Roker Report - Roker Report Fan Hub: 16/17 - Everton (A)Sunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2017-02-27T15:44:34+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/144760852017-02-27T15:44:34+00:002017-02-27T15:44:34+00:00Team selection pitiful; outclassed tactically & baffling post-match comments - it's Monday Moyes
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<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4hOlexaCXYW5-XFV5moKUt-fNxM=/117x0:2996x1919/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53442419/645272194.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Team selection, tactics, substitutions and post-match comments - we analyse them all! How did Moyesy rate after this weekend's defeat to Everton?</p> <h3 id="WO5gTn">Team Selection: Expected, but pitiful</h3>
<p id="8ppV52">Yes David Moyes hasn’t spent money wisely, and yes the additions he did bring in were rather underwhelming; just how much of that is down to his own ineptitude is up for debate, but it certainly hasn’t been helped by our spectre-like owner who rarely arises from the murky shadows. Moyes took over at a club in debt to the tune of £150m+ so just what we really expected from him is still an intense talking point. Should the team be doing better? Yes. Are we still fundamentally broken? Yes. </p>
<p id="BAeLLr">Who do we point the finger at here? </p>
<p id="V3EsMR">Essentially, Saturday’s line up was the team many expected to take to the field; Moyes has very little in the way of real quality within the team, and his signings for the club seem to be as futile as turning back the hands of a clock. How much quality did we need this summer? And how much money do we have to invest? A lot and a little. I fear our time is up. </p>
<p id="gpP4B9">I really don’t see anyone coming into the team and making an immediate impact. Kirchhoff and Cattermole are our only reasonable hopes of yet another end of season catalyst, and unfortunately they seem to be a few weeks away from really being able to make their mark on a game. </p>
<p id="3AulW1">This weekend we relied on a midfield three of Ndong, Larsson and Gibson to combat Schneiderlin, Barkley, Davies and Gueye - our trio cost close to half as much as Schneiderlin. Hefty price tags don’t define players, but they certainly tell you about the ambitions of a club. </p>
<p id="0u6mXe"><strong>Tom’s rating: 5/10</strong> <em>- Poor team, but what else do we expect? There’s so much going on with the club, how can there be any stability?</em></p>
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<h3 id="siraed">Tactics: Outclassed</h3>
<p id="BgtwR0">Sunderland were literally half the team Everton were on the field. We gave them over 60% of the possession, and they had double the amount of shots (20 with 8 on target). Simply put, we were no match for the home side, and while there were a couple of moments whereby we looked quite tidy on the ball, we still couldn’t muster any real threat to Everton’s goal. </p>
<p id="c8w6OQ">The decision to switch to a line-up resembling a 4-3-3 indicated a willingness to get at the Everton defence, but in all honesty our front three were rather ineffectual. Part of this was down to the sheer class of Gueye and Schneiderlin, but also in part down to the fact that we are so sloppy on the ball. There seems to be absolutely zero self-belief in the team that we can actually take the game to the opposition. </p>
<p id="Uva5Nt">I understand that Everton have invested well, and that Koeman is a great manager, but to allow any team in the league over 60% of the possession reeks of negativity in my eyes. I didn’t expect us to tonk Everton on Saturday, but I did think Moyes would have had the lads fired up to play his old club. Alas, we looked like a bunch of bottlers; there was plenty of enthusiasm, but unfortunately running around for 90 minutes guarantees you nothing. We looked panicked and afraid both in attack and defence; it was painful to watch. </p>
<p id="YjrlNJ"><strong>Tom’s rating: 4/10 -</strong><em> It was brave from Moyes to go for a more attacking line up, but ultimately it backfired and we never really looked like threatening Everton. Disappointing that we offer so little when we have the ball - oh how I long for Catts and Kirch. </em></p>
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<h3 id="5dt25R">Substitutions: Pointless</h3>
<p id="QGl5xa">I think Khazri and Honeyman were mustered at around the 70 minute mark, just after we went 2-0 down. Where was the intent before that? Yes we had hit the bar just before Lukaku’s second, but several players looked painfully out of place - namely the midfield trio, Januzaj and Borini. Moyes should have acted earlier, in my opinion. </p>
<p id="yxYXsX"><strong>Tom’s rating: 3/10 -</strong><em> G</em><em>a</em><em>ve a couple of lads a run out at 2-0 down. Canny. </em></p>
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<h3 id="whqxqx">Post-Match Comments: Jesus Wept...</h3>
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<p id="zct0js"><em>We did ever so well to make sure it was only 1-0. We weren't good in the first half but got better in the second, we'd earned our chance, but didn't get the equaliser and gave away a poor second goal.</em></p>
<p id="ko0dQn"><em>You've got to remember the quality of Everton, where they are and what they're trying to achieve. There is a gulf in quality, but the players are giving everything they've got. If we're getting let down anywhere, we don't quite have the quality.</em></p>
<p id="HIWWsQ"><em>I was disappointed we lost the first goal. We tried to frustrate the supporters. I didn't want us to concede again in the second half.</em></p>
<p id="rlMI7p"><em>I wasn't happy with how we played in the first half. Our passing was terrible. We didn't play with any confidence. But I said afterwards: 'Well done because at least in the second half you turned it round.' We've still got our time to run into form yet.</em></p>
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<p id="xju75q">The reoccurring rhetoric of having <em>no quality </em>is an infuriating notion because Moyes has had two transfer windows in which to bring in <em>quality </em>players. In that time he’s spent somewhere north of £30 million pounds on a host of players; Ndong and Djilibodji were brought in for over £20 million alone - albeit spread over multiple seasons. So to suggest there’s no quality at the club is a damming verdict of Moyes’ own confidence in the men he manages, and indeed his own ability as manager. How can you give your all for your employer when your boss constantly tells you you’re not as good as your competitors? </p>
