Roker Report - Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2012-12-31T10:00:05+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/35781712012-12-31T10:00:05+00:002012-12-31T10:00:05+00:00Quick Kicks: Reaction From Sunderland 1-2 Spurs
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<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland closed out 2012 with a home defeat to a hugely impressive Tottenham Hotspur side at the Stadium of Light. Naturally, we had some thoughts... </p> <h4><b>What The Gaffer Said</b></h4>
<p>Safc.com found Martin O'Neill in talkative fettle following the game. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2012/december/mon-post-spurs-h">He said:</a></p>
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<p>We fought really hard to get ourselves in front in the game.</p>
<p>Tottenham hit the bar from a chance we maybe should have cleared, but I don't remember them causing us a great deal of problems in the first half.</p>
<p>We got the goal and it gave us something to go for in the second half but then we came out and conceded two goals in two minutes. It was a major blow and the own goal changed the momentum of the game.</p>
<p>We should have done better leading up to that corner. It went into the net off Carlos' head; we can't do much about that, but the second could have been avoided.</p>
<p>Two goals in two minutes deflated us and it took us some time to get back in the game.</p>
<p>There were moments when we had really decent possession and it's from there where you need to choose the right option.</p>
<p>That is the making of real big players in this league - making the right choices at the right time.</p>
<p>It was a good effort from the players. Maybe they were feeling the effects of Boxing Day a little, especially with 10 minutes to go; we needed a second breath to get at them.</p>
<p>We stuck at it right to the end, still putting pressure on Spurs.</p>
<p>The team never gave up, nor did the crowd.</p>
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<p>The thing that really stands out there is the fact he has highlighted the poor decision-making in the attacking third.</p>
<p>It has really crept in of late most notably - but not limited to - instances when James McClean tried to score himself against Manchester United and Manchester City when he had a team mate in a better position.</p>
<p>You never want to criticize a player too heavily for taking responsibility, but good decision-making is probably the biggest single difference between an average player and a good one, and I know that many fans have shared O'Neill's frustrations in that regard of late.</p>
<p>It's not terminal, however, and it can be coached into a player, so absolutely no harm in the manager highlighting it.</p>
<h4><b>Leggy Performance</b></h4>
<p>It is often said after a defeat that it isn't losing that rankles but the manner in which a game was lost, and that was certainly the case here.</p>
<p>The good will that beating the champions 3 days before brings doesn't hurt, of course, but I think all watching could appreciate that there wasn't too much left in the legs following the colossal effort against City and the vast majority of those were satisfied that whatever was left had been offered up for the cause.</p>
<p>On another day it would probably have been enough to get something from the game, but Tottenham were easily good enough to take advantage and credit to them for that. In fact, I'd say that they were the most impressive visiting team we saw at the Stadium of Light in the whole of 2012.</p>
<p>Sometimes, the better team just beats you. C'est la vie.</p>
<h4><b>That Said... Old Habits, etc...</b></h4>
<p>With that said, the slight grumble is that the initiative was once again surrendered by, not only defensive blunders, but defensive blunders at bad times.</p>
<p>Perhaps I am being a little harsh on Carlos Cuellar there. After all, our defending of set pieces has been excellent, built around making sure we get the first head to it, and the Spaniard has more than played his part in that.</p>
<p>This one could probably be put down to simple bad luck more than anything else. Still, even with the benefit of the doubt applied, it still stuck in the throat a little.</p>
<h4><b>All Hail, or Hug, Frank</b></h4>
<p>Ah Matthew Kilgallon. He is becoming a real guilty pleasure of mine. I love the big daft lad to the point where by I want to give him a man-hug, pat his head, and tell him how proud I am of him for having a go.</p>
<p>He just isn't up to it, is he. He gives it his all, and I think he probably knows he is out of his depth at this level. But that lack of self-delusion is part of his charm I think. He is as honest and genuine as they come.</p>
<p>He is a bit of a footballing Frank Spencer, really. Gets things wrong that he really shouldn't, never gets away with a thing, but you can forgive him for anything.</p>
