s thoughts on his strikers:
Fabio Borini
‘There are things I learned from last week. We need to do better at home and one of the biggest things is that we’ve got a great chance in the future to play two strikers. It hasn’t been working with one for some reason.
‘We tried it with Fabio coming in the other day. We tried with two up front for a reason. It could be two strikers all the time. I’m thinking because we need to score more goals, we haven’t scored enough and it’s not all about shape and defending, it’s about defending and maybe two is needed. It’s a good question.'
Steven Fletcher
‘There’s no doubt about not seeing the best from him because he was not training properly. Credit to him that he was able to go on the bench and play.
‘There was a warm up last month when everybody asked me where he was during the game and he was warming up in the dressing room on the bike, to come out and play 20 minutes because it was better for him not to run outside.
‘I think that Fletch is going to be one one of the players who will benefit most from playing up front because of his game. His game is link play, getting in the box, link, not only playing just in there. Different styles, then you get the manager coming in and playing only one and then you’ve got a problem. It’s not his problem, it’s me, but it’s important for him as well.'
Connor Wickham
‘He has not had a chance yet. It’s not up to him. It’s up to me, that decision, it’s not up to him. It’s my decision because of the way we’ve played. He’s the only one who can say something to me.’
Jozy Altidore
‘Maybe he is playing a different way for the national team. I went to see him against Scotland and I didn’t see any difference. It was 0-0.
‘Look, I had a good record with Chelsea and a rubbish record with Uruguay. I was the same player, same boots, same everything, but it didn’t work for me. Maybe this is the opposite case. I understand why.
‘We are all different. I always put the same player, which I think is key. Steven Pienaar. I absolutely love him from Everton. He went to Spurs and it didn’t work. He went back and he was unbelievable. Can he only play for Everton? No, come on, but it didn’t work for him. Why? Who knows. You don’t know. It’s the way you play, the way he understands the players around him.'
Nacho Scocco
‘Scocco is a different one because he’s got that quality to get between the lines. We need to take it slowly with him because he’s not played much.
‘He’s coming from a pre-season in Brazil so he needs games. So if I get the chance, I’m going to give him time.
‘We need to give him football, football, football, but we will manage him in a different way. Obviously I want him involved as soon as possible, but his fitness is a factor and his impact will be progressive.’
And on all his strikers delivering now
‘Look, it would be to easy to say one or the other, yes or no, but I would like to talk about that at the end of the season, where we are, because then I can tell you. It is 38 games and there are no excuses, they all will have played their part, had an opportunity, they all had their chances.
'How many goals? The rest of the players you look in a different way, but the strikers, how many? How many goals per game. It’s there. That’s why I said I would love to be in that position. Somehow, I don’t know how, getting a rebound, a scrappy goal or the best goal of my life, but make sure that I’m there.
‘Strikers are not always judged on goals, not all the time, but for me and the way we want to go in the future, if I’ve got two or three and I play them through the middle they have to get double figures. Somehow they have to get it.
‘If you play 30 games in a season up front, you need to score double figures to be a Premier League player week in, week out, in a team that you want to be alright.
‘To play at this level in a team that is performing in that way, I’m not going to blame anyone that we couldn’t score a three goal for three months when we were rubbish. Strikers as well they need their turn to play for you to score.
‘I’m not asking them to do everything. I’m just trying to make sure we do the right things and we didn’t do it. If you go August, September, October, we didn’t so it’s not just up to them. Last month and a half, we did.
‘I saved them from responsibility for the first three months and a half, then I don’t in the last month and a half. it’s clear. We’ll see. I’m still waiting. I’m seeing better things every day, because I’ve got the chance to see them every day, but they need to take it into the game.'
Mark Lawrenson's Premier League predictions with talentless slag Katy B
Arsenal v Sunderland
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been complaining that Bayern Munich forward Arjen Robben made the most of the incident that saw Wojciech Szczesny sent off in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat in the Champions League on Wednesday.
But, if I were Wenger, I would be moaning more about the fact it was my keeper who made a decision to go for the ball and got it wrong.
That red card did make a big difference to the game, though. Playing with 10 men against Bayern is just impossible and the Germans showed their class. We also saw Arsenal are a good side, no doubt about it, but they are not quite as good as the giants of Europe yet.
The Gunners put in a big effort chasing the tie with 10 men but Wenger can make changes to ensure that does not affect them on Saturday.
Sunderland beat a below-strength Southampton in the FA Cup in their last match and the improvement they have made on the pitch, and in terms of the spirit in the dressing room since Gus Poyet took over, is clear.
But I don't think it is good enough for them to go to the Emirates Stadium and get anything.
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Katy B's prediction: I met (Arsenal legend) Thierry Henry on the Graham Norton Show recently, which was amazing. He was my cousin's idol when he was growing up so I managed to get an autograph for him - because of that, I am like the best cousin in the world right now.
In fact, pretty much my whole family love Arsenal so I have to back them to win. 2-0
Name:
Anonymous2014-02-21 9:23
Sunderland beat a below-strength Southampton in the FA Cup
what an asshole sunderland's team was it's reserves with 10 players missing from it first team, southampton only had 6 players changed how is that below-strength mr. Lawrenson, that mighty sunderland kicked there assholes last week!
Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley turn down Sunderland offers
Sunderland are facing a battle to hold on to Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley after both players turned down fresh contract offers from the Black Cats.
The Journal can reveal fresh talks are due to be held after the Capital One Cup final with the pair, who are among four senior stars whose futures are looking increasingly uncertain on Wearside.
There is interest in both players with Colback being tracked by Everton and Bardsley, for whom the club turned down two bids from Fulham during the January transfer window, being eyed by a number of Premier League suitors.
Sunderland are keen to hold on to both players and had wanted to tie them down to longer contracts after the January transfer window, but so far they have been unable to agree terms with either man.
Colback has become a firm favourite of boss Gus Poyet while Bardsley, who was told he could leave Sunderland in the summer, has been recalled to the Scotland squad for his excellent performances recently.
The Journal understands that as of last week no discussions had taken place with Seb Larsson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and both parties appear to have accepted Craig Gardner will depart in the summer.
West Brom are interested in the midfielder but he is also on the hit-list of the trio of Midlands clubs currently battling for promotion from the Championship – with Derby, Nottingham Forest and Leicester all looking at him.
The Black Cats are currently trying to plan for next season while being unaware of what division they will be playing in and whether they will have the demands of a European campaign, which will be the by-product of winning the Capital One Cup if they manage to overcome Manchester City.
Poyet is understood to have told the club’s power brokers he wants to keep both Bardsley and Colback, who have made a big impact during Sunderland’s march to Wembley and improved league form.
Both want to stay on Wearside but, with other interest in them, the club are facing competition for their signatures.
The Journal understands Sunderland turned down a bid from Fulham in January for Bardsley.
As Sunderland look to tie those two players down, Poyet has backed his number one Vito Mannone as he prepares to return to Arsenal this weekend.
The former Gunners goalkeeper is back in North London this weekend with Sunderland, where he has established himself as a key man in Poyet’s plans.
Poyet said: “He has shown he is good enough to be a number goalkeeper in the Premier League and that is so important to us.
“I have always said the goalkeeper and the strikers - and I don’t know which way around - are very important roles in a team.
“Very, very important roles. Those roles, if you don’t have players who are the best then you become a very weak team. Vito has been exceptional.”
Poyet does not want the Italian to do anything different as he returns to North London having established himself as a Premier League goalkeeper after a spell at the Emirates where appearances were few and far between.
He added: “It’s difficult to say if I’m surprised or not by how well he’s done, but it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, before the Man City game, whether to play Vito or Westy.
“Sometimes you make decisions and they don’t go for you and you have made a massive mistake and you need to rectify it and go back.
“Sometimes the player proves you right and he becomes a success. That’s up to the player.
“Vito is not playing well because I put him in against Man City.
“He’s playing well because he’s doing well and he’s in a great moment. This game, for him, it should be a great day.
“He needs to take it as being a very enjoyable day rather than having something to prove, because then it would change his whole approach and feelings during the game. I hope so.
“I’m trying to give it the same importance as any other game and no more than normal.”
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 10 - beating Newcastle on penalties in 1979.
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes a week on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the 10 days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE kicks us off with a memorable Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle United in 1979.
Six months after Sunderland famously beat Newcastle 4-1 at St James’s Park in a league encounter, the great North-East rivals were pitted against each other in the League Cup.
Back then, League Cup ties in the early stages of the competition were played over two legs, and Sunderland hosted the first leg at Roker Park.
After the first leg finished 2-2, Alan Brown was Sunderland’s hero at St James’s Park as he struck twice, with the second of those coming in second-half stoppage time to force extra-time.
After the sides continued to be deadlocked after the extra 30 minutes, the lottery of penalties were called for.
Both teams scored their first six penalties, and after Brown slammed his spot-kick home, the spotlight fell on Newcastle’s Jim Pearson.
Sunderland goalkeeper Barry Siddall kept the penalty out to seal a dramatic derby win, before the Black Cats beat Manchester City via the same method (in a replay) in the next round.
After yet another draw, this time against West Ham, Sunderland’s League Cup run ended when they lost 2-1 at Upton Park.
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 9 - beating Oldham 7-1
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes a week on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 9 on the list: a thumping win over Oldham Athletic, way back in 1962.
The signs weren’t good for Sunderland early on, with Oldham taking an 18th-minute lead in the game at Roker Park.
However, from then the Black Cats simply swatted their opponents aside as they made light work of Oldham.
First, Scottish outside left George Mulhall equalised on 36 minutes, before Amby Fogarty put the home side ahead just before half-time.
The rout truly took place after the break, with Joe Kiernan netting twice and Fogarty netting his second.
A certain Brian Clough – best remembered now for his exploits as a manager with Derby and Nottingham Forest – scored the other two as Sunderland easily progressed thanks to a 7-1 win.
The Black Cats went all the way to the semi-finals, only to lose out 3-1 to Aston Villa over two legs.
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 8 - Bristol City hit for six
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes a week tomorrow, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the 10 days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 8 on the list: a classic comeback against Bristol City in 1990.
After Sunderland lost the first leg of this second round tie 1-0 at Roker Park, their prospects didn’t look good.
However, they went on to blitz their opponents in the return game.
German striker Thomas Hauser got the ball rolling after just 28 seconds, although the home side equalised on five minutes through Nicky Morgan.
Sunderland goalkeeper Tony Norman was forced to make a string of fine saves to keep the Black Cats in the tie before half-time, before the Wearsiders really got into their stride.
Kevin Ball scored his first goal for the club just before half-time, before strikes from Gary Owers, Tony Cullen and a Marco Gabbiadini brace secured a thumping win.
Sunderland were dumped out of the competition 6-0 in the next round by Derby, but the win at Bristol City still lives long in the memory.
GUS Poyet says he cannot guarantee Wes Brown a place in Sunderland’s Capital One Cup Final side, with replacement Santiago Vergini showing such fine form since deputising.
And the head coach says the same applies all the way through his squad in the wake of what he described as: “the best week in training so far”.
When Brown was sent off against Hull City earlier this month, the idea that he would not be playing at Wembley if he was available was unthinkable.
But Poyet says Vergini could give him food for thought and it could yet be a close run thing.
He told the Gazette: “A few weeks ago it was Wes Brown and John O’Shea – they were our first-choice and we were happy with that because we had a good partnership.
“That was so important to us.
“It was natural for us – we play Wes Brown and John O’Shea.
“But then Santiago came in and played very well against Southampton and we win the game 1-0.
“So I cannot imagine the problem I’m going to have next week if we go to Arsenal and we win and we keep a clean sheet and he’s man of the match.
“For me it will be a good problem, for them a different sort of problem.
“Players get moments and opportunities and then if they take them – it’s not up to me anymore, they’ve forced me into a decision.
“Vito Mannone forced his way into the side like that and that opportunity is always open to others.”
Although it would still be a major surprise if Brown did not start at Wembley, Poyet’s comments are an indication of how much others are putting themselves forward.
He revealed: “Since I got to Sunderland, this has been the best week in training so far.
“I think it is because so many of the players who got into the side against Southampton at the weekend did so well.
“Now they know they have improved their chances of getting into the first team and have been lifted by that.
“Meanwhile, the players who were in the first team suddenly know they have to be at their very best if they are to stay in the first team.”
As for Brown, he has had a longer lay-off than expected – a testing time on the sidelines for the classy defender.
“He has had a strange time of it,” admitted Poyet.
“First, when he was sent off, we were at least happy that he would only miss a week – with the Manchester City game midweek and Southampton the following weekend.
“But then the Man City game was called off, so instead of being one week, it will be three weeks – so there was a big change there.
“Actually, we had a laugh with him because we told him the Southampton game was likely to be called off as well – which would mean he would miss the final!
“It was cruel, I know, but it was funny.
“Actually, what was cruel was that we meant to tell him soon afterwards but we forgot so he ended up waiting a lot longer! We didn’t mean for that to happen.”
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Sunderland boss Gus Poyet may not risk Catts against Gunners
LEE Cattermole can expect to be the first name on Gus Poyet’s team-sheet in next week’s Capital One Cup final – which is why he’s likely to be left out of Sunderland’s first-team against Arsenal tomorrow!
Gus Poyet says it will be a difficult call either way going into the Gunners game over whether Cattermole or Liam Bridcutt is handed the important defensive midfield role at the Emirates.
But he confesses that he is likely to err on the side of caution, with the Teessider so important to his Wembley plans.
“I have a decision to make over Lee and Liam, and it’s a very difficult one,” he told the Gazette.
“Obviously Liam is cup-tied from his time at Brighton and cannot play in the cup final, and on top of that Lee was outstanding in the FA Cup tie against Southampton the other week.
“Normally, that would mean Lee stays in the team – he certainly deserves to after the way he has trained this week – but I have to think about the cup final, so that makes it difficult.
“If he was to get injured against Arsenal, or even sent off, that would leave us without someone who can play that role in the cup final because Bridcutt is not an option.”
Poyet says he will think things through carefully before tomorrow’s game, but the likelihood is that Cattermole will not be risked, allowing Bridcutt to continue his Premier League education.
The £2.5m January signing can expect to be one of a number of changes from the Sunderland side which ejected Southampton from the FA Cup, and earned the Black Cats a place in the last eight of the competition last week.
Poyet made nine changes from the league side for the cup tie, and most of those players can expect to return, including the likes of Ki Sung-Yueng and former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who is making his first return to the Emirates since his £2m sale to Sunderland last summer.
The Black Cats head coach said: “I don’t think Vito has anything to prove at Arsenal.
“I hope, first of all, that he gets a good reception there because it will be a special day for him.
“Secondly, I hope he’s relaxed because we need him to be focused.
“He did very well for Arsenal, and he’s been outstanding for us, and we will need him to play well.
“Obviously there will be changes made to the side going into the Arsenal game, but I have to say that every one of my players involved against Southampton last weekend did a great job, and has given me plenty of food for thought.
“Vito will come back into the side, but last week his replacement Oscar Ustari didn’t put a foot wrong in goal for us, and a lot of the players who came in to the side showed that they have claims for a first-team place.”
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Vito Mannone can return to Arsenal with pride, says Sunderland boss Gus Poyet
VITO Mannone was able return to Arsenal today with his head held high in the wake of his £2m summer departure from the Emirates.
The Italian stopper was a Gunner from his teenage years, being part of the Londoners’ squad from 2005-13 – although he made only 25 starts during that time.
Today though, he went back to the North London club with the best goals conceded record of any keeper, who has played more than 10 games in the Premier League this season.
And although some of his performances have earned him rave reviews, the man who gave him his chance at Sunderland says he never doubted the 25-year-old would prove his pedigree.
“No, I’m not surprised how well Vito has done, because I knew him from watching him at Arsenal” said Gus Poyet, who handed the Italian his first league start in November against Hull City.
“ I also knew how much he wanted to come to Sunderland, so that he could play,” Poyet continued.
“He came here and he waited, waited, waited and finally got his chance in a game which is about as bad as you can get – when we were down to nine men against Hull. But he took that chance to shine.
“And the absolute bottom line here – which players sometimes find it difficult to understand – is that it wasn’t because Keiren Westwood did anything wrong, but that Vito did everything right.”
“It’s sometimes hard to explain to a player that if they are not in the side, it’s not because they have done anything wrong but that someone else has done particularly well.”
Mannone came on after the injured Westwood was forced to withdraw at the KC Stadium following a no-holds barred challenge from former Black Cat Paul McShane.
But the big call for Poyet came in the following game when either keeper might have played.
“My decision on Vito Mannone was made in the following game against Manchester City,” the head coach admitted.
“I had to decide whether to leave him out or play Keiren – who could have played that game – but Vito had played so well against Hull that I didn’t feel I had a choice in the matter.
That’s the way I manage – if you show me you should stay in the team, then OK, you stay in the team.
“He left me with no decision to make, he played well enough to keep his place, and he has done ever since.
“That’s why I hoped he would get a good reception at Arsenal – he has done well enough this season to deserve respect for what he has achieved for himself and us.”
GUS POYET says Phil Bardsley’s international recall caps a dramatic turnaround for the Sunderland defender after such a “dark” start to the season.
Bardsley was brought back into the Scotland fold this week after national team boss Gordon Strachan named the 28-year-old in the squad to face Poland in a friendly on Wednesday, March 5 - three days after the Capital One Cup final.
The full-back, who won the last of his Scotland caps in May 2012, was out of form when Strachan took charge just over a year ago and then found himself frozen out of the Sunderland first-team picture under ex-Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio.
But Bardsley has been one of Sunderland’s most consistent performers under Poyet and the Uruguayan believes the former Manchester United’s man’s recall is just rewards for his efforts.
“What a season for Phil,” said Poyet.
“It started very dark for him and now he finds himself back in the national team.
“I hope he can take the opportunity and go there happy, because that will mean we’ve won the final!
“But without a doubt, Phil has been very special because of everything that happened before we came here.
“We gave him a second chance and he took it.
“Now he’s at the international level which he deserves.”
While Poyet is full of praise for Bardsley, he doesn’t want to single out Sunderland’s longest-serving first-team player as the only one who has impressed during his tenure.
The former Brighton boss believes there are several players in his ranks who have improved dramatically over the last five months and could earn themselves internaitonal call-ups if they maintain their current form.
“I could name five or six like Phil,” added Poyet.
“There are plenty of people that were not expecting to be so good and that’s been great.
“Sometimes it’s not easy to convince the players that if the team does well, you will be rewarded with a call-up.
“But they are getting recalled because they are performing and everyone benefits from that.”
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Andre Marriner helps again to let Arsenal win.
Olivier Giroud marked his return to action with two goals as Arsenal romped to victory over Sunderland.
He stroked home an early opener after a deflected Jack Wilshere shot fell to him, and capitalised on a poor Santiago Vergini back-pass for his second.
Tomas Rosicky clipped home a third after a neat Arsenal passing move with Laurent Koscielny heading the fourth.
Emanuele Giaccherini produced a stunning late volley to end Arsenal's run of five Emirates clean sheets.
Giroud had sat out the Gunners' previous two games, with manager Arsene Wenger insisting the French striker needed a rest.
But he looked thoroughly refreshed as he tormented a Sunderland team with one eye on their Capital One Cup final appearance next week.
Even without the injured Mesut Ozil, who shone on his debut in Arsenal's win at the Stadium of Light in September, Arsenal were rarely troubled by Gus Poyet's team.
The Black Cats had barely touched the ball when Arsenal grabbed a fifth-minute lead as Giroud ended a run of four games without a goal.
Lukas Podolski and Rosicky were involved in the build-up, allowing Wilshere to drive into the box, where his shot hit Phil Bardsley. When the ball rolled to Giroud, the Frenchman reacted quickly to drill a low shot past Vito Mannone.
Mannone, back at the Emirates for the first time since his summer move north, was left helpless when Vergini gifted the Gunners a second.
Making his first Premier League start, the Argentine central defender failed to notice Giroud lingering in the box when he attempted to pass back to his keeper and the Gunners striker clinically slid the ball past the exasperated keeper.
There was further pain for Mannone just before half-time as Rosicky sealed a wonderful Arsenal passing move with a close-range finish.
The midfielder took return passes from Wilshere and Santi Cazorla before finding Giroud running on to his cute pass into the box to clip the ball over the keeper.
Vergini's nightmare day nearly got worse when he sliced a Bacary Sagna cross just past his own post.
But from the resulting corner Koscielny got away from Bardsley and planted home a free header from eight yards out.
With a victory that keeps them one point behind leaders Chelsea assured, Arsenal eased off and Sunderland came into the game.
Ki Sung-Yeung forced a superb save from Wojciech Szczesny, but the Pole could do little to keep out Giaccherini's strike.
Having punched away a corner, the keeper must have thought he had cleared the danger but Giaccherini fired a low volley just inside the post.
It did no more than spoil Arsenal's run of clean sheets though, as the hosts bounced back from their midweek Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich in perfect fashion.
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (1) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)
Arsenal
01 Szczesny
03 Sagna
17 Monreal (Jenkinson - 45' )
10 Wilshere
04 Mertesacker
06 Koscielny (Flamini - 67' )
19 Cazorla
08 Arteta
12 Giroud
07 Rosicky (Gnabry - 73' )
09 Podolski
Substitutes
15 Oxlade-Chamberlain
20 Flamini
21 Fabianski
22 Sanogo
23 Bendtner
25 Jenkinson
44 Gnabry
Sunderland
25 Mannone
02 Bardsley
28 Alonso
26 Bridcutt
27 Vergini
16 O'Shea
11 Johnson (Larsson - 45' )
04 Ki (Scocco - 73' )
17 Altidore (Giaccherini - 45' Booked )
14 Colback
31 Borini
Substitutes
07 Larsson
08 Gardner
12 Celustka
23 Giaccherini
24 Cuéllar
30 Scocco
32 Ustari
Ref: Andre Marriner
Att: 60,012
Poyet leaves De Fanti replacement in Sunderland's hands as crunch month approaches
GUS POYET will leave the search for a new director of football to Sunderland’s board while he focuses on the quest to save the Black Cats from relegation.
Sunderland travel to Arsenal today, with the Capital One Cup final a week away and an FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton or Hull City seven days after that - before a string of crunch Premier League encounters follows.
And while replacing Roberto De Fanti, who was deposed during last month’s transfer window, is high on the Black Cats’ agenda, Poyet would rather the discussions took place elsewhere while he concentrates on keeping his side in the Premier League.
“We kind of started because we want to leave all this craziness behind,” said Poyet, who played a pivotal role in the signings of Oscar Ustari, Santiago Vergini and Liam Bridcutt last month as opposed to De Fanti, who found himself marginalised in the Sunderland boardroom.
“Now I leave it a little bit with the club because of all the games that are coming. I think that probably next month will be very important for that. It’s not decided what it’s going to be or how it’s going to be.
“You can do it different ways. You can call it different ways but the situation is how you’re going to set up the whole system.
“We have been interchanging opinions and I think it’s something the club needs to define more than me. I would like one way but I would like to leave something behind the day I leave, whenever that is - whether it’s three months, a year or four years or ten. That is for the club, it’s not just for me.
“Nowadays when you move apparently you need to take the whole system with you. I don’t agree. It’s important the club has its instructions already.”
Sunderland’s success in the cups this season has been a happy - if unexpected - distraction from their league exploits under Poyet. The Uruguayan is planning for next season, but admits that the dream situation of beating Manchester City next weekend would cloud his plans somewhat.
“Playing in Europe would make it more complicated,” admitted Poyet. “It’s incredible. It’s the perfect question - it would make it impossible. We need to plan in the next three months, we need to start looking for next year but it depends where we are and before it looked like there were two situations: whether we’re in the Premier League or the Championship. Now if we qualify for Europe there is one in the middle, a third way.
“And you can be in the Championship playing in Europe or the Premier League playing in Europe and it’s totally different because you’ve got the quantity of games and you’ve got the Cups and you’ve got the responsibilities. The standards (in Europe) are incredible.
“So we are waiting - I don’t know what will happen.”
The planning process for 2014-15 is under way for many clubs - Manchester United have already organised their pre-season tour - and Poyet would like to have a plan in place in the next 30 days - and uncertainty over the club’s league status does not help that.
“I wouldn’t say we are in limbo but it’s very difficult,” Poyet said. “Me, I would like to have everything decided by the end of March - pre-season dates, when we start, where we’re going and the first few friendlies.
“I may have a plan for each of the two scenarios - I don’t want to have to think about a third, which would be more complicated but it would be great in another way because it would mean we’ve won the cup.”
Poyet admitted that he does not know if he will still be in the job if Sunderland were to be relegated at the end of the season.
“I’ve got a contract. I’ve got an idea,” said Poyet.
“I’ve not had any assurances because we haven’t even talked about it, I promise you that. We didn’t even talk about it. I walked in in October and all I was thinking about was staying in the Premier League.
“Now we’re talking about the final and getting through the next round of the FA Cup and being at Wembley again.
“I’m trying to deal with all of that and it’s new, remember. It’s not like I’ve been four years in football management fighting relegation from the Premier League and playing in finals and the cups.
“You don’t know what is going to happen. In three months, if I’ve lost every game I might not be here. That’s football.”
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Black Cats shot down by Andre Marriner's Gunners
SUNDERLAND warmed up for the Capital One Cup final with a performance to forget after going down 4-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Olivier Giroud (2), Tomas Rosicky and Laurent Koscielny scored on a routine afternoon for Arsene Wenger’s side, who consolidated their position behind Chelsea at the top of the table.
Emanuele Giaccherini scored a late consolation for the Black Cats, but Gus Poyet’s men remain in the bottom three going into next Sunday’s final at Wembley.
Poyet made eight changes from the side that knocked Southampton out of the FA Cup, but there was no place in the squad for Lee Cattermole.
With Liam Bridcutt cup-tied for next weekend’s Capital One Cup final at Wembley, it is thought the Black Cats boss wasn’t keen to risk Cattermole picking up an injury or suspension.
In just over a week the Wearsiders will walk out at the home of English football, but it appeared as if Poyet’s men were already there when Olivier Giroud put the Gunners ahead after five minutes.
The Frenchman finished off a lovely move through the middle after some intricate one touch passing from Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky.
Sunderland’s first real break came 16 minutes in when Alonso broke down the left, but his first-time cross wasn’t enough to wrong-foot Wojciech Szczesny.
In the opening stages, Arsenal enjoyed over 90% per cent of possession and that statistic was mirrored by the number of chances coming their way.
Vito Mannone made a finger-tip save to deny Lukas Podolski, but just after the half-hour mark Wenger’s men mad it two.