<p id="GIvk8a">Yes the job of Sunderland manager is a poisoned chalice, but at the same time, this similar group of players (with the exception of Yann M’vila) was able to go undefeated in their final six games of the season. They were able to pick up 16 points from their last eleven games, and genuinely looked like a team on the up. January signings came in and had the desired impact, bringing quality and enthusiasm to the side. </p>
<p id="kfEP3m">To also suggest that we have <em>“still got our time to run into form yet”</em> also reeks of indecisiveness and a total lack of faith in his men. I don’t like harping on about Allardyce because his opening spell as manager was iffy to say the least; however, at least he was boisterous and thundering in his belief that the club were good enough to survive. He knew when to criticise and when to praise; Sam Allardyce knew how to use the media to improve his team’s confidence - something David Moyes appears totally clueless at. </p>
<p id="1goH21">No, not everything is Moyes’ fault, but he does himself absolutely no favours. We look like a side poised for the drop, and the questions I’m asking myself is whether David Moyes seems like the man capable of rebuilding and reorganising our ailing club? With his current demeanor and attitude, I’d say no. </p>
<p id="P2sW5z"><strong>Tom’s rating: 2/10 -</strong><em> Great, we held Everton to one goal for a while, and our passing improved slightly second half, but at the end of the day, we don’t have enough quality: reeks of self doubt and an inability to strike confidence into his men. Poor. What on earth does the future hold for us? How much longer can we keep the faith and hold out for a miracle? </em></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/27/14748954/team-selection-pitiful-outclassed-tactically-baffling-post-match-comments-its-monday-moyesTom Atkinson2017-02-27T15:06:59+00:002017-02-27T15:06:59+00:00Talking Tactics: Analysis on just how easily Everton picked apart SAFC at the weekend
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<figcaption>Dan Abbott | Roker Report</figcaption>
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<p>Everton barely got out of first gear against Sunderland at the weekend as they cantered to a 2-0 win at Goodison Park. Today, Talking Tactics looks at how they were allowed to do it with consummate ease.</p> <p id="EM0WxE">It is quite simple though - Everton are good team, and Sunderland are not. </p>
<p id="CyYm0j">The gulf in quality between the two sides was mainly evident in the midfield, as Morgan Schneiderlin, Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies made light work of their opposite numbers. Everton dominated possession with just over 63% and it was largely down to the performances of their midfield trio. Their excellent work rate is best emphasised in by the fact that despite having most of the ball, they still managed to make more tackles than Seb Larsson, Darron Gibson and Didier Ndong, a combined 9 to Sunderland's 7. </p>
<p id="hUydAU">They rarely wasted possession either, with Gueye's pass completion being the <em>'worst'</em> at an impressive 85%, while the best a midfielder in red and white could muster was Gibson's 75%.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="cS9RGl">If Sunderland were being bossed in the middle, they could have at least done more to curb Everton's wide threat. </p>
<p id="Qmvqs8">We've known for ages that there is little-to-no width in this Sunderland team and even though Moyes ditched the 3-5-1-1 of recent weeks to give his team reinforcement out wide, it didn't help at all. With Adnan Januzaj and Fabio Borini very much playing as narrow wingers, looking to cut inside, it gave Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman ample opportunity to exploit the space on the overlap.</p>
<p id="7RZIO1">This in turn gave Ross Barkley and Ademolah Lookman the chance to dart into the box and, given the fact that Sunderland were only operating with two centre halves rather than the three like we had done in past three games, it led to them becoming overwhelmed in the final third. A quick glance at Everton's first goal, where Coleman is given acres of space to cross and Gueye receives the ball after easily evading the capture of Darron Gibson, shows just how easily<em> The Toffees</em> steamrolled <em>The Lads.</em></p>
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<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="rG8Xiz">This isn't to say that Everton weren't without their faults, though. Due to the numbers they were committing forward, they presented Sunderland with plenty of chances to hit them on the counter. </p>
<p id="nc0JKg">The home side remained unpunished, however, as <em>The Black Cats</em> struggled to even move the ball out of their own half - Sebastian Larsson and Didier Ndong looked incapable of picking out a team mate, while Fabio Borini offered nothing in terms of movement. A pretty <em>lethal</em> combination. </p>
<p id="dhlqbT">In fairness Adnan Januzaj was a decent outlet in the first half, bringing the ball forward well and drawing fouls out of Leighton Baines, but Everton soon tightened things up in the second half and they made sure that Januzaj was just as cut off as Jermain Defoe was. They probably thought about doing the same with Fabio Borini but forgot that he even existed, such was his anonymity.</p>
<p id="E1PPFm">At least Sunderland were given something that they could learn from - a lesson in how to counter-attack. Or rather, Romelu Lukaku showed them how to do it. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="ZzhXDi">Not long after Jermain Defoe almost put us level by rattling the crossbar, Lukaku put the game to bed. Watching the Belgian powerhouse run alongside his former teammate, Bryan Oviedo, was like watching him run alongside a puppy. Oviedo probably should have attempted to foul Lukaku before he got anywhere near the penalty area, but I honestly don't think he could have, no matter how hard he tried. </p>
<p id="fYAnHr">Just to further compound Oviedo's misery, Lukaku sent the ball in via a deflection off the Costa Rican and past the returning Jordan Pickford in the Sunderland goal.</p>
<p id="QHTe7A">If this is how Sunderland are going to perform against decent teams, then playing our next fixture against a side who scored five in a Champions League game a few days ago is just what we need. Then again, we almost got a result against that very same team earlier this season with John O'Shea playing central midfield, so it's fairly pointless attempting to predict just what might happen.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/27/14748914/talking-tactics-analysis-on-just-how-easily-everton-picked-apart-safc-at-the-weekendRoryFallow2017-02-27T12:06:30+00:002017-02-27T12:06:30+00:00Pick Your Own: 5 reasons offered for Everton defeat; abandon all hope ye clad in red & white