<p>I don't love him to the point of rooting for him to get a new contract, though. These things get progressively less funny the more they are repeated, and a new contract would be the equivalent of when the TV channel 'Dave' starts a broadcast run. But for now: if you see him, give him a big hug from me.</p>
<h4><b>Some Set-Piece Threat Creeping In</b></h4>
<p>It isn't something we have really excelled at in... well, ever, but the set-pieces seemed relatively on the money against Spurs.</p>
<p>Just as well, really, as we didn't look like creating anything from any other situation, but I genuinely fancied us to threaten from dead balls.</p>
<p>It has always been a hallmark of O'Neill teams in the past and is something that can only be developed over time, so we'll have to wait to see if it was a one-off or evidence of some progressive improvement in the area, but fingers crossed it's the latter.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3819852/quick-kicks-thoughts-and-reaction-from-sunderland-1-2-tottenhammichaelgraham2012-12-29T15:09:47+00:002012-12-29T15:09:47+00:00Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Player Ratings
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<p>After every game we provide a snippet of opinion on everyone who pulled on the red and white. Here's some thoughts on what went down today against Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium Of Light.</p> <h4>Simon Mignolet - 8</h4>
<p>There was nothing our Belgian 'keeper could do about either goal conceded, and if it hadn't been for him the scoreline could have been much worse. He made a pair of superb stops in the second half to deny Jermaine Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor. He just gets better and better.</p>
<h4>Craig Gardner - 6</h4>
<p>Gardner did reasonably well in keeping Gareth Bale as quiet as possible but did look a little limited and lost today. He's still learning the position though we must remember and he'll come out stronger. A few good moments, including a great run in the second half, but generally looked a bit leggy.</p>
<h4>Matt Kilgallon - 5</h4>
<p>It was always going to be a gamble playing Kilgallon at left-back and it didn't really pay off. He was consistently skinned by Aaron Lennon this afternoon and never really looked comfortable in the position. Not his fault at all, he was played out of position, but equally he just wasn't up to task.</p>
<h4>John O'Shea - 7</h4>
<p>A good solid performance from O'Shea today, and that's goal aside too. He made a number of crucial interceptions and generally was one of the few at the back who didn't look lost for extended periods. A good game, and he'll be missed if this hamstring problem is serious.</p>
<h4>Carlos Cuellar - 5</h4>
<p>Scored the own goal which brought Tottenham back into the game and generally didn't look to be at his best from then on. A clumsy foul saw him booked and he squandered a chance to keep the pressure on near the end. We know he can do better than this.</p>
<h4>Adam Johnson - 4</h4>
<p>This man frustrates me so much. Today was an absolute abortion of a performance from Johnson who not only provided incredibly poor delivery, and notably at key times in the game. Way, way off his best today. That's what makes him a frustrating watch. We know he's capable of much better but there's just no middle ground with him.</p>
<h4>James McClean - 7</h4>
<p>Impressed with McClean today. Yet again he worked his balls off for the cause and delivered a few decent balls into the box. Quite surprisingly in a second half reshuffle he looked rather good in central midfield too. This is the second time in a row. He can feel quite good about his performance today.</p>
<h4>Jack Colback - 8</h4>
<p>A cracking game again from Colback who hustled and harried all day in central midfield as if Lee Cattermole himself was on the pitch. Used the ball effectively and never allowed any of the visitors more dangerous players to settle and have time on the ball. Shame hw as sacrificed later to left-back, but something had to be done.</p>
<h4>Seb Larsson - 7</h4>
<p>Coped well in central midfield and his crossing and freekicks were generally spot on. Lots of effort, lots of tackling and starting to grow into a central midfield berth. Today was one of his better performances.</p>
<h4>Stephane Sessegnon - 5</h4>
<p>After a few good games on the bounce it was inevitable that Sessegnon was going to have a bit of a down game. He wasn't at his best, he squandered chances and generally seemed to give the ball away more than do anything with it. Surprised that late on and chasing the game he didn't get the hook as he was more hindrance than help.</p>
<h4>Steven Fletcher - 6</h4>
<p>Fletcher did well foraging a lone path up front. Never an easy task, and wasn't blessed with an abundance of help either. Played a crucial role in O'Shea scoring the breakthrough goal but ultimately that was the only time he came close to scoring.</p>
