Sunderland v Bournemouth - Sat 23rd Jan - 15:00

[Whitechapel]

Match day chat.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Must win for Sunderland. Last weeks' showing against Norwich gives us a boost and a little bit of room to maneuver, for now. I'm sure Big Sam will have a plan for us that involves being solid and closing down our play, but at some point in the game Sunderland have to come at us. And when they do, we have plenty that can hurt them. I believe all 4 of our wingers are fit (not that Eddie would confirm anything) so there's variety to choose from in our creative areas, although I'd imagine he'll stick with what worked last week first off.

Important for our defence to have a good day here, stay strong and not give away anything silly. Our old friend Defoe is in great form obviously and will punish us if he gets the chance. Whilst it'll be nice to give him a good reception, let's not give him anything more than that.

13 hour round trip car journey? Go on then, only for football. Should have about 1500 up there.

 

[JimJams]

Bournemouth win 2-1.

 

[Hank]

Very nervous about this game, we simply have to win. It's going to be tough as it is, lose today we're as good as down. A not very confident 2-1.

 

[PDS]

Afobe just seems perfect for a style of play. An amazing finish that nobody else in our squad would be capable of.

Sunderland have started very poorly, we could do with a second whilst they're looking a mess at the back

 

[PDS]

Urgh, and that is why we had to take our chances when we were on top. We've always got a few moments of woeful defending in us

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Sigh, missed a real real chance to pull some distance here. Sunderland absolutely there for the taking, and with enough chances to score 6. Sunderland abusing their side after 10 mins and at times it got quite poisonous, really feel they were there for the taking.

Afobe is class, fits us like a glove as PDS says.

Sunderland did have one period well on top, as the first half wore on we lost our early momentum and Sunderland started stringing a few balls together and applied some pressure. Just as you thought we'd held out, they score with moments to go.

Second half was a but nervy at times, but we finished very strongly. Grabban in comparison to Afobe....THAT miss with minutes to go, is why we laughed at Norwich paying 3m for him. Although fair play he held the ball at times when needed, that chance was worth a huge amount and he doesn't even hit the target.

Maybe I'll see it as a point gained at the end of the season. But for now, it's a real chance missed.