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<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Excuse Monday is back. As a new week dawns across the north east, a veil of apathy has descended on Wearside as once again Sunderland were beaten by an opponent who barely broke sweat. Here's five reasons offered by the players and their manager to explain why we were so bad again. </p> <p id="Zdymvk">Saturday's two-goal-to-nil loss at Everton marks defeat number seventeen for David Moyes in the league this season. It's not good, is it?</p>
<p id="fkGi8c">Wins are as few and far between as they have ever been in Sunderland's recent Premier League era, but time is running out to save our top flight status. There were very few positives to take from defeat at Goodison Park and plenty to worry about. </p>
<p id="l9yYIs">Sunderland's manager and players have become well versed in offering explanations, rationale and analysis to explain the more-often-than-not weekly losses. But with the bank of trite explanations running low, this week there's little more than a half-hearted attempt at anything beyond <em>'we are crap'</em> and<em> 'they are good'.</em></p>
<p id="XqSXLa">But, let's give it a go and discover why, according to the manager and players, Sunderland were beaten by Everton on Saturday. </p>
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<h3 id="nXpt6x">1. We failed to frustrate the Everton supporters</h3>
<p id="OmRVzx">In the immediate aftermath of the match, David Moyes suggested his game plan had been to frustrate the home supporters and told BBC Sport that the primary aim was to hope Everton wouldn't score: </p>
<blockquote><p id="AEtoC6"><em>I was disappointed we lost the first goal. We tried to frustrate the supporters. I didn’t want us to concede again in the second half.</em></p></blockquote>
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<cite>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>David Moyes with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright</figcaption>
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<p id="Zke8aU">And if that was his goal, the former Everton boss indeed has some track record of irritating Toffees' supporters. Despite his decade-plus stint on Merseyside bringing relative league success to Goodison Park, Moyes has become an unpopular figure amongst Blues' supporters. The apparent derision he aimed at his previous club during that ill-fated spell at Manchester United alienated plenty of his former followers. </p>
<p id="COiuEj">If the Sunderland boss thought Everton fans would be rankled by his team's back-foot tactics though, he was to be disappointed. It is now apparent that this approach to away games is the only weapon in the Moyes armoury and so far this season - barring the miracles at Bournemouth and Palace - that ploy has yielded a whole single point on the road. Genius. </p>
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<h3 id="Z7iDt1">2. Sunderland are lacking quality</h3>
<p id="1pU7e7">Ten seasons in the Premier League and access to the riches of the world's most prosperous footballing economy and Sunderland fielded a team made up - in part - of has-beens and rejects from the club they were facing. On that note, David Moyes said: </p>
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<p id="qIPZg7"><em>You've got to remember the quality of Everton, where they are and what they're trying to achieve. </em></p>
<p id="jZBz7P"><em>There is a gulf in quality but the players are giving everything they've got. </em></p>
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<p id="xmdKoS">There are reasons aplenty to explain why, but there is simply no excuse for the state of this unbalanced, ill-equipped squad who are representing Sunderland AFC. Some players are not good enough, some are past their best and some lack the application for the fight. Worrying times. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="lu4E7N">3. It's just a matter of waiting for our turn for a good run</h3>
<p id="0TLMrC">David Moyes suggested Sunderland are overdue a change in fortune and believes a run of decent results will transform the desperate state of this battle. </p>
<p id="mV9msa">With Hull City, Swansea and even Crystal Palace still showing signs of life, after the game the Sunderland boss said he is 'looking forward to a good run' and believes his side are due an upswing in form like the other teams battling the drop:</p>
<blockquote><p id="W3QBRG"><em>A few of the teams have had theirs. We are not that far away and us winning a few games would change things around. </em></p></blockquote>
<p id="0kNar1">At this rate that run of good results will start in about November - in the Championship. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="CPZ0S8">4. We didn't take our chance(s) - all one of them</h3>
<p id="OKuvZl">It was the same old story. Sunderland created precious little and if Jermain Defoe doesn't score from the scraps he’s offered, then no points are returned to Wearside. </p>
<p id="ZPXNfz">It was the same against Southampton - had Defoe scored in the opening twenty minutes, the game may have ended differently; and it was the same at Everton. Had the former England striker scored on the 78th minute mark, Sunderland might have rescued a point at Goodison. </p>
<p id="2SB4OA">But relying on Defoe's impressive striking return from precious little ammunition can never be a sustainable means by which to avoid the drop year after year. </p>
<p id="6h7RB0">Adnan Januzaj - the man who has scored one goal and provided three assists all season - with two of those coming in one game - has called on his teammates to create more. The Manchester United man told the <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/adnan-januzaj-hard-work-can-12659372"><em>Chronicle</em></a>: </p>
<blockquote><p id="qewdDJ"><em>When the ball hit the bar that was our chance in the game but we can’t just focus on one chance. We have to create more chances.</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="jCf96b">But they didn't and that's now just two shots on target in the last two games. It's simply impossible to stay up with that kind of form. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Adnan Januzaj on Saturday. </figcaption>
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<h3 id="w55ycE">5. Everton are just really good</h3>
<p id="OvIlLc">The best side in the Premier League outside of the top six is how Everton are being billed. And the Toffees are knocking on the door of the league's upper echelons in their current nine-game unbeaten run. </p>
<p id="wGxQGs">As Bryan Oviedo said of his former club compared with his new one: </p>
<blockquote><p id="ol8wqj"><em>It was difficult. Everton played very well. We have to improve.</em></p></blockquote>