<h4>Fraizer Campbell - 5</h4>
<p>I can understand the logic in bringing him on but he failed to add much towards getting an equalising goal.</p>
<h4>Titus Bramble - 5</h4>
<p>Wasn't too troubled at the back when he came on in place of John O'Shea but he did look to be back to his clumsy self whenever he made a challenge.</p>
<h4>Connor Wickham - 5</h4>
<p>Can barely remember him touching the ball to be honest. Had a shot blocked late on if I recall but that was about it during his ten minute cameo.</p>
<h4>Man Of The Match: Jack Colback</h4>
<p>Really stepped himself up a gear today and looked like a very accomplished Premier League midfielder. He did the Cattermole job really, really well today. Especailly given he was up against Dembele and Sandro who are much bigger and more physical than he. Shouts go to Simon Mignolet too for a pair of superb stops and James McClean who worked himself into the ground.</p>
<p><i>There'll be more reaction right <a href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/12/29/3814130/sunderland-vs-tottenham-hotspur-live-coverage-match-report-final-score" target="_blank">HERE</a> in our Match Stream as we continue to break down today's performance.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/29/3814152/sunderland-vs-tottenham-hotspur-player-ratingsSimonWalsh2012-12-29T14:48:44+00:002012-12-29T14:48:44+00:00Match Report: Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
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<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>Our decent little run has come to an end as we finish of 2012 with a home defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. Trusth be told, it was a relatively poor game in which we created little and the better side on the day won. Here's a longer version of that though...</p> <p>You can see arguments from the national media at large that the game had a very boring and dull opening. It's an understandable argument, but it was certainly more of a pragmatic start for us. We could have easily come out the blocks flying with everyone still buzzing from the Boxing Day win over Manchester City but that would have been foolish against an equally in-form and talented Tottenham Hotspur.</p>
<p>Emmanuel Adebayor was the first of anyone to force a 'keeper into a save which Simon Mignolet made routinely following a tame and scuffed effort from the edge of the area.</p>
<p>Craig Gardner - yet to get his eye in - tried another of <i>those</i> freekicks he likes to do so often after Johnson was bumbled over 30-yards from goal. This one was an easy gather for Hugo Lloris. I'd never actually really noticed this until today but he kind of looks like Craig Gordon's better looking brother. A story for another day though.</p>
<p>A big danger area today was going to be the gamble of Matt Kilgallon in an unfamiliar left-back position up against Aaron Lennon. In a foot race on 13 minutes Lennon was the clear winner but thankfully Moussa Dembele fouled Gardner to nullify the danger.</p>
<p>We saw the good and bad of Kilgallon in the space of ten seconds not long after this. Having slid to make a great interception he chose to take on Lennon rather than just clear it and lost possession. Having seen the occasional England winger run in to the box the ball eventually fell to Sandro who's shot was spilled but well recovered by Mignolet on a slippery surface.</p>
<p>Between these incidents though we carved a chance of our own. A rarity in the opening half an hour. James McClean did superbly to check back on his run and cross right-footed into the box to the back post where Adam Johnson had bust a gut to get there. He was able to play the ball back into the mixer but sadly neither Steven Fletcher nor Stephane Sessegnon had gambled on Johnson winning the race to the ball and Michael Dawson could clear.</p>
<p>Spurs began to take control of the first half though and should have really found themselves ahead. Gareth Bale headed wide after yet another Lennon cross while Adebayor also wasted a decent opportunity, although was under pressure from Gardner and Mignolet. </p>
<p>With half an hour gone it looked like it was going to be that sort of day for Adebayor. There's didn't appear to be much danger when Jermaine Defoe fired a low and tame effort towards goal. Firstly, Mignolet should have had this but instead Carlos Cuellar opted to try and clear. He didn't and it fell to the Togolese striker just three yards out. Incredibly, he hit the bar and we lived to fight on.</p>
<p>Signs of a revival came for us though with the worst of the storm weathered. Adam Johnson's curling freekick was flicked on by Cuellar at the edge of the area and had Lloris scrambling backwards despite it landing comfortably on the top of the net.</p>
