Sunderland - Wind of Change

[Il Postino Pat]

wow, just wow. I was convinced that we couldn't blow this one. I was wrong. Bruce often gets criticised for not making changes, that game was full of perplexing ones. It ended up with square pegs in round holes which leaves you wondering about the decisions.

(This is me venting so sorry if I have blown in out of proportion).

Richardson: Like a lot of the team started well but faded. Went from looking like the answer off the front man until the realisation dawned that there was a reason he was converted into a left back. Went out wide because it has been a week and therefore forgotten that he can't play there. Buy a left midfielder in January FFS.

Centre midfield: This irrates the living crap out of me. Started with Colback and Cattermole in the centre midfield. At some point, the thought is, hmmm maybe they aren't so good let's take them both out of there. That is terrible judgement. I know Cattermole struggled with an injury but changing both centre midfielders shocked me. Vaughan and Gardener have to get up to the speed of the game which to be honest, they didn't, and seemingly offered no more than what the previous pairing did.

With that substitute - Left back: God. Jack Colback at left back. Poor kid. He actually doesn't look too bad attacking down the left but at the back it leaves a massive weakness. Don't know what Bardsley done to be taken off except sky a golden opportunity. He did semingly take a few knocks in the first half but seeing as he is replacing the starting left back who is being tried once again further upfield, there has to be covering options for left back that don't disrupt your centre midfield.

Right back: I saw Larsson there today near the end of the game. I don't think any more is needed to be said about that.

Sessegnon: Just play him whereever the gap is that week. Sure he doesn't mind.

Formation: So we persist with this abortion of a formation that disrupts the team and pulls players out of position. Then when it's realised that Wigan can actually soak up pressure and knock it about themselves without looking too threatening (although as it turns out, quite prolific) the formation is changed for the last six minutes plus stoppages.

If 4-4-1-1 doesn't work then get rid. changing it to 4-4-2 at the end of the match just shows what a negative system it is at home to the team that started the day bottom of the league.

Captaincy: Cattermole to O'Shea to Brown

There was a time during England international friendlies when a million subs were used and people were up in arms about the captaincy being tossed around like confetti. Not our biggest issue but it annoyed me. The lack of enthusiasm in handing over the captain's armband is only matched by the lack of confidence the fans have in their manager and team at the moment.

There's only one change left to go at Sunderland as I think we have seen every possible one on the pitch. I'll give you a clue, the fans may have mentioned it.

[Wise Man Says]

Originally Posted by Il Postino Pat

wow, just wow. I was convinced that we couldn't blow this one. I was wrong. Bruce often gets criticised for not making changes, that game was full of perplexing ones. It ended up with square pegs in round holes which leaves you wondering about the decisions.

(This is me venting so sorry if I have blown in out of proportion).

Richardson: Like a lot of the team started well but faded. Went from looking like the answer off the front man until the realisation dawned that there was a reason he was converted into a left back. Went out wide because it has been a week and therefore forgotten that he can't play there. Buy a left midfielder in January FFS.

Centre midfield: This irrates the living crap out of me. Started with Colback and Cattermole in the centre midfield. At some point, the thought is, hmmm maybe they aren't so good let's take them both out of there. That is terrible judgement. I know Cattermole struggled with an injury but changing both centre midfielders shocked me. Vaughan and Gardener have to get up to the speed of the game which to be honest, they didn't, and seemingly offered no more than what the previous pairing did.

With that substitute - Left back: God. Jack Colback at left back. Poor kid. He actually doesn't look too bad attacking down the left but at the back it leaves a massive weakness. Don't know what Bardsley done to be taken off except sky a golden opportunity. He did semingly take a few knocks in the first half but seeing as he is replacing the starting left back who is being tried once again further upfield, there has to be covering options for left back that don't disrupt your centre midfield.

Right back: I saw Larsson there today near the end of the game. I don't think any more is needed to be said about that.

Sessegnon: Just play him whereever the gap is that week. Sure he doesn't mind.

Formation: So we persist with this abortion of a formation that disrupts the team and pulls players out of position. Then when it's realised that Wigan can actually soak up pressure and knock it about themselves without looking too threatening (although as it turns out, quite prolific) the formation is changed for the last six minutes plus stoppages.

If 4-4-1-1 doesn't work then get rid. changing it to 4-4-2 at the end of the match just shows what a negative system it is at home to the team that started the day bottom of the league.

Captaincy: Cattermole to O'Shea to Brown

There was a time during England international friendlies when a million subs were used and people were up in arms about the captaincy being tossed around like confetti. Not our biggest issue but it annoyed me. The lack of enthusiasm in handing over the captain's armband is only matched by the lack of confidence the fans have in their manager and team at the moment.

There's only one change left to go at Sunderland as I think we have seen every possible one on the pitch. I'll give you a clue, the fans may have mentioned it.

I remember Bruce doing it at Blackpool last season. We looked as shaky as hell late on after he did it and they attacked and attacked but thankfully we held on that day.

[Gipper]

Originally Posted by Il Postino Pat

Wind of Change. I was convinced that we couldn't blow this one.

[Il Postino Pat]

Originally Posted by Wise Man Says

I remember Bruce doing it at Blackpool last season. We looked as shaky as hell late on after he did it and they attacked and attacked but thankfully we held on that day.

He slotted in there against the Mags earlier this season as well. Nuts.

[Macho]

Good post mate but i disagree about Bardsley, he was fucking dreadful today and im not just going on his miss.

[Il Postino Pat]

Originally Posted by Macho

Good post mate but i disagree about Bardsley, he was fucking dreadful today and im not just going on his miss.

You may be right, and this is not an attack but just a question; did you think a switch for Colback improved matters?

[spoony]

Regarding Cattermole, he backed out of most challenges today. Reckon he has been told to by the great leader.

[Wise Man Says]

Originally Posted by spoony

Regarding Cattermole, he backed out of most challenges today. Reckon he has been told to by the great leader.

I thought he was decent today TBH, his passing was actually fairly good for once.

[Macho]

Originally Posted by Il Postino Pat

You may be right, and this is not an attack but just a question; did you think a switch for Colback improved matters?

I dont feel any tactical decision he made today improved matters and that includes his starting line up.

[Il Postino Pat]

I didn't think he was as good as last week but that might be due to the knocks he took. Also, I think everyone was urging him to hold back from some of the challenges he puts in

We also tend to play worse without him.