BIG DECISION LOOMS ON TRIALIST N’ZOGBIA
WHAT DAVID MOYES LEARNED FROM SATURDAY’S FRIENDLY SUCCESS AT ROTHERHAM
“David Moyes’ red and white army...”
Sunderland’s 3,000-strong travelling support made their feelings clear from the moment Moyes made his way from the directors lounge to his seat at the New York Stadium.
On the day he was named Sam Allardyce’s replacement, he had a watching brief with Robbie Stockdale and Paul Bracewell in charge.
But what will he have learned from Saturday’s 2-1 win against Rotherham?
Sunderland showcased their best and worst qualities: When Fabio Borini gave Sunderland the lead they should have gone on to win comfortably having dominated the opening 45 minutes.
But within 19 seconds of the re-start, Rotherham were level. Moyes hadn’t even taken his seat.
Sunderland’s survival last season was built on a muchimproved defensive unit in the final months.
But they are still capable of self-destructing. It was a gift of a goal and Moyes will want to stamp that out.
Charles N’Zogbia, though, ensured it was two wins from two pre-season games four minutes from time.
Fitness isn’t an issue: Often when new managers take charge mid-season they complain of poor fitness levels at the club they have inherited.
Not at Sunderland, not this pre-season. The technical staff have done an excellent job in preparing the players despite the uncertainty surrounding Sam Allardyce and England.
With three more weeks and four games of pre-season to go, the players will be flying out of the traps against Manchester City.
Decision to make over Charles N’Zogbia: The former Newcastle United midfielder was poor against Hartlepool United, offering little in an advanced role.
But N’Zogbia, currently training with Sunderland, was in from the start and much improved at Rotherham in the holding midfield role.
After a slow start, his play was tidy and he provided an excellent assist for Borini.
The Frenchman saw a free-kick well saved before scoring the winner late on.
Does he have a future on Wearside after all? Probably not. But a goal and assist in front of the new manager will do his chances no harm.
Youngsters caught the eye: While the first team were given more minutes at Rotherham, Moyes was also given the opportunity to cast his eye over a number of prospects.
Jordan Pickford and Josh Robson both started, with the likes of Lynden Gooch, Duncan Watmore and Ethan Robson coming on as subs.
Gooch, in particular, caught the eye with his running and attacking threat.
Good workout on a muggy day: It was a warm, energysapping afternoon and while the game may have lacked the intensity of a Premier League match - it was a good workout.
The game lacked fastflowing, entertaining football, but at this stage, building fitness is all that matters.
With multiple substitutions leading to a stop-start game, it would have been difficult for Moyes to take too much from the match.
Sunderland fans make their feelings known: Moyes did in his first game what Allardyce should have done in his last, taking to the pitch to applaud the travelling fans.
The Black Cats were backed by 3,000 fans, with supporters showing their delight at Moyes’s arrival.
He responded by waving but later surprised everyone when he made his way on to the pitch. A nice touch from him and one the fans certainly appreciated.