Their opener had come thanks to Arsenal’s breath-taking play, but this time the Black Cats were the architects of their own downfall when trying to play out from the back.
Mannone passed out to Vergini and after coming under pressure on the far side the defender attempted to pass back to his keeper only for Giroud to pounce on the ball and finish.
Three minutes before half time Arsenal made it three-nil and again it was all too easy down the middle.
Santi Cazorla combined with Giroud on the edge of the area to set Rosicky up to dink it over Mannone.
Poyet spent the entire first half with his arms folded in the technical area and it was no surprise to see a double change for the visitors at half time. Seb Larsson and Emanuele Giaccherini replaced Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson The Black Cats came out in the second half showing a little more intent, but Vergini almost scored an own goal when trying to clear a Gunners attack.
Laurent Koscielny scored a fourth in the 57th minute when he lost Phil Bardsley to head in from Cazorla’s corner with the Gunners still enjoying a routine afternoon in North London.
The Black Cats did pull back a consolation when Giaccherini scored from long-range, but the damage had already been done.
Manchester United look to pounce for Sunderland’s Jack Colback this summer.
The 24-year-old has been one of Sunderland’s best players this season despite their struggles against relegation, and is seen by David Moyes and Roberto Martinez as a possible bargain signing, as he would be available on a free transfer after his current deal expires in June.
Colback can play in midfield or at left-back, and his versatility would be useful for both sides, with Everton looking for cover in midfield in case they can’t keep loan signing Gareth Barry on a permanent deal.
United, meanwhile, could use him in a variety of roles, with Moyes known to be on the lookout for signings at both left-back and central midfield.
“My understanding is that we’re keeping an eye on Colback’s situation at Sunderland,” an Everton source told [football] direct news. “Man United are interested as well, and a few other clubs could be as well if he doesn’t sign a new contract.”
Gus Poyet fears Sunderland will be 'embarrassed' in the cup final
Gus Poyet has warned Sunderland will be "embarrassed" in the Capital One Cup final if they produce a repeat of the performance that saw them lose 4-1 at Arsenal.
The Black Cats face Manchester City in the final at Wembley on March 2.
Poyet was left frustrated by his team's inability to cope with a rampant Arsenal.
He said: "If we play like this against Manchester City we could be embarrassed."
Sunderland had barely touched the ball when Olivier Giroud scored in the fifth minute, then the Frenchman added a second by latching on to a poor Santiago Vergini back-pass and beating Vito Mannone.
Tomas Rosicky rounded off an excellent team move by scoring the third, with Laurent Koscielny heading in his side's final goal. Emanuele Giaccherini's superb volley for Sunderland was little more than a consolation.
It was his side's failure to close down Arsenal's players that worried Poyet, and he suggested some of his men may now miss out on a chance to play in the final.
"Now no-one has put themselves on the teamsheet for next week," he warned. "They all had a great chance to show me, but everything I had in mind went in 90 minutes. Now I have to start from zero.
"Arsenal proved again that they can beat anyone, but sometimes players pick the team for you. Now I have a few options for Wembley.
"There are plenty of similarities between the way Arsenal and Manchester City play for me to ponder on."
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet warns players that their cup places are in jeopardy
Gus Poyet is ready to rip up his plans for the cup final after admitting his players did nothing to earn a place at Wembley at the weekend
Gus Poyet has warned his players that their cup final places are in jeopardy following their meek surrender at Arsenal.
The Sunderland boss headed for the Emirates expecting his players to stake their claim to a starting spot in next week’s Capital One Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
But they were blown away 4-1 by the Gunners, and Poyet says any plans he had made for the cup final have been ripped up in the wake of this defeat.
They will now have to prove themselves all over again this week if they want the chance to play in the glamour game at Wembley.
Poyet said: “Everything I had in mind for next week is gone in 90 minutes.
“Gone. Completely.
“We will have to start from zero.
“Sometimes players pick themselves. If we had gone to Arsenal and won the game, how could you change the team next week at Wembley?
“They would deserve to play.
“Now I have a lot of options, because maybe there are a few players who have been pushing for a place in the starting XI and now they are going to be there.”
Poyet fielded the strongest squad he had available, but says hardly anyone who played at the Emirates has done enough to be pencilled in for the cup final.
“I said in another interview that no one put themselves in the team for next week – no one,” he said.
“But I suppose that is not quite right. The goalkeeper didn’t have any responsibility for the goals, and that’s true.
“Jack Colback ran and tackled and fought, and that’s true. Giaccherini tried his best and scored, and that’s true too.
“But we are a team. We are not tennis players who play on our own. I need to make a team.
“Whatever team I pick next week they will have to be happy with, because they have had a great chance to put themselves forward and they didn’t.”
Sunderland were off the pace from beginning to end against the Gunners, falling behind to an Olivier Giroud goal inside the first five minutes before the Frenchman capitalised on a terrible backpass from Santiago Vergini to make it 2-0 just after the half-hour.
Tomas Rosicky added a third before half-time and Laurent Koscielny a fourth just before the hour, before sub Emanuele Giaccherini pulled one back in the final 10 minutes.
Poyet said: “First of all, I would like to say that Arsenal started well and they are a difficult team to play against when they are at their best, when they are fresh, when they pass the ball quickly. But I’m not going to just accept defeat because the opposition was better than us.
“We were poor in many, many, things, and when you play a team like Arsenal you need to be spot-on all the time. The second goal was probably the killer. Even if you are not playing well, if you can stay at 1-0 you always have a chance – maybe you will get a goal or a bit of luck.
“But the second goal was coming. It was coming because it was not a good day.”
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 7 - beating Man United
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes a week today, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through number seven on the list: a rare win over Manchester United in 2000.
Sunderland famously beat Man United to reach this year’s League Cup final, but they also claimed the scalp of the Red Devils back in 2000.
When Dwight Yorke gave Sir Alex Ferguson’s side the lead just after the half-hour mark, it was Man United who looked to be on the way to the quarter-finals.
However, the Black Cats fought back, with Julio Arca restoring parity 15 minutes before the end.
Kevin Phillips secured the famous victory for Peter Reid’s Sunderland 11 minutes into extra-time from the penalty spot, sparking scenes of joy on Wearside.
Disappointingly, Football League side Crystal Palace saw off Sunderland in the quarter-finals to deny Reid’s side a shot at silverware.
Sunderland RCA ease relegation fears with victory over Hebburn
Sunderland RCA 5 Hebburn Town 3
THERE was a sigh of relief at Meadow Park last night when Sunderland RCA clinched three crucial points against rival strugglers Hebburn Town to ease their position near the bottom of the Ebac Northern League First Division.
Although they eventually emerged 5-3 winners, it wasn’t all plain sailing for David Lee’s side.
Hebburn struck first after only seven minutes when Channon North fired into the net from just inside the 18 yard line.
RCA levelled 12 minutes later as Joe Hughes slotted home at the near post, picking up a pass from Kyle Fryett and two goals in a minute allowed them to build up a two-goals cushion.
On the half-hour mark Ross Wilkinson crossed for Gavin Barton to head past goalkeeper Gary Rogers who was immediately beaten again by Barton. This time he pounced on a rebound when his first effort had been partially saved.
Hebburn though hit back to level the scores at 3-3 by the 70th minute. North beat Josh Carmichael from a corner and Chris Smith converted a penalty to throw the result wide open.
RCA finished strongly, scoring twice in the space of three minutes. A long clearance by Carmichael was headed on by Barton to Calvin Patton and he made no mistake before Hughes volleyed home.
The Wearsiders remain fourth from bottom but are now four points ahead of Team Northumbria who occupy the last relegation place. They are equal on points with Penrith but the Cumbrians, who play tonight, have a much superior goals difference.
With Billingham Town and Hebburn Town almost certain to be relegated, the fight is on to avoid joining them in the Second Division next season.
In the only other game to go ahead, Consett took their goals total to an impressive 93 when they hammered Marske United 7-1 at Belle Vue Park.
Luke Sullivan was an early scorer but within three minutes Josh McDonald levelled for Marske.
From then on though it was one-way traffic and the goals flowed from man-of-the-match Sullivan, who finished with four to his credit, Michael Mackay, Andrew Cuthbertson and Calvin Smith.
The Steelmen are the Division’s leading scorers and remain seventh top while Marske are eighth from bottom.
H Sunderland RCA will be anxiously looking for the results of two games tonight which affect positions near the bottom of the First Division table.
Penrith are fifth from the basement, just ahead of RCA on goals difference before visiting Newton Aycliffe who are comfortably placed in mid-table.
Morpeth Town have reached the last 16 of the FA Carlsberg Vase for the first time in their history but their top flight status is anything but secure and they’ll go all ouy for three crucial points against Crook Town at Craik Park.
In Division Two, Brandon United are only a point and one place outside the bottom two, ahead of their home game with promotion hopefuls Jarrow Roofing, who are only two points behind third-placed Seaham Red Star with four games in hand on the East Durham side.
North Shields, with 12 consecutive wins, travel to Northallerton Town aiming to boost their already impressive eight points lead at the top while lowly Alnwick Town, buoyed after scoring five goals in their last outing, will be looking for back-to-back wins at home to Willington.
Two cups ties are scheduled. Shildon will make another attempt to stage their Durham Challenge Cup Third Round tie against Dunston UTS whose manager Billy Irwin is anxious for the game to go ahead to give his players match time before Saturday’s Vase tie against Brightlingsea Regent from Essex.
Spennymoor Town are also involved in the Vase at the week-end but before then take on championship rivals Shildon in the Third Round of the Durham Challenge Cup at Dean Street.
Sorry Sunderland have a lot to work on before the Capital One Cup final.
There was a feeling going into Sunderland’s daunting game at The Emirates that it was the ideal warm-up game ahead of next weekend’s Capital One Cup Final.
Much like the upcoming fixture at Wembley, yesterday Sunderland were the massive underdogs and had to contend with playing on a huge pitch.
Despite hopes that the Black Cats may have been able to capitalise on a potentially tired Arsenal side, the reality was that Arsene Wenger’s men were simply head and shoulders above Sunderland, not that Gus Poyet’s men put up much of a fight.
Indeed the first half was nothing short of an embarrassment.
You would have been forgiven for mistaking the ten yellow shirts on display as nothing more than plastic dummies in an Arsenal training exercise such was the ease with which Wenger’s men stroked the ball around with consummate ease.
Sunderland showed their opponents far too much respect, gifting their adversary all the time and space to capitalise as they saw fit and it was no surprise to see the away side three goals down at half time.
Sure Tomas Rosicky’s goal was a thing of beauty and has quite rightly been lauded with the admiration it deserves, but if you’re telling me there was nothing more Sunderland’s defence could have done to at least attempt to stop the flowing move I’d deem you a liar.
The lack of effort, application and desire from the Sunderland side was quite frankly shameful and the old adage that many may well have had their mind on the Cup Final unfortunately seemed to ring true.
The game was dead and buried at halftime, so much so that Poyet opted to withdraw Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson from the “action”, adding the to the huge pile of cotton wool in which Lee Cattermole was already residing in preparation for Manchester City.
In fact it was the likes of Lee Cattermole which yesterday’s Sunderland side were desperately crying out for. His bite and leadership sorely missed in the middle of the park as Arsenal effortlessly controlled the game.
With Liam Bridcutt set to miss next weekend’s huge game, Lee Cattermole’s importance to the side became even more apparent, however have we genuinely reached the stage where we cannot really on the Teesider’s temperament and fitness, instead opting to protect him from any suspension or injury?
It may perhaps have been a blessing in disguise to receive such a stark, rude awakening the week before the biggest game in this club’s recent history, dispelling any complacency or contentment that may well have crept into the squad’s mentality.
If Sunderland are to stand any chance of staging a massive upset on the grandest of all stages then they certainly need to buck their ideas up and apply themselves immeasurably better than they managed on Saturday afternoon otherwise it could well turn out to be more of a nightmare than the potential dream that all Sunderland fans so desperately deserve.
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Will this season always be a case of ‘if only’ for Sunderland fans?
If only Ellis Short had decided to replace Paolo Di Canio during the summer, if only we had Gus Poyet in control over pre-season and the first nine games of the current Premier league, if only we played football like we did in cup competitions to the way we play at home in the league…if only, if only, if only.
These are the questions every Sunderland supporter keeps waking up to in a cold sweat each morning. Gus has turned us around in every way possible, he is buying players he knows can play with the ball at their feet, he is buying midfielders who he can trust and the results have been staggering so far in his brief reign on Wearside.
In the past 16 games in all competitions we have lost three, one of those defeats we actually won at Old Trafford on penalties so technically we have lost twice. That is an incredible statistic considering we had one point after seven games under the suicidal stewardship of Di Canio. Gus is calm, has the respect of all the players and the fans can see what he is trying to bring to our club, possession.
Sunderland fans are almost all ready for the League Cup final weekend when we meet Manchester City on Sunday, March 2 and we are all going there with nothing to fear. Sure, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be clear favourites but Gus has already beaten them once this season and has the belief to go and upset the odds again!
Firstly, let’s focus on the daunting task of taking on a wounded Arsenal at The Emirates before we can get carried away with the League Cup final. I am sure Poyet will have his men firing on all cylinders as we try and scrape back out of the bottom three again.
If only we had Gus at the beginning of the season, we would be comfortably in mid table and have the freedom to dream of our chances under his guidance next season with a transfer window and time to work his magic. If only…
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Oi BT Sport! It’s scores on the doors not bums on seats that really matters
Attendances – all of a sudden the most important figure in the sport. Excuse my ignorance but I always assumed that it was the score line that was the be all and end all, how silly of me.
Yet BT Sport and the entire footballing world was quick to pour scorn on the sub 17,000 Sunderland fans that turned up for Saturday lunchtime’s FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Laugh it up.
Forget all about how inept Southampton were and their compete lack of desire to compete in what is a very winnable competition for a side of their ilk who have little else to play for this term. Forget about the professional performance from Gus Poyet’s side.
Forget all about Craig Gardner’s stunning, dipping drive, crashing in off the underside of the cross bar which saw his side through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Instead let’s all have a good laugh at the attendance.
Yawn.
Much has been made of the fact that Sunderland were unable to entice fans through the door despite a reduced ticket price of £15. Of course it a fantastic gesture and one which should quite rightly be applauded. Indeed I myself was happy to see the ticket price as I typed in my card details on the club’s website when I purchased my ticket a couple of weeks ago.
However football is an expensive hobby and not everyone can quite as easily hand over 15 quid.
What hasn’t been mentioned much, if at all, is that Saturday was Sunderland’s eighth home game since the turn of the year. Couple into this the fact that around 30,000 or so fans have just shelled out up to £100 for a ticket for the Capital One Cup Final as well as numerous more hundred on travel and accommodation for their day out at Wembley and there simply has to be a point when the wallet becomes empty.
Of course I’d love the Stadium of Light to be packed to the rafters week-in and week-out. However let’s get real. Cash isn’t exactly in abundance for the vast majority that reside in the North East, so rather than concentrate on lazy jibes at the number of bums in seats can we not concentrate on the football instead? After all, isn’t that why we all follow this sport? Or have we all become some kind of bizarre footballing version of a train spotter obsessing over figures?
The game itself wasn’t a classic by any means. Both sides made a number of changes, looking to freshen up their side. However it was Mauricio Pochettino who was the guiltier of the two managers of making too many changes – no fewer than nine since their last Premier League outing.
Sunderland were however good value for their victory although Saints fans will no doubt point some fingers of blame in the direction of Ricky Lambert who uncharacteristically missed a golden opportunity to force a replay late on.
Sunday's Capital One Cup Final will be broadcast to fans in over 175 territories worldwide
This year’s Capital One Cup Final between Manchester City and Sunderland will see over 35 first-class international broadcasters covering the match live in more than 175 territories worldwide.
UK rights-holder Sky Sports will produce the live signal, with over 20 cameras covering the action from every corner of Wembley Stadium. Pitch International, the Capital One Cup media rights distributors outside of the UK and Ireland, will produce and deliver the world feed to overseas broadcast partners.
The clash between Manchester City, twice winners of the competition, and Sunderland, who have never won it, promises to be an electric encounter for the 90,000 fans attending at Wembley and all those watching around the globe.
This Capital One Cup season has produced some classic moments, including Manchester United overcoming bitter rivals Liverpool in Round 3, Sunderland knocking Chelsea out with a last-minute winner in extra-time in the Quarter-Finals, before beating United in dramatic fashion on penalties at Old Trafford in the Semi-Finals. Manchester City have also scored 19 goals en route to the Final, including nine against West Ham United in their Semi-Final.
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Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 6 - a shoot-out win at Everton
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 6 on the list: a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Everton in 1998.
Sunderland made it all the way to the semi-finals in the 1998-99 League Cup, and it was their triumph over Everton in the fourth round which gave them the belief.
Michael Bridges gave the Black Cats a first-half lead, which was cancelled out by John Collins 16 minutes from the end.
Extra-time couldn’t separate the two sides, meaning the dreaded penalty shoot-out was called for on Merseyside.
Sunderland ultimately prevailed 5-4 on the spot-kicks, with goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen the hero as the Black Cats went marching on.
A comfortable quarter-final win over Luton Town gave Sunderland a sniff of Wembley, but Leicester City saw them off 3-2 on aggregate after two legs in the semi-final, with Tony Cottee scoring all three goals for the Foxes.
Leicester went on to lose to Tottenham in the final.
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 5 - giving Chelsea the blues.
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 5 on the list: this season’s thrilling extra-time win over Chelsea in this season’s quarter-final.
Jose Mourinho brought his title-chasing Chelsea to the Stadium of Light in December, and when Frank Lampard gave them a 46th-minute lead, everything seemed to be going to plan for them.
However, Sunderland have had to show grit many times on their run to the final, and did just that to turn things around.
On-loan Liverpool man Fabio Borini equalised two minutes from the end to force extra-time, and from then on the momentum was all with the Black Cats.
They piled on the pressure in the extra 30 minutes, and were rewarded when another loanee – Ki Sung-Yueng – grabbed a dramatic winner two minutes before the end, with a penalty shoot-out looming.
That sparked scenes of real joy on Wearside, and seemed to give the team belief that anything was possible on this cup run.
A win on penalties against Manchester United after a two-legged semi-final sealed a place in the final for Gus Poyet’s men, who have enjoyed a thrilling cup campaign.
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Fletcher set for cup final place
STEVEN Fletcher still has a chance of featuring at Wembley, despite Sunderland opting not to risk the striker against Arsenal.
Fletcher has suffered no adverse reactions in his comeback since returning to training last Wednesday after almost three weeks on the treatment table with an Achilles injury.
And the Scotland international was in contention for a place among the substitutes at the Emirates on Saturday, before Sunderland opted not to risk the 26-year-old, who has struggled to hit the heights of his maiden season on Wearside.
But Fletcher is in Gus Poyet’s thinking for Sunday’s Capital One Cup final, as the Sunderland boss ponders changes against Manchester City after the 4-1 rout against Arsenal.
Poyet told the Gazette: “If he had been on the bench and he could have played 20 minutes, then we would have put him in.
“But I didn’t want to have that dilemma of making him play more than he should.
“You can always get another injury as the main striker.
“He trained with us on Saturday, and he’s a possibility for the team at the weekend.”
Despite Poyet insisting at the weekend that no one’s place was safe in the starting XI at Wembley, the problem up front is his chief dilemma.
Last season’s top scorer Fletcher has netted just three times in this campaign, while Jozy Altidore can boast only one league goal to his name and was hauled off at half-time against the Gunners.
Emanuele Giaccherini replaced Altidore – in a change which saw Fabio Borini move into the central role – and made his claims for a starting spot at Wembley after netting Sunderland’s consolation goal.
And with goal difference potentially a factor in the relegation battle, Poyet says that strike - Giaccherini’s first since September - could be crucial.
“It’s been difficult for Giacchy,” added Poyet.
“He’s one of those players that you try to give minutes to when you can.
“For different reasons, I haven’t been able to.
“But he’s always been knocking on the door.
“He had 45 minutes at Arsenal and it probably wasn’t the easiest.
“But it was a great finish.
“Who knows, that could be a goal which saves us from relegation.”
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Ex-boss Peter Reid hails Sunderland’s Mr Poyfect
FORMER Black Cats’ boss Peter Reid says the club is in safe hands under the leadership of Gus Poyet, who could be the first manager to bring silverware to Sunderland since 1973.
Reid reckons that Poyet is as good an appointment by the club as Paolo Di Canio was a bad one.
And he believes that the Uruguayan’s man-management has been key to revival as the club bids to avoid relegation while continuing to make an impact in the cups.
“I’ve been very impressed by how well Gus has done, although I’ve always rated him as a promising young manager,” Reid told the Gazette.
“You don’t usually get to take over a club as big as Sunderland unless they’re in trouble – that was true of me and true of him – and he went in with eyes wide open.
“But I think he was quickly able to get everyone to buy into what he wanted to do and that was essential because it’s getting a great team spirit that gives you half a chance.
“He’s done a great job and managed to get them to a cup final as well, which has got everyone talking positively about Sunderland again.
“It’s going to be a difficult game but Sunderland’s record against Manchester City is really good and anything can happen in a cup final, so you never know.”
Reid was always sceptical over the appointment of Di Canio at the helm almost a year ago and is glad that the club is now showing signs of getting over the nosedive it was in.
“If you’re going to be a success in management, you’ve got to carry your squad with you and I think Paolo, as a character, was always going to struggle to do that,” he said.
“You saw that with how he handled some of the problems he had.
“Players are always going to mess up but if you can tear a strip off them privately but give them another chance, the loyalty you can get from them can be something special and that carries the group forward.
“I think you’ve seen that from Gus in the way he has brought back Phil Bardsley, who seems very important to team spirit, and he has been rewarded with some really important contributions from him.
“I’m pleased for Gus, I liked him as a player, and I’ve managed against him as a manager and I’ve always been impressed by how smart he is football-wise and how quick he is to learn.
“One of the great things about him is that he is willing to change tack and that’s vital for any manager – the ability to try something and stick with it if it works but not be afraid to change it if it doesn’t.”
Poyet admitted on Saturday that his tactics and team didn’t work at Arsenal.
But Reid, who will be at the cup final this weekend, says the Sunderland head coach will go again this Sunday.
“You have to be ready to accept knocks and setbacks, especially where Sunderland are at the moment,” said Reid. “And Gus will know that.
“It’s all about how you bounce back and I’m sure they will for what will be a great cup final day.
Wembley stage will boost Adam Johnson’s England hopes
ADAM Johnson has the perfect stage to boost his World Cup credentials if he remains in the Sunderland side for the Capital One Cup final, says Gus Poyet.
England boss Roy Hodgson is due to name a squad of at least 30 players on Thursday for next week’s friendly against Denmark in the final round of internationals before the summer.
Johnson is in contention to be called-up for the first time since October 2012, with Hodgson watching the winger in action in the Stadium of Light defeat to Hull City earlier this month.
The 26-year-old’s position in the starting XI at Wembley on Sunday could be in jeopardy after he was hauled off at half-time in Sunderland’s defeat at Arsenal last weekend.
But given Johnson’s huge improvement in form since the turn of the year, it would be a major surprise if the £10m man was left out against his former club Manchester City.
And Poyet says that if Johnson can impress against the title-chasers, it could persuade Hodgson that the Sunderland wideman can perform on the big stage ahead of the summer’s World Cup.
“Normally these games are the ones that the managers of the national teams look at most,” said Poyet.
“You need to perform because that’s what you expect at the World Cup.
“These are big games to play in.
“England are playing Uruguay and Italy in the World Cup and the players in Adam’s position need to be at a good level against the best teams.
“The best players play for teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, so this is a good opportunity for him.”
Johnson was not even in the international reckoning before Christmas after struggling to produce a consistent run of form during his first 18 months at the Stadium of Light.
And Poyet believes that will lessen the disappointment for Johnson, if he does miss out on a place on the plane to Brazil.
“If he gets called up, it will be a big surprise and a big opportunity,” added Poyet.
“But I don’t think it will affect him the other way.
“If Theo Walcott was fit, you would have known most of the 23.
“But now it’s an extra opportunity which gives him the incentive to perform.”
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‘Jarra Arra’ helps poorly kids’ Wembley dream come true
JARROW Arrow Steve Cram will make a Wembley dream come true for some poorly young Sunderland fans.
The children will enjoy VIP treatment as they watch the Black Cats in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Manchester City from the comfort of an executive box.
The youngsters have being given tickets to the game courtesy of philanthropist Barrie Wells and his Box 4 Kids campaign.
The scheme, launched in 2010, sees disabled or seriously ill children given the chance to experience top sporting events as a VIP.
All five youngsters – plus a parent – will leave the Stadium of Light on Sunday morning bound for London and are being chaperoned by former world champion runner Steve Cram and Olympic bronze medallist Charlie Spedding.
Barrie, whose Wells Sports Foundation has arranged the trip, said: “We do this for kids all over the country and it’s all about giving them the VIP experience.
“You just have to look at their faces to see how excited they are for the game. They can’t wait.”
Rebecca Burnett, 17, is one of the Black Cats fans who has been chosen for the trip and said she was “shocked” on finding out that she’ll be among the tens of thousands of SAFC supporters hoping to roar their team to victory.
“It’s an amazing opportunity but for us even to get to the final in the first place is unbelievable,” said Rebecca, from Sunderland, who has been battling an eating disorder for the past three years at the Royal.
“We can beat them, even though it’s going to be hard, but the atmosphere will be incredible on the day.”
SAFC has also given the children, all patients at Sunderland Royal Hospital, their own personalised Black Cats shirt to wear on the day, as well as cup final scarves for their parents.
Ken Bremner, chief executive of City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It was very difficult to select the children, but they have all been chosen by their respective community nurse or the ward that they frequently attend for treatment.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am sure that they will have a fantastic time particularly if the result is hopefully a good one for Sunderland.”
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Sunderland fans face booze ban on trains
SUNDERLAND fans heading to Wembley for this weekend’s cup final have been warned that their trains will be ‘dry’.
The Black Cats take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final at 2pm on Sunday, and up to 40,000 supporters are expected to travel from the North East to Wembley.
British Transport Police (BTP) chiefs have now issued a warning to those making their way south on trains, that services will have a ‘no alcohol’ policy.
All East Coast services from Newcastle to Kings Cross on Saturday and trains departing on Sunday between 7.30am and 8.55am will be ‘dry trains’, meaning no alcohol can be bought, carried or drank on board.
Alcohol will also be banned on the firm’s trains leaving from London between 5.12pm and 9.45pm.
All Grand Central trains heading north after the game will be ‘dry’.
Supporters are also being reminded that there is a strict ‘no alcohol’ policy on the London Underground at all times.
