Category Archives: Sunderland

Sunderland Boss: We Weren’t Good Enough Against Leeds

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has told the press that he believes his side were not good enough in the FA Cup clash with Leeds United on Sunday.

The Wearside club dominated proceedings during the first 45 minutes, scoring the winning goal in the first half of the tie, which was a rematch of the famous cup final from 1973 which saw second tier Sunderland defeat all conquering Leeds.

Roles were reversed ahead of Sunday’s clash, with Leeds struggling towards the bottom end of the Championship.

However, there was to be no cup upset after Patrick van Aanholt returned from injury to fire Sunderland ahead.

In the second half the situation was entirely different to the dominating display Sunderland managed in the first.

Leeds had the better of the action, and could have equalised in the closing stages.

Liam Cooper, captain for the day, hit the post with a header during stoppage time, and young full back Charlie Taylor had a penalty shout turned down in favour of a free kick, with Leeds players up in arms over the decision.

Poyet was not happy with the 1-0 win, however, and said: “It was decent in the first half and we had total control. We should have put it to bed. We didn’t do it.

“They threw themselves forward in the second half, creating nerves. It left space and it was easy for us to create, but it means nothing if we don’t put the ball in the net. I was disappointed with the finishing. It has to be much better.

“We have played four months of football at home and only won once. I love the cup, especially when you get close to the semi finals. It brings players together. It is not a distraction playing football.”

21-Year-Old Arsenal Starlet Could Depart In January – reports

Arsenal could lose striker Yaya Sanogo on loan in January, with a series of Premier League sides sniffing around his signature.

The French ace has failed to find a place in the first team for the Gunners since the start of the season, and with both Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud ahead of him in the pecking order, that situation is unlikely to change any time soon.

As a result, Sanogo is set to move out on loan for the rest of the season in order to gain some valuable first team experience.

The likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have all been linked with a move for the 21 year old in January.

However, they might have to compete with other sides across Europe if they want to sign him, with others likely to be put on alert by his availability, according to the Daily Star.

Sanogo has scored only one competitive goal for Arsenal since joining them last season, against Borussia Dortmund.

Our verdict

There is something there with Sanogo but he needs first team experience. Joining a Premier League side would be a better option than sending him back to Europe for another six months.

PL Rival Boss Would ‘Love’ To Sign £14m Liverpool Star

Sunderland manager Gustavo Poyet remains keen on signing Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, despite being consistently rebuffed for the striker during the summer transfer window.

Borini did something relatively unique to the modern game, refusing a transfer to Sunderland after having a £14 million bid accepted for him.

The Italian striker believed that he could yet carve out an opportunity for himself at the Reds, and has been granted a few opportunities to play in the Champions League.

However, this is nowhere near as much football as he played while on loan with the Black Cats last season, where he played a key role in ensuring that the north east side stayed in the Premier League.

It seemed natural, therefore, that Borini would move in the summer, but he did not. There has been debate over whether Poyet would go back in for Borini in January, with his Sunderland side requiring attacking recruits, and the Uruguayan boss has admitted that he will.

When asked if he will make a move, he said: “I would love to.”