Sunderland a team on on the edge, says SSN HQ reporter Tim Thornton
Sunday 16 August 2015 00:02, UK
Just three months after Dick Advocaat was seen blubbing on the touchline after keeping the side up on the last day of the season, the Dutch manager may now be regretting not listening to his wife and opting to reverse his decision to quit.
The first game of the season was a 4-2 demolition by Leicester. Advocaat claimed there was no fight.
It was no better on Saturday, trailing 3-0 within an hour to new boys Norwich in a 3-1 loss. The baffled boss said: "Two games, two defeats, we did not expect. We have to discuss with the players how we go on. It was the same in pre-season and you hoped it would change but it is not changing."
Sky Sports New HQ reporter Tim Thornton was at the Stadium of Light to witness Sunderland's latest tame offering....
This was a new season, with new enthusiasm but there was soon a strong feeling on Saturday afternoon among the fans that 'we've been here before'. It was another capitulation at home.
All the pre-season buzz evaporated with two first-half goals by Russell Martin (26) and Steven Whittaker (37). Even inside the first 15 minutes a mis-control by their own player Patrick van Aanholt was greeted with jeers. It was a sign of what was to come.
After the second goal I’ve never seen so many fans get up off their seats to get a drink. After the third (Nathan Redmond, 57) there were plenty of fans leaving the stadium.
There was more urgency in the second half but that third goal just before the hour sparked a walk-out.
The main criticism from the fans was over a lack of passion. It would appear to be a knock-on from last season - the same old failings. There were massive boos at half time and at full time.
The one bright note that might give them something to be positive about is Duncan Watmore who came on for the last 20 minutes and scored a late consolation on his Sunderland debut.
The fans cheered his every touch. In fact they didn't stop singing his name, delighted with the sight of a young player showing some passion.
Advocaat seemed baffled, almost shellshocked at the performance of his side.
The fans were also looking for answers as they sang: "Are you watching Ellis Short?" - a reference to the owner who bought the club in 2009.
Has anything changed since last season? There have been a few new faces but the supporters want more. And on the evidence of this they'll need reinforcements before the transfer window closes to get their season back on track.