Chief Inspector Derek O’Mara, said: “Trains to and from London from the North East are expected to be exceptionally busy on Saturday and Sunday.
“The majority of services are now fully booked with all seats reserved.
“I’m sure supporters will enjoy the occasion on Sunday, and continue to represent the club in a positive manner.
“We’ve built a really good relationship with the Sunderland fans over the past few seasons, having travelled with them on some memorable away days.”
BTP officers will be at stations and on board trains alongside travelling fans on the way to and from London.
“Fans should not be concerned to see increased numbers of officers at stations and on the services to and from London over the weekend,” said Chf Insp O’Mara.
“Trains can become extremely busy during major sporting events such as this and we would urge fans to consider other passengers at all times.
“The trains to and from London will not only have fans travelling to and from the game but also regular travellers who may not be used to travelling football fans in such large numbers.
“We are asking fans to keep this in mind when travelling and to moderate their language and behaviour.
“The vast majority of Sunderland fans are a credit to their club and enjoy supporting their team in good spirits, and we look forward to again welcoming them on to the rail network for this historic game on Sunday.
“However, if there is a small minority of fans who are intent on causing trouble and disorder, they can be assured that they will be dealt with robustly.
“The most important thing is that fans enjoy the occasion and have a great day out. We’re looking forward to working closely with the club and its supporters to ensure this happens.”
Sunderland fans’ party plan ruined by Russian festival
TENS of thousands of Sunderland fans hoping to descend on Trafalgar Square for a pre-cup final party have had their plans thrown into chaos after it was revealed the area will be closed because of a Russian spring festival.
Organised through online forums and fanzines, Black Cats supporters had decided to meet up for a celebration the night before Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City.
But Trafalgar Square is playing host to Maslenitsa, a Russian sun festival, this weekend and transport chiefs have advised Sunderland fans that most of the area will be closed off.
Other locations, such as Covent Garden, which is half a mile away, are now being mooted as a possible alternative meeting point for fans.
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 4 - a rare win at Arsenal
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 4 four on the list: a superb comeback win at Arsenal in 2002.
The 2002-03 season is not one generally remembered with fondness by Sunderland supporters.
The club was relegated with what was then the lowest points tally of the Premier League era, while the Black Cats went through three managers.
However, their trip to champions Arsenal in the League Cup did provide them with one bit of joy in an otherwise bleak season.
At half-time, it didn’t look like being that way, though.
Arsene Wenger’s side were 2-0 up after goals by Robert Pires and Francis Jeffers, and it would have taken a brave person to bet on a Sunderland comeback.
However, under the stewardship of Howard Wilkinson, they did launch an incredible fightback.
Kevin Kyle pulled a goal back before Marcus Stewart notched a brace to book Sunderland a place in the fourth round of the competition.
They had beaten Cambridge United 7-0 in the second round, so the League Cup was a welcome relief for the Black Cats.
However, the positivity did not last, and they were dumped out by Sheffield United in the fourth round.
Sunderland’s cup final gesture to cancer-stricken Fulop
CANCER victim Marton Fulop has been given tickets to the Capital One Cup final by Sunderland Football Club.
The former Black Cats’ goalkeeper is currently taking a break from football while he deals with his illness and is confident he will one day return to the playing field.
But Sunderland wanted to boost his spirits and the 30-year-old says he could not appreciate the gesture from chief executive Margaret Byrne more.
He told the Gazette: “It’s a really nice thing for the club to do;.
“I had been talking to friends about how I would love to go to the game – I’ve played for both Sunderland and Manchester City of course – and someone got in touch with the club and they got in touch with me.
“It was completely unexpected but I would like to thank Mags Byrne and the people at the club who organised it. It’s fantastic and I’m really looking forward to the game.”
The 6ft 6in Hungarian will fly into London this weekend for the game but says he will have no problems with divided loyalties on matchday.
“I spent three-and-a-half good years at Sunderland and only a couple of weeks on loan at Manchester City so it’s Sunderland for me.
“I loved my time on Wearside.
“It was a challenge professionally because Craig Gordon and I were at the club at the same time and sometimes he would keep me out and sometimes I would keep him out.
“But I had great times and it was great to play in the Premier League and before that, be part of that amazing promotion under Roy Keane.”
Fulop, who played for Sunderland from 2007-10, has been sidelined for a year now, with a malignant tumour being removed from his arm last June.
He is still battling the illness but is confident he will be able to return to professional football.
“That is what I have to believe and what I do believe,” the 24-times capped Hungarian international said.
“The doctors have said there’s no reason why I can’t return once I am over this illness and what was encouraging was the amount of clubs that inquired about me in January.”
In the meantime, Fulop has cup final day this weekend.
He recalls: “We never had any sort of cup run when I was at Sunderland, although I did reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup with Ipswich Town the season after I left Sunderland, so I know what the excitement is like.
“I’m just very pleased for the Sunderland fans.They were always great to me but they are great supporters generally.
“And I always thought the most remarkable thing about them was Sunderland’s away support, how they always sold out away grounds wherever we went.”
“That’s one of the the reasons why I’m so glad to be going to Wembley this weekend - it will be great to see Sunderland fans packing out the ground and I hope they have an amazing, amazing day.”
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Firm’s prize is just the ticket for Cats fans
TWO lucky Sunderland fans from South Tyneside are celebrating after winning tickets for Sunday’s Capital One Cup final.
David Redmayne, 29, from East Boldon and Megan Hemmer, 23, from Jarrow, won two pairs of cup final tickets to see Sunderland versus Manchester City on Sunday, when they took part in an promotion through Jennings Kia’s Facebook page.
The tickets came as a double celebration for David, who will be celebrating his 30th birthday on the same day as the final, which he is now going to with his fiancée, Hayley.
He said: “I was shaking like a leaf. I just didn’t believe it was me who had won.”
Megan added: “I wanted to win a ticket for my younger brother Liam, he’s only 16 and he was desperate to see his home team play at Wembley.”
The pair received their tickets from Chris Nixon, franchise manager at Kia’s Washington dealership, who said: “It was a pleasure presenting the tickets to David and Megan, let’s hope it’s a good result for Sunderland on Sunday.”
Bardsley’s Hollywood script – but will there be a happy ending?
PHIL Bardsley admits the last year of his life would make a pretty good film script.
But now he just wants a happy ending to the story!
“I’d probably get Tom Hardy to play me because he can look a bit daft as well!” smiled the 28-year-old, as he looked back on a tumultuous few months in his career.”
But that smile masks the pain of the journey he has been on
“No, it has been quite a time,” he acknowledged.
“But things have picked up for me and for the club and after a bad start and we have a great opportunity to end the season really well.
“I’d love it to end on a high in both the cup and the league and that’s what I’ll be trying to do.”
The long-serving Black Cats’ defender made unwanted headlines last May when he was pictured on social media lying on a casino floor surrounded by money on a late night out.
Then Sunderland boss, Paolo Di Canio, dealt with the transgression severely, making a public example of the former Manchester United man, banishing him from the first-team squad and suggesting he would never play for the club again.
Other trials followed for the former Sunderland Player of the Year but he was brought back into the fold by caretaker manager Kevin Ball, as was former skipper Lee Cattermole.
And that rehabilitation has gathered pace since Gus Poyet too charge of the club in October – handing the 28-year-old a place in his very first starting line-up and showing faith in the player’s ability to contribute to the cause.
Bardsley needed no second invitation to take his chance and has been pretty much an automatic choice under the Uruguayan ever since.
Along the way there have some fine performances from the full-back with goals against Manchester City, Southampton, Chelsea and a late, great cup goal against Man United at Old Trafford being highlights.
A great performance in the 3-0 win over Newcastle United also helped earn the respect of Sunderland fans afresh and now Bardsley wants those final few steps on the road to redemption.
“It has been a strange time and it is ironic that if I hadn’t broken my foot last summer then I probably wouldn’t be here,” he reflected.
“But what I’m after now is a great end of the season and we’ve got some great games coming up to hopefully enjoy.
“We’re all buzzing about the cup final and we’re all determined to give a really good account of ourselves; to give a performance that everyone can be proud of.
“But beyond that, we’re also very much aware of the importance of cementing our place in the Premier League.
“We’ve come a long way but we’re not there yet and now we have to give it one final push to make sure the campaign ends well.
“Everybody just needs to give everything between now and the end of the season.”
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Sunderland ace up for fans award
DAM Johnson is in contention to lift another award after making the shortlist for a supporters accolade.
Johnson was named Premier League player of the month a fortnight ago after producing a dramatic turnaround in his form since the turn of the year.
And the winger, who is hopeful of earning a recall to the England squad this week, is one of seven players in contention to win the FTBPro PFA Fan Player of the Month for February.
The 26-year-old has been nominated, along with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge, Southampton’s Adam Lallana, Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla and West Ham’s Kevin Nolan.
One lucky fan will win two tickets to a Premier League game, where they will present the winner with their award. Voting closes at midnight on Friday.
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Sunderland star Marcos aims to lay Wembley ghost to rest
MARCOS ALONSO hopes to banish some ghosts in this weekend’s Capital One Cup final after enduring a miserable first Wembley experience three years ago.
Spanish left-back Alonso was dropped from the Bolton starting XI for their FA Cup semi-final against Stoke City in 2011, despite appearing in every previous round in the Trotters’ march to Wembley.
But that pain was nothing compared to the misery Bolton endured when the game got underway – they were thrashed 5-0 by the Potters.
Alonso is desperate for a more memorable afternoon on Sunday when Sunderland look to follow the achievements of last year’s FA Cup winners Wigan, by upsetting the odds against Manchester City in a Wembley final.
The on-loan Fiorentina defender told the Gazette: “I’d played in the whole cup run, but when we got to Wembley, I didn’t play.
“And then we got beat 5-0, so it was a bad day!
“But football always gives you another opportunity, so we will see what happens on Sunday.
“Wembley is one of the top stadiums in the world, and playing in the cup final, the atmosphere is going to be great.
“It’s an opportunity to show what I’ve got. I won’t get a better chance to play in a better arena.
“We saw last year with Wigan that it’s possible.
“We just have to play how we did away at Man United in the semi-final. If we do that, then we will have a chance.”
Alonso insists Sunderland have been giving “200 per cent” on the training ground this week after a harrowing 4-1 thrashing at Arsenal last Saturday.
The 23-year-old realises the Black Cats must raise their game significantly against Man City after admitting Gus Poyet’s men had half-an-eye on the final at the Emirates.
But Alonso believes Sunderland can learn from that experience as they prepare to face another of the Premier League title contenders.
“We’ve learned, and we are more ready for this Sunday I think,” he said.
“After watching back what happened in the 90 minutes on the pitch, it’s the best way to learn, rather than talking about it.
“We’ve also had to train 200 per cent this week and be ready to go on to the pitch on Sunday with more hunger than we showed at Arsenal.
“We gave away the first half and then, it was too late after going 3-0 down at the Emirates.
“Watching it after the game, maybe our minds were on Wembley a little bit. We were maybe more focused on this Sunday, which was our big mistake.
“We didn’t want to press too high, but on the other side, we were not 100 per cent alive in our defending.
“We also made some silly mistakes, which can happen to anyone.”
Boyhood Sunderland fan Rush realised his Wembley dream
DAVID Rush lived the dream of any young boy growing up on Wearside.
The Sunderland-born forward lined up for his boyhood team in the FA Cup final against Liverpool in 1992, something he describes as his “career highlight”.
As Gus Poyet’s modern-day charges prepare to take on the might of Manchester City in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final, Rush’s memories of his famous day at Wembley come flooding back.
The striker was selected to play on the left wing for the clash, and after keeping Steve McManaman quiet for the first half, helped the Black Cats go in at the break at 0-0.
However, future Real Madrid winger McManaman swapped wings on the second half, and was able to wreak havoc on the opposite flank.
Sunderland manager Malcolm Crosby’s decision not to swap Rush to the same side still rankles with the 42-year-old, who felt it changed the game in Liverpool’s favour.
He told the Gazette: “We did alright in the first half and could have been 2-0 up at half-time.
“In the second half Liverpool well deserved it, but I had done well in the first half.
“I played a very defensive role and marked Steve McManaman out of the game.
“When he switched sides, though, Crosby didn’t swap me to the same side.
“He should have swapped me with him as I had kept him quiet.”
Rush was eventually withdrawn on 69 minutes, with the size of the Wembley pitch taking its toll on him.
However, he admits he misjudged its size before the game.
“I did an interview on the pitch beforehand and said how small the pitch looked,” Rush added.
“That was a big mistake!
“It was absolutely massive and 60 minutes in I could feel my legs going from beneath me.
“It all went very, very quickly, but I played for my hometown club in the FA Cup final, which is what every boy dreams about.
“As a young lad, you want to play at Wembley, and to play there for your hometown club in the FA Cup final is what dreams are made of.
“It will be the same this time, and the likes of young (Jack) Colback will never forget it.”
Sunderland’s run to the final was something of a fairytale ride, perhaps similar to the one enjoyed by Poyet’s side this season.
Crosby’s team were languishing in the lower reaches of the second tier in 1992, but knocked out top flight sides West Ham, Chelsea and Norwich on their way to the showpiece final.
Similarly, Poyet’s relegation-threatened Black Cats have defeated Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester United on their way to Wembley – three sides currently sitting in the Premier League’s top eight.
Rush looks back on the run of the class of 92 with huge pride, and describes the impact it had on the city as “brilliant”.
The former Hebburn Town manager added: “We did really well to get there by beating three top flight sides.
“It was a shame we couldn’t bring the trophy back, but it was the highlight of my career by a country mile.
“My local pub was painted red and white, and the buzz around the place was brilliant.
“We went on an open-top bus parade when we came back, and there was about 100,000 people on the streets.
“You can only imagine what it would have been like if we had won.”
Many pundits have predicted Sunderland may struggle in the remainder of this season’s league campaign as a result of their exploits in both domestic cup competitions.
In recent years, Birmingham and Wigan have both been relegated from the Premier League in the same season as winning a cup, while Middlesbrough suffered the same fate in 1997 after reaching two finals.
Rush feels cup runs can have an affect on league form, with his side finishing 18th in the second tier – just five points above the relegation zone – in 1992.
He added: “A lot of teams do struggle when they go far in cups for some reason.
“I remember us drawing 2-2 with Bristol Rovers – who went on to finish bottom – when we had been winning 2-0.
“We had been beating top flight sides but couldn’t beat teams like Bristol Rovers.
“In the end, I think it affected us in a good way.
“We picked up some important points towards the end of the season, although we didn’t have the chance to rotate so much.
“Sunderland have more depth now than we did back then.”
Rush – who left his role as Gateshead assistant manager in September 2013 – is looking forward to attending Sunday’s showpiece, and believes Sunderland have a “puncher’s chance” of taking home the trophy.
He has also paid tribute to the job done by Poyet, who inherited a side devoid of confidence and morale when he took over in October.
“Sunderland have got a puncher’s chance, but the odds are stacked against them,” Rush continued.
“Man City have a lot of internationals who should step it up in a big match like this.
“They won’t have as much nerves as Sunderland, as they are used to these big occasions.
“It took Sunderland time to get the right man in, but Poyet is the right man for the job.
“He did wonders with Brighton with limited players and a small budget, and it’s a lot like Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool – you’ve got to give him time.
“Poyet has increased the confidence of the players, and it’s changed from a dictator like Paolo Di Canio to a reasonable man you can talk to.
“He’s the type of manager I’d want to play for.
“I will be cheering them on and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Rush lived the dream on the Wembley pitch, and is now hoping to do just the same from the terraces by watching his boyhood heroes triumph.
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Ex-striker Craig Russell will always have Sunderland at heart
SUNDERLAND massuer Craig Russell knows a thing or two about getting the players fighting fit.
Jarrow-born Russell will be doing his best to make sure Gus Poyet’s troops are ship-shape for their Capital One Cup Final at Wembley this weekend.
Sunderland and Manchester City go head-to-head on Sunday, both teams Russell played for during his time in the professional game.
But as you might expect, the 40-year-old – who will be on the Wearsiders’ bench this weekend – will have no problem with divided loyalties.
Even if he wasn’t a part of the Sunderland backroom team, Russell is emphatic about where his heart would be come kick-off time.
“It was a great experience to go down and play for a club as big as Manchester City, but even if I wasn’t working for Sunderland now it would be them who I was cheering on,” he said.
“I’ve supported Sunderland since I was a little lad, while I was playing for them, while I was playing at other clubs and now that I’m working for them, and that will never change.”
The former forward made 149 appearances scoring 31 timesfor the Black Cats, while he played 31 times for City after a £1m move in 199 7,netting twice.
So it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about playing in big games, and the South Tynesider is happy to pass on any advice he feels might Sunderland’s current stars.
“A few of the lads who have been here a few years know I used to be a player, so they pass it on to the new lads,” he explained.
“I think they respect my opinion because they know I played the game myself, and sometimes I’ll show them a clip on Youtube to say ‘hey look at this’ to prove I’ve been a pro, which is all good banter.”
So does he have any words of wisdom for the Black Cats current stars?
“To get to Wembley is a massive achievement for any player,” he said.
“They are getting the chance to play on such a big stage against Manchester City, who are sort of THE team at the moment.
“Everyone is watching them, so the lads will be playing in front of a global audience.
“They will probably feel like they are floating on air, but my advice to them would be to take it all in, and enjoy every single minute of it, because you never know when the next one will come along.”
Of course opportunity could come knocking very soon, with the Black Cats just 90 minutes away from booking their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, which would mean a return to the home of English football.
Russell added: “If you had have told me in August or the beginning of September that we could be at Wembley twice or even three times this season, and in my opinion having a great chance of staying in this league, I’d have thought you were crazy.
“We’ve come along way under the manager. To be fair, he’s been different class since he walked through the door.
“He’s got them playing the way he wants, and I think fans are start to enjoy the way the team are playing.”
While there is no dampening the feelgood factor at the club, Russell knows that beating City will be a huge challenge – even though the Wearsiders have won their last four home games against City.
Russell said: “We do seem to have a bit of an Indian sign over City at the minute, and hopefully that will continue.
“They way City have come on since the takeover by Sheik Mansoor has been incredible, and they have some great players.
“But you can find chinks in anyone’s armour, and I’m sure the manager knows how he wants the players to match up against City, and that he and the backroom staff are working very hard on a gameplan.”
Cup fever is definitely in full flow and demand for tickets has gone through the roof as Russell knows only too well.
“I’ve had thousand of requests,” he said. “But they have been so hard to get my mam and dad had to queue upt for nine hours to get theirs.”
The thought of Sunderland winning the League Cup is terrifying
Contemplating a win at Wembley is more than unsettling but the thought of creating another David Corner, who was blamed for defeat in the 1985 final, is just as bad
"I've got something I have to tell you," Steve said. We'd been drinking for a few hours and his lapse into seriousness was troubling. "It's only fair that you know."
"OK," I said, doubtfully. We were both doing post-grad work at Durham, were both Sunderland fans and both played a lot of Championship Manager. We drank together a lot but I wasn't really sure I wanted to hear him unburdening.
"You see that?" he said, jabbing a finger at his chin. I peered uncertainly. "What colour is it?"
There were a couple of ruddy flecks in his dark stubble.
"Ginger?" I said.
"Mark of Cain, that is," he said, in his aggressively sardonic Stirling-accented way. "Mark of fucking Cain." I'd met self-hating gingers before, but this seemed excessive.
"Everybody gets ginger stubble …" I said, but he cut me off.
"You don't understand. I'm related to David Corner."
"Oh."
That was 14 years after Corner's moment of infamy in the 1985 League Cup final; Steve was, I think, a second-cousin. Time has softened the response and there is now general sympathy for an 18-year-old central defender thrust suddenly into a cup final because the captain Shaun Elliott was suspended, but back then the flame-haired Corner was the scapegoat, so much so that for a couple of years if you messed up playing in the yard at school everybody would point and shout, "Aaaaagggh, Corner …" .
In the first minute of the second half he had tried to shepherd a ball out of play by the corner flag, only for John Deehan to nip in and dispossess him. He cut the ball back for Mick Channon, but Gordon Chisholm got in a block. The ball ricocheted to Asa Hartford, just outside the box. He shot, Chisholm thrust out his chest, and the ball was deflected in at Chris Turner's near post. Deehan was offside and standing right in front of Turner, but nobody raised a protest.
Everybody blamed Corner, including Corner himself, his face a picture of mortification. Even his name seemed to highlight his mistake.
The thought of Sunderland winning the League Cup is terrifying Part 2
Corner now works for Durham police and co-owns a taxi in Sunderland. At weekends he often goes for a drink with the driver of the cab. At least twice each Sunday, his friend reckons, somebody comes up to him and says, "Yer should've just put it out, Davie lad."
A few years ago, the driver tells everybody who gets in his cab – if they respond appropriately to his (hilarious) impression of Don Goodman doing an impression of Mick McCarthy – Corner was called to a disturbance in Seaham where a man was going berserk with an ornamental sword. All attempts to reason with him failed until he caught sight of Corner and the tell-tale flash of orange hair.
"Are yiz ... are yiz Davie Corner?" he asked disbelievingly. Corner confirmed he was. The man dropped the sword and offered his hands to be cuffed. "Yer've not had much luck, son," he said. "So I'll give yer this 'un. But, Davie lad, why didn't yer just put it out?"
I was eight at the time of the 1985 Milk Cup final. It was the first time I'd really understood that disappointment and triumph went hand-in-hand, that you could have a narrative arc that seemed like a fairy story but that everybody might not live happily ever after.
It was in the fourth round that it seemed something special might be happening. Sunderland had beaten Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest – after a replay and extra-time – to set up a tie against Tottenham, second in the table at the time. Chris Turner was superb in securing a 0-0 draw at Roker Park, but he was even better in the replay.
Few had expected much and when Graham Roberts put Spurs ahead with a first-half penalty, I went to bed. The next morning, though, my parents had gleeful news. Clive Walker equalised on the counter from Howard Gayle's low cross and when Glenn Hoddle miskicked another Gayle cross, Chisholm put Sunderland ahead. But then Elliott mystifyingly handled a Chris Hughton cross – was he nudged in the back? Did Sunderland's historical tendency to self-destruction just overwhelm him? – and Spurs had another penalty. Roberts took it, hard to his left, Turner flew across his goal and turned the ball away with an extended right hand.
"Oh, what a save!" yelled John Motson. "One of the great saves of the season, surely." It was more than that: it was, by some margin, the single greatest moment of the 80s.
Watford were beaten in the quarters but by then Sunderland's league form had collapsed. They'd gone seventh when they came from 2-0 down to beat Manchester United in the November – I was staying at my gran's and persuaded her to let me sit up to watch Match of the Day for the first time – but nine defeats in 11 games saw them drop to 18th. And then came the infamous semi-final against Chelsea.
On the pitch, the first leg, at Roker, was almost entirely about Dale Jasper and Colin West. Twice Jasper gave away penalties – the first a handball, the second a tug on West – and twice West, a bustling six-footer from Wallsend, took them. The first went straight in, the second was turned on to a post by Eddie Niedzwiecki but bounced back kindly for West to nod home. What lives in the memory, though, is the violence that followed, the fights along Fulwell Road, the attacks on cars and shops and pubs. I remember looking at the broken windows at Fulwell library the next day and feeling nauseous. In my head, this was akin to the sacking of the library at Alexandria: truly, these people were barbarians.
What happened in the second leg was even worse (the clip is worth persevering with if only for the excruciatingly awkward player interviews at the end). Sunderland won 3-2, but of far more significance were the 104 arrests and the 40 people injured.
Remarkably, because the Chelsea chairman Ken Bates had demanded £20,000 for rights, no television company covered the game, so the only footage that survives was shot by a company hired by Sunderland for match analysis. Chelsea went ahead but Walker, a former Chelsea player, levelled nine minutes before the break and when he squeezed in a second 19 minutes from time, the tie was as good as done.
It was that goal that prompted the violence, fans attacking police and pouring into the pitch, being cleared only after charges from mounted officers. There was even a horse on the pitch as West scored Sunderland's third. David Speedie was sent off for a horrendous challenge on Elliott and the last few seconds were characterised by players shuffling towards the tunnel, desperate to be as near as possible when the final whistle went. Sunderland fans were then targeted outside the ground, with reports of roadblocks being set up to try to trap coaches heading back to the north-east.
The final couldn't have been more different. Huge games of football broke out between Norwich and Sunderland in car-parks across north-west London and so amiable was the atmosphere that the Friendship Trophy was established, to be awarded to the side that won on aggregate over the two games whenever they were in the same division (such was Sunderland's ineptitude that they didn't actually win the trophy for 14 years). Nor did they win the final.
Sunderland were given the chance to level when Dennis van Wijk, having slipped in challenging Barry Venison, the youngest ever captain in a Wembley final, flicked at the ball with his hand as he lay on the ground. But the luck Sunderland had had with penalties all through that run deserted them and Walker hit a post.
Gary Bennett, just becoming a cult figure, made a couple of surges from the back, but Sunderland never really threatened after that. The barber my mam took me to in Roker brought me a programme from the final: it was beautiful and yellow and smelt of new paper, but I never opened it. Sunderland and Norwich were both relegated that season and the Heysel ban meant Norwich didn't even get their European campaign.
The next time Sunderland went to Wembley, Bennett scored an own goal as they lost the 1990 play-off final to Swindon (but went up anyway).
Two years after that they never turned up for an FA Cup final against Liverpool and were well-beaten 2-0. And six years after that, they drew 4-4 against Charlton in the play-off final and lost on penalties.
There was a lot of luck used up in 1973.
I bumped into Bennett at Arsenal on Saturday, passing him on the stairs after the final whistle. He shook his head and muttered, "Glad that's over." Ostensibly he was talking about the game, in which Sunderland had been abject in losing 4-1, but he was also talking about the wait before Wembley: no more worrying about injuries and suspensions (the heart-in-mouth moment when the Manchester City game was postponed and I forgot the Southampton FA Cup tie and thought Wes Brown's suspension from the Hull game would carry over), no more going through the motions before the game that everything has been geared towards since the penalty shootout victory over Manchester United.
Infuriatingly, I was on a plane to Sri Lanka when that second leg took place. United led the second leg 1-0 when we took off, so I'd happily written the game off as lost, only for the full drama of the denouement to be brought home by the 36 texts I'd received from various people that I read – in strict order – on the runway as soon as we'd landed at Colombo: a real-time record of 15 of the daftest minutes in football history.
