Just when you think it's safe to go back in the water, you get bitten by a Geordie with an oversized head/face/body. Wes Brown's reckless effort at the weekend made Saturday's encounter with Hull City a particularly tough task that we never quite got to grips with.
There were some decent performances, with Liam Bridcutt once again impressing on his home debut. I also thought Santiago Vergini slotted in admirably at centre half. But there's few positives to take from yet another home defeat and more alarmingly from one of our relegation rivals. I'm sure you're all aware we're now just one point from that relegation zone thing. That thing that took us ages to get out of. Aye, that.
I'm sure you're also well aware that we have a perilous fixture list awaiting us. Our Capital One cup final appearance (Yey!) means that the crucial home game with West Bromwich Albion has been moved. That might have offered some welcome relief from the tough run of away fixtures we have coming. However, with our home form, you just never know.
But my thoughts on this are simple. Chill.
As crazy as it sounds, this team actually play a bit better away from home. They also seem to play better against better opposition. I don't think that's really down to the team raising their game. I think it's more to do with the fact we have more space to play against teams away from home. Good teams also come at us. In these situations we seem to keep our composure and as a result, pose more of a threat.
Now I'm not saying that we're going to go to Manchester City tonight and be comfortable. Far from it. It'll be really, really hard because they are mint. But if there's anything we have learned from a Poyet team in the last few months, it's that we won't go and play second fiddle. Gus has said himself we're going to go and try to win. I don't think that means the draconian 'going for it' tactics that some people think are the answer. I think it means we'll go and play our game and if we're good enough, then we're capable of getting a result. It'll be tough, but it'd be nice to not have to talk about two defeats on tomorrow's podcast.
Ha'way man, Gus. Do us a favour.
Joining us in the studio is former Wearside Roar editor Tom Lynn, along with our very own Craig Clark. What a treat!
So prepare your downstairs mix up , the latest pod will be available Thursday night. You can subscribe on iTunes or get us on Soundcloud. Might be worth listening to Episode 24 as we preview tonight's game. Enjoy!
On the 27th of February, we'll be hosting our second live podcast! It will take place at The Isis, Sunderland. All proceeds will be donated to The Foundation of Light. Guests confirmed so far for the panel are A Love Supreme's Martyn McFadden, The Sunderland Echo's Chris Young and scorer of great headers, Gordon Armstrong. Tickets cost just £3 and are available from The Isis itself. They sold out online and tickets at the venue are limited. It's a great chance to come down and get involved with the podcast. Follow us on Twitter for updates @WiseMenSayPod.