We Are Staying Up
As Sir Alex Ferguson once said, "Football, bloody hell". The pertinent information is that Sunderland drew 0-0 with Arsenal at the Emirates tonight, securing the point they required to ensure Premier League survival. But my God, it took the longest 93 minutes of my life to get there. I'm something of a mess right now. But the relief, oh dear god the relief, to be spared a final day shootout with Hull and Newcastle.
As always when getting a result at one of the top four sides in the league, we rode our luck. But generally, this was a strong defensive performance, confounding a below par Arsenal side. Costel Pantilimon had to make at least three saves but Sebastian Coates was the pick of a number of quality Sunderland performances. His anticipation was absolutely superb, making a number of key clearances.
There will be more discussion and more analysis of the limitations of this Sunderland side in the coming days. Serious changes need to be made to prevent the club from getting sucked into yet another relegation battle next season. But three weeks ago, I thought we were dead and buried. It's credit to Dick Advocaat that he's succeeded in motivating this side to come back from the brink for the umpteenth time.
John O'Shea was correct in his post match interview to observe that the Sunderland fans, who always come and back the club in huge numbers all over the country, deserve better than what.they've seen this season. But as Tim Barry would sing "I'll let tomorrow be tomorrow and I'll let tonight be tonight". The Black Cats don't have many of their nine lives left. But we are Sunderland and WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE.
As always when getting a result at one of the top four sides in the league, we rode our luck. But generally, this was a strong defensive performance, confounding a below par Arsenal side. Costel Pantilimon had to make at least three saves but Sebastian Coates was the pick of a number of quality Sunderland performances. His anticipation was absolutely superb, making a number of key clearances.
There will be more discussion and more analysis of the limitations of this Sunderland side in the coming days. Serious changes need to be made to prevent the club from getting sucked into yet another relegation battle next season. But three weeks ago, I thought we were dead and buried. It's credit to Dick Advocaat that he's succeeded in motivating this side to come back from the brink for the umpteenth time.
John O'Shea was correct in his post match interview to observe that the Sunderland fans, who always come and back the club in huge numbers all over the country, deserve better than what.they've seen this season. But as Tim Barry would sing "I'll let tomorrow be tomorrow and I'll let tonight be tonight". The Black Cats don't have many of their nine lives left. But we are Sunderland and WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE.
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