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.
Territory Broadcaster
Europe
Belgium & Luxemburg Belgacom (SkyNet)
Bosnia-Herzegovina Arena Sport
Bulgaria Nova TV
Croatia Arena Sport
Denmark SBS Discovery Media
Finland Viasat - NelonenPro 1, Viasat Futbol HD
France & Andorra & Monaco beIN Sport
Germany & Austria & Switzerland SportDigital
Hungary Digi Sport
Iceland 365 Iceland
Latvia Viasat
Lithuania Viasat
Macedonia Arena Sport (via Max TV Platform)
Montenegro Arena Sport
Netherlands Eredivisie/Fox Sports 2 & 4
Norway TV 2 Sport
Portugal Sport TV
Romania Digi Sport **
Serbia Arena Sport
Slovenia Šport TV
Sweden Viasat
Ukraine Poverkhnost
Asia
India Sub-continent Ten Sports ᶲ
India Ten Sports
Sri Lanka Ten Sports
Bhutan Ten Sports
Pakistan Ten Sports
Nepal Ten Sports
Bangladesh Ten Sports
Afghanistan Ten Sports
Maldives Ten Sports
Indonesia Ten Sports
Korea (South) JTBC
Malaysia (& Brunei) Astro
Myanmar (Burma) Skynet
Singapore Singtel
Thailand (& Loas & Cambodia) GMM Grammy
Vietnam SCTV
Americas
Brazil ESPN
Latin America (South) ESPN Sur
Argentina ESPN Sur
Bolivia ESPN Sur
Chile ESPN Sur
Colombia ESPN Sur
Ecuador ESPN Sur
Paraguay ESPN Sur
Peru ESPN Sur
Uruguay ESPN Sur
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Suriname ESPN Caribbean
Tortola (British Virgin Isles) ESPN Caribbean
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Turks & Caicos ESPN Caribbean
Vessels operating within the territorial waters of the foregoing ESPN Caribbean
Americas - Mexico + Central Americas Sky Mexico †
Costa Rica Sky Mexico
Dominican Republic Sky Mexico
El Salvador Sky Mexico
Guatemala Sky Mexico
Honduras Sky Mexico
Mexico Sky Mexico
Nicaragua Sky Mexico
Panama Sky Mexico
Middle East & North Africa
Israel Charlton Sports
Pan-Middle East Al Jazeera*
13 Middle Eastern territories:
Bahrain beIN Sports Arabia
Iran beIN Sports Arabia
Iraq beIN Sports Arabia
Jordan beIN Sports Arabia
Kuwait beIN Sports Arabia
Lebanon beIN Sports Arabia
Oman beIN Sports Arabia
Qatar beIN Sports Arabia
Saudi Arabia beIN Sports Arabia
Syria beIN Sports Arabia
Palestine beIN Sports Arabia
UAE beIN Sports Arabia
Yemen beIN Sports Arabia
10 African Territories:
Algeria beIN Sports Arabia
Chad beIN Sports Arabia
Djibouti beIN Sports Arabia
Egypt beIN Sports Arabia
Libya beIN Sports Arabia
Mauritania beIN Sports Arabia
Morocco beIN Sports Arabia
Somalia beIN Sports Arabia
Sudan beIN Sports Arabia
Tunisia beIN Sports Arabia
Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa SuperSport
Angola SuperSport
Benin SuperSport
Botswana SuperSport
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Australia Setanta
Oceania (Exc. Australia) ESPN
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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.