A test of Sunderland’s focus, amid a storm of chaos.
This match was to be a test, one conducted under the most intense of circumstances, of Sunderland’s ability to focus. Rumours of their manager resigning, and taking the Director of Football with him, not to mention their place at the foot of the table, meant that they came into this match with minds likely frazzled and tender. Their early goal, a neatly worked set-piece routine that flummoxed West Ham completely, shocked them into life. Their second goal spurred them on even more.
But then, two moments betrayed their stilled frayed nerves; Fabio Borini had a chance to add a third goal and put the contest to the sword, but shot wide under no pressure. Then, three Sunderland defenders allowed Victor Moses, outnumbered, to cross for Carl Jenkinson. The Hammers’ full back scored, right on half time, which is an awful time to concede when 2-0 up. Jeremain Lens’s second yellow card was another example of Sunderland lacking in some desperately needed poise.
