Two months of the season gone, and we are just about to go into a second international break with smiles still breaking out on our collective faces. SAFC are standing proud, chests collectively puffed out and feeling rather pleased with how things are panning out at the moment. It's all rosy right now in the Sunderland garden, but we all know it takes just one result that could change everything and cause an avalanche of problems that could unravel all the good work done so far.
I WOULD HAVE TAKEN THAT
If anyone had come up to me before the Derby game and asked me what I want from the back-to-back home games, then I would have said "at least four points" and that's what the Lads delivered. Three points against Derby in a game that had banana skin written all over it and one point from one of the teams expected to mount a serious challenge for automatic promotion. It also keeps our unbeaten home record intact, which all teams would love to own. Compared to last season's record on our own turf, it's a marked improvement.
Whilst the win over the Rams was pretty routine as they come, Jobe's swerving effort and Wilson's poached finish, we had to roll up some collective sleeves to take something from Leeds. But that's what this team has, resolve and ready to fight for something unless it is really beyond hope. Even despite some questionable dark arts of time wasting throughout the second half by the West Yorkshire side, we had the spirit in us that believed something is going to roll our way. That said, we didn't think it would in the shape of one heck of a goalkeeping clanger by Monsieur Meslier. Who would want to be a goalkeeper? I do wonder what RLB said to him at the full-time whistle, compared to what some of Leeds fans' reactions were.
Have to say though, "Boxer's Nose" Farke looked like he was fit to explode with fury. Compare that to RLB's calm demeanour in the same moment a few yards away. Night and day!
THE TABLE LOOKS NICE READING
Eight games in, 18 points taken out of a possible 24 and looking down on everyone. Did you see this coming when the season started, especially under a new manager who still doesn't have his own backroom team in place? I certainly did not. When you also factor in that we haven't actually been hammered by anyone in terms of scorelines (both league defeats have been by the single goal) then we're doing better than most expected. In fact, a lot of football "experts" had us down to be in the relegation spots from the start so this is indeed defying the odds.
Keep up what we are doing so far then I wouldn't be surprised to see us finish in the top six this season. But there's still plenty of football to be played and more difficult tests ahead. Doing rather alright though.
HORSES FOR COURSES
One thing that has become evident this season is that players know that they are under more pressure than last season for a first team place. Drop your standards from what RLB demands of you, and you will probably be replaced. Whilst our 4-2-3-1 formation utilises just one lone striker, there is now more competition for a place up top. We started with Mayenda leading the line, now Wilson has come in and become a threat of his own and we still have players such as Ahmed Abdullahi and Aaron Connolly to come in for those positions.
Imagine when everyone is fit, RLB is going to have one heck of a selection conundrum. But having strength in depth is what all good sides have, and if we want to take it to the next level then we need cover in every spot. It will certainly become a case of horses for courses sooner rather than later.
AND FINALLY...
One big talking points amongst supporters is the growing trend that fellow fans are leaving home matches in their droves, often with around ten minutes left to play. This has been a noticeable trend on the live television showings against the Smoggies and Leeds. Whilst everyone has their own right to do what they please having paid their own money for their ticket, the downside of possibly leaving this early especially when a game is in the balance is that you might miss something special. Personally, I couldn't do it and even if the team were getting an absolute walloping, then I would still be there until the bitter end. But it's personal choices and as I said, people do what they feel is right even if others might not be of the same persuasion. Keep the faith!
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