This week, Sunderland lost to Gillingham in the FA Cup during a reverse fixture between the two teams. An exit in the FA Cup first round will trouble Sunderland fans greatly. Not just because of the result itself, but because of the way the team suffered defeat.
The structure of the cup demands that there must be a winner at the end of the reverse fixture. After 90 minutes the game was still 0-0. This resulted in extra time. Gillingham scored the winning goal during this extra time period, and Sunderland couldn’t claw a goal back. In fact, in 120 minutes of football, they couldn’t even register a shot on target. The statistic was brought to the attention of fans by club fan account, Roker Report. Some fans reckon it could be a new record, while others suggest that this is a new low.
2 hours of football. 120 minutes. Surely that has to be a record ? We are a laughing stock.
— ? (@iEddsyy) November 19, 2019
Every week they somehow manage to find a new low
— Phil G (@PhilipGrainger) November 19, 2019
— Paul Bywater (@bywater_paul) November 19, 2019
Fans admit Phil Parkinson isn’t getting the job done. If Tottenham can sack Mauricio Pochettino then why are Sunderland putting up with this? Others suggest that the players are the guilty party. It appears everyone is in the firing line of the fans.
PP can’t motivate these players and most he’ll get is a couple of loanees in January. So things won’t change. Sometimes a quick decision needs to be taken. Get him out before it’s too late. Get Pearson and Phillips in to give the place a lift and some momentum. #SAFC
— stroller (@nigeynugs) November 19, 2019
If Tottenham can sack Poch, they surely we have a better reason to get rid of Parky.
2 wins out of 9 as it stands?
The players have not reacted to him— Phil Auty (@Phil_Auty) November 19, 2019
In January changes are needed….half the players or an inept coach/manager….or both?
— Paul Dunn #VOTELABOUR (@VotingRed) November 19, 2019
What do we think?
It is desperate times at Sunderland Football Club. Loss after loss is one thing, however, a complete inability to compete is another. Owner Stewart Donald will be feeling the pressure from fans to make a decision about the club’s future quickly.