Indiscipline costly for Sunderland.
For the first time in a while, Sunderland seemed alive and kicking, barreling their way to an early 2-0 lead. But, as the wind was knocked out of them by Jenkinson’s goal, their energy turned to a sort of cross-eyed dizziness. The second half was unhinged, with both teams spinning a little out of control. Challenges flew in, borderline bookings popped up all over, and everyone looked a little punch-drunk. It was like the pitch morphed into a pinball machine, full of flashing lights and mysterious noises, being jostled wildly, with no one really aware of who indeed was running things.
Lens’ dismissal was a result of this atmosphere, a wildly needless challenge. His absence for the next match is costly in the extreme, as is Sebastien Coates’, who played excellently in place of Younes Kaboul (who ought really to remain on the bench). The centre back picked up a booking, meaning his swollen tally rules him out of next week’s fixture too. They all add up, and don’t Sunderland know it?
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