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<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="QelwWv">This wasn't a game Sunderland had any realistic chance of securing points in, but with the twelve games that remain including a potential final week with trips to Arsenal and Chelsea, David Moyes has to find a way of playing away from home which goes beyond simply hoping for the best. </p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/27/14744756/pick-your-own-5-reasons-offered-for-everton-defeat-abandon-all-hope-ye-clad-in-red-whiteJames Henchard2017-02-27T11:12:33+00:002017-02-27T11:12:33+00:00Quick Kicks: Is Larsson finished? Borini 'arrogant & bitter'; Too easy for Everton - SAFC lack leadership
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<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this week's Quick Kicks we discuss the futures of Sebastian Larsson and Fabio Borini, plus a look at how easy it was for Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday - just how much are we missing Lee Cattermole?</p> <h3 id="d1HOaR">Is Larsson finished?</h3>
<p id="AljiWD"><em>He's no' Finnish, he's from Sweden...</em></p>
<p id="Jaq0AU">On this week's Roker Rapport Podcast <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/roker-rapport/id1163779426?mt=2">(click here to listen if you haven't done so already!)</a> I mentioned that Sebastian Larsson's performances since becoming a first team regular again have led me to question the principles that I've always had when judging Sunderland players - let me just further clarify what I meant by that.</p>
<p id="EfAXrj">You see, I've seen some absolute shite over the years watching Sunderland. I've seen us with far worse teams than the one that we have now, and I've seen us at a much lower ebb than we find ourselves currently. Being shite isn't an unfamiliar feeling for a Sunderland fan - we've pretty much always been unable to go beyond being just a struggling Premier League side since we returned to the top flight almost ten years ago.</p>
<p id="zLhEw1">And when judging a player I will always give them the benefit of the doubt if they at least try their best - after all, it's all we ask from any player afforded the privilege of representing our fantastic football club on the pitch.</p>
<p id="qGCr6p">But, is it really enough? When it comes down to it, do we need to start separating the hard workers from the <em>headless chickens</em> in our side?</p>
<p id="TJU0Y4">Sebastian Larsson is a tremendous professional and has been a great servant to this football club, and I think in the years to come - when he's long gone - I'll remember most of his time here fondly. That said, he's just not up to scratch any more, and we're suffering because of it.</p>
<p id="3wUjfB">He's not the only one, mind, but he's the most prominent example from the players that tend to start week in, week out.</p>
<p id="c58UIw">Jan Kirchhoff's return cannot come any quicker, to be honest. Sunderland's midfield and the lack of consistency in selection (though that can be completely attributed to the injuries that we've had to deal with all season) is the main reason, in my eyes, why we have been bottom of the league for much of this sorry campaign.</p>
<h3 id="INV05a">Sulky Borini strikes again</h3>
<p id="hq058j">Does Fabio Borini want to be here?</p>
<p id="ZJOKQj">After a string of abject, gutless performances he lost his place in the side down at Crystal Palace and, after we had won, he missed out on a starting place for the game against Southampton.</p>
<p id="wNPXR1">Having sat out that pitiful defeat against the Saints, Borini was rewarded with another start this past weekend - ahead of the likes of Lynden Gooch and Wahbi Khazri who are, right now, his competition for a place - and he once more did absolutely nothing to show the manager or the supporters why he should be starting games every week.</p>
<p id="RX9ZeA">And it's the level of performance that we've come to expect from Fabio since he returned back from injury in December - this isn't the same hungry, ambitious Fabio Borini that captured our hearts during his loan spell at the club in 2013/2014, but a bitter and arrogant player that is still ruing the fact he never got to prove himself at Liverpool and quite obviously feels that playing for a team rooted to the bottom of the table is beneath him and his abilities. </p>
<p id="cvMzVn">Come the summer, Fabio Borini will be one of the first rats to jump off the sinking ship - and I'll be there waving him off. </p>
<h3 id="ygB4Zk">Too easy for Everton</h3>
<p id="YRf8cf">I can accept losing to a better team. Everton are a fantastic side and they have players in their lineup that we can only dream of having - the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin would walk into most teams in this country and I can completely understand why, on their day, they will beat us more often than not.</p>
<p id="nnE8zs">But still... we have to at least compete, don't we? I think that our players generally put the effort in, but there's clearly a key component missing in our team that many of the players just cannot offer us - leadership.</p>
<p id="ECfUES">There's nobody marauding around and dragging their team mates through games by the scruff of the neck. There's nobody demanding more of the players that aren't pulling their weight. There's nobody putting big tackles in, and showing the fans that this team is going to just be blown away with ease.</p>
<p id="FafyNv">I suppose it goes back to the point I made earlier about Sebastian Larsson. Just running about loads and not actually doing anything isn't good enough - we need someone to take control now and own some of the responsibility that comes with getting out of the bottom three in the Premier League. </p>
<p id="H9yYpK"><em>Sigh</em> - I miss Lee Cattermole dearly.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/27/14748956/quick-kicks-is-larsson-finished-borini-arrogant-bitter-too-easy-for-everton-safc-lack-leadershipEditor Gav2017-02-26T23:44:07+00:002017-02-26T23:44:07+00:00NEW Roker Rapport Podcast: Episode #23 - It was just BANTER!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CjHscYmIwQvGtSPwsbP8A4lZdcw=/0x0:611x407/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53434725/Capture.0.png" />
<figcaption>It was just... banter. | @Gav1879</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sunderland lost again this past weekend, but you all knew that already. Join us as the Roker Report writers discuss the future of David Moyes as manager, whether Sebastian Larsson should still be playing at this level, the Everton defeat, reasons to be cheerful ahead of Manchester City next week and more - It's available, as per usual, on all smart devices <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/roker-rapport/id1163779426?mt=2">via iTunes </a>and <a href="https://www.acast.com/therokerrapport">the Acast app</a>.</p> <h3 id="jW52eJ">What Are We Talking About This Week?</h3>
<ul>
<li id="x5dRnD">Losing to Everton - how disappointing was it, and are there positives to take?</li>
