[Archived] Sunderland Preview

[Tim Southampton Rover]

It even makes Ronnie Rosenthal's open goal look hard. It was harder to miss than to score.

Totally gutted.

Apart from that chance though. We probably felt a draw was deserved but we didn't look like winning.

[Iceman]

We were just discussing Roberts and his useless finishing. Im 100 percent certain if that was Derbs,he would have finished it. Sam needs to have a serious chat to Roberts after that miss. The guy is useless!

[modes98]

Happy with the point after their late pressure. We had the better chances and should have won it though.

Benni and Nelsen were immense!

[doctorryan]

And that, in a nutshell, is why he should never be anything other than a "ball in the air" and extra pace guy for (ironically enough) end of matches. His footwork sucks. It sucked at WBA, it sucked at Wigan and IT SUCKS NOW. What a f#*%@$g waste.

[chris]

we have all missed them sort of chances at some point, hurting though I was already jumping in the air, a win would have really put us in the mix

and Dunn is a sick note so where is the surprise??

[Hasta]

I normally stick up for Roberts but that was an absolute shocker from a professional footballer.

Feels like a defeat.

[philipl]

I'll take a point but we should have won.......why does Roberts sh1t out one on one?????

That was one on none.

He tapped it before Nosworthy got to him- like the pen at WHam, he toe-poked it.

That is just BASIC TECHNIQUE.

[chris]

We were just discussing Roberts and his useless finishing. Im 100 percent certain if that was Derbs,he would have finished it. Sam needs to have a serious chat to Roberts after that miss. The guy is useless!

"errr Jason, your 31 year old, I think its time to start finishing"

really not sure what Sam can say

[Hasta]

We were just discussing Roberts and his useless finishing. Im 100 percent certain if that was Derbs,he would have finished it. Sam needs to have a serious chat to Roberts after that miss. The guy is useless!

I'm also fairly certain that Derbyshire wouldn't have brought the ball down and gone past the defenders / keepers in the first place.

(see, I'm still doing it. )

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Good defensive display, a draw is fair and I'd have taken that before the match.

One thing about Roberts' miss though, you could argue that Benni, Derbs or whoever would have put it in with ease, but I doubt many, if any, would have been able to turn the big defender and get into that position in the first place.

He gets in some brilliant positions but he needs to sit and practice shooting all day every day. If he could finish he'd be some player.

[mjs]

I'll take a point but we should have won.......why does Roberts sh1t out one on one?????

One on one?! That was one on none!!

Overall, we have to be happy with a point and another clean sheet.

[chris]

any one notice Roberts is doing the David James thang and laughing at his cock ups,

Jason and James, IT'S NOT FUNNY

[Oklahoma]

2 points lost.

Please, sell or loan Roberts! Or, at least, don't put him playing.

"This is one of the misses of the season" in Sky Sports

[deftangel]

Roberts miss is indefensible but to all those getting on his case with comments like "my gran would have scored that", well your gran's first touch would haven't given her the opportunity.

It wasn't a bad performance all round though it's clear we need something different in midfield and a fit and firing Roque if we're going to win a few games.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

The trouble with Roberts is that when he has time to think, he loses concentration and does things like that or screw up when he's one on one.

[farhanology]

midfield was completely bossed after Dunny had to go, losing possession in the centre - Andrews, not slating him but he looks out of his depth as a midfielder, given his previous games (granted that run was great - fantastic safe by fulop) only lucky to have Nelsen back in form doing really well to intercept Sunderland coming from the centre. Might fancy Mokoena for the next game, the midfield was really porous.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Roberts miss is indefensible but to all those getting on his case with comments like "my gran would have scored that", well your gran's first touch would haven't given her the opportunity.

She would have done a Van Basten without needing to do all the hard work.

[deloreanwfn]

If Roberts could finish he'd be Drogba. Anyway, that miss was unforgivable

[bigbrandjohn]

any one notice Roberts is doing the David James thang and laughing at his cock ups,

Jason and James, IT'S NOT FUNNY

Its a nervous giggle perfected over time

[Hughesy]

I take it back. Get Benni off and put Derbs on. Benni has been crap!

Was you watching the same game???

Benni, Samba & Nelsen were class today. Pedersen was quite good too and his pass to that plonker upfront was quality.

Still 4 points out of 6, two clean sheets - Stoke & Boro now very close to being caught and goal difference also coming closer to them. Boro have United next and Stoke go to West Spam. Hope/ Pray we can beat Citeh.

[yellowsubmarine]

Seriously, does Roberts knows where the frecking goal is?

[tony gale's mic]

We weren't at the races once Dunny went off. Apart from the good run he made for his chance Andrews was anonymous again.

[chris]

I'm worried about Roberts confidence after that, them kind on misses don't leave your mind at Sunday league level let alone Premier League level

[James No. 7]

I got a feeling Benni will be taken off soon. He doesn't look like he wants to be there today!

I take it back. Get Benni off and put Derbs on. Benni has been crap!

You were clearly watching another game because there was nothing wrong with his performance.

There was plenty wrong with the lack of service he received, however.

What an absolute clown Roberts is. He always looks like he doesn't give a toss when he misses as well.

He shouldn't play for us again for a long time, hopefully ever.

Who is better than Jason Roberts and will join a relegation-battling club?

The guy works his socks off, but has a serious deficiency in his ability. Hello to almost every player outside the big four.

EDIT: I wanted to add that it is great to be able to be nervous during games again. Under Ince I felt a serious sense of apathy and was resigned to relegation. No more!

[1864roverite]

With any luck RSC will partner Benni up front on Sunday.

Tugay will replace Dunny if he isnt fit and that will mean we play with 12 on the pitch so we do have an advantage !!!

Roberts has now cost us ; 2 easy points at Bolton

2 easy points at Sunderland

he has damaged our goal difference table

and he has naffed me off tonight.

bring on City. BTW who is doing the preview?