Sunderland fans here in the Transfer Tavern were left questioning reality when their side lead 4-0 at half time last week away at Crystal Palace.
In a week in which various results shocked many football fans, we’re sure even David Moyes himself was surprised to see his side lead four goals the good at Selhurst Park last Saturday.
The day marked almost two whole months in which Sunderland had picked up all three points away from home, which certainly will give the side a boost going into their game this weekend against Southampton at the Stadium of Light.
Although winning comfortably against Palace, Sunderland suffered a few set-backs to say the least. Captain John O’Shea was forced off the second half with an injury, as well as both Adnan Januzaj and Jack Rodwell picking up knocks in the match, making all three doubts for this Saturday.
Taking these injuries into account, let’s look at two players that Moyes must start when the Black Cats face the Saints, according to our landlord…
Joleon Lescott
The former Manchester City man was left without a club at the end of last year when Greek side AEK Athens terminated his contract due to complications between the two.
With Sunderland’s defensive flaws being a consistent feature of their games all season, it made sense for the Black Cats to snap up the defender with bags of Premier League experience on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
As regularly starting John O’Shea is now a doubt with a hamstring injury, it is the perfect chance for Lescott to step straight into the starting eleven, and cover the central rock position which O’Shea will miss out on.
Didier Ndong
The Gabonese midfielder finally bagged his first Premier League goal for Sunderland last week against Crystal Palace, and what a goal it was. Finding himself in bags of space in the centre of the park, Ndong released a thunderbolt of a shot smashing off the inside of the post and into the back of the net.
It is that bit of magic that Black Cats fans have been waiting for all season from Ndong, and it has been delivered at long last. Things can only get better for the Gabon international from now, surely? If Moyes doesn’t give him a start whilst his confidence is sky-high, he will be making a big mistake.
Agree, Sunderland fans? Let us know below!
