2012/2013 Season
Review:
Martin
O’Neill, after a strong start to his Sunderland career, saw his side tail off
towards the latter end of last season. In order to rectify that, he spent big
in the summer. A reported £15 million spent on proven goalscorer Steven
Fletcher, and a further £12 million on disgruntled Manchester City winger Adam
Johnson, for whom Sunderland were his boyhood club. These high-profile signings
were intended to push Sunderland up the table, into the top half and potentially
even challenging for a European berth. Sunderland started the season well,
remaining unbeaten throughout August and September and progressing to the
Fourth Round of the Capital One Cup. Steven Fletcher appeared to be an inspired
signing, scoring all of Sunderland’s first 5 league goals.
Their
first defeat came at the hands of the champions Manchester City at the Etihad,
ironically a game the Mackems drew the previous season, breaking the Citizens
100% home record. Not the ideal preparation for the Tyne-Wear derby, where
Sunderland were largely outplayed, but managed to salvage a late draw through
Demba Ba’s own goal, a moment Sunderland fans remember with glee. A
disappointing exit of the Capital One Cup in a Tees-Wear derby at the Stadium
of Light, followed by two defeats in the league, checked Sunderland’s early season
good form. The Mackems inconsistent form continued, with a pattern of two
defeats and one win recurring several times throughout the early stage of the
season. This placed Sunderland in a relatively safe mid-table position, but
still some way short of their pre-season expectations.
Two
successive victories either side of Christmas gave Sunderland a bit of momentum
going into the New Year, with a particularly positive result and performance at
home to Manchester City. January was another month of two tales. Whilst two
successive league wins further strengthened Sunderland’s league position, their
FA Cup run was cut short by a defeat at home to Championship side Bolton
Wanderers, leaving the league as their only source of attention. After the
Wigan result, a winless run of 9 Premier League games put the Mackems
perilously close to the relegation zone, and ultimately cost manager Martin O’Neill
his job, after just over a year in charge.
Martin
O’Neill was replaced by the energetic Italian Paolo di Canio. After a feisty but
successful spell with Swindon, in which di Canio took the Robins up from League
2, before leaving in rather acrimonious circumstances. Di Canio was instantly
embroiled in considerable controversy, as revelations about his political views
landed him in hot water with the press. Reports emerged that di Canio actually
tended his resignation to the board just three days after his appointment, in a
response to the controversy, which the board rejected. This decision was
instantly vindicated as, in di Canio’s first game as Sunderland manager, he
made the short journey to Newcastle, where his side comprehensively beat the
Geordies 3-0. A game that will live long in the memory of any Sunderland fans,
and di Canio’s celebrations on the touchlines caught the attention of the rest
of the footballing world.
Di Canio’s momentum then saw Sunderland beat
Everton at home, to move clear of danger, but a disastrous 6-1 defeat away at
Aston Villa dumped the North East side right back into trouble. Two draws in
the final three games, coupled with the inability of those around them to
capitalise on Sunderland’s slip-ups, ensured that Sunderland’s status as a
Premier League club remained secure for another year. As a season, Sunderland
fans will consider their achievements this campaign as disappointing,
especially considering the money that has been spent. Paolo di Canio, a
divisive figure both within and away from the club, has considerable talent as
a manager, but needs to reign in the controversies before he can be wholly
successful. If he can do that, and show the same passion on the touchlines that
endeared him to the Sunderland fans, then there is no reason why he could not
lead Sunderland to a top 10 finish next year.
Player of the Season:
Simon Mignolet – A toss-up between him and Steven Fletcher, though Fletcher’s
lack in form towards the back end of the season tips the balance in favour of
the Belgian. Another consistent season, in which Mignolet has once again
performed exceptionally on a number of occasions, ensured that Sunderland’s
predicament did not get any worse.
Game of the Season: Newcastle
United 0-3 Sunderland – A no-brainer for any Sunderland fan, as di Canio’s
opening game saw an absolute demolition of their arch-rivals. Stephane
Sessegnon set Sunderland on their way, causing wild celebrations on the
sidelines. More celebrations (and a knee slide) followed, as Adam Johnson
curled a shot from the edge of the area past Rob Elliot to put the Mackems in
control. David Vaughan wrapped things up in the 90th minute, with a
sweet strike from the corner of the box, giving the keeper no chance, and
causing di Canio to do a Mourinho-esque run down the touchline to celebrate
with his players.
Summer Transfer
Targets (What I Think They Need): Their big names to perform to expectation
would be a start, with both Sessegnon and Adam Johnson being singled out for
particular criticism. In terms of signings, with aging defenders like John O’Shea
and Wes Brown, younger blood would be handy. Another striker to chip in with a
few goals would also be most important, as Connor Wickham has failed to produce
the form he promised when he broke onto the scene last year. Players like Wigan’s
Maynor Figueroa and Arouna Kone would both be potential targets.
Transfer Gossip
Links:
In:
Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur, RB), Gary Hooper (Celtic,
ST), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, LB), Charlie Austin (Burnley, ST), Modibo
Diakite (Lazio, CB)
Out:
Titus Bramble (Released, CB)
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