Exactly. Completely inexcusable midfield play from Jozy, terrible keeping from Jozy, and he really should have taken it to the house on the restart. Pathetic display really
This is best place for him in this one. I've been saying it all season. I know it's not exciting or groovy, but S'land is better with Jozy on the field. Oh well. Spanking has begun.
Honestly, this looks like typical Sunderland. They get the ball moved forward, take some long shots by MF and Def and cannot involve a forward from 18 yards and in.
Wickham HT stats: 27 non-defensive touches, 10-14 passing, 0 shots, 1 of 3 aerial duel wins, 4 total turnovers, 2 FKs won Bear in mind that is more touches in a half than Altidore has received in several of his full appearances.
Bear in mind that Sunderland has also had a lionshare of the ball in the first half. Creating many more opportunties than Jozy has seen in 3 full games this year.
NBCSN commentator Robbie Earle just said at halftime (not direct quote, paraphrasing): I don't understand why Wickham is starting ahead of Altidore. Wickham's clearly not a Premier League quality talent.
Sunderland had 54% of the ball in the first half. But they have created zero opportunities for Wickham, despite the possession edge and attempting 14 crosses. During the halftime TV studio talk, Robbie Earle says Wickham should not be playing ahead of Altidore and that if they put him in Sunderland might be able to get something out of the game.
I just heard that too. I just took it as you trying to justify Wickham. Lets be honest. He's had the ball a few times and looked like a child.
Sunderland had 3 very good opportunities from within 8 yds to score but couldn't get anything on target. City punished the mistake by Cattermole. S'land giving a good effort but big hill to climb with this opponent.
Backup quarterback theory. What we have (Altidore) sucks, what we have on the bench (Wickham) can't be any worse. I feel like it's an idea most people grow out of. When I was a little kid, I wanted Jason Garrett to start over Troy Aikman when Aikman was playing poorly, which is just...lol. Poyet still thinks this way, apparently.
Sunderland win a throw down near the City corner flag... and Wickham takes it. Any other questions? Moments later, Wickham looks shy to fight for a low Johnson cross that is actually really good.
Much like Jozy, he "looks" the part. Huge body, and if he'd learn to use it right he could be a monster. He has a target mans body without the target game.
Johnson falls very awkwardly on his right arm, jammed something there, either elbow or shoulder. The last thing they need is to lose him for a minute.
Gia getting set to come one, I do not see anyone else up warming at the moment. Edit: Larsson comes off.
The bigger question is why is he ever on the field because I usually find myself asking what he is doing just about everytime he touches the ball. He must have pictures of Poyet in a comprimising position.