<li id="4HGzpd">Is Sebastian Larsson finished?</li>
<li id="WVp2PB">Would the Championship be ALL that bad?</li>
<li id="merb4s">Sunderland's financial situation;</li>
<li id="AOaspP">We answer your twitter questions;</li>
<li id="9r977j">Manchester City next week - how important is it that we don't get obliterated?</li>
<li id="JPcgEl">The run of games coming up after City - how many wins will we get?</li>
<li id="OSShuO">This and then some. Honey for the ears. Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qcYSBU">
<h3 id="4VgGRe">How Do I Listen/Subscribe?</h3>
<p id="PGQrsD"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/roker-rapport/id1163779426?mt=2"><strong>Click here to find us on iTunes</strong></a>, and be sure to hit the subscribe button - that way, each time a new Episode of the Roker Rapport is released it will very handily drop straight on your device, ready to listen to at your leisure. Alternatively, you can search for us via iTunes or the Podcast app by simply typing 'Roker Rapport'.</p>
<p id="UQDlZ8">You can find us on the Acast app from Windows phones<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=nOD%2FrLJHOac&mid=24542&u1=rokerreport&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft.com%2Fen-us%2Fstore%2Fp%2Facast%2F9nblggh4np8f" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong> (click here)</strong></a>, the iTunes store<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/acast-podcast-player/id925311796?mt=8"><strong> (click here) </strong></a>& Google Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acast.nativeapp&hl=en"><strong>(click here)</strong></a> for free - once you have that, search for 'Roker Rapport' and subscribe. Just like on iTunes, each new episode of the show will drop automatically for you on your device once you've subscribed - easy peasy.</p>
<p id="RAbiu9">Alternatively, there will be an article like this one on this site each week containing the Podcast and all the links so that you can listen to it from your smart device or desktop - stay peeled every Monday morning for new episodes. You can click below to listen direct from this page!</p>
<div id="tgW3sz"><iframe width="540" height="540" src="http://embed.acast.com/therokerrapport/rokerrapport-episode-23-itwasjustbanter-" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/26/14744910/new-roker-rapport-podcast-episode-23-it-was-just-banterEditor GavTom AtkinsonTomWalshJames HolmesCallum Mackay2017-02-26T11:39:32+00:002017-02-26T11:39:32+00:00SAFC NewsWipe: Defoe effort bounced wrong side & Sunderland collapsed; How the papers saw Everton defeat
<figure>
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WE6fIT_8H_c2_yGl5sad2tSmYUk=/146x0:3449x2202/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53428601/645261858.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>David Moyes endured a miserable return to his old club as Everton eased to a two-goal victory. Here's how the Sunday papers have reflected on Sunderland's latest set-back in what is now an increasingly forlorn looking battle against the drop. </p> <h3 id="DzZI7v">Is there any hope now?</h3>
<p id="UBBZBN">Sunderland continue their limp to relegation with another inevitable defeat, this time at Everton. David Moyes' men may now have to win a shade under fifty percent of their remaining games to avoid the drop, with relegation rivals still showing signs of life compared with the dead men walking on Wearside. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GQb6FLjwDZKbwtik0-1zKyDKVok=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047605/645269642.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="jtARvV">As for the man himself, his job at Sunderland is becoming a unique one in Premier League history. Bottom of the table and looking hopeless, Moyes appears to be under little immediate threat of the sack. </p>
<p id="7ZMops">Sunderland were not as bad as they have been in other disasters on the road during this miserable campaign, but the story of the game unfolded with twelve minutes remaining. Had Jermain Defoe's Geoff Hurst-esque shot - which bounced the wrong side of the line - gone in, Moyes might have escaped his former club with a point. </p>
<p id="q57cWo">As it was, Sunderland's players - who have looked so fragile at the slightest set back this season - collapsed after that missed opportunity and allowed Everton to seal the game two minutes later. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wj3VEGVH_XXN3Gosw3cRHkUrw4E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047607/645251210.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Defoe was so nearly the hero again but Bradley Lowery was the true star of the afternoon. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="emRyWf">Here's how this morning's newspapers have reflected on Everton 2 v Sunderland 0. </p>
<h3 id="LjgO3p">The Sunday Papers</h3>
<p id="V1M2rg"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Ffootball%2F2017%2F02%2F25%2Feverton-2-sunderland-0-idrissa-gueye-romelu-lukaku-goals-ensure%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Frokerreport.sbnation.com%2F2017%2F2%2F26%2F14741946%2Fsafc-newswipe-defoe-effort-bounced-wrong-side-sunderland-collapsed-how-the-papers-saw-everton-defeat" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Telegraph: Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku goals ensure unhappy return to Goodison Park for David Moyes</a></p>
<p id="AJRBJM">Apt perhaps that Everton should have been the latest setting at which the end of Sunderland's decade in the Premier League is limping to what looks to be a certain Moyes-led relegation: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="qC6jgd"><em>The last time David Moyes returned to Goodison Park, then as Manchester United manager, the Grim Reaper escorted him from the stadium.</em></p>
<p id="eVk7JW"><em>He was dismissed from Old Trafford a few days later, the publicity stunt by a bookmaker correctly predicting impending doom.</em></p>
<p id="I8kZC5"><em>On this occasion it is the end of his current club’s Premier League status that seems nigh as Sunderland were beaten 2-0 and remain bottom.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iMIYT_nrHXMnvl2J5tD5JOQY1rI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047583/5353ed4e01003_DavidMoyesysys.jpg">
<figcaption>A betting company's prank foretold the end of David Moyes at Manchester United the last time he visited Goodison Park. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ScjAlO">The grim reaper might not have been at Goodison yesterday but there's more than merely a hint of foreboding about David Moyes tenure at Sunderland now:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="Udci8N"><em>The quality was not there and you have to out wonder how they will get of their predicament, especially as many of those around them are on an upward trajectory.</em></p>
