Gardner stunner too hot for sorry Saints
GUS POYET must wish Sunderland’s cup prowess could transfer to their League fortunes after another successful knockout show.
It is eight wins from as many home cup ties this season, which compares favourably to just three home wins from 13 in the Premier League.
The Black Cats are already heading to Wembley for the League Cup Final against Manchester City on March 2, and they are now just one win from a return in the FA Cup — but they remain in the relegation zone in the League.
Poyet made nine changes from the team that lost to Hull, but the players on show did enough to defeat a very disappointing Southampton.
While the Saints are enjoying a fine season, boss Mauricio Pochettino also felt the need to tinker as he made six changes to his starting line-up.
But they never got anywhere near to the League form that has earned them rave reviews.
They put together a fluent move early on, but James WardProwse couldn’t apply the finishing touch as his effort lacked the power to beat standin goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
At the other end, the home side were convinced they had a penalty when Fabio Borini went down under a tackle from Luke Shaw, but referee Mike Dean was not.
Emanuele Giaccherini should have made more of a mistake by Nathaniel Clyne, but the Italian ran into Craig Gardner and the chance went astray.
England World Cup hopeful Adam Lallana worked space nicely for a cross, but Ustari was equal to it with safe handling.
Clyne thought he had set up Lambert to score with a fine low ball, only for Santiago Vergini to make a crucial sliding interception at the back post.
However, it would be wrong to think the game was anything but flat, played out in front of swathes of empty seats.
But it was lifted by a sweet strike from Gardner shortly after the interval to put Sunderland ahead. He nipped in front of former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama and his 20-yard shot flew past Kelvin Davis off the underside of the bar.
The visitors responded with a double change as regulars Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin were sent on to try to bring some life to their display.
Ye t home substitute Connor Wickham nearly settled the tie but he couldn’t quite touch Sebastian Larsson’s cross beyond Davis.
Lallana could have rescued his side after fine work by Clyne, but he steered his effort wide of the near post from six yards out.
But that was nothing compared to Rickie Lambert. Again, Clyne was the provider but the England striker managed to scoop the ball over an open goal from four yards.
Wickham and Borini missed late chances, but it didn’t matter as lucky Gus’ cup touch continued.
It is eight wins from as many home Cup ties this year