Opinions on Sunderland? Couldn't watch the game. 
I think we saw some signs of what is to come, for sure. The difference, in our style of play, between Thursday night, and Sunday afternoon, was plain to see. And that difference was simply, Suarez.
Carroll was the focal point, and as pointed out in the OP, he will be the focal point and the constant. He is a big, strong, number 9, who will lead our attack. He may have a partner up there, or he may have 2 or three playing off him, but his role will be the same. Will the ball, hold up the play, bring others into the game, and of course the obvious, score goals.
So how did they do?
Well firstly, the played in a 4-4-2. In a simplistic view though, we had 7 defensive minded players, and 4 attacking. The 4 attacking being Meireles, Kuyt, Suarez & Carroll. Meireles predominantly operated from the left, not his best position, but Johnson provided the width from that side for us. Or that was the idea, anyway. Kuyt played from the right in the main, but would roam, occasionaly joining Suarez and Carroll as a 3, or switching with Suarez, who would roam. Suarez was free to go where he wanted, and would drop deep to pick up the ball, and try to make things happen. His goal of course was a piece of individual brilliance.
As individuals, Suarez had the better performance. His goal, and his all around general play, was very good. He did at times get caught in possesion, when he could have laid it off, but I wouldn't blame him for trying. We have seen what he can do in only the handful of games he has had, and make things happen, he does.
Carroll had played 90 minutes just a few days before. And it was a tough battle for him, with Braga defending so deep, and him trying to win headers, as balls were pumped up to him. While this is a role he can play, this isn't how to get the best out of him. Against Sunderland, you can see the effort he was putting in, and there was some nice interplay between him and Suarez at times, but unfortunately nothing quiet clicked. He also had only one real chance, a free header, which he would have been dissapointed not to score. But the way Kevin Phillips banged on about it, like it was miss of the season, was a bit harsh. As the game wore on, he did tire, and was taken off.
As a partnership, as I touched on, the two did show a few moments. There was one incident (where Suarez was fouled, can't remember if it was the sending off or not?) where Carroll won the ball and flicked it on (with his leg mind) for Suarez to use his pace to break free. In the first half, they were trying to interchange, play off each other, and work the ball into areas where they could threaten. A few times the ball was played too late, or the wrong ball played, but I am sure this sort of thing will come in time.
One thing that I can't comment on (and something you notice a bit better when your at the match) was their movement. Having seen both play, they know how to run into space, and cause problems for defences. Now with both of them doing that, defenders are like "Who do we track?", and coupled with that, "How will the ball be played?" Suarez small, and quick. Carroll big and strong. The ball could be over the top, into feet, to run onto, or in the air. Defenders will find playing against them both, an absolute nightmare. On the TV, it seemed we saw some of this, but I can't wait to see them in the flesh tearing defences apart.
Overall, it showed great signs, without being perfect (yet). I'd say Carroll looked "rusty" and understandably so, with his lack of games in recent months. Had Carroll got a goal, the media would have been talking them up as the next best thing. But because he didn't, Carroll's performance was kind of brushed up under the carpet, and Suarez took the headlines. This isn't such a bad thing, we don't need big pressure on them (as a partnership) right now, as they are both young, with big price tags. They have another 8 games of the season to learn each others game, work in training, and get ready for next season when we will truly see them blossom.
--
On a side note, the OP is an excellent introduction into both players. But I would just like to add Carroll's performance against us at St James' back in December. Anyone who was there (or saw it on the TV) will know what a good performance he put in. He won a header to set up the first, constantly caused problems for our back 4, and just to wrap it up? Stuck one in from 30 yards out with his left peg. After that game I remember thinking "this guy is the real deal, not a flash in the pan". Now, I can't wait to see more of his game in the future, now he is with us.
