⚽ Simon Grayson has kept his faith in the same starting XI that drew v @dcfcofficial last week for today's game @NorwichCityFC pic.twitter.com/rX6sqRc5xh— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 13, 2017 On the bench
85' #SAFC make a second change...➡ @lyndengooch46 ⬅ Aiden McGeady— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 13, 2017 Gooch came in for the final 8 minutes
On the bench: 📝 You don't change a winning side... and that's precisely Simon Grayson's thinking ahead of tonight's game v @swfc pic.twitter.com/SoJkqeweQQ— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 16, 2017
😎 'If it ain't broke don't fix it...' Simon Grayson names an unchanged side for the fourth league game in a row as #SAFC face @LUFC pic.twitter.com/7TXADDMIV2— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 19, 2017 ON the bench
📝Robbin Ruiter and @Bryan_Oviedo start as Simon Grayson makes a host of changes for tonight's @Carabao_Cup match at @officialcufc pic.twitter.com/fZ8psb5leM— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 22, 2017 Starting
80' @lyndengooch46 strikes to hand #SAFC the advantage. The forward burst inside before curling an unstoppable effort into the corner! pic.twitter.com/ZiZbZexD6e— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 22, 2017
The Championship is an appropriate level for him right now. If he can become an automatic member of the XI for them that'd be a nice step. I think the prem appearances might've skewed expectations (including mine) but Sunderland were not a Prem club nor Gooch a Prem player last season.
Lovely quote: "- a fantastic goal from a player who had given a fantastic performance." "Lynden Gooch - 9/10: Strong performance. Set up Love's goal beautifully and was busy all night - and scored a fantastic goal to boot. Did himself plenty of favours" I love the Roker Report.
VIDEO; It must be love, love, love #SAFC pic.twitter.com/46e8Wnb9LY— SunderlandRed (@sunderlandred) August 22, 2017 VIDEO: Great finish by @lyndengooch46 #SAFC pic.twitter.com/J5nEWojqD6— SunderlandRed (@sunderlandred) August 22, 2017
Interesting that he is playing much more forward this year than he did last year. He certainly has some skill offensively. Really turned that defender into knots on the assist.
Starting on a Championship ain't so bad. He's only 21 or so. Lots of opportunities going forward with the NT
This guy plays at a high level. He attacks with gusto. I have never understood why he receives less attention than someone like Jordan Morris. In my opinion, you'd be better off with Gooch on the wing than Morris at forward. Gooch is relentless, skilled, and provides service. Can anyone elucidate the reasons why Gooch has not reestablished himself as a starting player at Sunderland?
Gooch: 36 senior appearances, 2 goals Morris: 64 senior appearances, 17 goals, plus 5 US goals including a tournament winner That's why. Gooch hasn't done anything of note in his career, Morris has. The fact that this... ...is true also explains why people pay more attention to Morris than Gooch.
He never was a true "starting player" at Sunderland. The overwhelming majority of his appearances were as a sub (I think he has 2 starts, one of them in a cup match). There was a period of a few games where he was getting more playing time prior to his injury, but part of that was due to Sunderland's injuries and even then some Sunderland media were stating he performed ok but could be replaced by Kahzri. So I would say it isn't about reestablishing but rather that he needs to establish himself as a starter.
Morris has been an MLS player. Gooch played in the prem last year. Gooch has played at a significantly higher level. Gooch also plays a different position, while serving as an attacking player...exactly the type that the team is in need of: a wide player who can get the ball to forwards by beating players off the dribble or crossing the ball. But to get the thread back on track, why has Gooch not reestablished himself as a regular starter at Sunderland? I recall him getting injured. Every time I have seen Gooch play he has been dangerous and relentless.