Some of the football we played was brilliant today. Second half included, although not quite often enough.
Looking for early balls out wide. Brilliant passing through the middle. All against a sunderland team that don't look like world beaters but look decent. They worked hard against us and played some decent football themselves in both halves.
In the second half, we worked hard ourselves. We lost our rythm after half time but the movement was still there and players were still trying things. Most of them things didn't come off later on in the game, still though I felt we could grab another before the end.
That first half performance from a bunch of players who supposedly haven't gelled yet? I cant wait until October or November when we start seeing for real how they can play when they've gelled. I think it was the excellent first half that made the second half look more disappointing.
To be honest, I didn't know what to expect with the amount of new players in the side and what I seen was pretty good. Downing didn't stop running, Adam just seems to have a brilliant touch and if left open for just a moment, looks like he can be very dangerous.
Caroll, especially in the first half, showed we finally got a striker who won't be bullied by defenders, only by the referee.
I don't mind long balls with purpose and today it seemed to me that most of them had ideas behind them. Looking for runners or an opportunity. It was not hoofball (Like I seen someone mention in my scan of the thread. Well it wasn't hoofbll unless under pressure. WHen the hoofballs did come, most of the people around me were shouting to clear it too, can't blame players for that.)
All in all, from my point of view, I think we look awesome. Looked like we will be a good team playing exciting fooball. Exciting footbal, well that is defo worth forking out for the tickets. Made for good watching today too. Reading some of the posts here it seems like were copying tactics from the 89 wimbledon team.
FIrst game out the way now, and can't wait to face arsenal. Bring it on.