<p id="huJTKd"><em>In truth, Everton won without breaking sweat and Sunderland's relegation is looking increasingly inevitable. </em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iH1FqPFZKFzwHf4xBcjDy84z208=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047611/645259768.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Idrissa Gueye celebrates scoring Everton's first as a hapless Didier Ndong looks on</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="e47Nvi"><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/2954447/everton-2-sunderland-0-the-david-moyes-derby-settled-by-a-idrissa-gueye-and-romelu-lukaku-goals-as-mackems-take-another-step-toward-relegation/">The Sun: The David Moyes derby settled by goals from Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku goals as Mackems take another step toward relegation</a></p>
<p id="SvFA5q">If his current side lost the 'David Moyes derby' to beckon relegation still further, the <em>Sun</em> reckon the Sunderland boss is safe from the sack for now:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="A6UCKh"><em>The Scot spent 11 years at Goodison, before Manchester United came calling, but it was a miserable return as the Black Cats lost another life in the fight against the drop.</em></p>
<p id="QfXHnp"><em> At least his job on Wearside looks safe for now. At least – the Grim Reaper was not sat over his shoulder this time as he famously was three years ago.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/acNv0pr5IUE35Gd56DlVM3IYIRE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047617/645316768.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>"Aye I'm safe as houses"</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qrMeY7">And Jordan Pickford's return to the side after an eight week absence will have England's top clubs keeping on eye on his performances at Sunderland with a summer move looking increasingly likely: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="4QIjES"><em>Arsenal and Manchester City have been watching the young goalkeeper and will be keen to see how he performs in the Black Cats relegation scrap.</em></p>
<p id="zXXCuI"><em>Sunderland are Romelu Lukaku’s favourite opponent with eight goals against them now.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q_yiwP8hIjnF4cjy2KHwmFHoYCA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047619/645259678.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="7T3vC3"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/teampages/sunderland.html">The Mail: Romelu Lukaku equals Duncan Ferguson's record to down the Black Cats</a></p>
<p id="xTTEKr">Ever generous, Sunderland allowed their season-long tormentor Romelu Lukaku to hit his 60th Premier League goal in an Everton shirt, equalling Duncan Ferguson's record. The <em>Mail</em> are another national who believe Moyes remains untouchable: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="BLXOzZ"><em>Former Everton manager David Moyes suffered the same scoreline on his only other return to Goodison Park with Manchester United in 2014.</em></p>
<p id="N8hSlz"><em>On that occasion, the Scot was promptly sacked at Old Trafford. A similar fate doesn't await him this time but this defeat is another blow to Sunderland's chances of staying in the Premier League.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q5_SM6DqNW0BX3NXQIPn13rYP94=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047621/645318478.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Enner Valencia gets the better of Lamine Kone</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YZA21t">But even if Jordan Pickford did have a tricky afternoon, it's difficult to agree with their assessment of who plays in goal for Sunderland for the rest of the season: </p>
<blockquote><p id="3Mq3b8"><em>Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford was rusty, having been out since Boxing Day with a knee injury, and was lucky to keep out shots by Ademola Lookman and Gueye. Moyes has a big choice to make whether to keep Pickford in goal or recall Vito Mannone, who missed this game through illness.</em></p></blockquote>
<p id="MDxMWl">If Sunderland likely expected little return from a trip to Goodison which is now followed by visit from Manchester City next weekend, David Moyes' season will likely be defined by the games which follow: </p>
<blockquote><p id="Lqnamg"><em>Improvement will also be on Moyes' mind with Manchester City up next followed by more winnable fixtures against Burnley, Watford and Leicester. </em></p></blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fZ5A5fd3wJkbSfgpgNxyooO1ObY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047625/645317532.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lukaku settles the game with his second goal</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="t6vU5X"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/25/everton-sunderland-premier-league-match-report">The Guardian: David Moyes suffers miserable return to Everton with Sunderland defeat</a></p>
<p id="rRHs4h">A judgement on the benefits of that trip to New York may be a little premature, but the <em>Guardian</em> have concluded it already looks to have been a bad idea: </p>
<blockquote><p id="tX35qa"><em>So much for mid-season breaks. Both clubs here on Saturday took the opportunity to get away recently, Everton for a spot of warm-weather training in Dubai and Sunderland for a perhaps ill-advised jolly to New York, yet neither of them looked fresher or more energised by the exercise. </em></p></blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hD7jrvNkdyIpPZy7ayC5ineS5KM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047631/645262132.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="AD2Vie">But this assessment sums up the match, and the entire campaign as Sunderland were left ruing Jermain Defoe hitting the bar on the 78-minute mark: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="6v9PD5"><em>Both managers agreed that Defoe’s chance might have proved crucial. </em></p>
<p id="Xtilcl"><em>That is turning into the story of Sunderland’s season. If they are going to create only one chance per game, it is important it is taken and, though Defoe is usually reliable, he is not infallible.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p id="1Rx9mO">All season Sunderland have been a team who have collapsed after going a goal down and if that wasn't the case yesterday with some reasonable endeavour on show after Everton's opener, the mental fragility again showed as David Moyes' men capitulated simply because Jermain Defoe didn't score, allowing Lukaku to seal the deal two minutes later. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G0e0tstXBUg-Kg3dNvReTypcjUY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8047633/645254568.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/26/14741946/safc-newswipe-defoe-effort-bounced-wrong-side-sunderland-collapsed-how-the-papers-saw-everton-defeatJames Henchard2017-02-25T17:20:09+00:002017-02-25T17:20:09+00:00Match Report: Everton 2-0 SAFC - Another day, another defeat - Sunderland remain bottom
