Its been interesting to see the various new teams we have faced during this winter break, it probably would have been relatively easy to arrange local opposition friendlies but these overseas teams have added new flavour to the mix - I enjoyed last nights game (watching on Palace TV due to train strike & early evening kick off) thought we put some good stuff together although as others have said we were no where near aggressive or clinical enough in front of goal - I enjoyed their goal, when did we last work a free kick like that scoring with a header from about 12 yards into the top corner leaving the goalkeeper flat footed ?
Wilf got a little bit testy with one of their players & had him around the throat at one stage (lucky it was a friendly & he only got a booking) little bit the luck of the bounce for the first goal although Wilf put it away well, Olise' unlucky with his shot across goal with the keeper saving well with his foot, the penalty was the right decision I thought & although Wilf scored I wouldn't put it down as one of his better efforts, going down the middle is risky if the keeper stands his ground, Eduard had maybe 3 possibilities where if he had hit the target he would have scored so that was a tad disappointing - we used a hatful of subs including some youngsters so that was refreshing -couple of points: Interesting to hear Mark Bright's take on the wingers playing the same side as their stronger foot, he felt we would create more with them making the traditional run to the by-line & crossing rather than this being on the opposite side & cutting back to cross / shoot- also I heard on the commentary that Marc Guehi is out for the Fulham game ( suspended for too many yellows) which is disappointing- just my tuppence worth.

We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one. I’ve been to a few Sunderland home games this season.

I think that Doucoure has already had his match on the naughty step

I don't think we learned much that we didn't already know from the game.

Conceded yet again from a set piece

Smart approach work undone by poor decision making in and around the penalty area

Zaha still our main goal threat

Ozoh made a brief appearance from the bench and showed promise. I think he has the physique to cope with first team football, hopefully he will continue to progress.

Old, Ungifted and White

It gets registered with the London FA and Wilf has to pay a £10 fine
If he get 3 in a season he has to sit in a room with half a dozen or so 80 year olds who will tell him off , ask him if he has any troubles at home or at work and please behave himself in the future . All a complete waste of time of course but it does get you out and a few beers on a wet Tuesday in January is always welcome

Stalker Alert, Nosey Parker again, none of your business

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn