After a bright first half, we faded in the second. Thought the midfield of Adam and Lucas was too deep as a result of the defence being so and it left Suarez and Carroll isolated. We seemed tired too and as the match wore on, resorted to hitting it long far too often. Feel sorry for Flanagan, an 18 year old full back is bound to make mistakes and after the goal - which resulted from a cross that shouldn't have been allowed to come in with three men sucked towards the ball - he didn't really recover. Maybe Kenny should gone for Kelly but Flanagan was sound until then. I just hope he doesn't get the same treatment Insua did. Also thought Adam, who was fine on the ball (in the first half, not so much in the second), wasn't particularly so off it and a lack of pressing combined with that and the defence and midfield being too deep meant Sunderland were relatively comfortable in the second half.
BUT, the first half was really good, Downing, Suarez and Carroll very impressive and we should have been at least a couple of goals ahead. Enrique impressed too. We had 4 players making their debut and a different way of playing - these things take time and there are bound to be some problems along the way. It;'s the first game of the season and there's a long way to go.
Also, Phil Dowd - inept refereeing performance from him and his team. Richardson should have been off and I have no idea why Carroll's goal was disallowed. Woeful.