I'll be there on Sunday, though, assuming my accreditation comes through for Sunderland's fifth final (including play-offs) in my lifetime. I fully anticipate a fifth defeat. To be honest, the thought of victory terrifies me: what if we do win and it doesn't feel as good as I hope it will? What if we do win and I realise, as my dad did at the final whistle in 1973, that football will never be as good again? It horrifies me as well that my dad then was three years younger than I am now. How did that happen? In 1992, it seemed there would be at least a handful more chances to win things: 22 years on, I have to accept this may be the last one.
You fear as well the creation of another scapegoat. For Corner, the disgrace must have been particularly acute because he was local and a kid. He was actually quite promising – he played for England at the World Youth Championship later that year – but his reputation never really recovered after the final and he left Sunderland in 1988 having made only 33 appearances. A further 19 followed for Leyton Orient and Darlington before, in 1991, he dropped into non-league football with Gateshead.
There are two local players in the team this time – Adam Johnson and Jack Colback, neither quite as local as Corner and neither anywhere near as inexperienced, but you look at Colback's hair and see an echo of Corner's vibrant ginger, and you just hope that two decades from now he's not being patronised after disarming a man with an ornamental sword.
Mr. Potato Heed's Hull City to host Sunderland in The FA Cup live on ITV
ITV viewers will see Steve Bruce reunited with Sunderland when Hull City host the Black Cats in The FA Cup Sixth Round on Sunday 9 March at 1.30pm.
Bruce departed the Stadium of Light in 2011 after a two year spell in charge at the Premier League club.
His Hull City side saw off Brighton & Hove Albion by 2-1 in a Fifth Round replay at the KC Stadium on Monday night thanks to first half goals from Curtis Davies and Robert Koren.
Leonardo Ulloa pulled one back for the Seagulls with just over 20 minutes remaining but it wasn’t enough for the Championship side.
Brighton were just five minutes away from the last eight last week, before Yannick Sagbo’s close range strike on the South Coast forced a replay.
Victory for Sunderland in the quarter final will mean yet another trip to Wembley Stadium for Gus Poyet’s charges.
The north-east side meet Manchester City in the League Cup Final this Sunday after previosuly beating Southampton by 1-0 in the FA Cup Fifth Round Proper.
Both Hull City and Sunderland will receive £247,500 from The FA in live broadcast fees while the winning team will get £360,000 from The FA Cup prize fund.
Hull City v Sunderland
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Sixth Round Proper
1.30pm, Sunday 9 March
KC Stadium, Hull
Winners receive £360,000
TV money is £247,500
Development squad suffer narrow defeat in north west.
Sunderland’s development squad suffered their first defeat in six games as the young Black Cats went down 1-0 to Manchester United at Salford City’s AJ Bell Stadium.
Jesse Lingard scored the only goal of the game on a cold and windy evening in Greater Manchester.
Kevin Ball made one change from last week’s 2-0 victory at Wolves as Louis Laing replaced Liam Agnew.
Connor Oliver fired over from 25 yards inside the opening two minutes as Sunderland began with intent and a high-pitch press.
Joel Dixon then had to be sharp to deny United forward David Petrucci from six yards as the Italian forward latched onto Andreas Pereira’s cross.
Lingard saw his near post header headed off the line by John Egan before Pereira’s right-foot shot curled narrowly past Dixon’s left-hand post as the hosts continued to see more of the ball.
The young Black Cats were restricting United to efforts from range as Egan and Scott Harrison marshalled the back four well throughout the opening 45 minutes.
The hosts, however, did manage to get in front five minutes before the break as Lingard intercepted Andrew Cartwright’s pass and fired into Dixon’s left-hand corner from 25 yards.
Jordan Laidler went close to an immediate equaliser as the North Shields-based striker was denied by a good save from United stopper Joel Pereira after being played in by Louis Laing.
Egan prevented Janko from doubling the hosts’ advantage early in the second half with a fine block after the winger cut in from the left-hand side.
Petrucci then hit the post from Rothwell’s cut-back as United’s pacey front four continued to make life difficult for the Black Cats’ defence.
Dixon made a couple of good saves to keep Sunderland in the game – most notably down low to his right to deny Pereira.
Ball’s side came closest to equalising when Adam Mitchell fired a 25-yard free-kick against the bar after Lynden Gooch had been brought down by Guillermo Varela.
United hit the woodwork themselves in the closing stages as substitute James Wilson saw his deflected against the top of the bar.
Despite sending bodies forward in heavy numbers, the Black Cats couldn’t grab an equaliser and instead were denied for the first time this season.
Jesse Lingard's solo effort was enough to earn Manchester United's Under-21s an excellent 1-0 win over Sunderland at the AJ Bell Stadium on Monday.
The Warrington-born forward struck the only goal during a match of few chances, helping Warren Joyce's side record a third consecutive victory in the Barclays Premier League against a Black Cats team that would have gone top with three points. United's triumph was also noteworthy because of an illness that had spread through the camp in the week, forcing several players to miss training ahead ahead of kick-off.
Though the first half was lacking quality in front of goal, the Reds were well on top and probably should have taken the lead when the impressive Saidy Janko worked the ball out wide to Andreas Pereira, whose cross was shot away from goal by Davide Petrucci.
Moments later, Jesse Lingard was similarly wasteful as he latched onto Janko’s neat inside pass to blast high and wide. The Warrington-born forward made amends by intercepting a wayward pass, driving past a Black Cats defender and firing home from 20 yards in the 40th minute.
After the half-time break, United restarted brightly and went close to doubling the lead following some excellent work from Joe Rothwell, who got to the by-line to feed Petrucci. Unfortunately, the Italian could only hit the post from six yards before his follow-up effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
The game descended into chaos in the 65th minute when Ross Holland made an overly raucous challenge on Guillermo Varela before appearing to strike the protesting Rothwell, an incident that caused a considerable melee and resulted in the Sunderland man receiving a yellow card from the lenient referee.
That stoppage disrupted the flow and, though United were still largely in control, the visitors began to regain a foothold on proceedings as the clock ticked on, most notably hitting the bar with a free-kick in the 81st minute.
Encouragingly, the Reds kept their composure with captain Michael Keane showing his experience and authority at the back, helping his side see out a potentially influential victory that moves them up to sixth in the table.
United's next match is against Wolves on 10 March at AFC Telford United.
United: J Pereira; Varela, M Keane, Blackett, James; Pearson, Rothwell; Janko (Wilson 72), Petrucci, Lingard; A Pereira (Rowley 82).
Subs not used: Gollini, McNair, Rudge
Booked: Pearson, Varela
Development squad coach pleased with progress after narrow defeat in Salford.
Sunderland’s development squad coach, Kevin Ball, says Monday evening’s narrow 1-0 defeat at Manchester United shows how far his young side have come this campaign.
The young Black Cats, who lie third in the Barclays U21 Premier League, went down to a Jesse Lingard strike just before half-time in a game they could well have got something from with both
Jordan Laidler and Adam Mitchell going close to equalising.
And Ball believe the way the Red Devils went about their business at the AJ Bell Stadium shows the respect and growing reputation Sunderland are getting at youth level.
“I think we did really well,” Ball said. “When we travel down to these games the expectations are quite high because we’ve shown what we can do.
“United were well up for it and the face they had called one back from a youth loan (Tyler Blackett from Birmingham City) and had a few who have been around the Championship (Lingard and Michael Keane) shows that they knew they had a game on their hands.
“The way they got at us from the off and the way they pressed the ball when we played out from the back was a back-handed compliment in that they’d obviously done their homework.
“We showed good resilience to stay in the game; the only downside for us was that we conceded just before half-time and, as a coach, that’s the worst time because it robs you of that chance to build on what you have done in the first-half.”
Ball praised defenders John Egan and Scott Harrison as the pair turned out arguably their best performances of the campaign with the former making only his fifth Barclays U21 Premier League appearance of the campaign.
“I thought Scott and John were both resilient,” he added. “Scott’s passing and his diagonal balls from the back were both excellent.
“I was pleased with John and he’s got to be pleased with himself because he did well, especially when you consider his long-term layoff and the little niggles he’s had recently as well.
“Our only defensive issue was that we’d like to see the back four move up more and become a bit more compact, quickly.
“We can never fault our players for effort, though, and it’s just disappointing result-wise but there was lots we can build on ahead of the game at Norwich.”
The young Black Cats face a two-week wait before their trip to Carrow Road to face the Canaries and Ball says the players will be allowed to enjoy the Capital One Cup final experience before returning to training on Monday ahead of a big push for the top four in the final third of the campaign.
“I’m a firm believer in letting the lads enjoy the experience [of the Capital One Cup final],” Ball continued.
“But Monday, it will be back to hard work and preparing well for the Norwich game.”
Sunderland’s penalty drama so tough on a great bunch
PETER Reid is hoping for the same sort of occasion at Wembley, but a different result for Sunderland this weekend.
He’s talking about the 1998 play-off final of course, when the Black Cats lost out on promotion to the Premier League in one of the most memorable games ever played at Wembley.
He talked to the Echo’s GRAEME ANDERSON about that unforgettable day.
FORMER Sunderland boss Peter Reid has featured in many memorable photographs in the Echo archives over the years.
But surely one of the most evocative comes from that sweltering hot play-off final day at Wembley as he ambled over the lush turf, post-match, jacket over his shoulders, looking to console his players.
Behind him stands 23-year-old Mickey Gray, the man who missed the crucial spot-kick in the epic penalty shoot-out, looking about as inconsolable as it is possible for any human being to look.
“Yeah, obviously it was tough to take at the time, very, very tough,” recalls Reid, who will be back at Wembley again this weekend, suited and booted, but this time watching from the pundit’s chair rather than dug-out.
“It felt harsh because the majority of the team that would set a new league record of 105 points the following season were at the club at the time and in the run-up to the play-offs they had played fantastically well.
“We played some amazing stuff in that 105-point season but some of the stuff we played in the final few months of 1997-98 was just as good as we recovered from a disappointing start.
“And going to Wembley, we felt as though it was going to be our day. Everyone felt good about it.
“I remember what a fantastic occasion for us it was, for our fans – the noise and the colour from Sunderland fans was amazing and they seemed to be all around the stadium.
“I’m sure it will be the same again this weekend – they travel in massive numbers and they make incredible noise.
“And whatever happens this Sunday, I’m sure they will be the most fantastic advert for Sunderland Football Club – just as they were in the play-offs.”
The play-off final ended 4-4 after extra time and then went to 7-6 on penalties before Charlton Athletic keeper Sasa Ilic saved Gray’s tame effort and Sunderland’s stunning late gallop to the Premier League fell at the final hurdle.
“You could say we were unfortunate,” shrugs Reid. “We got 90 points but finished one behind Middlesbrough, who took second place.
“We had the youngest back four in the club’s history I remember and they had been great for us but then we maybe got caught out a bit.
“And then when it came to penalties, Kevin Phillips and Lee Clark had already been substituted.
“We could have done with someone from Sunderland scoring a hat-trick on the day and I suppose on did – unfortunately for us it was Clive Mendonca!
“But looking back on it, I don’t really believe it was the play-off final which cost us promotion – it was a game against Queens Park Rangers the previous month.
“We were 2-0 up at home and cruising with well over an hour gone but then we let them back into it; something which should never have happened.
“We ended up drawing 2-2 a game we should have won comfortably.
“If we had seen it out, we would have had 92 points and never have needed to go to Wembley in the first place.”
Whereas Wembley was the consolation prize in 1998 for Sunderland’s late surge towards the top of the table, this time it’s the reward for a dogged League Cup run which has given the Wearsiders their first cup final of the 21st century.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Reid. “I’m doing a bit of TV work and I’ll be there for the match.
“My one big regret during my time as Sunderland manager was that I was never able to give the fans a trophy.
“They’ve waited a long time for one and who knows, that wait could end this Sunday.
“I’m sure Gus Poyet would love nothing better than to be the boss who takes silverware back to Wearside for the first time in more than 40 years.
”It wasn’t a great end to the day the last time Sunderland fans were at Wembley - we got everything except the right result and it was heartbreaking at the time.
“Maybe this weekend will be different and Sunderland fans will enjoy one of the best days of their lives
“They’re great fans and it’s fantastic they’re going to a Wembley final.
“No one’s suggesting it won’t be anything but a very difficult game for Gus and his players.
“But it’s a final, it’s a one-off, and it all depends on what happens on the day.”
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is going to take you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 3 on the list: Sunderland’s last League Cup final appearance, in 1985.
On the face of it, Sunderland’s loss to Norwich City in the 1985 final would not make the highlights list of many fans.
Hopes were high that the Black Cats would bring the trophy home to Wearside after an excellent run to the final.
However, they contributed to their own downfall as they lost 1-0 to the Canaries at Wembley.
Gordon Chisholm’s own goal was the difference between the two sides, while Clive Walker also missed a penalty for Sunderland.
While it was a painful day for Cats fans, it was still a hugely significant one in the history of the club.
It was also a proud day for many supporters, with Sunderland fans “taking over” Wembley in the eyes of some of those in the 100,000 crowd.
There was a real friendly atmosphere between the two sets of supporters, so much so that the Friendship Trophy is still contested when the clubs face each other.
It may not have been the finest moment in Sunderland’s League Cup history, but it was certainly among the most memorable.
Sky Sports and BT confirm live schedule for April... and it's bad news for Sunderland and Newcastle fans with 550-mile round trips on a Monday night to north London
Sky Sports and BT Sport have announced their live Premier League coverage for April as the four-horse title race hots up.
The standout fixtures see Liverpool hosting Chelsea on Sunday, April 27 at 2.05pm, and Liverpool also hosting Manchester City on Sunday, April 13 at the same time.
But Sunderland and Newcastle fans will be dismayed to discover their trips to north London have been scheduled for Monday night fixtures, meaning they face a 550-mile round trip to the capital.
Sunderland face Spurs on Monday, April 7 at 8pm, while the Toon army make the trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Monday, April 28 at 8pm.
Aston Villa are the only side not on television in April, but this should be made up by the fact their next four Premier League games were broadcasted, as well as their last two.
Manchester City v Southampton - Saturday 5 April, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Chelsea v Stoke City - Saturday 5 April, 5.30pm (Sky Sports)
Everton v Arsenal - Sunday 6 April, 1.30pm (Sky Sports)
West Ham United v Liverpool - Sunday 6 April, 4pm (Sky Sports)
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland - Monday 7 April, 8pm (Sky Sports)
Arsenal v West Ham United - Sunday 13 April, midday (Sky Sports)
Liverpool v Manchester City - Sunday 13 April, 2.05pm (Sky Sports)
Swansea City v Chelsea - Sunday 13 April, 4.10pm (Sky Sports)
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham - Saturday 19 April, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Hull City v Arsenal - Saturday 19 April, 5.30pm (Sky Sports)
Norwich City v Liverpool - Sunday 20 April, midday (Sky Sports)
Chelsea v Sunderland - Sunday 20 April, 2.05pm (Sky Sports)
Everton v Manchester United - Sunday 20 April, 4.10pm (Sky Sports)
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion - Monday 21 April, 8pm (Sky Sports)
Southampton v Everton - Saturday 26 April, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Manchester United v Norwich City - Saturday 26 April, 5.30pm (Sky Sports)
Sunderland v Cardiff City - Sunday 27 April, midday (Sky Sports)
Liverpool v Chelsea - Sunday 27 April, 2.05pm (Sky Sports)
Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Sunday 27 April, 4.10pm (Sky Sports)
Arsenal v Newcastle United - Monday 28 April, 8pm (Sky Sports)
Colback was a Geordie but now he's a Mackem... and hoping to bring Sunderland their first piece of silverware since 1973
He may be the only academy player in Sunderland’s Football League Cup final squad yet Jack Colback has not exactly been overwhelmed with ticket requests from the family.
The Sunderland midfielder is from the north of the River Tyne, brought up a Geordie but a product of Sunderland legend Kevin Ball’s hard work in a youth system which also developed and nurtured his close friend Jordan Henderson.
Colback is Sunderland through and through now – as his reaction to his recent goal at St James’ Park demonstrated. He is in talks with Gus Poyet to extend the contract which expires at the end of this season and if anyone among the Uruguayan’s squad can understand the pain of 41 years without a trophy for the Mackem faithful, it is the boy from Cramlington.
He joined Sunderland at the age of 10 – after turning them down two years earlier – and has always been earmarked as a star for the future, by the likes of Ball and his previous managers Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill, Paolo Di Canio and now Poyet, as well as Roy Keane, who took him on loan at Ipswich after he’d left Wearside.
Colback said: ‘I first went on trial at Middlesbrough and trained there for a while but the travelling was a bit too far and I felt I was a bit too young at the time aged eight or nine.
‘I came to Sunderland initially at that age but I thought I was still a bit too young. I came back to Sunderland a second time and felt it was the right time to do so.
‘They said there was an opportunity to be part of the academy and I took it. I never thought twice about it. Obviously parts of my family support Newcastle, but they certainly weren't going to tell me not to sign for Sunderland. It was an opportunity I had to take. It was a massive chance for me.
‘As players it's your job, isn't it, it doesn't matter where you're from, it's your job to go out on the pitch and play as well as you can for whoever you play for and that's what I do.
‘I've not got as many family going to the final as some of the lads. I know some of the players have been getting 40-odd tickets – and I think Craig Gardner has about 140 - but I’ve got a few and I've got my kids going down so that will be nice.
‘I’ve had a few texts from people coming out of the woodwork and everyone on the Sunderland side of the family is desperate to go because we don't get many chances to go to a Wembley final. Everyone wants to be there.’
This will be Colback’s first visit to Wembley in any capacity, a signal perhaps of the distance between the 24-year-old and the players he will come up against directly on Sunday, the likes of Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, James Milner, Samir Nasri.
Sunderland go to the capital as the overwhelming underdogs – just as Bob Stokoe’ s side did for the club’s last success in the 1973 FA Cup Final – but they have form against City.
City have suffered four successive defeats at the Stadium of Light, albeit after peppering the Sunderland goal in each game. And that is giving the likes of Colback some hope as they prepare for the club’s first Wembley final since Liverpool easily overcame Malcolm Crosby’s team of 92.
Colback added: ‘We've won the four at our place 1-0 against them. The year before, we drew 3-3 at their place when we should have won as we were 3-1 up with five minutes to go. It's all about how you play on the day. We'll be working on them this week and trying to deal with how they can hurt us and we can hurt them. We need to go out and pay our own game.
'When we defend we have to defend well. We have to hope we cm nick one at the other end, we know how good they are and we have to try and match them. the majority of people will expect City to win, that's part and parcel of when a big team comes up against a smaller team.
‘It's all about what happens on the day. Last year in the FA Cup, they got beaten by Wigan and there's no reason why can't do the same this time.
‘We've beaten them three of four times in recent seasons and while other teams have been beaten by them by heavy margins we've managed to get the better of them. It shows we can beat them and it gives us confidence.
‘They've got world class players all over the pitch so we know how tough it will be. If we go out with a bit of confidence and play well we could upset the odds.
‘It would be massive if we won a trophy. The fans have got memories for 1973. At every club there's a pressure of wining something, even at the likes of Man City or Arsenal. Their fans get to watch good football every week, but they're still desperate for a trophy.
‘It's not often an opportunity like this comes along so we'll be absolutely buzzing if we win it.’
MANCHESTER CITY vs SUNDERLAND: All the latest team news and stats ahead of the Capital One Cup final at Wembley
Wembley Stadium (Sunday, 2pm)
Big match stats:
This is Manchester City’s first final appearance since 1976, where they beat Newcastle United at Wembley 2-1.
Sunderland’s only previous League Cup final appearance came in the 1984/85 season, where they lost 1-0 to Norwich City.
In City’s three league cup finals (1970, 1974 and 1976) each game has ended 2-1, with The Citizens winning twice.
The only previous League Cup clash between Man City and Sunderland came in the third round in 1979/80. The Mackems progressed in a replay beating City at Maine Road 1-0.
Sunderland have only lost one of their last five games against Manchester City, winning three and drawing once.
In fact, each of Sunderland’s last four wins over Manchester City has come by a goal to nil.
Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko are the joint-top scorers in the competition, with six goals apiece.
Only Chris Burke (4) has assisted more often in this season’s competition than James Milner (3).
On their way to the final, Man City kept four clean sheets while Sunderland managed just one (v Peterborough).
Sunderland have been shown 19 yellow cards in the competition so far, 11 more than any other team. City have been shown just six.
Manchester City have scored 19 goals in the Capital One Cup this season, conceding just once.
The last team to make the final conceding just once in the tournament were Chelsea in 2006/07.
Should City win the final without conceding, they would be the first team to lift the trophy by only conceding once (Chelsea conceded twice in 2006/07 in total).
Four of the five teams that have conceded just once or fewer in the run-up to the League Cup final have lost the showpiece.
The last team to score more goals than Manchester City have in the League Cup this season before the final (19) were Spurs in 2001/02 (20).
Sunderland strike up partnership with Mike Ashley-owned store
Sunderland's first team players and managers will be donning suits from Newcastle-based store Cruise which is owned by Sports Direct
Sunderland have a surprise supporter this weekend... in the form of Mike Ashley.
The Black Cats will be kitted out in Hugo Boss suits from Sports Direct-owned fashion store Cruise on Princess Square in Newcastle after the two parties struck up a partnership.
Yesterday, Sunderland AFC announced the partnership with Cruise, in an agreement which sees the brand become the club’s official suit provider for the Capital One Cup final this weekend through to the 2014/15 season.
The agreement will see Cruise enjoy a range of rights including LED perimeter and jumbo screen advertising at the Stadium of Light along with matchday programme advertising at all home games.
Ashley bought the luxury chain, which has 10 stores across the country, along with high street outlet USC back in 2011.
The tycoon acquired the shops in a £7m move from Scottish retail entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter who kept a 20% shareholding in the firms.
Cruise will now be dressing key representatives of the club, including manager Gus Poyet and first-team players for their trip to Wembley for the cup final battle against Manchester City.
Gary Hutchinson, Sunderland commercial director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cruise to the Sunderland family.
“The Hugo Boss suits provided by Cruise are of an exceptional standard and are highly on trend with this season’s latest cut and will give players and staff a unified and sophisticated appearance, the suits will be worn by members of the squad and staff at official club engagements.”
Cruise general manager Robert Young added: “The partnership with Sunderland is a perfect example of success and we are privileged to be a partner to the club for the Cup final and into the 2014/15 season. Our collaboration firms a strong bond between football and fashion, both in terms of lifestyle and ambition.”
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Alan Pardew shrugs off lack of cup success ahead of Sunderland's trip to Wembley.
Alan Pardew shrugs off lack of cup success ahead of Sunderland's trip to Wembley for League Cup final
Alan Pardew has suggested he is prepared to take the hit of a lack of success in the domestic cups if it means Newcastle United remain a Premier League club.
This weekend Newcastle fans will have to watch on as Sunderland tackle Manchester City in the League Cup final.
When weighing up the two arguments, Pardew said ahead of the trip to FA Cup quarter-finalists Hull - who still aren’t safe from relegation - at the KC Stadium: “There is half of you that would like to be playing for a trophy or some tangible reward at the end of the season like a European place.
“But there’s also that other side where you don’t want to be involved in at the bottom like we were last year and have that stress.
“We haven’t got that to worry about now.
“For us, it’s about finishing as strongly as we can and maybe looking at one or two youngsters as well as we go along.”
Pardew also said that sealing top flight safety also handed him the chance to try out new systems and formations in the last 11 games.
He said: “I’ll certainly take the opportunity to look at one or two and sometimes the formations that we play too.
“We’ll see if someone can do a different role and we’ve had good success with that over the years I’ve been here.
“We’ll maybe look for one or two to play in unusual positions and see if they can perform in that role.”
And speaking on team news ahead of the clash in Hull, Pardew said:“Sylvain Marveaux is fit, but he’ll have to wait and see if he gets involved in the squad.
“But Davide Santon and Hatem Ben Arfa both have knocks at the moment so they won’t be involved at Hull City.”
Mark Lawrenson's Capital One Cup final predictions.
Capital One Cup final: Man City v Sunderland (14:00 GMT)
Surely Manchester City won't make the same mistake they did in last season's FA Cup final, when they lost to Wigan and basically did not turn up?
I was really surprised they did that at Wembley in May because it was a big game and City have got big game players.
I cannot see that happening again. I can tell you from personal experience that, once you have been to a cup final and lost, it is so absolutely horrible that you give everything for it not to happen again.
I think Sunderland will be resolute and full of vim and vigour but City's quality, along with hard work, will see them through.
Sunderland beat City at the Stadium of Light in November but Wembley is a big pitch and, when you are playing against a good side, you think it is even bigger because you end up chasing the ball.
What City are good at is finding space. I just see them playing really well on Sunday, no matter what Sunderland try to do to stop them.
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Tim's prediction: This could be one of those terrible cup finals where the big club wins 4-0. But Sunderland will be bang up for it so it might be closer than that. 2-1
City v Sunderland: a tale of takeover, tempests and turn-ups
When the Blues meet Sunday's cup final opponents, anything can happen - and it usually does!
Strange things happen when City play Sunderland.
Forget the fact that the Black Cats are a bogey team for the Blues, who have failed to win at the Stadium of Light since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in September, 2008.
The bookies would have you believe that City are a shoo-in when the two teams meet on the neutral territory of Wembley Stadium in the League Cup final on Sunday.
No-one in the City dressing room will be thinking that way and Sunderland already have the comfort of knowing that they beat the Blues in the only meeting of the two teams so far this season.
Salford lad Phil Bardsley grabbed a rare goal to secure victory for Gus Poyet’s team in November, the fourth time on the trot that City have lost 1-0 at that cursed venue.
The return fixture should have been a fortnight ago, until Storm Charlie ripped in from the Atlantic, causing havoc and forcing postponement of the game - and that is not the first bizarre occurrence to hit this fixture.
City fans will remember only too well the last time they actually DID win at Sunderland, on August 31, 2008, when Shaun Wright-Phillips scored twice and Stevie Ireland got the other as Mark Hughes’ team hit the heady heights of third in the table.
If that was not rich reward enough for Blues who were still emerging from the traumas of the late 90s and early noughties, within 24 hours they would be the richest club on the planet.
Hughes was on a golf course as that spectacular revolution took place, and 16 months later his City career was in a bunker - with Sunderland the visitors to the City of Manchester Stadium.
That was a surreal December day, and not because Roque Santa Cruz scored twice in a 4-3 win. News had spread around the ground that Hughes would be fired immediately after the game, and the match was played out to a background of discontent and confusion.
Adam Johnson, set to play for Sunderland on Sunday, scored the last City goal at the Stadium of Light, a brilliant, last-minute curler in 2010.