<p>Then just before half time, we took the lead through the most unlikely of men. </p>
<p>Sessegnon was clearly fouled by Kyle Walker and a freekick was duly awarded. Thankfully it was at too wide an angle for Gardner to have a strike and Seb Larsson whipped the ball in. A flick towards goal was rebuffed by Lloris, as was Steven Fletcher's follow up but only as far as John O'Shea. The Irishman all alone inside the area had a simple tap in to score his first goal for us in 53 appearances.</p>
<p>Against the run of play? Absolutely. At half time it was still clear that despite the lead we needed to up our game significantly in order to hold on to it. You can't grumble too much though about having a goal lead though.</p>
<p>The first action of the second half was seeing another Sunderland defender on the scoresheet. Unfortunately Carlos Cuellar's bullet of a header was into his own net for Spurs to equalise.</p>
<p>It was a bad few minutes for Cuellar as he was booked for a clear foul on Lennon, however the resulting freekick was dealt with. The corner which followed should have too but Cuellar - only under pressure from Craig Gardner - diverted the ball unwittingly past Simon Mignolet.</p>
<p>Then things went from bad to worse. We hadn't pressed the self-destruct button for a while, so it was probably due. </p>
<p>Aaron Lennon played the ball off Matt Kilgallon and right back into his own path. Defenders scrambled to get back to catch up to him but it was all in vain as the dinked the ball past the advancing Mignolet, and within four minutes of the second half the lead had changed hands.</p>
<p>After that either Spurs took their foot off the gas or we managed to rectify things somewhat. </p>
<p>Adam Johnson fired a low shot wards goal which had Lloris a little worried, while Sessegnon really should have done much better when put through by a brilliant McClean through ball. The Beninese striker rather greedily shooting wide with numerous better options.</p>
<p>The danger was far from one way though and the visitors would have had a third had it not been for Simon Mignolet. Gareth Bale was given the freedom to run near the length of the pitch into our penalty area where he clipped the ball to the back post, to an unmarked Defoe. The in-form striker tapped goalwards and with our Belgian 'keeper already slipping it looked for all the world a certain goal before he managed to claw it away on the line. Superb stuff.</p>
<p>Reinforcements were called for with half an hour to go as Matt Kilgallon was replaced by Fraizer Campbell and the reshuffle was on. Another shuffle was called for too in a non-tactical way as John O'Shea pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Titus Bramble.</p>
<p>We pressed. A bit anyway. Johnson had a freekick cleared for a corner which in keeping with the rest of our corners came to nothing. Everything seemed to break nicely for the visitors to clear. We were just about there, but not really offering enough to penetrate or create an opening at goal.</p>
<p>Simon Mignolet stood up well to an Adebayor breakthrough on goal and stop the scoreline getting much worse. A third however might have been as undeserving as ourselves finding an equaliser. Neither came, and on the day the better side won by the right margin.</p>
<p><i>There'll be more reaction right <a href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/12/29/3814130/sunderland-vs-tottenham-hotspur-live-coverage-match-report-final-score" target="_blank">HERE</a> in our Match Stream as we continue to break down today's performance.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/29/3814150/match-report-sunderland-1-2-tottenham-hotspur-all-good-things-come-toSimonWalsh2012-12-29T11:59:42+00:002012-12-29T11:59:42+00:00Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Confirmed Lineups
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<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
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<p>In an early kick-off today it's Sunderland against Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium Of Light, and in search of a third win in a row against the in-form Londoners, here's the teamsheets...</p> <p>Martin O'Neill had changes to make with Danny Rose being unavailable to face his parent team under the terms of his loan deal. To combat this the gaffer opted to switch Matt Kilgallon to left-back with John O'Shea recovering from illness to retake a spot in central defence and the captaincy.</p>