<figure>
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kyasaSJoSjiPFDTt2x2qU8TofIw=/0x92:3879x2678/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53422143/645281480.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sunderland remain rooted to bottom of the Premier League as goals from Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku condemn them to defeat at Goodison Park. </p> <p id="srlrwA">David Moyes' Sunderland were largely out-classed by Everton this afternoon but did nearly salvage hope as Jermain Defoe went close late on at 1-0 - sport's narrow margins were painfully evident as his shot crashed off the underside of the bar minutes before Lukaku's crucial second. </p>
<p id="E0Sr66">Now three points from safety and still rock bottom Sunderland face Manchester City next, as they must improve to once again miraculously avoid relegation. </p>
<p id="ooTceg">Sunderland fortuitously weathered an early storm with Everton immediately forcing the Wearsiders onto the back foot. </p>
<p id="vffcr9">Mostly the Merseysiders attacked the Black Cats' left, with Bryan Oviedo fortunate to avoid a booking when he clipped Seamus Coleman down the Everton byline in the opening couple of minutes. </p>
<p id="K7jKBe">A plethora of early corners kept Sunderland pinned to edge of their 18 yard box , with Ademola Lookman nearly embarrassing the returning Jordan Pickford. Sunderland's stopper spilled the 19 year old's tame side footed effort, barely diving on the ball on second attempt, as it nearly squirmed into the goal. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2d3GNPq6Qx7bbl41qIW1y5l_vVA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8045091/645285114.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="j5i21z">Another Everton corner nearly lead to an early breakthrough with Lukaku unable to reach Ross Barkley's flat cross which evaded Adnan Januzaj at the near post. </p>
<p id="2sS3TE">The Blues' attack continued to target their former left back Oviedo, Borini nearly conceded a penalty fouling Coleman, covering for the Costa Rican. Gueye wasted the set play chipping harmlessly over inside the Sunderland area. </p>
<p id="2iH5cj">Everton's best early opportunity came from a Sunderland error, Billy Jones was caught in possession by Gueye, who drove on goal and nearly nutmegged Pickford. The England under 21 international just deflected behind, using his knees at the near post. </p>
<p id="QPfsWQ">As Sunderland grew in confidence, more space opened up for their more talented opponents as was evident in Everton's breakthrough. An excellent switch from Tom Davies, gave Coleman license to attack Oviedo his cutback was smashed into the roof of the net by the on-running Gueye. The clinical opener left Sunderland a proverbial mountain climb, given the lack of goal threat they provide. </p>
<p id="7BGZal">Just before the break Sunderland narrowly avoided going two down, Davies hit the outside of the post with a brilliant improvised effort. The rising star had Pickford beaten with his outside of the boot half volley in first half injury time. </p>
<p id="zqyGSq">The Mackems immediately upped their intensity as play resumed, winning a couple early corners to start the second half. Despite more intent and territory their best chance saw Jones head comfortably wide at the near post from a corner. Another corner saw Stuart Attwell wave away optimistic penalty shouts, the ball had deflected off Ashley Williams' arm but the Welshman was looking away, with Kone heading at him from point blank range. </p>
<p id="okpSTL">The pattern of Everton dominating the ball and having a majority of possession and territory resumed after an initial ten minute spell of Sunderland pressure. Lookman wasted a deceptively good chance when he snatched on the half-volley straight at a red and white shirt, unmarked from a half cleared corner. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Everton v Sunderland - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jjeI5kjZaC5JhKCWRjh6BzTHmqY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8045093/645277932.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="as7QHN">As the half wore on Sunderland showed a growing appetite to counter attack and get level but often lacked quality. Long-time Sunderland servant Sebastian Larsson was especially guilty of giving the ball away cheaply and squandering attacking chances. </p>
<p id="PMtxyw">The Premier League's bottom side were let off by substitute Kevin Mirallas who slashed wide through on goal. The Belgian had evaded Sunderland skipper John O'Shea but scuffed horribly across goal. </p>
<p id="j27Bao">There were more wasted Everton chances at 1-0, Barkley hopelessly fired over on the half volley. He was free after the Mackems failed to clear another Coleman cross, Barkley was off balance as he fired and was no where near scoring. </p>
<p id="Ev3xsT">Despite looking nervous in his first game back Pickford kept Moyes' men in it with 15 minutes left, denying Lukaku. The powerhouse fired across goal with pace after out-muscling Lamine Kone, Pickford showed fast reactions and a strong wrist to deny the marksman. </p>
<p id="lxd1E0">What followed was pivotal in deciding the contest. Jermain Defoe who had been largely anonymous, was one on one with the back pedaling Coleman, when he let fly. His shot crashed off the bar and bounced away from goal, Joel Robles was completely beaten. The rebound fell to Fabio Borini whose mis-hit cross couldn't pick out an unmarked Larsson waiting to tap home from three yards. </p>
<p id="dkx1MN">Moments later the game was settled. A fast Everton break saw Lukaku break unopposed from the halfway line, with a clear run on goal, his blocked shot just curled over the sprawling Pickford. At 2-0 a poor offensive team like Sunderland had no chance. Game Over. </p>
<p id="gT20uB">Gueye and Valencia could have added to Sunderland's misery. Gueye was denied by an excellent Jones block as he aimed for the corner. Whilst Valencia was through on goal but shot too close to Pickford. </p>
<p id="SKF2PD">Much like West Brom last month, Sunderland were routinely beaten by top half opposition. Another game has gone in Sunderland's attempts to once again defy the odds and avoid relegation. </p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/25/14737244/match-report-everton-2-0-safc-another-day-another-defeat-sunderland-remain-bottomJames Lowson2017-02-24T18:23:51+00:002017-02-24T18:23:51+00:00Match Preview: Everton (A) - Will Koeman’s Toffees keep us stuck to the foot of the table, or can we claw our way to victory?
