Sunderland v Rovers match thread

I'll take that.

Deserved well done BG and his boys!

Limp and Hardon don't usually go together

Really ? One passes to the other. Probably a good partnership 😂

Tense and nervous, can’t relax ?

Stats don’t mean results though. Some luck and a sneaky goal do. 

I agree.    The common thread from our performances so far is the possession stats against us. It’s a painful watch when we can’t just knock it around for any length of time. The reasons for it is crystal clear, when we get on the ball there are not enough options for safe pass, so we lose possession through taking a riskier pass or far too frequently brushed off ball without getting free kick. In part our poor possession and inability to gain territory and apply pressure can be down to formation, the wide forwards are not linking up with colleagues, but also lack of mental ability in order to move correctly and find space and show for colleagues.           
Ref was abysmal today. Sunderland goal a fine strike.
Sunderland lacked composure throughout, will be surprised if they make top 2.

"Heroes".It sounds as if our young lads gave it their all mango. That's excellent.I only listened to Radio Bristol,but it sounds like a performance that can unite team and Manager with the fans.Happy for Ben Garner.One or two signings more might help again.

For me, the result outweighed the performance.

We done well sticking defensively to last gasp clearances, blocking shots on the line and Jaak making some great saves and interceptions. The siege mentality kicked in and that's encouraging. Apart from the penalty, I can't remember another clear cut chance in open play apart from Ayunga shot over (which I liked his own creation).

It's the best competitive match where more players were involved and done things, particularly impressed with Leahy contribution, and I thought Little was much more pro active and effective.

The ref appeared to make a howler (how do you call him a homer with no crowd?!) and possibly 8 mins was too long, but justice delivered in sending off later in match.

Still very unconvinced with BG set up and his response in real time to opposition threats. All the stats again appear against us possession wise (maybe to be expected) and even though we were under the cosh defensively, I thought it was a more secure performance by the 5.

All in all a tricky away fixture navigated reasonably ok, and well done management and players for bringing back a valuable point! Not every club will leave Sunderland with something, so an excellent effort.