<p>Elsewhere there was a rare outing on the bench for Ji Dong-Won as Louis Saha seems to be completely and utterly out of favour at the moment. Phil Bardsley has suffered a recurrence of the knock which kept him to limited action over the festive period.</p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, David Meyler has NOT yet been recalled from loan at Hull City and he's in their squad to face Leeds United today.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-4-1-1):</b> Simon Mignolet; Craig Gardner, John O'Shea, Matt Kilgallon, Carlos Cuellar; Adam Johnson, James McClean, Seb Larsson, Jack Colback; Stephane Sessegnon, Steven Fletcher</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Keiren Westwood, Connor Wickham, James McFadden, David Vaughan, Ji Dong-Won, Titus Bramble, Fraizer Campbell</p>
<p>Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas has shuffled his pack and left out Jan Vertonghen from the starting lineup, but on a positive for the Londoners Moussa Dembele has overcome his struggles to be able to start today's game.</p>
<p>William Gallas also misses today's game as Michael Dawson and Steven Caulker are given the nod in central defence.</p>
<p><b>Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2):</b> Hugo Lloris; Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton, Michael Dawson, Steven Caulker; Sandro, Moussa Dembele, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale; Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermaine Defoe</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Brad Friedel, Clint Dempsey, Jan Vertonghen, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jake Livermore</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0.1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding: 0px; color: #32363f; clear: left; word-wrap: break-word; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; -webkit-user-select: text !important;" class="_baseTweetText _tweetText messageContent">Follow the action with us right <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rokerreport.com/2012/12/29/3814130/sunderland-vs-tottenham-hotspur-live-coverage-match-report-final-score">HERE</a> in our Match Stream as we'll have all the reports, reaction and more in there.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/29/3814134/sunderland-vs-tottenham-hotspur-confirmed-lineupsSimonWalsh2012-12-28T15:10:35+00:002012-12-28T15:10:35+00:00Preview: Can Sunderland Get Hot Against The Spurs?
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<figcaption>Julian Finney</figcaption>
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<p>Following the game against Manchester City it's a quick turn around for Sunderland as we take on Tottenham Hotspur, looking to pick up some crucial points to haul our bottoms up the league table. Can we do it? Everything you need to make an informed decision is right here.</p> <h4>Sunderland Team News</h4>
<p>Sunderland will be forced into at least one change as Danny Rose is ineligible to face his parent club under the terms of his loan arrangement.</p>
<p>With that in mind it looks as though Jack Colback will be given a role of dropping into left-back, with Phil Bardsley potentially coming into right-back. Craig Gardner would go into midfield in this situation. Alternatively Martin O'Neill may opt to make Bardsley for Rose a straight swap, but I'd worry about him against Lennon and/or Bale.</p>
<p>An interesting alternative to both would be to bring in David Vaughan or David Meyler, but I can't see that happening if we're honest.</p>
<p>Everything else is seemingly as you were. Matt Kilgallon continuing to start after an impressive performance against Manchester City as John O'Shea recovers from illness.</p>
<h4>Tottenham Hotspur Team News</h4>
<p>Tottenham have no new injury worries following the festive period, and none following an impressive 4-0 win last time out against Aston Villa. The only doubts look to be Younes Kaboul and Clint Dempsey, both of whom are suffering long-term.</p>
<p>Andre Villas-Boas will however be hoping that Moussa Dembele is fit to take to the field as the summer signing faces a late fitness test prior to kick off. He picked a little niggle during the Villa game, but should be ok.</p>
<h4>Predicted Lineups</h4>
<p><b>SAFC:</b> Mignolet; Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cuellar, Colback; Johnson, Gardner, Larsson, McClean; Sessegnon, Fletcher</p>
<p><b>THFC:</b> Lloris; Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Naughton; Lennon, Sandro, Dembele, Bale; Adebayor, Defoe</p>
<h4>Key Matchup: Stephane Sessegnon Vs William Gallas</h4>
<p>If we're going to get anything from this encounter we're going to need Sessegnon on form, and against an aging William Gallas you'd fancy him to get a little success. If Sess can stick up front rather than dropping deep and picking up the ball then we could hassle him into a mistake - he's known to make them.</p>
<p>Sessegnon certainly will be our key player in tomorrow's game. If he fancies it.</p>
<h4>Recent Form: WLWDW</h4>
