Many things can be said of Michael Chopra’s time at Sunderland. Whilst the lasting legacy will be the St James’ Park debacle, the striker certainly played a huge part in keeping Sunderland in the Premier League in their first season back in 2007-08.
Chopra’s goals in games against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Fulham all directly contributed to wins during that season, which were ultimately crucial by the end of the season. Dubbed a ‘fox in the box’ by his manager, the former Newcastle United striker
had a talented habit of scoring with half a yard.
Whilst at the club, Chopra experienced some difficulties off the pitch, which saw him spend some time at the Sporting Chance clinic to aid him with his difficulties. This resulted in Chopra missing the commencement of the 2008-09 season.
On this day in 2008, we played Gareth Southgate’s Middlesbrough in the latest edition of the Wear-Tees derby. The game itself was full of action and activity in an end-to-end contest where both teams at different stages looked like they were going to win.
Keane made changes in the second half with Andy Reid, Daryl Murphy, but especially the aforementioned Chopra. With fifteen minutes to go, the game looked like it might be petering out to a draw after the home side had some decent chances with Kieran Richardson and Djibril Cisse going particularly close.
Out of nothing, the away side almost took the lead from the penalty spot after Nyron Nosworthy was deemed to have pushed Jermie Aliadiere inside the box. Luckily, Stewart Downing then missed from the spot and the Black Cats took full advantage.
In what was surely one of the best ten minutes in his career, Chopra scored a double to give us the win. The first came after Kieran Richardson played a sumptuous through ball to Chopra, who then slotted the ball into the corner of the net and past Ross Turnbull.
In added time and with the visitors storming forward, Chopra sealed Sunderland’s first home win of the season in time added on when he tapped home after unselfish play from Steed Malbranque.
After the game, Chopra was quick to thank his manager for his support during his recent tough times, whilst his manager was equally thankful for the striker scoring some crucial goals for him during his time at the club.
I have been grateful to the manager for giving me time away. It’s been hard for me. Funnily enough, when I left the house yesterday to go to the hotel, I said to my little boy, Sebastian, ‘I’m going to get a goal for you’, and I got two, so he will be happy.
Whilst Keane added his appreciation in return towards the former Newcastle striker, but warned that off-field issues need to be resolved for career progression.
I have been there before. I had a lifestyle that was very questionable, and hopefully he can learn from my mistakes, otherwise he’s heading for trouble.
It’s good to see him back. It was touch and go whether he was going to be involved but we had a practice match yesterday – the game was 3-1 and Chops scored three, so there you go.
It was probably written for Chops today. He has been a big player for me, Chops. People forget that. He scored some important goals for us last year, and today he took his opportunity.
Ultimately, it never worked out for ‘Chops’ at Sunderland as the infamous moment at St James’ Park months later was the final nail in the coffin of his Sunderland career as he was shipped off the following day.
Whilst this will overshadow his good work, it is impossible to argue that he certainly made a positive impression with some big moments.
