Sunderland 1-2 West Ham Utd (31/03/14)

[BondsoBob]

I'm still on the fence about Alladici. But no denying that winning at Sunderland was a great result, and we should now be safe.

[ChikinRun]

Didn't expect to get 3 points, was very pessimistic pre-ko, but chuffed with that. All but safe now. Manure game seems a long long time ago. Would like to see a little less nerves in the team now; enjoy the remaining fixtures and we'll pile on another 7 or 8 points. COYI

[Blood Iron]

Are there any animated .gifs floating about of Downing's miss? How close was it? Did the keeper get a touch?

Has Downing scored for us yet? Can't remember off the top of my head.

[smuts]

Are there any animated .gifs floating about of Downing's miss? How close was it? Did the keeper get a touch?

Has Downing scored for us yet? Can't remember off the top of my head.

The keeper got a very slight touch on it....I think it would have probably hit the post if not.

Nope...he hasn't.

[James P]

Downing's first touch to get away from the defender and create that chance was fantastic. Bit of a shame he couldn't find the finish.

Overall he still looks a bit inhibited to me. Wish he'd really drive at his man a little bit more.

[DaveWHU1964]

Downing's first touch to get away from the defender and create that chance was fantastic.

Agreed. He took it so seamlessly into his stride. The Sunderland defender didn't help himself but it was also a wonderful pass from Noble for Downing to work with.

[claretchris]

Classic away performance - I guess the issue is that we play that way at home too.

[Stepney]

credit where credit is due this is a great result. Didn't expect it in a million years. Well done West Ham. As others have said we can play with a bit less pressure now against Liverpool and L'Arse, maybe even spring a shock result on one of them.

Happy days

[Up the Junction]

This week's Opposition View:

http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=127444

[saludo de carlitos]

This week's Opposition View:

http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=127444

"I would love to hear an explaination to how Howard Webb didn't award the penalty. Was it accidental? No. Did Nolan deliberately move his arm to gain an advantage? Yes. Could Howard Webb see it? Too right he could."
- Dick Fitzwell
He is just a awful referee.

[Kansas City Milkman]

This week's Opposition View:

http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=127444

Thanks UTJ, some sensible opinions in there - what a contrast to Southampton, Tottenham, etc

[Up the Junction]

They're a sound bunch on the whole, the Mackems.

They'll disagree of course, but I find the Geordies much the same. Both from good working-class stock.

[Aceface]

They're a sound bunch on the whole, the Mackems.

They are. Along with City, they're usually the best-humoured crew.

[VikeltAussie]

"I can't stand the bloke, but I admire the way Allardyce sets his teams up. He's unappreciated at West Ham and was a disaster for the Toon as both clubs have delusions of grandeur. His team's characteristics echo the fans and the area we're from - tough, hard-working, unfashionable. I like Gus and he deserves a chance in the Championship, but if he doesn't hit the ground running I'm convinced we should go for an Allardyce/Pulis type. After seven years of watching overpaid primadonnas I'd be happy to play to our strengths. Try the dogs of war model, at least make teams worry about playing us again."

that could have been a post on here after we went down.

[Yea Why Not]

They'll disagree of course, but I find the Geordies much the same. Both from good working-class stock.

I think Newcastle is a great club personally. Absolutely love the way the town just comes to a halt when they play

[Rocketron]

This week's Opposition View:

http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=127444

"Our players don't talk to each other. I was sat quite near the front and when the play was around us, you could hear the West Ham players shouting at each other, telling them where they were, what to do, man on, etc. I was watching our players and I can't recall any of them even opening their mouths. They arent a team, they're 11 individuals running around hoping that something happens."
- tunstallhill
That's good to hear.

[NW5hammer]

Always liked mackems - but I sense they may be down this year. The point about players talking is interesting - it's true - you watch our lot - not just Nolan either.

[arlhe]

A long, long wait for the final whistle but an unexpected 3 points and I doubt we'll go down now, even if we lost our last 6 games. Norwich and Sunderland have as many difficult games as we do.

Now let's play with some freedom against Liverpool.

[Aceface]

Downing's first touch to get away from the defender and create that chance was fantastic. Bit of a shame he couldn't find the finish.

Overall he still looks a bit inhibited to me. Wish he'd really drive at his man a little bit more.

He played well yesterday but he is a bit of a lightweight in contact areas. When there's a 50/50 challenge for the ball he never wins it

[Estuary]

agree that Downing for all his ability doesn't like contact. Great chance he made for himself, good save from keeper, full stretch finger tipped round the post.

I agree Sunderland and the Toon are proper football clubs, good solid support, and in Sunderlands case a recent example of how not to run a management recruitment programme. Oh for days of Peter Reid.