<p>Win: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Panathinaikos (Adebayor 29, Zeca 54, Karnezis OG 76, Defoe 83)<br>Loss: Everton 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Dempsey 76, Pienaar 90, Jelavic 90)<br>Win: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Swansea (Vertonghen 75)<br>Draw: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Stoke City<br>Win: Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham Hotspur (Defoe 57, Bale 61, 73 & 84)</p>
<h4>Last Time Around: Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur, 07/04/12</h4>
<p>A bruising game which saw little action at either end ensured our goalless run continued and effectively quashed Tottenham's hopes of finishing in the top four last season. The game only really remembered for a thunderous tackle from Craig Gardner on Gareth Bale, which the Welshman did his best to make the most of but no booking was forthcoming as the sound of boot on ball echoed around the Stadium Of Light on a bright and sunny day.</p>
<h4>The Ref: Martin Atkinson</h4>
<p>Atkinson continues to be one of the games most highly-regarded referees, if not actually so by fans. Atkinson was last spotted in Sunderland taking charge of our 1-1 draw with Liverpool this season, and in the past has officiated us on twenty five times. Of those games however we've only won six, drawn ten and and lost nine.</p>
<p>In that time he's been quite lenient on us, with us picking up only thirty yellow cards and no reds, whilst also giving out three penalties in our favour.</p>
<h4>What The Managers Said</h4>
<p><b>Martin O'Neill:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b></b>We're in good shape after our win over Manchester City and we're really looking forward to the game.</p>
<p>The fans were terrific in the game away at Southampton and against City and we'll have their backing tomorrow and the atmosphere they create can only help us.</p>
<p>Spurs will be very difficult opponents but so were Manchester City.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Andre Villas-Boas:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b></b>They have just won against the champions, they also won against Southampton and they've now come out of the relegation zone.</p>
<p>We expect a difficult game there. We are on a good run as well, but in the Premier League anything can happen.</p>
<p>It's been a good December for us apart from the late slip against Everton and the draw at home against Stoke. If we can take this form through it could put us in a good position at the beginning of the year.</p>
</blockquote>
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<h4 style="font-weight: bold;">Roker Report Predicts</h4>
<p>It should be a tough game against Spurs, who seem to have turned a corner under Andre Villas-Boas. However, with everyone a little tired during the Christmas period and us being at home level things out somewhat. I think we can easily get a draw from this one, and we're going for a 1-1 result.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/28/3785712/preview-can-sunderland-get-hot-against-the-spursSimonWalsh2012-12-28T12:00:04+00:002012-12-28T12:00:04+00:00Fan Focus: Tottenham Talking Points
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<figcaption>Julian Finney</figcaption>
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<p>Ahead of tomorrow's game against Spurs we talk to Bryan Ashlock from one of the best sites around the SB Nation network, Cartilage Free Captain, to get his views on all things Tottenham, and a look at how they view the upcoming game too.</p> <p><b>How have things been for Tottenham this season, and are you where you thought you'd be at this stage?</b></p>
<p><i>Bryan Ashlock: </i>Things are going pretty well. I think if you talked to any Spurs fan before the season and told them that they club would be tied for third (fourth on goal differential) they would have pleased. We've dropped a few points thanks to late-game fragility, but all-in-all I think Spurs are exactly where I had hoped they would be in December.</p>
<p><b>A while back there were plenty of calls for Andre Villas-Boas to be sacked. Have things calmed down a little bit now?</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>I don't know how serious any of those calls for his head were. They certainly weren't coming from within the club. The English media just finds everything Andre Villas-Boas does detestable. He doesn't make things easier on himself, but I think most fans are quite happy he's in charge and will be content to have him in charge for quite some time.</p>
