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Dear Roker Report,
“Every single Sunderland player who went on to the pitch today has been outstanding”
Those were the words of the BBC on Match of the Day after Sunday’s home win over Chelsea.
I ask: Where has that been all season?
We played as a team, with passion, fight and a must-win attitude, and got the result the performance deserved.
During this international break, Régis Le Bris has to decide on his best defence and play it week in, week out, and on January, we must address the need for a natural goalscorer. Again
on Sunday, there was no goal from open play.
Dion Drena Beljo would be worth a shout. He was the best player on the pitch in our Europa League clash, and his goalscoring record this season is top drawer.
Sunday was a much-needed win. Now we must push on with the same mindset and attitude.
Haway the Lads,
Mark
Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Mark. Thank you for your letter.
Sunday was a hugely positive day for the club — in terms of both the performance and the result — and it’s vital that we use it as a catalyst for a series of results that’ll enable us to climb the table, ease any relegation fears and enable this squad to compete in mid-table — which on pure ability, is where it has the potential to be.
The display against Chelsea was easily our most committed, wholehearted and organised of the Premier League campaign so far, and plenty of individuals brought their best form to what was undoubtedly a high-stakes game, not least Brian Brobbey, Reinildo and the emerging talent of Jules Ahoka, who seems to get better every time he plays.
Have we turned the corner? Difficult to say.
We have some savage fixtures to come after the international break and there are plenty of things still to work on, but the players delivered for both the fans and Régis Le Bris on Sunday, and at this stage, that’s all we could’ve asked for.
Dear Roker Report,
Beaten Chelsea. Above Manchester United (briefly, but it still counts). Quarter-finals of the League Cup. Still in Europe, and still in the FA Cup.
What a season we’re having!
CD
Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, CD. Thank you for getting in touch.
Amid our Premier League struggles, it’s true that we’ve looked decent in the cup competitions and if we can respond strongly next time out in Europe, we’ve got a good chance of qualifying for the next stage of the competition.
The fixtures are going to be coming thick and fast when we resume, and we need to be ready for what lies ahead.
