Sunderland started the season with a resilient goalless draw away to Arsenal last weekend. It was a typical away performance from a side managed by Martin O’Neill as they were organised, disciplined and worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes. O’Neill transformed the atmosphere surrounding the club last season when taking over from Steve Bruce and the positive results were evidence of that. Now beginning his first full season in charge, the former Aston Villa manager will be determined to start the season well and enhance the chances of a good, consistent season. Since earning a point against Arsene Wenger’s men, the Black Cats have brought in Steven Fletcher from Wolves for a reported £15m. Should Fletcher start against Reading tomorrow at the Stadium of Light it will provide Sunderland with a focal point in attack which they have been missing since Nicklas Bendtner returned to Arsenal following his loan spell. Many people have been surprised with the price they have had to pay in order to secure the striker but he is a proven goalscorer at the top level who is only going to get better.
Having begun life back in the top flight with a scrappy draw against Stoke at home, Reading faced the Chesea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Rearranged due to the European Champion’s imminent engagement in the Super Cup next week, Reading went into the break 2-1 up before conceding three second half goals without reply. Brian McDermott made reference to the fact that Fernando Torres – scorer of the crucial third – was offside when he turned it in. He’s probably right but both he and his players have to use that as a motivation in their next game rather than dwell on it and be left behind. The Royals can take plenty of positives from their opening two matches of the campaign but they must continue to learn. They failed to capitalize on a lot of possession against Stoke on the opening day whilst their goalkeeper has made several mistakes already, which have been duly punished at this level.
O’Neill has the foundations of a solid and stable Premier League side but he is clearly not content with having just that so has sought to bring in extra quality. Fletcher may well make his Sunderland debut tomorrow and the chances are that Adam Johnson may well make the move as well in the near future. It’s unlikely that the manager will change from his favoured 4-4-2 formation which served him so well at Aston Villa.
At this early in the season it’s unthinkable to believe that players of this level will be tired. Despite this being their third game within a week, the Reading players should still be fit and ready for another 90 minutes. However, having just been promoted and as this level of football is a new experience to many of the players, there could be an issue of mental tiredness. With all the attention in the build up to the opening game of the season, aligned with the hype of playing the European Champions and all their stars, Saturday’s game may just come a little soon.
Sunderland have lost just twice at home under O’Neill (12 games in total) in the league last season. Those defeats came against Arsenal and Manchester United so it’s a difficult place to collect all three points from. The fans will be expectant after last week’s positive opening and I believe that their expectations will be met with a home win.
Sunderland 20/21 @ BetVictor