In 2012, the drama was astonishing as the Blues, who had a 100 per cent home record that had carried them to the top of the table, trailed Sunderland at the Etihad by 3-1, as the game moved into the last five minutes.
Aleks Kolarov and Mario Balotelli fired in goals to make it 3-3, but it was still seen as two dropped points, especially when United won two days later to go five points clear at the top.
Six weeks later, the draw was being hailed as the moment the title was won, as that late fightback and solitary point made all the difference in a tight finish.
That draw was the only time City have dropped points at home to Sunderland in the Mansour era - they have won the other four, scoring 13 goals in the process.
Manuel Pellegrini’s sole experience of Sunderland came just over three months ago, when he watched in bafflement as his team had 16 shots to the opponents’ four, put in 39 crosses to ten and won the corner count 14-0.
In the end that stat that counted was that Bardsley, albeit with the help of a nudge in James Milner’s back, had scored the only goal.
For all their dominance, City lacked real spark that day, maybe down to the fact that they were without Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Fernandinho, while Pablo Zabaleta was on the bench
All being well, City will have that key quartet in their team at Wembley and that should edge the odds in their favour - barring tempests, takeovers or turn-ups.
The Dossier: What Sunderland can learn from Wigan's Wembley wonder win
Gus Poyet's men must look to replicate the fearlessness, on the ball and off it, shown by the Latics against Manchester City, and improve upon their own failings at Arsenal
ANALYSIS
By Ewan Roberts
Another year, another Wembley cup final that sees Manchester City take on a relative minnow. They ended a 35-year wait for silverware when Stoke were defeated in the FA Cup final three years ago, though last season were stunned by Wigan – the final nail in Roberto Mancini's insufficiently holistic coffin.
Now City travel south once more for the Capital One Cup final to take on a Sunderland side scrapping for their Premier League status, but the promises of atonement and renewed determination suggest the mark Wigan left on City will not allow them to take Sunday's test lightly. The Latics, perhaps, have heightened the task facing Gus Poyet's men, but they also left lessons that can be utilised to spring another upset.
Paramount to Sunderland's gameplan, just as it was for Wigan, will be possession. Roberto Martinez's side were tutored to nurture the ball throughout his tenure, and duly recorded 49 per cent possession in last May's encounter, completing a mere 14 passes fewer than City (who recorded 505 in total).
Wigan never allowed their more illustrious opponents to take control of a largely even encounter, and in fact their average pass streak was superior. They were able to take the tempo and sting out of passages of play and avoided being put under concerted pressure – at least until the latter stages of the contest.
Such a tactic would appear beyond Sunderland based on their most recent outing against Arsenal, a practice run for the final in which they slumped to a 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium. Prior to Olivier Giroud's fifth-minute strike the home side had boasted 93% possession, which settled to 65% by the end of the match, and completed 717 passes to the visitors' 394.
Particularly in the first half, Sunderland were completely incapable of stopping Arsenal from playing, or retaining possession themselves. While not a true reflection of how Poyet intends for his side to play, it did provide a worrying glimpse of the perils of sitting back, dropping deep and failing to pressure the opposition, especially one that shares so many similarities with City (as the former Brighton boss noted).
“Arsenal are difficult to play against when they are fresh and pass the ball well, but that [accepting opposition superiority] is not the way I play football and we were poor in many things,” the Uruguayan noted afterwards. “[We learnt] how good you need to be technically to play against the better teams, how much possession you have to keep, and when you have a chance to break you have to finish the actions.”
The return of Lee Cattermole, present in wins over Chelsea and Manchester United en route to Wembley, will be a massive boost. The tough-tackling midfielder was not risked against Arsenal, but is guaranteed to start in the final. “If there is one player starting next week, it is Lee Cattermole,” said his manager. “The rest at the moment are substitutes.”
The 25-year-old, who ironically once played his football at the DW Stadium, brings exactly the combination of ball-winning tenacity and deceptive poise in possession needed, and, with Poyet reluctant to use three at the back as Martinez did, can drop in and help his centre-back's outnumber City's two strikers.
Like Wigan before them, Sunderland must take the game to City; press them aggressively, resist the temptation to retreat, be brave on the ball and look to harness their counter-attacking strengths – only Liverpool have scored more goals from fast breaks in the Premier League this term, but, as a percentage of total goals scored, Sunderland (11%) actually rely more heavily on counter-attacking goals than the Merseysiders (8.5%).
The Black Cats did not show their countering claws in north London, though, failing to muster a single shot following a break, and much of that was due to the meek performances of left winger Adam Johnson and bulldozing frontman Jozy Altidore. Both were hauled off at half-time, perhaps rested, perhaps prime examples of the players Poyet warned were no longer guaranteed a start.
But the productive displays of hard-working frontman Arouna Kone and tricky winger Callum McManaman in last season's FA Cup final highlight the match-defining importance their Sunderland counterparts could have on the game.
Against Arsenal, Altidore was too isolated – partly through Arsenal's restricted, stifling possession, and partly by his own unwillingness to drop deep and reconnect with the midfield. The American, who touched the ball just 14 times in his 45 minutes on the pitch, seemed keener to test his own strength and aerial ability against Per Mertesacker rather than try to move the German around and exploit his lack of mobility and pace.
That is exactly the trap he cannot afford to fall into against City. What Kone did perfectly was to move Vincent Kompany around – a centre-back who likes to step up though usually falls somewhere between clumsy and reckless when doing so – and frequently pulled out wide when City's full-backs had advanced up the field, thus dragging the Belgian with him.
Just as it did for McManaman, that movement and involvement of the centre-forward should create more space and opportunities for Johnson. However, the former City winger – who has scored or assisted eight goals in seven league matches in 2014 and looked primed to punish his old club this weekend – will have to shed the shackles he donned at the Emirates.
The 26-year-old, once again snubbed by Roy Hodgson in his latest England squad, touched the ball just 11 times, the worst of any player who started, and completed zero dribbles. He never ran at Nacho Monreal, he never committed the Spaniard and he was far too conservative, with his average position deep in his own half.
Not only does that lie in stark contrast to McManaman, who completed nine dribbles and had 49 touches against City, terrorising Gael Clichy and drawing foul after foul (even luring Pablo Zabaleta towards a red card), but it was also in contrast to Johnson's replacement on Saturday, Sebastian Larsson. The Swede retained his width, stayed high up the field and created three chances – the joint-most of any player on either side.
Though defeated against Arsenal, the match was an important dress rehearsal for what Sunderland can expect at Wembley and a necessary reminder of why the Black Cats should look to the aspects Wigan did so well in last year's FA Cup final. Now Poyet has a second chance to get it right, and must ensure his side show the fearlessness on the ball required to prevent a repeat of their Emirates collapse and pull off another upset at City's expense.
Can Sunderland win?
It's 41 years since Sunderland won a major trophy and they're huge underdogs for Sunday's Capital One Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. But Adam Bate makes the case for a Black Cats upset...
Ben Watson's stoppage-time header delivered one of the great cup stories last season as little Wigan Athletic saw off mighty Manchester City to win the FA Cup. Now it's Sunderland hoping to stop the City juggernaut as they visit Wembley for the Capital One Cup final.
Of course, it won't just be those in the Sunderland dressing room discussing the events of last May. City's stars will surely be determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself. It is a huge ask for Sunderland to recreate Wigan's stylish efforts, but having already seen off Chelsea and Manchester United in this cup run, there are ways in which they can at least boost their chances. Adam Bate looks at six steps to spark Sunderland optimism...
Cattermole to provide the bite
Sunderland didn't exactly warm up in style for the big game with a sloppy display as they were hammered 4-1 by Arsenal last weekend. Three goals down by half-time, Gus Poyet's men were never in it. "You need to be smart enough to slow down the game and organise," said Poyet afterwards. "You have to be patient and press the ball, but we didn't."
Indeed, perhaps the most alarming aspect to the defeat was that Sunderland were not only outplayed but outfought as Arsenal's slick stars were allowed to dance through the Black Cats midfield. That's exactly the sort of football that the returning Lee Cattermole will be out to stop. The midfielder was rested for the trip to the Emirates Stadium with the cup final in mind.
Poyet even suggested that the 25-year-old was omitted over fears that referee Andre Marriner would send him off against the Gunners and while the result sparked debate as to the wisdom of that decision, few would argue the manager's concerns were groundless. Sunderland have the most red cards of any team in the Premier League this season, with Cattermole among the culprits.
However, the midfield bite that Cattermole can provide is exactly the sort of approach Poyet must put his faith in at Wembley. Breaking up City's fluid passing game will be essential if his team are to prevail. "If there is one player starting next week, it is Lee Cattermole," said Poyet after the disappointment of the Arsenal result. "The rest at the moment are substitutes."
Recall Giaccherini
Poyet continued: "No one has put them on the sheet for next week. No one. Everything I had in mind for next week is gone in 90 minutes, gone completely, so we start from zero." That's good news for winger Emanuele Giaccherini as the summer signing tries to force his way into the starting line-up following his return from injury.
The Italy international made an encouraging comeback in the FA Cup win over Southampton and his consolation goal at Arsenal might well have swayed Poyet's thinking. That could be crucial to Sunderland's hopes for a couple of reasons. Not only would a fit and in-form Giaccherini help the side, but his inclusion could see Fabio Borini move to his favoured central striker role. And that presents particularly intriguing possibilities against City...
Expose City's lack of pace at the back
Martin Demichelis has become something of a focal point for concerned City supporters with his unconvincing performances. However, the full horror of his display against Barcelona was a little overplayed. In fact, the Argentine succeeded in keeping compatriot Lionel Messi quiet for almost an hour prior to his sending off. You'd think Jozy Altidore should be a walk in the Wembley park.
Poyet eyes trophy success
But there is an issue there. While Demichelis isn't the slowest once he's properly into his stride, against Stoke last weekend the Premier League tracking data revealed that his average speed was inferior to any other outfield player on the pitch. This reflects a sluggishness off the mark that is all too painfully evident to the naked eye.
For Sunderland, this is an opportunity and there is a chance to expose their illustrious opponents with pace in behind the defence. An out-of-form Altidore might not be the man to do it, while Steven Fletcher is struggling for full fitness, but Borini might prove a good option. The Italian's 59 sprints against Arsenal were more than anyone else on either side and Borini versus Demichelis is a match-up that any savvy manager would surely go out of his way to facilitate. Get Borini up top.
Hope Aguero is not fully fit
Of course, keeping Manuel Pellegrini's free-scoring side quiet at the other end can be a very difficult challenge. And yet, if Sergio Aguero is not back to full fitness then there is plenty of evidence to suggest that this task becomes rather more doable. City were on a run of 18 wins and two draws from their 20 games up to and including the 5-1 win at Tottenham in which Aguero was injured. They've lost two and drawn one of the five games since.
Moreover, the goals have dried up. City have netted just three goals in five games without the diminutive Argentine striker, with Edin Dzeko proving a comically inadequate replacement against Stoke. Alvaro Negredo with Jesus Navas, David Silva and Samir Nasri on the bench remains an attack to fear, but Poyet is entitled to feel an awful lot happier if Aguero is on the sidelines.
Make it a long-distance shooting contest
If City are without their fox in the box, it will only aid Sunderland's hopes of keeping City at arm's length. And a long-distance shooting contest would certainly favour the underdogs. Recent statistical research by Colin Trainor, available here on the Statsbomb website, somewhat counter-intuitively suggests shooting from distance is a good option for sides and - crucially - that there is little difference in that shot success between good sides and bad. As Phil Bardsley showed in forcing an error from David de Gea in the semi-final at Old Trafford, if you don't buy a ticket...
Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest it could be a particularly lucrative option for Sunderland against Manchester City. Pellegrini's men have actually conceded more goals from outside the box than Sunderland this season. Vito Mannone has the best save percentage from outside the box (94.2 per cent) of any regular goalkeeper in the Premier League. By contrast, Joe Hart languishes down at 85.7 per cent, while alternative Costel Pantilimon - Pellegrini's choice thus far in the competition - has done little to inspire confidence. Could Sunderland have a goalkeeping hero?
Settle it with set-pieces
If the cup final long shots are to rely on, err, long shots, then Jack Colback's poor performance against Arsenal could hardly have been more unfortunately timed. Sebastian Larsson made a good impression from the bench and the Swede's dead-ball delivery means Poyet is unlikely to require much of an excuse to turn to the midfielder instead. In fact, with set-pieces vital to Sunderland's hopes, how can he ignore him?
No Premier League team has been more reliant on dead-ball situations this season, with 12 of their 26 goals coming from this source - a huge 46 per cent. With only 10 players in the top flight having created more chances from set-pieces than Larsson, there is a strong case for using the 28-year-old in order to maximise what are likely to be limited opportunities at Wembley. It won't be easy and they'll need some luck, but that's our Sunderland side to make history on Sunday...
League Cup final: Steve Cram on Sunderland's FA Cup win
CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL: MAN CITY V SUNDERLAND
Venue: Wembley Date: Sunday 2 March Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Coverage: Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website; live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live
Sunderland face Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. It is 41 years since the Black Cats last won a major trophy - BBC athletics commentator and Sunderland fan Steve Cram reflects on that FA Cup win over Leeds in 1973.
I was 12 when Sunderland beat the mighty Leeds United to win the 1973 FA Cup. As we celebrated for days afterwards, even getting our hands on the trophy itself, nobody told us that such a wonderful thing may never happen again in our lifetime.
Sunderland were massive underdogs to beat a great Leeds side on a special day for everyone associated with the club. Can we do it again against Manchester City on Sunday?
I was - and still am - a huge fan. I'd been to all of the early rounds at home but I didn't make it to the semi-final and it was decided that I was a bit young for a day out in London on my own.
My dad was a policeman and he was working on that day, so that was it. Decision made. Our next door neighbour went, he did at one point suggest that he might take me but it didn't materialise.
Cup final day
At home in those days we still had a black-and-white television, so I watched it two doors down at a friend's house. They were the talk of the street as they had recently got a colour television. It was the first match I'd seen in colour.
It was quite a scene, two or three families huddled around the set. I can remember it all.
It's hard to imagine now, but the FA Cup was the only live football on television. Every year it was a huge day and for your team to be in the final was a massive occasion. The TV coverage started in the morning, then you would have It's a Knockout between Sunderland and Leeds, then a Question of Sport, a whole bunch of programmes leading up to it. As a 12-year-old it was very special indeed.
Sunderland were in the second division and Leeds were probably the best team in Europe at that time, certainly the best in the UK, full of stars.
In the 12 years I had been alive Leeds had won the league once and been runners-up five times. They had Billy Bremner, Allan Clarke, Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Johnny Giles. They were the FA Cup holders, these guys were superstars - very much the Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero of their day.
We had a team of very good players but they hadn't become a team of names at that point. People like Dave Watson, Dennis Tueart, Jimmy Montgomery. They weren't known too far beyond Sunderland.
I knew them all. I used to go on my own to home games, catching the bus from Jarrow bus station.
My dad used to be on duty at a lot of games at Roker Park, sometimes I could see him from the terraces. I quite often got a lift home in a police van - for all the right reasons.
Roker Park could hold 65,000 fans back then but there were plenty of occasions when there were 20,000 in there and you could shout to each other.
It was surreal seeing these players - who I was used to watch lining-up against Luton, Orient or Oxford - walking out at Wembley. I was really nervous, I remember that.
After the six hours of build-up that little house was full of energy by the time the game kicked-off. It was a fairly even first half without many chances and then it happened - we scored!
We never thought we would score from a corner. We weren't renowned for being good in the air but the ball just dropped for Ian Porterfield and he slammed it into the net. What a moment for the man, for us fans, for the whole town. Brilliant.
Lorimer makes it one each - No! Astonishing!
Leeds then laid siege to our goal for the whole of the second half, and the moment everyone remembers is Jimmy Montgomery's miraculous double save.
I thought it was a goal, most people did.
e saved a header from Trevor Cherry and then it was an incredible effort to turn Peter Lorimer's follow-up on to the crossbar.
When it dropped out you thought they would still bury the rebound but we somehow kept it out. In those days replays took quite a long time to appear on the TV so for a while we weren't too sure how he'd stopped it. It was a great save.
Monty is someone I've got to know well over the years. The club had a 70th birthday party for him recently, we had a nice dinner and quite a few members of that team were there. The funny thing is that the players said that in that same season away at Hull he made an even better save.
It was in the days before all games were on TV, so there is no footage of it but you ask all the players - that was the better save.
He was a brilliant goalkeeper. It's just a shame he was around in the era of Gordon Banks, Peter Bonetti, Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence or he would have won a lot of England caps. He is one of the all-time heroes at Sunderland and his save is one of the great FA Cup moments.
How I met the Cup
About four or five days after the final the players were invited to a social club and brought the FA Cup with them. They had a good night out and the Cup was given to Jarrow police to look after overnight.
My dad Bill was on a night shift so he came home, got me and my brother Kevin out of bed, got us dressed in our best bib and tucker and took us down to the station to have our picture taken. It's still on my dad's mantelpiece to this day.
I also took the day off school for the victory parade, you had to queue up to get tickets for the end of it at the stadium.
You were allowed two each and I bought mine and came out of the exit at the turnstile. This bloke thought that I'd been pushed out of the queue so he put me back into it at the front, and I had just enough money to buy two more! I was very popular with my pals.
This year's team
We've done well in recent times against Manchester City. On paper we shouldn't beat them but in a one-off game we have a chance. They are the best team to watch at the moment and going forward they can be frightening. They have taken much better teams than us apart.
Steve Cram
"I used to play up front, I wasn't bad but my running took over. There was a guy in my year group from a school down the road called Chris Waddle. We all knew he was going to be a professional from the age of nine or 10, he was an amazing player."
But we will go there in confident mood. Gus Poyet has got us playing some good stuff, and we beat Chelsea and Manchester United on the way. We deserve to be there.
I was in Kenya for the second leg of the semi-final against Manchester United, with GB athletes at the training camp. I was jumping around celebrating at 2am like an idiot when we won the penalty shoot-out.
I was worried that the final was while I was away at the Winter Olympics in Sochi and I would miss it. But I am going, with my kids.
I've had a few days at Wembley with Sunderland - they've all ended in defeat. Let's hope it's fourth time lucky.
Supporting a team like Sunderland is often misery and false hope and these are the days to cherish every 10 or 15 years or so. It will be a massive day for Sunderland fans.
I'm not sure who would win if our side from 1973 played today's XI. There may well be three or four red cards. We had some tough-tackling players in the 70s that would make Lee Cattermole look tame.
What I do know is that if Gus Poyet gets his side to play with the same spirit and togetherness that Bob Stokoe was able to generate over 40 years ago, then we will have every chance of producing another famous Wembley upset.
Steve Cram was talking to BBC Sport's Tom Rostance
Could Sunderland beat Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final?
The agonising wait since that unforgettable, epic night at Old Trafford is almost over as Black Cat fans across both Wearside and the rest of the country board planes, trains and automobiles to begin their journey to the capital for the biggest game in Sunderland’s recent history.
Make no mistake, Cup finals don’t come around very often for Sunderland fans, with their last close encounter with silverware coming back in 1992, in a time where the Premier League was still seen as a suspicious experiment and shorts were, by their very nature, short.
In fact the 92 Cup final is one of my earliest footballing memories, with only a random flashback of an Italia 90 football, a gift from my father, coming from further back in the annals of my memory. The fact it was more than likely a freebie from the local petrol station was lost on me as a five-year-old.
The FA Cup final of 1992 coincided with my birthday, for which I was presented a crisp, new Sunderland home shirt, glistening in all its nylon glory. Truth be told, at the time, football was still something of an enigma to me. My dad was not really into the sport at the time and it was only “just” a game to me at the time.
As the full-day, pre-match build up, as was customary at the time, ramped up the anticipation to kick-off I was blissfully unaware that there was even the slightest chance that Liverpool could beat my side…
How wrong I was and tears were shed.
What perhaps cemented my love for the club was the open top bus parade to welcome the valiant hero’s home. Yes, you read that right. A veritable carnival that is usually reserved to revel in a victorious cup campaign was lavishly celebrated by the people of Wearside who packed the streets of Sunderland as the bus wound its way through the city’s streets.
You see, success is not something which is easily attributable to a club such as Sunderland. We often flirt with the idea of winning something before catastrophically making a mess of the whole ordeal. Yo-yo’ing between leagues was par for the course not long ago and even now, as an established Premier League club if you like, and we are still in severe danger of relegation.
So you see, it is not just the fact that Sunderland face the imposing prospect of Manchester City on Sunday that will have many fans not expecting to emerge victorious but also the fact that success just doesn’t seem to happen to a club like ours.
However, while there may not be expectation, there is certainly hope and a whole barrel load of dreams. Gus Poyet was asked on the Old Trafford field if his side can win the game, his response was both subtle yet quietly rousing: ‘Of course, why not’.
Here’s hoping the inspirational Uruguayan is right .
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Colin Murray: Demise of ‘Milk Cup’ leaves a sour taste
While it’s not even the most talked about game this weekend, let alone this week, I’m looking forward to Sunday’s Milk Cup – sorry, it’s an age thing.
Like most fans, I still refer to the League Cup by the first sponsor I can remember. In my case, it was the Milk Marketing Board. Oh, how football has changed.
Those in their early 30s will often let a misplaced ‘Littlewoods’ or ‘Rumbelows’ slip out. And what have all those sponsors got in common? They no longer exist.
The tournament itself has not yet gone the way of its original three backers, but it’s showing real signs of wear and tear.
For big clubs, it is often used to stretch the legs of youngsters and fringe players, while the money up for grabs is peanuts to the elite sides.
This season, Championship outfit Brighton and Hove Albion put out a weakened starting XI in the last 16 of the FA Cup, so what hope has its lesser cup cousin got?
Many managers will view it as a hindrance, prioritising other trophies or survival ahead of this particular Wembley trip. And it’s hard to blame them, given what’s at stake elsewhere.
Unless clubs lower their prices, we see many League Cup games taking place in ghost towns of stadiums, the chattering empty seats making more noise than the diehard fans.
Still, I don’t see why football should always work to the pace of the biggest clubs.
The shrug of the big boys leaves the door open for less-fancied teams, with European football also on offer to the eventual winners. Seven different clubs have lifted this trophy in the last ten seasons, and there hasn’t been a ‘big-four’ final since 2007, when Chelsea beat Arsenal.
Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Wigan, Cardiff, Swansea and Bradford fans have all made the final in the past decade, and Sunderland’s North-East army will be rightfully buzzing as they make their way south this weekend.
To be fair, so will the Manchester City supporters who, like all real football fans, care more about winning trophies than share prices.
Still, this upside is a by-product of the League Cup’s decline in importance. Maybe there needs to be a radical rethink to breathe new life into this tournament, or I fear it could go the same way as a certain electrical retailer.
Personally, I want it not only to survive but thrive, although some might think I’m already crying over spilt milk.
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Capital One Cup final: The lowdown on Sunderland v Manchester City
Sunday’s Capital One Cup final pits big-money Manchester City against Sunderland, a club threatened with relegation who haven’t won a trophy since 1973.
But recent League Cup finals have shown the big guns don’t always have it their way and Black Cats boss Gus Poyet says victory at Wembley would make his players the happiest in England.
Here’s how the two clubs reached Wembley, and a look at the players and managers who will decide who goes home with the silverware on Sunday night.
Flashback: Sunderland's 1973 giantkilling of Leeds can act as inspiration against Manchester City in League Cup final.
In 1973, as a Second Division club, Sunderland toppled Leeds United in the FA Cup final. They take on Manchester City on Sunday in the League Cup final hoping history repeats itself
Sunderland have been here before. The task of upsetting English football's dominant force, in a showpiece occasion at Wembley, might cause some ripples of anxiety among the 31,000 Wearsiders heading south on Sunday for the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City, but the last time Sunderland were faced with such apparently insurmountable odds, they not only played above themselves but returned north clutching silverware.
That moment came in 1973 when, as a Second Division club, Sunderland toppled Leeds United in the FA Cup final. Leeds were omnipotent, a swaggering but well-drilled outfit under Don Revie that not only punished lesser teams at home, but also abroad.
Sunderland were written off as plucky runners up even while they were receiving praise for reaching Wembley.
Their subsequent triumph - Sunderland won 1-0 victory through Ian Porterfield's goal - has become so enshrined in the club's DNA that midfielder Jack Colback revealed this week the date is the security code for the main entrance at the training ground.
As Gus Poyet's team prepare to encounter an equally formidable City on Sunday afternoon, it is timely proof that there is no such thing as a lost cause in knockout football.
"Sunderland playing Man City, it's almost an identical scenario to when we played Leeds," said goalkeeper Jim Montgomery, whose brilliant double save in the second half against Leeds guaranteed him iconic status on Wearside.
"Leeds were the dominant side in the land at the time and Man City are probably the best team now. We beat Man City and Arsenal on the way to the final, they were two excellent sides, and this team have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United to get to the final.
"The similarities are there and I'm hoping history repeats itself. To beat top teams on the way to the final, it gives you a lot belief that you can win the final as well. We were full of confidence before the game, people didn't realise how confident we were."
Sunderland took the lead with just over half an hour played when Vic Halom chested down a corner from Billy Hughes. With centre-back Dave Watson making a nuisance of himself, Porterfield was able to control the ball and fire past Leeds goalkeeper David Harvey.
Leeds poured forward in search of an equaliser and dominated, but Montgomery made a succession of wonderful saves, none more so than the double block which denied Trevor Cherry and then Peter Lorimer, the goalkeeper somehow parrying the latter's close-range shot onto the underside of the crossbar.
It is a save often compared to Gordon Banks's famous leap to keep out Pele's header when England drew with Brazil at the 1970 World Cup, but Montgomery, who has a suite named after him at the Stadium of Light, remains as modest today as he was then.
"People talk about the double save and I suppose it is part of Sunderland folklore and English football folklore," he said. "I don't think it was as good as Gordon Banks's against Brazil, but the memory is etched in my mind.
"I didn't really think about the significance of it at the time, the ball had gone out for a throw in and I had to deal with the next situation. It was only after the game when we did the post-match interviews and everyone was asking me about it.
"I just remember parrying the first one and I knew I had to get off the ground and try to stop the second one. It was sort of thing I did in training all the time. There's no point making the first save if you let in the second shot.
"It took two or three days for it to sink in. We had a game down at Cardiff City on the Monday night and another one on the Wednesday against QPR. The season wasn't finished so we couldn't really go out and enjoy ourselves. I'd love Sunderland to have something else to hark back to."
Leeds, who were the cup holders, could not believe they had lost, but one of Sunderland's players, former England international Dennis Tueart, insisted the favourites were tense and nervous before kick-off, which fuelled their own self-belief.
