We’ve nothin having a righ
In the inventory of David Moyes’ time at Sunderland, the inadequacies column is an exhaustive one, while the list of virtues is barely discernible. But foremost of the reasons for the club’s miserable 2016-17 was the man’s negativity; verbally, mentally and tactically.
I would much prefer to forget about Moyes. The problem is that, like a house buyer who has inherited dry rot, negativity prevails with Simon Grayson.
His post-match interview on Saturday alluded to injuries to key players and the miniscule transfer budget he was given.
All perfectly valid, but not what anyone wants to hear. It suggests to the players who are available that they aren’t up to snuff. Maybe they aren’t, but I want all the players to believe they’re invincible – even if they’re complete duffers.
Sunderland won’t meet any top opposition in the Championship. There isn’t any. So why the fear?
This timidity has been augmented by some strange, strange substitutions; or lack of them. In the season’s first game against Derby, no changes were made. This was despite Sunderland having several clearly knackered players on the field.
It almost cost them one of the six measly points that they have.
Nottingham Forest were there for the taking with 10 minutes remaining. A fresh pair of legs running at tired defenders might have lassoed three points.
Instead, Sunderland waited until the second minute of injury time, a goal down, to introduce ... a full-back. I share the general opinion of Jack Rodwell. Nevertheless, Sunderland were reduced to straw clutching and desperately needed someone to head in from a set-piece in injury time.
The last thing Rodwell had done on a football pitch was to head in from a set-piece in injury time. So naturally they brought on – Billy Jones.
Jones came on at Hull on Saturday too, out of position even though midfielders were on the bench, shortly before Sunderland conceded the equaliser.