<p><b>What do Spurs fans think of Daniel Levy? He seems to have a reputation away from White Hart Lane as someone who drives an incredibly hard bargain.</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>Daniel Levy is polarising figure. On the one hand, he's presided over the most successful period of football at Tottenham since the early 80's and he's been a big part of getting the Northumberland Development Project (Tottenham's new stadium) up and running. However, as you said he does drive an incredibly hard bargain. Sometimes this works out really well for Spurs. We scored some major coups in the transfer market thanks to him, Rafael Van Der Vaart springs to mind. When it doesn't work out we start the season with two senior strikers, like this season. The fact that so much of our transfer business is done on deadline day is incredibly frustrating, but as far as chairmen go he's pretty good.</p>
<p><b>What will Spurs be looking for in January, if anything?</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>Rumors coming out of White Hart Lane are that Tottenham won't be spending any money in January, but if they do the club needs a litle bit of everything. Cover at left back, cover on both wings, a third striker, perhaps another midfielder. No one knows how much money the club has to spend, but I can't imagine it's more than £25 million. If there are any additions I really hope it's Klas-Jan Huntelaar or Fernando Llorente. Both strikers will be available on a free this summer and could be had for cut rate prices.</p>
<p><b>Danny Rose is really rubbish by the way. For the good of Spurs you might as well just sell him to us for a nominal fee... In all seriousness though, can we keep him?</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>I honestly didn't think much of Danny Rose coming into this season. He was a 22 year-old winger who was being converted into a fullback. His defensive skills were just ok and I never thought he'd develop enough to be a meaningful contributor at Tottenham. His performances for Sunderland, though, have changed my mind. When Benoit Assou-Ekotto was hurt for much of the fall Tottenham had to play Jan Vertonghen out of position at left back. It sure would have been nice to have Rose. I suppose we could let Sunderland have him...for £5-8 million.</p>
<p><b>Looking ahead to this game, do you see an area of the pitch where Sunderland have the upperhand?</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>Honestly, there aren't many areas that I see the Black Cats having an advantage in. If Fletcher is healthy, then he could cause the Tottenham defense problems. Normally, Sessegnon would scare me, but his form dipped a little at the start of the season. I know he's scored 3 goals since November, but the way Sandro has been playing for Tottenham Hotspur this season I think he can mark Sessegnon out of the game. I suppose the one area to watch is on the Tottenham left. If Assou-Ekotto is 100% healthy then Adam Johnson will see fewer chances, but if Vertonghen has to play LB then Johnson could get in behind the Tottenham defense and cause some problems.</p>
<p><b>Equally who needs to be on form for Tottenham if you're to win this one...</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>Tottenham's midfield pivot of Moussa Dembele and Sandro is one, in my biased opinion, on of the best in the Premier League. I believe that they have the requisite quality to control the game and I don't see Larsson and Gardner giving them many problems. When Dembele is controlling the tempo and Sandro is breaking up play there's not much can stop Spurs. Tottenham will still probably need Gareth Bale to score, but the key will be in the central midfield.</p>
<p><b>And finally, what's your prediction for this game?</b></p>
<p><i>BA: </i>I know this game is at The Stadium of Light, but I just can't see Tottenham getting anything but 3 points from this match. I'm sure someone (probably Larsson from a freekick) will score a late goal, but Spurs will have put it away by then. Tottenham 3 - 1 Sunderland.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p><i>Many thanks to Bryan Ashlock from the site for answering our questions. You can follow Cartilage Free Captain on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CartilageFree" target="_blank">@CartilageFree</a> and visit them online <a href="http://www.cartilagefreecaptain.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/28/3785670/fan-focus-tottenham-talking-points-with-cartilage-free-captainSimonWalsh2012-12-28T10:00:06+00:002012-12-28T10:00:06+00:00Roker Riches: Searching For A Share Of The Spoils
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Oth9WXwcsd0et_7uI9CAm8tgLfY=/0x0:3739x2493/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5637891/158725879.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stu Forster</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a brief Christmas hiatus Roker Riches is back, coming at ya like Cleopatra, as the lads cast their eyes over the weekends betting coupon with Spurs providing tomorrow's lunchtime oppostion</p> <h4>Week Eighteen Recap</h4>