"We were probably more confident after we had seen the pre-match interviews," said Tueart, who scored a stunning overhead kick for Manchester City against his hometown club Newcastle United in the 1976 League Cup final, the last time City won the trophy.
"On the morning of the game, the teams were interviewed at the hotel. We were quite relaxed. One of the players, Billy Hughes, had one of those laughing boxes you could buy from a joke shop and during the interview he pressed it. We all creased up and fell about laughing and joking.
"Conversely, Leeds didn't do theirs live, it was pre-recorded. Done Revie wouldn't allow any outside interference on a matchday and they were sat up straight in club suits. We were there in flares and kipper ties, they looked rigid and uptight. We played with freedom, but they were too regimented."
There is a statue of Sunderland's 1973 cup winning manager, Bob Stokoe, outside the Stadium of Light. They might be erecting one of Poyet alongside him if Sunderland can repeat such a shock this weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City won't underestimate Sunderland in Capital One Cup final
The Chilean coach accepts his team are favourites to win the trophy but has called for his players to approach the game professionally.
Manuel Pellegrini has insisted Manchester City will not underestimate opponents Sunderland in Sunday's Capital One Cup final.
City into the Wembley showdown as firm favourites, but Pellegrini said there would be no question of complacency within his squad.
The Chilean coach, boosted by the return of star striker Sergio Aguero, who is fit again after four weeks out injured, said: "Of course it is always dangerous to play any team.
"Sunderland has a lot of motivation to win the trophy, just like us.
"We are the favourites, but we cannot forget Sunderland eliminated Chelsea and Manchester United, so they are in the final because they deserve it. I think it will be a very close game."
Aguero, who had 26 goals in 25 games for City this season, is back to lead Pellegrini's attack and the boss said his return was a huge boost ahead of the final.
"It's very important to have Sergio back with us because he is a very important player," he added..
"It [whether Aguero starts] is something I must decide tomorrow and see how he has recovered from the work he has done this week.
"I will be very happy if we achieve it [winning the cup] because I think it reflects all your work for the year.
"We have played very well in the Capital One Cup because we have scored something like 19 or 20 goals, and only conceded one.
"So it's very important to win the cup."
Stevan Jovetic and Matija Nastasic are not fit for the final, but City have no other injury concerns.
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Capital One Cup final: Sunderland winger Adam Johnson targets victory over former club
Adam Johnson says winning the Capital One Cup with Sunderland would be the highlight of his career to date.
The 26-year-old won the Premier League and FA Cup during his time at Manchester City, and also has 11 senior England caps to his name.
However, given the Black Cats' disastrous start to the Premier League season and ongoing relegation battle, victory over City at Wembley on Sunday would be little short of remarkable.
Johnson said: "Especially the way the season has gone and playing City, it would probably be the highlight of my career, especially with Sunderland.
"When I was at City winning trophies and things, it was half-expected. But at Sunderland, no-one has even given us a chance of winning anything, so to bring that back would be massive."
Johnson made a £10m switch from City to the Stadium of Light in August 2012 after falling out of favour with then manager Roberto Mancini.
Although it took the Easington-born midfielder time to settle on Wearside, he has rediscovered his best form in recent months.
Johnson is not sure he has anything left to prove to anyone at City, but says that will make little difference to his approach.
"I don't know, it's been a while now since I left," he said. "But regardless of who you are playing for, as a player, you would always want to prove something in the final anyway whether you are the best player in the world or someone in his first final.
"You still want to be the best player on the pitch or the best player you can be, and I will be no different whether it's against City or anyone else."
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Pellegrini needs victory to validate big-spending City
Does Manuel Pellegrini pay much attention to football history? The Engineer is clearly a thoughtful, studious, thorough kind of coach, who seems more than aware of his position in the grander scheme of things. But if he is a student of the past, on this occasion he might be wise to stick to the present and pay no heed to what has gone before.
Because here is a quirk of history that the Chilean will certainly not wish to sustain: Sir Alex Ferguson aside, every single coach who has won the League Cup since 2007 has subsequently been fired by their club within a season of lifting the trophy.
The run goes like this: Jose Mourinho won it with Chelsea in March 2007 and was gone by the autumn. Juande Ramos won it with Spurs in 2008 and was soon on his bike. Fergie then took it home with him for a couple of seasons (remember those days when Manchester United won things?) before Alex McLeish steered Birmingham to a surprise victory over Arsenal at Wembley in 2011.
McLeish was removed from office barely three months later after his side were relegated. Then Kenny Dalglish won it with Liverpool in 2012. At the time he told us it was the trigger, the restart of something big at Anfield. Instead, it was something small that arrived in the dugout in the shape of Brendan Rodgers who replaced the dismissed Scot.
Most recently in 2013 Michael Laudrup extended the pattern. Despite steering Swansea to their first major trophy ever, he was summarily removed under a year later after taking an unscheduled spring break in Paris just after the team had lost a league game.
In short: look out Manuel. Because surely the Chilean is about to test the pattern by winning his first trophy in England (and his 'second' in Europe after the rather tenuous Intertoto Cup he lifted with Villarreal decade ago).
Surely there can be no other result than Manchester City, the most resourced club in the country, take the Capital One Cup back to the Etihad on Sunday evening. Surely Sunderland don’t have sufficient wherewithal to stop them. There can be no other result. Can there?
For Pellegrini this is a hugely significant moment. The Capital One Cup may be at the bottom of his stated priorities this season, but now he has reached the final he has to demonstrate that he has the wherewithal to convert potential into silverware.
Everyone knows City have the best squad, the deepest pockets and the sunniest financial outlook in the Premier League. But those are fruitless boasts without a stack of trophies to show for all the outlay. On Sunday Pellegrini has to prove that his side is as capable of accumulating cups as assumption insists they should be.
If the game were played on paper, he would be already home, hosed and with his feet in the ice bath. In theory, City – especially with Sergio Aguero back in the fold – are way better than anyone else in the country. Sure, there is a sizeable problem on the left-hand side of their defence, the one which Barcelona exploited so effectively in the recent Champions League encounter. But Sunderland aren’t Barca. And even in the form of his life, Adam Johnson isn’t Lionel Messi.
Frankly, Pellegrini could pick himself at left-back and the rest of his team would be more than capable of easing past the north easterners on Sunday.
Fortunately for Gus Poyet, the game won’t be played on paper. And the excitable Sunderland manager will be making his players more than aware of the huge expectation gap between them and their opponents. City are expected not only to win, but win comfortably.
Given the difference in resources between the two sides, the City players should walk it. Which, oddly, as Poyet will be telling his men, brings a certain pressure. Whereas Sunderland have absolutely nothing to lose and can approach the game with the carefree abandon of the underdog, City will walk out on the Wembley turf burdened with assumption.
And assumption can play funny tricks. You only have to look at the most recent of history to see what that can do. Last May, City were up against Wigan in the FA Cup final, a side if anything even less favoured than Sunderland. The supposition was they would not just walk it, they’d stroll contemptuously to victory. Yet they blew it. At Wembley the divide between potential and trophies suddenly appeared a vast chasm.
Sure, things have changed for City in many ways since then. For a start the players have in charge of them a man who does not spend most of his working life lambasting them for their failings. They have instead a man of patience, dignity and sensitivity. They also have a much improved squad. The addition of Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho have been hugely significant.
But one thing they still don’t have is a collection of trophies to prove their superiority. They need to start accumulating silverware fast, even if it is just in the shape of the Capital One Cup.
No matter what happened to those who won in the recent past, Pellegrini has to engineer victory. If what is going on at City is to have any point, any purpose, he has no choice but to win. No pressure then, Manuel.
Sunderland's Ellis Short hopes for cup final defeat of Manchester City.
After a weird season on Wearside Sunderland's owner has glimpse of improbable Wembley glory in Capital One Cup final.
Good things come to those who wait. And yet it seems they also come to those who flail around wildly looking for the nearest handhold, regularly hurl the last six months of forward planning out of the window, and generally don't seem to be able to sit down for any period of time without jabbing themselves in the foot with the nearest sharp implement. For Sunderland, progress to Sunday's Capital One Cup final has involved not so much a cup run as a compelling kind of cup stampede, fraught with hierarchal change, a fast-paced turnover in playing staff and the continual clank-clank of gear-shift and about-turn.
Not that there is anything new in any of this. It is now four years since Ellis Short bought the club from the Drumaville Consortium, during which time Short's bafflingly incontinent administration has signed 42 players and sold 53, including 14 new signings from 10 different leagues in the past year alone. Four permanent managers have come and gone, along with three temporary ones, a disgruntled-looking Roy Keane, one fascism-related scandal, an improbable ginger-bearded director of football, and at least £200m of Short's own money in transfers and wages. From a distance the American private equity tycoon with a personal fortune of $3bn seems the most unlikely of accidental cup finalists, a man who has effectively blundered his way to Wembley in the past six months.
As ever in football the truth is a little less straightforward. Sunderland's mistakes have been obvious enough, given a sharper focus of late by a disastrous summer transfer window, the sacking of Paolo Di Canio and the departure in January of Roberto De Fanti, a personal acquaintance of Short appointed director of football last year who oversaw a string of hapless new signings.
Even now Sunderland's administration looks oddly callow and homemade, with only Short, a man who knows a great deal about money and a proportionately small amount about elite-level football in any coherent advisory capacity, and the chief executive, Margaret Byrne, above the manager, Gus Poyet.
In spite of which these mercurial Black Cats are currently halfway to performing a mid-air pirouette and landing back on their feet. Should Poyet's team beat Manchester City at Wembley and then, on the back of some encouraging recent momentum, edge themselves from 18th to 17th in the Premier League table in the next six weeks, a season that has at times seemed on the verge of meltdown could end up as one of the most memorable in Sunderland's postwar history.
Yet even within sight of an unlikely good news story there are still contradictions. The League Cup final itself arrives as a mixed mid-season blessing. Such have been the travails of recent winners it is even tempting to talk about the Curse of the Capital One. The holders, Swansea, won just one of their final 10 Premier League matches last season and have since sacked Michael Laudrup. Kenny Dalglish was sacked three months after winning it in 2012. Birmingham won it in 2011 and were relegated the same season. Spurs won it in 2008 and sacked Juande Ramos the same year. Chelsea won it under José Mourinho the year before that and were being managed by Avram Grant within six months.
For Sunderland the fear is naturally that success at Wembley might induce a release of tension at a vital stage in the Premier League season. And yet this in turn raises a broader question, the wider issue of what, exactly, the likes of Short are in this for anyway. Why do they do it, these otherwise rather sober entrepreneur-owners, stakeholders in what is a horribly fraught and emotive business?
It is tempting to compare owning a Premier League football club to owning an airline, a confusingly multifarious business that is on the face of it as much about prestige and status as any sensible notions of money-making. Sunderland's opponents at Wembley, Manchester City, have spent close to £1bn, with a return so far of a single FA Cup and that breathless last-day league title two years ago.
At Aston Villa Randy Lerner has consistently lost money, last year writing off loan repayments worth £20m. Liverpool's debt continues to rise, if not uncontrollably. And yet, as Short has discovered, owning a football club can also feel a bit like owning a house during a boom in the market. Sometimes no matter what you do to it, how many ill-fated schemes you set out on, how may walls you tear down and leave unfinished, it still just keeps on going up in value.
For all the lows of the last year a place in the Premier League remains a guarantee of hugely increased television revenues and ramped up shirt sponsorship deals. Helped by some chaotically productive wheeler dealing, and the Stadium of Light's second life as a concert venue for the likes of Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen, Sunderland managed to rake in £96.4m in total revenues last year, more than the Turkish champions, Galatasaray.
Against this, £100,000 for winning the Capital One Cup looks like small beer, as does the promised interference of a turn in the Europa League. Albeit, again the question of exactly what top-level football is for these days raises its head.
Short is the most hard-nosed of operators in his financial career, but there is a creeping, familiar sense – this is after all, English football – of a chairman who does at times seem to enjoy the high visibility benefits of life as a Premier League chairman, who separately owns the Scottish celebrity haunt Skibo Castle, revels in his face-to-face encounters with Sunderland's fans, and who was recently in the news for leaving a £1,800 tip while dining out in a city centre curry house after the win over Everton.
Not that Short does not deserve to enjoy himself a little after the rigours of early season. In particular the appointment of Poyet has been a clear success so far, an indication once again of how in football one good decision can draw a veil over a bucket-load of wrong turns. Sunderland's manager has this week gone from saying he would always choose Premier League survival over winning the League Cup to a state of obvious excitement ahead of Sunday's final.
Short was something of a lone cheerleader for Poyet before his appointment, but the Uruguayan's energy, his commitment to the club, and a run of recent victories have threatened to recalibrate Sunderland's season: post-Wembley they have six winnable home matches in the league, to go alongside away games at Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United.
If victory against City's heavyweights remains an unlikely prospect, Sunderland have won four and drawn two of the last eight matches between the two, and lost just once in the last five. They have a goalkeeper in fine form, a former City winger in Adam Johnson with seven goals in his last nine matches and opponents who might, just, have their eyes set on broader horizons.
For all that, this is still Sunderland, a club apparently set this season on taking the path of most resistance. One thing seems certain. It is unlikely to be dull.
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 2 - semi-final success over Chelsea
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes on Sunday, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the run-up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette is doing a countdown of the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 2 on the list: the two-legged semi-final win over Chelsea in 1985.
Sunderland’s quest for silverware in the 1985 competition pitted them against Chelsea in the semi-finals, and a tight clash was expected.
However, the first leg at Roker Park saw the Black Cats build up a healthy advantage, and they never looked back.
Colin West scored two penalties as Sunderland won 2-0, with Len Ashurst’s side seemingly on their way to Wembley.
Chelsea, of course, had other ideas, but simply could not keep the Black Cats out in the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Clive Walker scored twice and West grabbed the other as Sunderland won 3-2 to take the tie 5-2 on aggregate.
That did not go down well with the Chelsea faithful, with crowd trouble a feature of the second leg.
That did not dim Sunderland’s achievement, though, and hopes were high they would take the trophy home when they faced Norwich City in the final.
However, they came up short, with the Canaries triumphing 1-0.
Sunderland’s Top 10 League Cup moments: No 1 - penalty drama v Man United
SUNDERLAND fans will be hoping the greatest moment in the club’s League Cup history comes tomorrow, when they take on Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final.
In the days leading up to the showpiece occasion at Wembley, the Gazette has taken you through the top 10 moments the club has enjoyed in the competition.
Gazette sports writer DANIEL PRINCE talks us through No 1. on the list: the drama-filled semi-final against Manchester United this season.
Sunderland knew they were playing Man United at a low ebb when they met in the two-legged tie, but even so, David Moyes’s side were regarded as the favourites.
Gus Poyet knew the Black Cats would have to take advantage of the first leg at the Stadium of Light, and when Ryan Giggs put through his own net on the stroke of half-time, the signs were good for the Wearsiders.
However, Nemanja Vidic equalised shortly after the break to halt Sunderland’s joy.
Nevertheless, they were not to be denied, and Fabio Borini’s emphatic penalty meant they went into the second leg with a 2-1 advantage.
The drama was far from over, though, with an incredible night at Old Trafford ensuing.
The 9,000 Sunderland fans who travelled to the game were certainly put through the wringer.
Former Black Cats loanee Jonny Evans opened the scoring for Man United on 37 minutes, and the rest of the match was a nervy affair which always looked set to go the distance.
Sure enough, extra-time was needed to separate the sides, although the Red Devils held the advantage as the away goals rule came into effect after the additional 30 minutes.
Sunderland were on their way out until a long-range effort from Phil Bardsley squirmed through David De Gea in the 119th minute to send the travelling Black Cats into raptures and, surely, to Wembley.
However, more drama lay ahead.
Incredibly, Man United went up the other end of the pitch, and the ball eventually fell to Javier Hernandez, who broke Sunderland hearts by scoring to force penalties.
The momentum was all with the home side, before one of the lowest quality penalty shoot-outs ever seen.
Craig Gardner and Steven Fletcher both missed for Sunderland, while Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Adnan Januzaj missed for the hosts.
Adam Johnson then missed the chance to put the Black Cats through, before Rafael was denied by Vito Mannone, who booked Sunderland’s place at Wembley.
That sparked scenes of wild joy among the Wearside contingent, who won 2-1 in the shoot-out after a night packed with drama.
They will get the chance to write the final chapter on their exhilarating League Cup run on Sunday, but they will do well to match this game for excitement.
SUNDERLAND do not plan an open-top bus parade on their return to the city – even if they win the League Cup trophy this weekend.
The decision was taken by the club with the full backing of head coach Gus Poyet, who is happy to turn his attention immediately towards the FA Cup quarter-final the following weekend, and then the battle for Premier League survival.
An open-top bus parade was held after Sunderland’s FA Cup final defeat in 1992, with Malcolm Crosby’s players saluted by fans in an unforgettable show of support as the open-top bus made its way from Belmont through Houghton, and the city of Sunderland to Seaburn.
And many would have liked the chance to show similar appreciation to Poyet’s players this time around.
But the circumstances were different then – it was the last game of the season, and the game was played on a Saturday, allowing planning for Sunday’s parade.
Tomorrow’s game is a Sunday, making planning difficult for a parade.
And on top of that there’s the more difficult problem to overcome these days that many of Sunderland’s squad are full internationals, and will leave after the Wembley final to join up with their countries for games being played next week.
Open-top bus parades are always fantastic occasions for players, staff and fans, and no one would deny Sunderland deserve one for reaching this year’s final; even more so should they win it!
But Poyet, pictured, is happy for himself, and his players to continue focusing purely on the games in hand.
“An open-top bus parade?” he said. “I don’t even want to plan if we do win.
“I just want to make sure we do something important for the club, the chairman, (who nobody talks about), and for the fans who have waited so long.
“And I want it to give us an extra incentive in the league too.
“The other way – people say what happens if you lose?
“But we play a cup game the week after, so it’s not that bad.
“It’s not like it’s the end of the world if we lose – we can recover.
“The cup final at Wembley is massive for us, but it is not the end, we will move on quickly.”
An open-top bus parade therefore will have to wait – although there is potentially the FA Cup still to factor in!
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Poyet warns Sunderland they’re in for a stormy ride
SUNDERLAND must come through stormy waters against Manchester City and then strike when they are on top.
That will be Gus Poyet’s message to his players ahead of tomorrow’s Capital One Cup final, as Sunderland bid to end their 41-year trophy drought.
Poyet watched Sunderland fold in the first half at Arsenal last weekend when the Black Cats were firmly on the back foot.
The Uruguayan knows Sunderland cannot afford to be such a soft touch when title contenders Manchester City inevitably enjoy lengthy spells of pressure at Wembley tomorrow.
And when Sunderland do produce promising moments of their own, Poyet insists the under-dogs must make the most of it.
“In these types of games, you will always have a good period sooner or later and you need to take advantage,” Poyet told the Echo.
“They will have a good period too and then you have to make sure you don’t give anything cheaply away.
“If they do it by quality, then fair enough.
“But the other day, we gave Arsenal the second goal at 30 minutes and who knows what would have happened if it had been 1-0 at half-time.
“Arsenal played with 10 men three days before and who knows what could have happened with a couple of changes. But at 3-0, it was game over.
“We need to make sure we manage those times.
“If we concede after 38 minutes, then make sure we get to half-time just 1-0 down.”
Poyet says it is particularly crucial that Sunderland begin the final on the front foot.
Sunderland were left facing an uphill battle at the Emirates after conceding within the first five minutes and the Black Cats boss says there can be no repeat against Man City.
“It’s vitally important that we start well,” he added.
“We have to be a little bit more brave during the first 20 minutes than we were at Arsenal.
“And then we have to manage the game.”
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Man City will fear fighting Cattermole
PHIL Bardsley believes Lee Cattermole can be Sunderland’s driving force at Wembley tomorrow – and says he’s glad the midfielder’s name was the first pencilled on the team sheet for the Capital One Cup final.
With January signing Liam Bridcutt cup-tied, Cattermole’s the obvious candidate for the defensive midfield role which could prove so pivotal to Sunderland’s cup final hopes tomorrow.
And Gus Poyet paid the midfielder the compliment of leaving him out of last week’s Premier League game against Arsenal for fear that the Teessider might get injured or suspended and be unavailable for the Wembley showpiece.
That’s fine by Bardsley who loves to have Cattermole in the trenches in tough games.
“Lee’s an influential player for us and a close pal of mine as well and I’ve always enjoyed playing alongside him,” the ex-Man United man said.
“You know what you are going to get from him.
“And if I was a Man City player, the last person I would be looking forward to playing against in midfield would be him.
“I think he has that presence about him and I know he’s looking forward to the game itself. He’s a vital part of our team.
“He’s a strong character and if it is tough he’s always going to be there fighting, tackling and trying to do the right things for the team.
“As well as the obvious qualities Lee has, I think that the manager has brought out another side of his play.
“I think he’s been super on the ball, I think it’s something he’s working on – especially in the recent cup game against Southampton, where I thought he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile in that game.
“And it just goes to show, different managers, different philosophies and different results from players.”
Both Bardsley and Cattermole will be concentrating on using the ball well at Wembley and the full-back says that will be crucial against a Man City side that play the ball so well but also allow their opposition to play too.
Bardsley, scorer of the match-winner in the 1-0 win over the Blues back in November, said: “I’ve watched Man City over the last three or four weeks quite closely and one of the things I have noticed about them is that they do give you the ball – they don’t press you that much.
“Having said that, they do like to play with two out-and-out forwards with a pace in the team and that’s going to be a real challenge for us.
“We know we’re in for a difficult game whatever happens but we have to make that when we do win the ball, we keep it and use it well.
“On top of that, we have to battle all over the pitch, and that’s where Lee leads by example.”
SUNDERLAND face daunting challenges all over the park in tomorrow’s Capital One Cup final to overcome the quality in Manchester City’s ranks.
But what the are the key battles Sunderland must win if they are to end a 41-year wait for silverware?
Sports Writer Chris Young examines the three pivotal areas for Gus Poyet’s side at Wembley.
KEEPING KOMPANY OCCUPIED
SUNDERLAND will inevitably spend large portions of tomorrow’s game on the back foot; desperately trying to halt the waves of pressure from Manchester City.
But Gus Poyet’s men cannot afford to stock-pile 11 men behind the ball and desperately hope that is sufficient to thwart the Premier League’s second top scorers.
It would be futile.
Man City full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy would be given licence to operate as supplementary wingers and eventually the battering ram would break through the fort’s defences.
Sunderland have to offer a threat on the counter-attack and they need to make life uncomfortable for the imperious Vincent Kompany.
The City captain’s partner at centre-half Martin Demichelis is the weak link in the back four, yet Kompany is a colossal figure, who provides the glue for the defence. He was a clear miss when Sunderland emerged victorious in November’s meeting between the two sides.
Poyet’s big decision is over who leads the line.
But if it is either Jozy Altidore or Steven Fletcher, they cannot afford to go toe-to-toe with Kompany and look to win the physical battle against the Belgian. Such an approach would have the former Hamburg man salivating.
They have to operate smarter than that; working the channels, dragging Kompany out of position and looking to create space for others, particularly on the counter-attack - as Chelsea did so well at the Etihad last month.
That is perhaps where the option of Fabio Borini in a central role will appeal to Poyet.
The on-loan Liverpool man has the pace and movement to stretch City’s defence - he did that twice within the opening five minutes of the second half against Arsenal last weekend after being moved into a central role.
Pondering those attacking options has weighed heavily on Poyet’s mind this week. It’s a decision the Sunderland boss needs to get right.
An easy afternoon for Kompany could spell a very difficult one for Sunderland.
STOPPING THE MIDFIELD GIANT
ONE of the prime factors in Sunderland’s run of four successive Stadium of Light victories over Manchester City has been their ability to keep Yaya Toure under wraps.
That’s no easy feat. The Ivorian behemoth is the most dominant central midfielder in the Premier League - testified by his tally of 16 goals in all competitions already this season.
But both Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback have proved outstanding adversaries for Toure.
They have pressed, hastled, harried and pestered Toure to such a degree that his impact has been minimised against the Black Cats.
Sunderland must maintain that tomorrow; hunting in packs to halt the former Barcelona man by any means possible.
That will not be easy on a pitch the size of Wembley, which should create spaces for Toure to attack. The return of Fernadinho gives Toure licence to do that too.
The absence of the water-carrying Fernandinho coincided with Man City dropping four points in the Premier League after Toure was forced into a deeper midfield role.
He is far more influential when pushed forward into the hole behind the strikers and allowed to pounce on those loose balls on the edge of the area.
Cattermole will need a helping hand from his two fellow central midfielders, but the Teessider is perhaps THE key man for Sunderland tomorrow.
At his best, the 25-year-old can be inspirational and he needs to be in pouncing on those 50-50s and preventing Toure seeing the ball regularly.
Just over two years ago - a month after Martin O’Neill’s appointment - Cattermole did that with a Herculean effort on New Year’s Day before Ji Dong-won’s dramatic late winner.
O’Neill walked across the pitch straight to Cattermole when the final whistle sounded.
Poyet needs to be doing something similar tomorrow, if Sunderland are to triumph.
ON THE TOES AGAINST THE FLEET OF FOOT
GUS POYET and his staff embarked upon an attempted prank a fortnight ago.
Prior to the FA Cup fifth round clash against Southampton, the Sunderland backroom team tried to convince Wes Brown that the game had been postponed and the 34-year-old would miss the Capital One Cup final as a result.
It didn’t work. Brown had already arrived at the Stadium of Light by the time the text campaign began.
But having the former England international back in the fold at Wembley tomorrow is no laughing matter. It’s crucial.
Although Santiago Vergini endured a miserable afternoon at Arsenal last weekend, he showed enough signs against the Saints that he can be a long-term success at the Stadium of Light.
But Brown has the experience, know-how and crucially understanding with John O’Shea that will be so dearly needed against Manchester City.
As a double act, the two have been a key reason behind Sunderland’s rejuvenation under Gus Poyet and they will have to be at their best in countering Manuel Pellegrini’s frightening attacking options.
Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko can both be fearsome predators, even if the goals have dried up for the pair recently, but the two centre-forwards won’t necessarily worry O’Shea and Brown.
Far more concerning are the low centres of gravity boasted by Samir Nasri, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
That short-sharp passing in and around the penalty area is devlishly difficult to deal with - as Tomas Rosicky proved for Arsenal last weekend.
But it is those runs by Aguero down the sides of central defenders which are particularly devastating.
The Argentine frontman isn’t match fit after a month on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, but if Pellegrini opts to throw him straight back into the starting XI, he is still a huge threat.
