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.'
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Anonymous2013-09-14 12:46
Sunderland were Robbed .atkinson should be fined
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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?
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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.”