<table border="1" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Pundit</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Last Week's Profit/Loss</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Current Balance</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Dan Williams</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>-£5</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>£41</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Karl Jones</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>£41</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Simon Walsh</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>-£2</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>£19</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>David Boyle</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>-£9.92</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>£10</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>Chris Weatherspoon</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>-£6</p>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<p>-£19.50</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>We now have a tie at the the top of our table with both Dan and Karl sat on £41, however not through any successful bets as all of the lads had a tough time calling last weekend's action - myself being particularly wasteful with my both teams to score pick. Anyway, there's always tomorrow's fixtures to help get back on track.</p>
<h4>Karl Jones</h4>
<p>Three wins out of four, two on the bounce at home, <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sunderland</a> have generated some momentum seemingly from nowhere. Spurs themselves are in decent form, but have won just once at the Stadium of Light since we returned to the Premier League - home win.</p>
<p>The lack of European action has stumped me somewhat, as bookmakers tend to keep domestic games on a short leash. Nevertheless, we'll give these two a try:</p>
<p>Peterborough have knocked off Cardiff City, Bolton Wanderers and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/wolverhampton" class="sbn-auto-link">Wolverhampton</a> Wanderers in the last three games, and travel to bottom-placed Bristol City. Posh are valued at 2/1 to make it four wins on the spin. Sheffield United have failed to score just three times all season and should notch a few more against a stranded Hartlepool.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sunderland to beat Tottenham Hotspur - 29/10 - £5 Stake</li>
<li>Peterborough to beat Bristol City, Sheffield United/Hartlepool over 2.5 goals - 4.18/1 - £5 Stake</li>
</ul>
<h4>Dan Williams</h4>
<p>With an incredible victory over Manchester City behind us, I'm thinking that we won't be daft enough to throw caution to the wind when <span>Gareth Bale</span> and co come to town. For that reason, under 2.5 goals seems like a reasonable option.</p>
<p>In the Championship for a little acca', I'm banking on Peterborough to keep up their incredible recent form as they travel to Bristol City, with home wins for Cardiff and Huddersfield to complete the trio.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur - under 2.5 goals - 4/5 - £10 Stake</li>
<li>Peterborough, Cardiff and Huddersfield to win - 11/1 - £10 Stake</li>
</ul>
<h4>David Boyle</h4>
<p>Well, what a fantastic Christmas it has turned out to be, against all odds, for us Sunderland fans! That said it has proven to be difficult to remain grounded and keep a level head when looking over the coupon for tomorrow's game. Spurs will prove to be tough competition undoubtedly and will be full of confidence following their emphatic boxing day victory at Villa Park. I'm going to go for a draw.</p>
<p>Elsewhere I think Stoke look to be cracking value at home to <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton</a>, as do Cardiff who are at home to Millwall, so I will pair those two up for a nice double.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur, draw - 38/15 - £2.50 Stake</li>
<li>Stoke and Cardiff to win - 3.5/1 - £2.50 Stake</li>
</ul>
<h4>Simon Walsh</h4>
<p>Well even if results don't go our way this weekend, or bets don't go our way, we can't really argue with how we've done over Christmas so far. Hopefully this will continue with my betting selections for the weekend.</p>
<p>It's a tough one to call between ourselves and spurs with both in good form, which is why the odds market for a draw looks particularly enticing, and I'm taking a sneaky punt on No Goalscorer at 8/1.</p>
<p>Elsewhere this weekend I'm picking at random due to my lack of any knowledge beyond the Premier League. Excuse my ignorance but it's been Christmas and I'm ill. Honest.. I'll stick a treble on Crystal Palace, Barnsley and Plymouth.</p>
<ul>
<li>No Goalscorer in Sunderland Vs Tottenham Hotspur - 8/1 - £1 Stake</li>
<li>Crystal Palace, Barnsley & Plymouth all to win - 19/1 - £1 Stake</li>
</ul>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2012/12/28/3807774/roker-riches-searching-for-our-share-of-the-spoils-from-spursDavid Boyle