O’Shea and Brown need to show all the guile and game management gleaned from a decade at Old Trafford to keep Aguero quiet.
If Sunderland can do that, they have half a chance.
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City result has given Sunderland belief, says Wes Brown
WES Brown says Sunderland’s narrow league victory over Manchester City earlier this season will help strengthen their resolve at Wembley tomorrow.
Brown, and former Manchester United team-mate John O’Shea, formed the central defensive partnership on November 10, when prolific City were prevented from scoring – a goal from Brown’s fellow Mancunian Phil Bardsley giving the Wearsiders victory on the day.
And although Brown accepts that result in itself won’t give Sunderland the upper-hand in tomorrow’s final, he believes it will help with the side’s self-confidence.
“City know they have a stronger squad, and they are doing very well in the league, which will give them confidence,” acknowledged the 34-year-old.
“Man City are strong in every position on the pitch, they can score from anywhere, the defence is solid, and you can see why they are near the top of the league with our game in hand to go top.
“But we beat them in the league, and maybe that’s to our advantage.
“It will add to our belief that we won’t get battered because we know we’ve done it before.
“I think that will help.
“It will help keep us going because we had to give every possible ounce of effort to win that game back in November, and this weekend will be exactly the same – we have to give everything, like you always have to against sides like City.
“The reality is that anything can happen.
“And I have to say I’m looking forward to it. In my career, I’ve always enjoyed the finals.”
Brown admits that he has had a couple of anxious moments since his sending off against Hull City three weeks ago saw him suspended almost to the eve of the cup final.
A two-game ban for a foul on Shane Long – which looked as though it would be over inside a week – suddenly stretched to three weeks after weather conditions forced the postponement of the league game against Man City at the Etihad.
Thankfully, there have been no more postponements since that date.
and the defender returns for the cup final in the nick of time.
In the weeks in between, he has been keeping himself fit – Gus Poyet revealing: “We have been making sure he remains in peak condition, but I think he has been frustrated at not having a games at the end of each week’s work.”
Brown agreed: `I’ve trained hard ever since I’ve been sent off, in fact I’ve probably done more than the rest of the lads.
“But obviously it has been disappointing that I haven’t been on the pitch.
“I’m ready for the weekend though if selected, and just glad that I’m available.
“After the league game against Man City was called off, I was just praying it wouldn’t snow!”
Birthday boy Mannone practises penalties in case of final shoot-out
BIRTHDAY boy Vito Mannone has been practising penalties in case he is called upon to be Sunderland’s Capital One Cup shoot-out hero again.
The £2m summer signing sent 9,000 visiting fans inside Old Trafford into delirium in the semi-final second leg after saving two of Manchester United’s five spot-kicks.
Sunderland have spent time on the training ground this week trying to prepare themselves for the possibility of the final going to penalties too and Mannone hopes that can give them the edge if the Wembley showdown goes to sudden-death.
“Of course I’ve been practising penalties!” said the Italian.
“You try to have some competition with the other players.
“We have 25 members of the squad and they’re all taking one. That’s good for the goalkeepers in training!
“Obviously, you can train as much as you want, but a penalty for a keeper is something you can only train a little bit for. On the day, it’s something you need to read and look at the player in front. It’s like a lottery really.”
Mannone turns 26 tomorrow and will mark his birthday with a first appearance at Wembley.
The Italian’s experiences of cup finals as a youngster were watching AC Milan, as they enjoyed success both domestically and in Europe.
And Mannone says one of his clearest memories of the Rossoneri is the 2003 Champions League final against Juventus, when Brazilian keeper Dida was their penalty shoot-out hero – ironically at the same end of Old Trafford where Mannone proved to be Sunderland’s saviour in the semi-final.
“I watched a lot of AC Milan when I was younger because my dad was a fan,” said the former Arsenal man.
“They had a few finals in the Champions League, but the one I can remember the most is quite funny.
“I watched Dida saving the penalty in that goal at Old Trafford against Juventus. Maybe it was destiny we won at Old Trafford on penalties!”
He added: “Winning the final is something I want to achieve for my career. It stays in history.
“I’ve got a great chance and it’s something I’ve always dreamed about.
“When you are a kid, you look at people lifting the cups and it’s really emotional. You want to be in there.
“Each one of us always watched the TV and thought ‘I want to be a winner and lift the cup’. We will all be thinking that tomorrow.
“Hopefully the final being on my birthday will be a good thing and I will have a good present at the end of the game!”
Ex-Sunderland keeper Norman hopes Mannone gets his special moment
GOALKEEPERS tend to acquire more prominence in cup runs – it’s natural in sudden death competitions.
Jimmy Montgomery’s double save is the most enduring moment of the 1973 FA Cup final.
Tony Norman’s superlative run of form which helped Sunderland reach the 1992 FA Cup final was every bit as important as John Byrne’s goals.
And here, the former Welsh international tells GRAEME ANDERSON of a moment that all keepers dream of.
MONTY must have felt it in 1973. Tony Norman experienced it in 1992. And Norman, who served Sunderland from 1988-95 and made just shy of 200 appearances for the Rokermen, hopes Vito Mannone feels it tomorrow at Wembley.
He’s talking about that moment when a goalkeeper feels almost impregnable, when he senses it is going to be his day and – far more importantly – so does the opposition.
In the seconds after Monty made that world-famous Wembley double save – beating out the efforts of Trevor Cherry and Peter Lorimer, Leeds hard-man Norman Hunter turned to Dennis Tueart and said: “It’s your day now, Dennis.”
Tony Norman had a similar moment in the electrifying FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea at Roker Park in 1992.when he withstood enough of an onslaught to help Sunderland edge past the Blues.
It was a night all of us who were there will never forget, so loud and raw and primitive was the passion and desire from the terraces; so atmospheric was the evening at Roker Park that night.
Peter Davenport had given Sunderland a first-half lead, but in the second-half, slick top side Chelsea absolutely battered their Second Division opposition.
It looked as though victory would be assured, such was their dominance but Tony Norman stood between Chelsea and victory andd he played the proverbial blinder.
The Welshman made stunning saves from Kerry Dixon and Andy Townsend – who also hit the woodwork – before the moment came where in-form Dennis Wise had to score.
Taking up the story, 56-year-old Norman, now goalkeeping coach at Darlington, recalls: “What a night that was.
“As soon as you went on the pitch with your bottle of water, you could feel the atmosphere from the crowd.
“We went 1-0 up for so long, but then they scored and they were the stronger team, and you felt there was going to be only one winner at that stage.
“If a team was going to win it; it was going to be Chelsea.
“They had their chances, but there was some good defending, and we kept them out, but then came a moment from Dennis Wise where he knew he was going to score.
“The ball came from my right, crossed in and Wise has just come in and gone bump – little header, six-yard line, and it came at me at such a speed and angle that I couldn’t get a glove up quick enough.
“All I could do was move my shoulder towards it, but incredibly it struck me, and bounced up and over the crossbar from the line.
“People were saying what a save, but it was purely reflex.
“On that occasion it simply went my way – right place, right time – and I’ll always remember his face when that happened, Dennis Wise’s face.
“ I’ll never forget it.
“They were so much on top in the game, and they were so strong and he’s come in, and he’s thought ‘It’s in’ and the ball’s hit me, and just dropped the other side.
“And he just looked at me, in that peculiar way, and I just thought to myself, I wonder if he’s just gone, ‘it’s not our day here today’?”
“If he did?
“Good!
Wise did eventually score, breaking Sunderland and Norman’s resistance, six minutes before full-time.
But they were exhausted by the prolonged and thankless siege, and in the moments afterwards they took their foot off the pedal and Gordon Armstrong pinched a famous winner.
“We scored off a corner and do you know, what I remember most about that game, was that at the corner they didn’t have a man at the back stick!”smiles Norman.
“It was something I always did as a goalkeeper – have a man on the back post – always said it, and still do it at Darlington, but they didn’t do it and Gordon got his goal.
“It was the most amazing night.
“Before the game, the atmosphere was like a hum, but it was one of those nights where there was no wind, and without sounding romantic, you had that fine mist hovering and the dew on the ground, and all you could hear was the atmosphere of the game.
“And of course when the game started, it was ‘Here we go’.”
Norman hopes Vito Mannone experiences that ‘Wise’ moment, that ‘Cherry-Lorimer’ moment at Wembley.
But for the former Sunderland keeper, his memories of the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool beneath the Twin Towers in ‘92, are not something he dwells on.
“My abiding memory of Wembley is that we got beat,” he sighs.
“I’d love to say going down Wembley Way is brilliant, and the bit before the game is brilliant, but I just remember us not winning.
“At the banquet afterwards, I don’t think I spoke until about 11pm that night.
“The day is a game of football.
“The reality of Sunderland players’ day tomorrow is that they are at work, no one will want to get too involved in the social side of things, it will be game on, just as it was for me.
“If you win it must be amazing, but it’s not great if you lose.”
Tony Norman’s amazing saves in that cup run were the key to getting Sunderland to Wembley, but ironically one of the moments that defined him came in the cup run the following year when he fumbled a simple ball and Sheffield Wednesday’s Mark Bright scored the matchwinner in a 1-0 fourth round win for Sheffield Wednesday.
“It’s an easy one for Norman,” the commentator had said before the mistake, and that comment formed a fanzine which perhaps gave an unfair slant to Norman’s time at the club. Perhaps it was meant as a back-handed compliment because the Welshman’s keeping was usually so assured, and he helped save Sunderland many points in his time between the posts.
Norman knows though that many Sunderland fans still hold him in high regard and it is a lesson Vito Mannone is likely to learn at the club, that Sunderland fans cherish the service of those who are as passionate at them.
Norman remains a Sunderland fan, and is hoping to get to the final if Darlington’s schedule permits. He has a Sunderland-supporting son who will definitely be there.
And Tony Norman – born in Wales – still wells up when he remembers his return to Roker Park after his playing days were over for the red and whites.
“One of the best moments I had in my career was returning,” he says.
“I left Sunderland and went to Huddersfield as an understudy, but injury put me in the first team unexpectedly, and I went to see who we were playing next week – it was Sunderland, at Roker Park.
“I remember leaving Huddersfield, and I was sat on the team bus with my stomach churning, and telling my team-mates I had no idea of the reception I would get.
“I was so nervous.
“But I went out to warm up – Shay Given was down at the other end – and then it came time to change ends, so I picked up my spare pair of gloves, started jogging, got to the half-way line, and then the sides started applauding me – the Paddocks and the Clock Stand – and then when I was approaching it, all the Fulwell End started applauding me.
“The noise was deafening to me, and when I got to the penalty spot, I’d gone from being nervous to being choked up!
“The reception was fantastic, so I thought I must have done something right”
“But that’s Sunderland fans – if you do your best for them, and show it means as much to you as it does to them – they’ll love you.”
Capital One Cup: Gus Poyet eyes Sunderland greatness
Capital One Cup final: Man City v Sunderland Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Sunday, 2 March
Gus Poyet wants to become a Sunderland legend by leading the Black Cats to victory over Manchester City in Sunday's Capital One Cup final.
Poyet has guided Sunderland off the bottom of the Premier League since his appointment as head coach in October.
"I was told last week that if I want to be famous or a hero in Sunderland then I need to win the Cup," said Poyet.
"It puts pressure on us but I love it. I cannot play, coach or manage without pressure - it wouldn't be me."
Sunderland, whose best performance in the League Cup was as runners-up in 1985, are underdogs heading into the final at Wembley, with 33 points separating third-placed Manchester City and the third-bottom North East side in the Premier League.
However, Poyet has already celebrated some success against City this season, beating them 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in only his fifth game in charge.
His team have also knocked out Premier League sides Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester United on their way to reaching Sunday's final, the club's first major chance of silverware since losing the 1992 FA Cup final to Liverpool.
"We need to be perfect," ex-Brighton manager Poyet, 46, told Football Focus. "We need to be at our best level as a group and not make any mistakes, not give any presents or anything away.
"We need to be outstanding tactically and defensively and we need to be spot on when we're on the ball - if we're not very good on the ball we've got no chance.
"If we're going to go there just to defend and wait and pray for something to happen, it's not us.
"We don't have that quality and then it's going to be impossible because Manchester City are just going to come and come. We need to play a very good game and hope that City are not on an exceptional day and then we've got a chance."
Sunderland, who will hope to evoke memories of their shock 1973 FA Cup final win over Leeds, head to Wembley in good form, having won four of their last six matches in all competitions.
But it is that victory over City's expensively-assembled squad in November that captain John O'Shea believes could have a bearing on the outcome at Wembley.
"It is definitely on your mind because that's the only game we've played against City this season," O'Shea, who will be aiming to lift the League Cup for the fourth time after winning it three times with Manchester United, told Sunderland's official website.
"It's one of those things, obviously a final is different on the day but I'm sure City will be well aware of the last time we played them and they'll have that on their minds too.
"We've got to make sure that even though we've beaten City before, we know we had to work very hard to do that and survive a few scares along the way."
Sunderland's Road to Wembley
2nd rd: bt MK Dons 4-2 (h)
3rd rd: bt Peterborough 2-0 (h)
4th rd: bt Southampton 2-1 (h)
Q/F: bt Chelsea 2-1 (h) aet
S/F 1st leg: bt Man Utd 2-1 (h)
S/F 2nd leg: lost Man Utd 2-1 (a)*
*Sunderland won on pens
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Manuel Pellegrini: FA Cup final defeat was a lesson for Man City
Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City's players learned a "lesson" from last year's Wembley woe as they prepare for the Capital One Cup final.
City lost to Wigan in the FA Cup final last May - with Roberto Mancini sacked as manager two days later.
Pellegrini, Mancini's successor, will lead the club against Sunderland at Wembley on Sunday.
"I don't like to talk with them about last year but I'm sure for every player it is a lesson," the 60-year-old said.
"It's beautiful to play for a title at Wembley and very awful to lose it.
"For all of them it is not revenge - it is another team, another year, another situation - but I am absolutely sure all will be 100% motivated to win."
Pellegrini arrived from Malaga in the summer under pressure to deliver silverware at the Etihad Stadium, with chief executive Ferran Soriano setting a target of five trophies in five years.
A run of eight successive Premier League wins raised hopes of a quadruple bid - but their chances were damaged in February by a Premier League defeat against title rivals Chelsea and a 2-0 loss at home to Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 first-leg meeting.
Sunday's match offers Pellegrini his first chance of a trophy with City.
"We would be very happy if we achieve it because it reflects all your work from the year," the Chilean said.
"We have played play a very good Capital One Cup because we have won all the games, scored 19 goals and conceded just one.
"I think it is very important to win the Cup and the way we play."
Pellegrini is therefore under pressure to deliver but he does not think it is any greater on him than any other manager elsewhere.
He said: "The pressure is always exactly the same for all the teams.
"The pressure is a personal pressure - for managers, players, all of us. I think we have the same pressure to win.
"It is very important for this club to win titles. To win the first trophy at Wembley is very important."
Sunderland, who are in the Premier League's bottom three, reached the final after knocking out Chelsea and Manchester United - the latter via a dramatic semi-final penalty shoot-out - and Pellegrini has warned his team against complacency,
He said: "It is always dangerous playing against any team. Sunderland have a lot of motivation to win this cup, the same as any team.
"I am sure we are the favourites but we cannot forget that Sunderland eliminated Chelsea and Manchester United - big teams.
"They are in the final because they deserved it. I am absolutely sure it will be a very close game."
Top scorer Sergio Aguero, who has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury, is included in the squad after returning to training this week.
Pellegrini, who must decide whether to stick with the players who have got his team to Wembley or call on his stellar names, said: "Of course, it is very important for the team to have Sergio again with us because he is a very important player. We must see if he is 100% to play the whole match.
"It is not easy to choose the 11 starters. All the players deserve to play.
"A lot of them played the whole Cup run, other players the Premier League or Champions League - because at that moment, it was necessary for them to play in that competition. I will try to choose the best XI as I did in all the other games."
City's run to the final
R3: 5-0 v Wigan (H)
R4: 2-0 v Newcastle (A)
QF: 3-1 v Leicester (A)
SF: 9-0 v West Ham (agg)
City's list of major honours
First Division/Premier League (3): 1936-37, 1967-68, 2011-12
FA Cup (5): 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011
League Cup (2): 1970, 1976
Community Shield (4): 1937, 1968, 1972, 2012
European Cup Winners' Cup: 1970
Man City Vs Sunderland AFC - Capital One Cup final
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Date: Sunday, 2 March
TEAM NEWS
Sergio Aguero is fit to return to Manchester City's matchday squad for Sunday's League Cup final after a five-match absence with a hamstring problem.
Stevan Jovetic will miss out with a hamstring injury, while Matija Nastasic is also unavailable.
Sunderland's only significant absentee will be midfielder Liam Bridcutt, who is cup-tied having played for Brighton in the competition earlier this season.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood remains sidelined by a shoulder injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
If you are not a Manchester City or Sunderland supporter then you'd probably better stop reading, because what I'm about to say might upset some of you.
The main reason I'm looking forward to the first big final of the season is because of the fans that will be there. If ever two sets of supporters deserved the chance to try to out sing one another at Wembley it's these two.
I know what some will be thinking: "City's ground is a library", "they're at Wembley every year", "gloryseekers" etc - but I'm talking about the seasoned Manchester City followers who endured underachievement bordering on comedy for years and years before the stargazing boom times they're enjoying now.
It might be City's sixth visit to HQ in a little under three years, but that debt owed from the dark times is a long way from being paid yet.
Of course they'll start as huge favourites, but those long accrued memories AND what happened against Wigan in last year's FA Cup final will guard against overconfidence in most. There's also the fact that Sunderland know how to beat City.
The Black Cats have won the last two meetings, three of the last five, and four of the last seven.
Yes, all those wins were at the Stadium of Light (and all 1-0 with City wasting numerous chances) but they'll certainly play a part in fuelling Gus Poyet's players' belief that they can win.
They should have won at the Etihad two seasons ago too - throwing away a 3-1 lead late on. Still, that game was the only one that City dropped points at home in during their title-winning season.
It's Sunderland's first visit to the 'new' Wembley, and their first at all since the dramatic 1998 play-off final defeat by Charlton - which brings me to the hordes of fans who'll be following them down from Wearside again this time.
The night before that momentous match in 1998, the centre of London was practically taken over by partying Sunderland supporters. In Trafalgar Square I remember explaining to an American tourist what it was all about and why they were all there.
"They must have played a hell of a game today," was the response. "Game's tomorrow," I replied to laughter and bemusement.
Sixteen years on they deserve another party - win or lose.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
"Sunderland beat City at the Stadium of Light in November but Wembley is a big pitch and, when you are playing against a good side, you think it is even bigger because you end up chasing the ball.
"What City are good at is finding space. I just see them playing really well on Sunday, no matter what Sunderland try to do to stop them.
The Road to Wembley
Second round
W4-2 v MK Dons (h)
W5-0 v Wigan (h)
Third round
W2-0 v Peterboro (h)
W2-0 v Newcastle (a) aet
Fourth round
W2-1 v So'ton (h)
W3-1 v Leicester (a)
Quarter-finals
W2-1 v Chelsea (h) aet
W6-0 v West Ham (h)
Semi-final 1st leg
W2-1 v Man Utd (h)
W3-0 v West Ham (a)
Semi final 2nd leg
L1-2 v Man Utd (a)
S'land win 2-1 on pens
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester City were beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season, with Sunderland's Phil Bardsley scoring the only goal.
Sunderland have not beaten Manchester City outside of the north-east in nine attempts since a 1-0 away victory in January 1998.
Their most recent cup meeting came in the now-defunct Full Members Cup in November 1985. City won the northern semi-final tie 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at Maine Road in front of only 6,642 fans.
The only previous League Cup tie between these clubs came in the third round in 1979-80. Sunderland progressed in a replay, beating City 1-0 at Maine Road.
Manchester City
Manchester City have won all five of their League Cup matches this season, scoring 19 goals and conceding only once.
Should City win the final and keep a clean sheet, they would be the first team to lift the trophy by only conceding once throughout the tournament.
They have twice won the League Cup, beating West Bromwich Albion in 1970 and Newcastle United in 1976. They were losing finalists against Wolves in 1974.
City have failed to score in three of their last five games, having scored 21 times in their previous five fixtures.
Edin Dzeko has scored in all four rounds that City have played in this season's League Cup. Dzeko and strike partner Alvaro Negredo are the joint leading scorers in the competition with six goals each.
Sunderland
Sunderland's only previous League Cup final appearance came in 1985, when they were beaten 1-0 by Norwich City.
Guy Poyet's side have won four of their last six matches in all competitions, and seven of their last 11.
They have twice come from behind to win in League Cup ties this season.
Ten different players have scored for the Black Cats during their run to the final.
Sunderland have been shown 19 yellow cards in the competition, 11 more than any other team.
Capital One Cup final: Manchester City win Capital One Cup after beating Sunderland 3-1
Manchester City produced a stunning comeback as they beat Sunderland 3-1 to lift the Capital One Cup at Wembley.
Sunderland threatened a major shock when Fabio Borini (10) gave them a half-time lead with a superb solo effort, but City turned the game in their favour with a stunning two-goal blast from Yaya Toure (55) and Samir Nasri (56).
Substitute Jesus Navas made the game safe in the final minute when he latched onto Toure pass's to fire past Vito Mannone after a lightning break from City.
Toure cancelled out Borini's opener with a sublime effort from 30 yards out and less than a minute later Nasri broke Sunderland hearts with another brilliant finish before Navas added a third late on to keep City's domestic treble hopes on course.
City created the first noteworthy chance of the game on nine minutes when the returning Sergio Aguero fired in a shot from 25 yards which Vito Mannone did well to push away.
A minute later Sunderland stunned City by breaking the deadlock with a superb finish from on-loan striker Borini.
Lee Cattermole robbed the ball off Fernandinho on the edge of the Sunderland penalty area and Adam Johnson sent a ball over the top for Borini, who held off the attentions of Vincent Kompany before exquisitely drilling his shot with the outside of his foot past Costel Pantilimon to send the Sunderland fans into raptures.
Aguero created a chance for Nasri on 27 minutes when he broke down the right and picked out the Frenchman inside the box, but on the stretch he could not get enough purchase on his shot to trouble Mannone.
Two minutes later Johnson almost got in goal when he caught the City defence sleeping from a throw-in and his cross was just about scrambled away by Fernandinho.
Borini had a great chance to double Sunderland's lead seven minutes before the break when the Italian, in an offside position, raced clear on goal, but just when he was about to shoot Kompany made a vital last-gasp tackle to deny the striker.
Silva had the first chance after the break on 50 minutes when he saw his shot from the edge of the box comfortably saved by Mannone.
Sunderland then switched play straight up the other end and Ki Sung-yeung fired in an ambitious dipping 30-yard shot which forced Pantilimon to tip over the crossbar.
City drew themselves level on 55 minutes with a goal out of nothing as Toure scored one of the goals of the season with a stunning shot.
There looked very little danger to Sunderland when Pablo Zabaleta played a square ball to Toure 30 yards from goal, but the midfielder unleashed an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner past Mannone.
Less than a minute later City turned the game on its head with another brilliant goal through Nasri.
Aleksandar Kolarov's cross from the left was cleared to the edge of the box and it fell perfectly to the arriving Nasri, who showed great technique to smash his shot with the outside of his right foot past a startled Mannone.
City continued to push forward in search of a third goal and they had claims for a penalty waved away just before the hour mark when Kolarov went down in the box under a challenge from Phil Bardsley.
Sunderland refused to lie down and substitute Steven Fletcher had a sight of goal on 72 minutes when Jack Colback teed him inside the box, but his half volley was straight at Pantilimon.
City almost grabbed a third goal nine minutes from time when Kompany got on the end of a corner from Nasri and was unlucky to see his volley fall the wrong side of the near post.
Fletcher wasted a great opening a minute from time when the ball dropped to him inside the box, but his first touch let him down the chance went begging.
Sunderland were made to pay for that miss as City caught them on the break and Toure passed for Navas to score and seal the victory.
SUNDERLAND powered past a strong, physical Bolton side looking to record their third successive Barclays U18 Premier League win at the Eddie Davies training academy.
The young Black Cats were ahead as early as the eighth minute, when Martin Smith fired in a fierce shot that the home keeper could only parry and Josh Robson was on hand to slot home.
However, the visitors’ lead only lasted four minutes as, from a Bolton corner, the Sunderland defence were unable to scramble the ball clear, allowing James Ball to level.
Sunderland restored their advantage in the 37th minute following a brilliant solo goal by Rees Greenwood.
He picked up the ball midway in the home half, then jinked his way through three defenders to slot the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Sunderland continued to dominate and it was 3-1 on 56 minutes when, following a good run by Josh Robson, he let fly and his effort squirmed through the hands of the keeper, falling for sub Jordan Blinco to hit home.
Bolton, unable to penetrate the Sunderland defence, reverted to long shots which gave keeper Peter Burke few problems,
The game was all over on 73 minutes when Greenwood, one on one with a defender, rounded him and was subsequently brought down in the area.
Greenwood dusted himself down and stepped up to fire home, low to the keeper’s right.
Academy boss Ged McNamee said afterwards: “We played some very good football today – it was a really pleasing display and also gave us the chance to give some of the younger players an outing, such as Luke Molyneux, who stepped up from the Under-15s.”
SUNDERLAND: Burke, Ellison, Colquhoun, Ledger, J Robson, E Robson, McCarthy (Molyneuz 77), Smith (Embleton 85), Wright (Blinco 28), Greenwood, Gooch.
James Hunter's big match verdict: It's a defeat – but it's a glorious one for Cats who gave giants a real scare
Chronicle sports writer James Hunter gives his verdict on Sunderland's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final
After 41 years of hurt, Sunderland spent 45 minutes living the dream.
Sunderland’s Capital One Cup run may have faltered at the final hurdle, but for half this match the Black Cats had one hand on the trophy.
Fabio Borini’s brilliant 10th-minute finish at Wembley was Sunderland’s first cup final goal since Ian Porterfield’s famous strike against Leeds United brought the FA Cup back to Wearside in 1973.
And the 32,000 fans massed behind Vito Mannone’s goal at the east end of the new Wembley Stadium went wild.
All the way through, Sunderland’s cup-run motto has been ‘dare to dream’.
Now, the fans were beginning to believe.
They watched, hearts bursting with pride, as Borini put them in front and their team stood toe-to-toe with Manchester City’s multi-million-pound megastars.
In 1985 against Norwich City in this competition, and in 1992 in the FA Cup final, Sunderland did not do themselves justice.
This time, Gus Poyet had promised the fans a performance they could be proud of.
His team delivered. And then some!
