In the aftermath of Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane we highlight two players who stood out and three who let the Black Cats down.
Sunderland manager David Moyes is still to secure a Premier League win this season
Sunderland’s visit to White Hart Lane on Sunday showed the progress and impact that manager David Moyes is slowly making with the Wearside club.
Despite the 1-0 defeat Sunderland looked more organised and are beginning to be harder to break down – but Moyes will be the first to say that there’s still a lot more work to do in both forward and defensive areas in order for them to be consistently convincing.
Ultimately, regardless of improvement, Moyes is still to secure a victory as Sunderland manager and, after a Harry Kane strike gave the home side all three points, sees his side in 19th position in the Premier League with just one point from a possible 15.
Here we examine two players who provide Moyes with encouragement and three whose performances are ones for concern.
The hits:
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford saves from Tottenham’s Erik Lamela
Jordan Pickford – The young goalkeeper is highly rated at Sunderland and is starting to make a name for himself in the Premier League. He did his reputation no harm against Tottenham Hotspur and managed to keep the likes of Harry Kane at bay throughout the first half and pulled off a fantastic finger tip save in the closing stages after an Erik Lamela strike that was certainly heading for the bottom corner. Not at fault for the goal.
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele in action with Sunderland’s Didier Ndong
Didier Ndong – Sunderland’s summer signing is growing into life in the Premier League and had his best game for David Moyes’ side. Deployed alongside Sunderland’s only other hint of a hit, the nothing-but-combative Lee Cattermole, Ndong’s work rate, closing and stamina were an admirable constant throughout. His passing game improved as the game progressed. Certainly one Sunderland player with potential to succeed over the coming months.
Twitter also noticed Ndong’s game.
The misses:
Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji’s mistake led to this Harry Kane goal
Papy Djilobodji – The man from Senegal failed to deal with a relatively simple clearance which handed Harry Kane his tap-in goal, providing Tottenham with all three points. The former Chelsea defender almost deflected an Erik Lamela attempt into his own net, looked suspect under pressure and capped off a disappointing performance by receiving a caution in the closing stages.
Javier Manquillo – The defender who struggled during his previous spell in the Premier League, ending in a premature end to a two-year loan at Liverpool, had a game to forget. Positionally erratic, Manquillo’s marking appeared loose and his distribution ineffective. Moyes had previously remarked that Manquillo may suffer a shock on his return to England’s top flight and on today’s evidence he was not wrong.
Adnan Januzaj – The former Manchester United starlet is certainly not showing any signs of being Sunderland’s magician and looked physically weak and ineffective as the game passed him by. Booked for unnecessary dissent towards referee Mike Dean, followed nine minutes later by a second yellow and consequent dismissal, Januzaj has much to do in order to convince Sunderland supporters, let alone reach his early career potential.
Sunderland’s Adnan Januzaj receives a second yellow card and subsequent red card by referee Mike Dean
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