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<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>David Moyes faces his former employers for the first time at Goodison park as manager of Sunderland. Will he be able to invigorate his side after a poor performance in their last game at home to Southampton, or will Koeman’s Toffees run riot? </p> <p id="lWhkAp">Sunderland travel to Goodison Park this weekend desperately searching for a result that will restore the faith and confidence lost after the humbling home defeat to Southampton. David Moyes will be hoping that a recent jaunt to the Big Apple will provide the catalyst required to help his side earn a good result on a ground he is all too familiar with. </p>
<p id="wyC0Vz">Koeman’s Everton, on the other hand, will be looking for a victory of their own as they strive to shore up 7th place, and a potential European spot should the Cup Finals fail to spring any surprises. That being said, Everton have been hit and miss this season and Sunderland certainly stand a chance of coming away from this encounter with a point or more. </p>
<p id="M5S8H5">In a week where the club announced the possibility of redundancies, David Moyes, Martin Bain and all those associated with the club will be hoping beyond hope for a positive result. A win could see us escape the throws of the relegation zone, while a draw would certainly help to keep us in touch with those clubs just ahead of us in the standings - it’s all to play for both on and off the pitch. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Koeman will be hoping for more of the same this weekend after his side defeated Sunderland in the reverse fixture earlier this season. </figcaption>
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<p id="d3g7uu">Everton have had a bizarre season that will most likely end with a top-half finish if nothing else. They have produced moments of magic - as seen in the 6-3 demolition of Bournemouth and 4-0 victory against high flying Manchester City - but have also struggled for consistency - as witnessed in the 0-0 draw away to Middlesbrough and the 2-2 draw away to Hull. </p>
<p id="HeQNCq">Koeman will be hoping that his men are able to overcome their shrinking displays against clubs deemed poorer than themselves, but may find it difficult against Moyes’ Sunderland who will surely be determined to prove their worth in the run up to Easter and their usual reincarnation. </p>
<p id="1gCpwQ">There is very little need to delve into the world of statistics in a forensic attempt at searching for clues as to how the game will unfold. Everton are a good team while Sunderland have under-performed all season, but that being said, not all hope is lost. This weekend will be an important game for both clubs as they look to ignite the remainder of their seasons in an attempt at forging success at either end of the Premier League table. Hopefully Moyes’ men can come out on top. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Just one of many Everton old boys now plying their trade in the North East.</figcaption>
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<p id="rhJ2dw">This weekend should provide an interesting spectacle especially considering the links found between the two clubs. This game will not only be shaped by tactics and formations, but also by the attitude of many Sunderland players - as well as the manager - as they look to get one over their old employers. </p>
<p id="yUbGJ3">Joleon Lescott, Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson, Jack Rodwell, Steven Pienaar and Victor Anichebe are all old Evertonians, and those fit and ready to play will certainly be eager to show their old club what they’re missing. It’s always an interesting edge to a match when a player comes up against a former employer, but with so many ex-employees to choose from many will watch this weekend’s game with an added level of intrigue. </p>
<p id="QA1FG7">David Moyes has put a lot of faith into men he knows and trusts, and whether that pays off for him come season’s end is still an ongoing concern. However, Sunderland will have a small advantage due to Moyes’ Everton bias in the sense that both Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson will certainly understand some of the tactical intricacies expected of Koeman’s men. Any information they can give to the team will be priceless and could certainly play in our favour. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gibson and fellow ex-Evertonian, Bryan Oviedo, will hopefully be able to supply Moyes with much needed info regarding Everton’s tactical approach. </figcaption>
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<p id="BumHVi">Sunderland will undoubtedly play with the 3-5-1-1 system adopted by Moyes in recent weeks, and if they can utilise it effectively then Everton may find themselves with a task on their hands. The tactic is a stubborn formation that relies on absorbing pressure before countering teams on the break, or at least in a more direct fashion. It didn’t really work well against Southampton last time out, but it nullified Tottenham’s insatiable attack and enabled Moyes’s men to rout Crystal Palace, so there is evidence to suggest that it can be effective. </p>
<p id="pPnyBp">The trick to winning the battle will once again be in the centre of the park. Sunderland don’t really have a plethora of attacking talent, but if we can harry the Toffees and force them into making mistakes due to our work-rate and energy they will struggle to find a way past out compact line-up. Sunderland have relied of Jermain Defoe’s clinical nature for two season now, and we will once more this weekend - we won’t have a great deal of opportunities, but the sprightly forward is most certainly the man you want in the area if we do. </p>
<p id="Is5fZy">If we are able to stifle Everton’s advances, we must also be far more clinical in possession. Against Crystal Palace the midfield was not only able to control the midfield, but it was also effective in supplying Adnan Januzaj, who was in turn able to supply Jermain Defoe. When Januzaj wasn’t available the midfield trio then looked to supply Oviedo and Jones out wide; unfortunately against Southampton the midfield were ineffective and couldn’t find Januzaj, or indeed the wing-backs. Sunderland must ensure Everton do not stifle their own attempts at creativity, and the performance of Didier Ndong and Darron Gibson will be crucial in affording other the time and space necessary to cause danger. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Last time out, the Sunderland midfield were unable to effectively supply either Januzaj (pictured) or indeed the wing-backs, leaving Jermain Defoe (picture) isolated and ineffective. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="9v8f0e">Team News</h2>
<p id="XBz32F">Victor Anichebe, Jack Rodwell, Paddy McNair, Duncan Watmore and Jan Kirchhoff are all either still injured of still not adequately fit to be available for selection. </p>
<p id="6a1RxF">Lee Cattermole has a slight Achilles niggle that will further hinder his return with Moyes noting:</p>
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<p id="oEB5Qv"><em>He’s recovering from his hip but he’s trying to get over the period of getting injured and getting back, so I don’t think it will necessarily be a quick return.</em></p>
<p id="47lu4t"><em>I don’t want to say that he won’t play again this season, and with the way the fixtures have gone with the cups we may find there’s a batch of games at the end of April.</em></p>
<p id="DAVc5U"><em>Perhaps that may help us because we might be able to get Victor Anichebe back, we maybe get Catts back and we certainly hope Kirchhoff will be back, so it might be our advantage.</em></p>
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<p id="rwHkqD">Jordan Pickford is fit, however, and could reclaim his place between the sticks at Goodison park.</p>
<p id="E0K8FV">Romelu Lukaku will be fit to face the Lads, and Papy Djilibodji’s suspension will mean that Lamine Kone, John O’Shea, Jason Denayer, and potentially Joleon Lescott, will have to deal with the bustling Belgian’s advances. </p>
<h2 id="O2yrmq">Predictions</h2>
<p id="sW2ubI"><strong>Predicted XI: </strong>Pickford, Oviedo, Denayer, O’Shea, Kone, Jones, Larsson, Gibson, Ndong, Januzaj, Defoe.</p>
<p id="VI0C4E"><strong>Score Prediction: </strong>Energy, passion and grit will be crucial in preventing Everton from running riot as they have done in recent home games. If the Lads can be sensible in possession and conscientious at the back they could come away with a decent result. I’d take a draw if you offered it to me now in all honesty such has been the dominance of Everton’s recent home form. That being said, I think this game has the potential to be a dour affair as Moyes could look to frustrate his old employers. I’m going for a bold 0-0 because of the emphasis we will place on securing our defence in the wake of Everton’s recent home form, and our own turgid display last time out. </p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/2/24/14714100/match-preview-everton-a-will-koemans-toffees-keep-us-stuck-to-the-foot-of-the-table-or-can-we-clawTom Atkinson