Poyet had made three changes for the final, and in the first half they worked like a charm. Wes Brown was a tower of strength after being restored to central defence having served his two-game ban.
Lee Cattermole – who replaced the cup-tied Liam Bridcutt – was outstanding in central midfield, and so was Seb Larsson, who played in place of frontman Jozy Altidore.
The changes meant Borini played as the central striker with Jack Colback shifted out to the left flank.
It was a gamble, but it worked.
In that first half, City rarely threatened and Sunderland should really have gone in at half-time two goals to the good.
With City waiting in vain for an offside flag that never came – although it should have – Borini ran through one-on-one with keeper Costel Pantilimon.
But just as he was about to slot the ball home, City skipper Vincent Kompany came from nowhere to make a goal-saving sliding tackle.
Such moments are so often turning points in a game, and so it proved yesterday.
Had Sunderland gone in at the break 2-0 up, it would have been a long way back even for a City team of this quality.
Instead, Sunderland’s single-goal lead was always precarious and City produced two moments of individual brilliance in the space of a little over a minute early in the second half to turn the game on its head.
First Yaya Toure conjured an outrageous equaliser from fully 25 yards, which left Mannone no chance.
And then the keeper was left rooted to the spot when Samir Nasri lashed home Aleksander Kolarov’s deflected cross.
All of a sudden, the mood within the stadium changed.
The City fans, so quiet in the first half, found their voices; and the Sunderland fans began to wonder if their chance had gone.
Sunderland did have other opportunities after falling behind.
Sub Steven Fletcher shot straight at Pantilimon from a good position 20 minutes from time, and in the final minute the Scotland international – who was making his return after a month on the sidelines through injury – had a clear sight of goal but miscontrolled with his favoured left foot when he should have shot with his right.
That was Sunderland’s moment. An equaliser then would have taken the game to extra time.
Instead, a minute later sub Jesus Navas killed the game off when City hit Sunderland on the counter-attack and he applied the finish.
Just as in 1973, it was a brave effort from Sunderland against a vastly superior side.
For 55 minutes they matched City, and for 45 minutes they held the lead.
But this time there was to be no giant killing. No fairytale ending.
At least for now.
Because they are through to the last eight of the FA Cup, and a win on Sunday at Hull City will see them return to Wembley for the semi-final and – who knows? – maybe even a third appearance beneath the arch if they reach the final once again.
It could yet be a special year for Sunderland. Of course, their Premier League status remains in the balance – although defeats for Cardiff and Norwich yesterday certainly didn’t do Sunderland’s survival chances any harm.
But this was not the day to worry about such mundane things.
This was about a cup final, and the unforgettable excitement that went with it.
Borini targets Wembley return after Sunderland heroics
The Italian scored the opening goal on Sunday to give the Black Cats hope of winning the Capital One Cup final before Manchester City roared back to triumph 3-1
Fabio Borini has targeted a return to Wembley after scoring Sunderland's only goal in the 3-1 Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Gus Poyet's men are still involved in the FA Cup and visit Hull City in the quarter-finals this Sunday, handing Sunderland a chance to put the disappointment of Sunday's defeat to City behind them.
Victory at the KC Stadium would see Sunderland head back to the national stadium in the last four, a prospect that Borini is relishing.
SUNDERLAND LATEST
Sunderland are 14/1 with William Hill to win the FA Cup
"I want to go back there, to be at Wembley," Borini is quoted as saying by the Sunderland Echo. "Scoring at Wembley is always special, especially for a foreign player.
"If we can win against Hull, we'll be going back again, which will be good. But the main thing is to get points and start pushing up the league.
"We've seen what it's all about and hopefully we can push on now in the league."
Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas found the net after Borini had given Sunderland the lead in Sunday's final, but the Italian forward - on loan from Liverpool - feels there are plenty of positives to take from the performance.
"The only negative is the result," he added. "We were disappointed, but proud of what we did on the pitch.
"We made Man City win the game and they had to score two incredible goals, which is why they are Man City.
"It was a great team performance in the first half.
"Man City came out with the qualities, that's normal. But the feeling to be in front and have a real chance to win it was unbelievable.
"That's what we need to take with us for the rest of the season."
Sunderland currently sit one point adrift of safety in the Premier League, with a game in hand over 17th-placed West Brom.
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Five things we learned from Sunderland's day out at Wembley
Manchester City dashed Sunderland's dreams of ending their 41-year trophy drought with a 3-1 Capital One Cup Final victory at Wembley. Here, Sports Writer Richard Mason highlights five things we learned from yesterday's final
MONEY TALKS
This is hardly rocket science. Manchester City won the game with a second-half display that would arguably have left most other Premier League teams in their wake, let alone Sunderland.
With the bit between their teeth, City set about the task of overturning Sunderland's slender lead and the 55th and 56th minute goals from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri saw them do just that.
But it was Sunderland and City's substitutions afterwards which ensured that Manuel Pellegrini's side won the cup.
While City were able to augment their team with Jesus Navas, Javi Garcia and Alvaro Negredo – with Jesus Navas coming on moments after the second goal to replace the tiring Sergio Aguero – Sunderland brought Steven Fletcher, Emanuele Giaccherini and Craig Gardner into the fray.
At 2-1, Fletcher, still not fully fit having suffered an Achilles injury earlier in the season, spurned a fine chance to get his side on level terms but catastrophically miscontrolled a ball into the box, bouncing off his shin for a goal kick.
Moments later, City swept forward and hit their opponents on the break, with Jesus Navas sliding home from Yaya Toure's pass.
City's ability to call on such quality from the bench, allied with Sunderland's ineffective replacements, saw the blue half of a packed Wembley celebrate their victory.
CITY'S BIG GAME EXPERIENCE TOLD
Manchester City have a squad that has been assembled at considerable expense. While Sunderland's has not exactly been built with peanuts – many of the Wembley squad were big-money buys for the Black Cats, City were able to attract the world's finest players in Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Alvaro Negredo.
Sunderland's defensive duo of Wes Brown and John O'Shea aside, many of the Black Cats were making their Wembley debuts yesterday, and while they did not wilt on the big stage, City were able to call upon their experience and hit Sunderland at the right times and sit on their lead to eke out the win.
FABIO BORINI NEEDS TO PLAY CENTRE-FORWARD
It had been mooted throughout the week that Gus Poyet was considering playing Fabio Borini in a central attacking role instead of his usual wide berth, and so it came to pass at the expense of Jozy Altidore, who missed out on the squad completely.
Borini had spoken about his wish to play there – indeed, in post-match interviews he shrugged “It's my position – and Poyet granted his wish to great effect.
Borini was everything that Sunderland have lacked up top. He gave Martin Demichelis and Vincent Kompany the runaround, tirelessly pulling them this way and that, and a ball over the top deceived both of them for Borini to get in and poke past Pantilimon in the City goal.
But that was the tip of the iceberg. Borini did not stop running and chasing the ball, while positionally he was impeccable, winning balls that Altidore or indeed Steven Fletcher would never have gone for. His goal displayed real confidence which again, neither Altidore nor Fletcher have at present.
Sunderland's problem now is figuring out who could replace Borini on the left flank.
LEE CATTERMOLE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE THE VILLAIN
Lee Cattermole put in a disciplined, determined and dare I say classy performance at Wembley, shutting up a few of his critics in the process. It is often said that Cattermole has that in his locker, his ability to dictate the game from midfield, displaying a range of passing, attributes that are masked all too often by his tendency to dive into challenges and pick up needless bookings and stupid dismissals.
Many outside of the North-East have seen the good side of Cattermole. And as much as Sunderland's fans bang the drum for him, the Stockton-born midfielder has always been cast in the role of pantomime villain. Yesterday, he showed the rest of the country that he is much more than that.
SUNDERLAND'S FANS KNOW HOW TO PARTY
Again, nothing new here. It may be parochial to praise North-Easterners for their amiable natures. But any neutral that happened to wander past central London on Saturday night will have seen a hell of a shindig. From Covent Garden, to Leicester Square, from Charing Cross to Picadilly Circus, there were thousands of supporters clad in red and white. It was all good-natured fun as well, without a hint of any violence or disorder. They even managed to upset a Tory MP in the process. From the Labour heartlands of Wearside, that could be considered a minor success.
Tory MP forced to apologise for branding Sunderland league cup Final fans 'scumbag hooligans'
Robert Halfon, who has campaigned for the Tories to be the new “workers’ party”, attacked supporters who travelled to London for Sunday’s game
A Tory MP has been forced to apologise after labeling football fans “scumbag hooligans” .
Robert Halfon, who has campaigned for the Tories to be the new “workers’ party”, attacked Sunderland supporters who travelled to London for Sunday’s Capital One Cup Final.
He had been in central London for dinner on Saturday night where thousands of Black Cats fans had gathered ahead of the big game
Afterwards, he wrote on Twitter : “Went to London for dinner. Wish I hadn’t. Scumbag football hooligans turn Covent Garden into a disgusting Cesspit.”
The 44-year-old Essex MP said there were “a few ambulances around the place” with fans “smashing glasses and throwing bottles at cars”.
The MP said this was “hardly the actions of the decent”.
Furious Sundarland MP Julie Elliot wrote to Mr Halfon to demand an apology for the slur.
She pointed out over 50,000 Sunderland fans had travelled to the capital for the club’s first major cup final since 1992 - with just one arrest.
In her letter to Mr Halfon she wrote that she was “horrified” by the comments.
Went to London for dinner. Wish I hadn't. Scumbag football hooligans turn Covent Garden into a disgusting Cesspit pic.twitter.com/rodb7Bfk47
— Robert Halfon MP (@halfon4harlowMP) March 1, 2014
She said: “Upon reaching London, several thousand Sunderland fans congregated near Covent Garden to celebrate their club’s achievement of reaching a cup final for the first time in over 20 years.
“Whether directed at Sunderland fans specifically or not, your comments have caused great offence to the tens of thousands of Sunderland fans who travelled to London at the weekend and tens of thousands more who supported their team from home.
“The blasé branding of football fans celebrating their clubs success as ‘scumbag football hooligans’ is inappropriate behaviour for a Member of Parliament in this day and age.
“I feel you ought to make an immediate apology to the people of Sunderland specifically for the offence you have caused.”
Mr Halfon replied that he was sorry for any offence he had caused - but insisted he was “in no way” referring to people from Sunderland.
He claimed that he had distinguished between “genuine fans” and “hooligans who throw and smash glass all over the road”.
The Tory MP wrote: “That was the context of my tweet, which inevitably has been twisted or misunderstood as attacking a particular group of fans, or particular club, which was far from the case.
“For that I am sincerely sorry.”
He added: “I do regret most sincerely that my Tweet did not reflect the distinction between a minority who had broken glass and the majority of decent fans who were just celebrating as any fan would do.”
Ms Elliot responded last night: “Whilst I am pleased that Robert Halfon MP has apologised to the people of Sunderland for his comments, I continue to believe that they were wholly unfounded.
“The comments were also completely inappropriate for a Member of Parliament in this day and age.”
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Tory MP labels Sunderland fans 'scumbags' after turning Covent Garden into a 'disgusting cesspit'
Robert Halfon, the MP for Harlow, took to Twitter after Black Cat revellers left a trail of debris behind them in the run up to the Capital One Cup Final
A Tory MP has labelled Sunderland fans as "scumbags" in an extraordinary Twitter rant.
Robert Halfon, the Member of Parliament for Harlow, also accused Black Cat supporters of turning Covent Garden into a "disgusting cesspit".
Thousands of Mackems descended on the capital ahead of the Capital One Cup Final, and caused mayhem leaving the streets in a mess.
And after heading into the city for a meal the 44-year-old MP took to the social media site to express his fury.
"Went to London for dinner. Wish I hadn't. Scumbag football hooligans turn Covent Garden into a disgusting cesspit," he tweeted.
The legions of Sunderland supporters spilled over into the streets over the weekend as they made sure to enjoy their first major cup final since 1992.
Unfortunately roads and other areas were left strewn with rubbish in the aftermath prompting an angry response from residents.
The Wearsiders have travelled in numbers as they look to upset the odds and beat Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
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City fans turn red faced as they arrive at Wembley with tickets for the wrong match
Six Blues fans tried to see the cup final but actually had tickets for a cancelled game at the Etihad
Six City fans almost had a cup final day to forget - after buying tickets for the WRONG match.
The pals only realised when they were on a minibus to Piccadilly train station that they had actually got tickets for the Blues v Sunderland Premier League clash on February 12 rather than for Sunday's Capital One Cup final.
They went down to London anyway and four managed to buy tickets for the sell-out clash at face-value from kindhearted fellow City fans.
But two, including the lad who made the error, had to watch Vincent Kompany's men land the trophy from a curry house.
Andrew Heald, a pal of the group who are from Chadderton, near Oldham explained: "A lad called Phil Brierley had looked after it all.
"He'd bought the tickets on the City website ages ago and put them all into envelopes for everyone.
"They hired a minibus to take them to Piccadilly and he handed them their envelopes.
"They opened them and one of them spotted that there was no picture of the cup on their ticket.
"He thought that was odd and looked a bit closer at the date. They saw that they were for the home match at the Etihad that got called off last month!
"They had all paid £70 for a train ticket so they decided to come down anyway and called me to see if I could get them any. I spoke to a tout but he was after £200.
"Fortunately four of them managed to get one from City fans who wouldn't charge them more than face value but Phil and another lad ended up watching it in a curry house."
Andrew added that Phil was the butt of all the jokes when they arrived back home.
"He was very apologetic and buying everyone drinks," he said.
"He said he was in a rush when he got the tickets and didn't check properly."
JACK Colback believes Sunderland will “comfortably” beat the drop – if they reproduce their Capital One Cup final performance in the relegation run-in.
The Black Cats will have gone three weeks between Premier League games when they resume their fight for survival against Crystal Palace in 11 days’ time.
But the self-belief in the Sunderland camp received a major shot in the arm on Sunday when they pushed title-chasing Manchester City to the limits at Wembley.
And midfielder Colback says the Black Cats need to take that performance into the relegation battle – with Gus Poyet’s side remaining one point adrift of safety after the weekend’s top-flight results.
“If we apply ourselves like we did in the final, then the wins will come naturally,” said Colback.
“That’s what we’ve got to look to do, because we’re still in a bad position in the league.
“If we have the same hunger and passion, then we should win the games comfortably.
“It’s strange to play a cup final with 12 games to go in the league still.
“We’ve got the FA Cup again on Sunday ,and then we’ve got to look to the league to win the games needed to keep us in the division.”
The 3-1 defeat against Man City was Colback’s first appearance at Wembley, yet the 24-year-old could be heading there again with Sunderland next month if Poyet’s men can emerge victorious from Sunday’s FA Cup quarter final at Hull.
“If we win our next game, we’ll be going back to Wembley in the semi-finals, and that’s what we’ve got to aim to do,” added the 24-year-old.
“It was a fantastic experience; great to be honest. It’s just disappointing that we couldn’t win.
“It was different to any other game I’ve ever played.
“Just coming out for the warm-up, the atmosphere was brilliant.
“The fans were absolutely outstanding, and we were just sorry that we couldn’t bring the cup home.
“Even at 3-1 down, they were still singing their hearts out.
“Coming into the stadium, you couldn’t see one Man City fan, but there was thousands and thousands of Sunderland fans.
“It gave the lads a lot of inspiration. We were just disappointed that we couldn’t repay that with a win.”
VITO Mannone says he couldn’t even hear the voices of his own defenders due to the wall of noise created by Sunderland supporters.
Sunderland’s allocation of 30,000 fans produced a raucous atmosphere inside Wembley, with many more Black Cats followers dotted around the stadium.
And goalkeeper Mannone, who turned 26 yesterday, said he has never experienced anything comparable during his career.
Mannone said: “The experience was amazing. I enjoyed every minute of it.
“The fans were incredible again; unbelievable. They were so loud.
“I’ve never heard anything like that in the game. It was the most noisy I’ve ever heard.
“I couldn’t even talk to my defence at some points during the first half.
“Our fans were pushing us from behind and that was what was really great about the first half.
“They still sang for us all the way and they were proud of us.”
Mannone held his hands up to the quality of Manchester City’s first two goals, which turned the game on its head in the space of 60 seconds.
“I thought the first one was incredible, the way it dipped down,” said the Italian.
“I didn’t expect a shot like that to be honest. It kept going away from me when I was diving.
“The second one is such a brilliant finish too. It was the only spot in the net that would go in.”
Mannone insists Sunderland could rightly hold their heads high, despite the defeat, after threatening to cause a major upset.
And the former Arsenal man believes that has to act as a huge comfort to Gus Poyet’s men, particularly as Sunderland were underwhelming in their last two finals at Wembley in the 1985 League Cup and 1992 FA Cup.
The £2m summer signing added: “We are proud, even if we are disappointed. I’m like any Sunderland fan.
“At least we have no regrets.
“We went into the game and surprised them. We played really well in the first half.
“In the second half, the only thing that beat us was two world-class finishes.
“We were really in shape and playing our game and I can’t fault anyone in the team.
“We were spot on with our plan, but unfortunately, we faced a great Man City side and they’ve got talents like Yaya Toure and (Samir) Nasri and I think everybody saw that.”
Poyet looks for players’ reaction – particularly Altidore
GUS Poyet says he will watch in training this week for the right response from his players to their Capital One Cup final defeat.
The Sunderland head coach was as crushed as any of his squad at the end of a gallant but ultimately futile effort to contain Manchester City’s multi-talented superstars on a draining Wembley afternoon.
But now he says the final is something Sunderland need to build on, rather than mull over.
“It’s up to me now to make sure we go on from this,” the Uruguayan said.
“It is my responsibility and I have to use this the right way.
“I don’t like excuses and I won’t allow the disappointment of a cup final to be used as an excuse by the players.”
Every Sunderland player will have their own personal reaction to their day at Wembley.
But perhaps no one more so than American international striker Jozy Altidore who was left out of the squad altogether – a point Poyet accepted.
“I want us to move on in the right way and I will demand it,” he said.
“But it is easy for me to say: ‘put this behind you and move on’ and another thing for it to actually happen.
“We will see how each one of them is individually.
“How will Jozy Altidore react to not being in the squad for example?
“I don’t know. I will find out.
“It’s tough for him, it’s tough for everyone, defeat.
“I hate losing, hate it, but we have to show the right response.”
Phil Bardsley looked inconsolable in the centre-circle at the final whistle, and John O’Shea pointed out in a TV interview that all cup final defeats are heartbreaking.
Earlier, Seb Larsson had been seen uncharacteristically raging at the Sunderland bench as he was substituted shortly after City grabbed a second-half lead.
But Poyet explained: “Seb was angry because he had been fouled in the build-up to the Yaya Toure goal and he was still angry about it when he came off.
“In an ideal world the referee would have seen the foul – it was an easy one to give.
“But even so, we can’t complain about the quality of the finish.
“Seb was passionate, but there was a lot of passion around but I like that and now we have to pick ourselves up again.
“Maybe it’s good that we have a cup game next weekend, (the FA Cup quarter-final against Hull City), because that game might help us get over the disappointment of this one.”
Sunderland legend reveals who he thinks should be Poyet’s No1 striker
SUNDERLAND legend Gary Rowell believes Gus Poyet could persevere with Fabio Borini as a central striker – especially with Jozy Altidore out of the frame.
Borini was handed the lone forward role at Wembley for the Capital One Cup final ahead of Altidore, who was left out of the squad altogether.
And the Italian impressed, opening the scoring in the 10th minute and giving Manchester City’s defenders a torrid time in the first half.
Rowell, a former striker himself, said: “My Wembley man of the match was Fabio Borini.
“He’s hardly played a central striker’s role for Sunderland this season – more often than not, he has been supporting the main striker from wider areas – but that didn’t faze him at all.
“Of course he got a great confidence-booster with the early goal, brilliantly taken from a tight angle.
“He always made himself available to his team-mates with his unselfish running and sheer appetite for hard work.
“The lone striker’s role is not an easy one but Borini adapted to it well.
“With Jozy Altidore left out of the cup final squad completely, will be interesting now to see if Gus Poyet perseveres with him in that role for the rest of the season.”
Borini wasn’t the only Sunderland player to impress Rowell, however.
“It was fascinating to see which players would perform under intense pressure in a final at Wembley,” he added.
“The first player to catch my eye was Lee Cattermole, who had a great first half, giving his typical valiant performance, breaking up the opposition’s play and never allowing City time on the ball.
“Wes Brown and John O’Shea also impressed.
“You tend to name them together as they are very much a partnership and both are better with the other alongside.
“My heart sank had sank when Sergio Aguero was named in the City starting line-up as he is an incredible player. But he and Edin Dzeko did not cause them too many problems.”
Sunderland boss dared much more than just to dream!
A LITTLE after 9pm on Saturday night, the beer pumps of the Covent Garden hostelries reached the bottom of the barrel.
Sunderland supporters had drank the capital dry.
There wasn’t even a Babycham to be had in the nearby Tesco Express.
A party atmosphere prevailed all weekend in London. Nothing was going to prevent Sunderland’s hordes enjoying a first visit to Wembley since 1998.
But while there was a determination to enjoy the occasion, regardless of the result, among the thousands that made the journey south, the thought of “just being happy to be there” never crossed Gus Poyet’s mind.
This was another feather in the cap for the Sunderland manager’s blossoming reputation.
He did more than dare to dream. He devised an immaculate battleplan that took Sunderland to within a whisker of ending a trophy drought which is still four decades and counting.
Poyet made big calls in his starting XI.
Bringing back Wes Brown and the immense Lee Cattermole was no issue. There was never any doubt that experienced heads and big-game players would be welcomed back into the fold.
But installing Seb Larsson in the middle of the park and Fabio Borini in his favoured central striker role were huge decisions.
Poyet could easily have taken the easy options of sticking with Jozy Altidore - tellingly not even included on the bench after his woeful display at Arsenal - or installing Emanuele Giaccherini.
Yet the former Brighton boss stuck his neck out; believing the brave decisions were the best way of countering Manchester City’s attacking riches.
Oh, how it worked in that opening 45 minutes.
Sunderland had the harmony, togetherness and the collective understanding of their strategy which was so noticeably missing from the ranks of Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
The Black Cats hunted in packs, hastling, harrying and pressing City into errors or down blind alleys from which they were unable to escape.
From the moment Phil Bardsley thundered into David Silva with a Kevin Ball-esque cruncher in the opening exchanges, there was a dogged determination around Sunderland.
Sunderland weren’t just there to dream. They were there to win.
The inclusion of Borini and Larsson in those roles was key to it.
Borini showed what Sunderland have arguably been missing all season. A central striker capable of causing the opposition defence a headache.
The on-loan Liverpool man worked the channels, won his headers, chased down centre-halves and stretched Manchester City’s defence on the counter-attack.
Crucially, he made Vincent Kompany uncomfortable too. That was always going to be pivotal towards Sunderland’s hopes of victory. They needed someone capable of dragging the Man City skipper out of position.
Kompany’s anxiety was shown with Borini’s goal. Although the Belgian made amends with a stunning recovery challenge to deny the Italian a second later in the half, he was horrifyingly culpable for the opener.
But Borini still required ice-cool composure to convert it and he did it majestically. In truth, he’s been doing it all season on the big occasions - four of the Italian’s five previous Sunderland goals coming against Man United, Chelsea and Newcastle (twice).
Leaving Borini to operate down the middle must now be in the forefront of Poyet’s mind for the remainder of the relegation battle.
So too will Larsson, if he reproduces performances like this.
The Swedish international was frustrated to be removed from the field on the hour mark - and understandably so - after he had been at the forefront of Sunderland’s first half display.
Typically, Larsson never stopped running to close down the space available to City’s outnumbered central midfield, but he also distributed the ball effectively to set Sunderland away on the counter-attack.
It was a surprise that he was used in a central role, with Jack Colback going to the left, but as the game unfolded, that ploy made perfect sense.
Colback wasn’t going to leave Pablo Zabaleta on his backside by bursting beyond the right-back, but he crucially prevented the Argentine getting forwards and injecting the width into City’s play.
The star of the midfield was Cattermole though.
There wasn’t a more dominant player on the pitch during the first 45 minutes.
The tenacity shown by the Teessider on the edge of his own area was predictable, yet was pivotal, given that is the zone where City do so much of their damage.
Repeatedly during the first half, a Cattermole interception would prove to be the catalyst for a Sunderland counter-attack as he utterly outshone Yaya Toure.
But the 25-year-old backed up that bite in the tackle by demonstrating his range of passing too.
Just before Borini’s opener, Cattermole played a sublime crossfield pass with the outside of his right foot to Adam Johnson which Kompany just managed to deal with.
It was the first of many such passes from a player whose distribution continues to be overlooked by the wider world.
Cattermole has been working on that part of his game on the training ground with fellow defensive midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
While Bridcutt remains a firm favourite of Poyet’s, the £2.5million January arrival will surely struggle to get his place back.
When Cattermole was withdrawn with 15 minutes to go as Poyet went for broke with Emanuele Giaccherini, the former Middlesbrough man was utterly spent.
So too were his team-mates.
That, as much as Man City’s brilliance, prevented Sunderland getting back into the game after the conversion of two of the best goals Wembley will see.
It was impossible to do anything other than admire the quality of Toure and Samir Nasri’s strikes. If Sunderland were going to lose the cup final, that was the way to do it.
But after that psychological blow, those tired legs began to feel heavier and heavier.
Predictably, that tireless work-rate of the opening 45 minutes began to drop and gaps opened up for City, particularly on the counter-attack.
It would have been very different though had Steven Fletcher taken an agonisingly presentable option with a minute to go.
Fletcher, who had actually looked bright following his introduction, was clearly caught in two minds after Marcos Alonso’s knock-down fell to him so invitingly.
But it was crying for him to swing his weaker right foot at the ball. Dithering before the ball bounced harmlessly off him and behind was a depressing waste of a glorious late chance, particularly as City sealed the deal moments later.
Sunderland’s exhausted players sank to the floor after Jesus Navas’ strike on the counter-attack and the tears were to follow when the final whistle sounded moments later.
The torture continued with an agonising walk up to the royal box to collect runners-up medals, while the sounds of City anthem Blue Moon blasted out of the Wembley PA System.
But when Poyet’s men emerged from the dressing room an hour or so later, dejection had been replaced by pride.
In their hearts, Sunderland’s players knew they could have done nothing more. That was a comfort.
Unlike the anti-climatic finals of 1985 and 1992, Sunderland stepped onto the big stage, performed, and played their part in a thoroughly absorbing encounter.
Even in the most exuberant moments during the early hours of Sunday morning, the thousands who had crammed into Covent Garden could not have asked for anything more.
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