After going three league games without a win, Sunderland were desperate to achieve all three points at home to Blackpool. But the Black Cats conceded in the fourth minute of the match to make the score 1-0. Phil Parkinson’s men did claw back a goal in the 37th minute through Charlie Wyke. But the game finished 1-1 and Sunderland dropped another two points (BBC).
After the game, it was assistant manager Steve Parkin, not Parkinson, who addressed the media. He said that the coaching staff were pleased with the team’s ability to keep themselves in the game despite conceding so early in the match.
“We were pleased with the reaction after going a goal down. We needed to be more patient and show more belief but we gradually got on top,” said Parkin (Sunderland).
Fans couldn’t believe how such a mediocre result was being accepted as a success. They demand a higher standard from their team’s coaching staff. Supporters are embarrassed by the comments.
Pleased. We ain’t won since god knows when. Where at home Absolute abysmal.
— Ian (@ian_safc_1974) December 14, 2019
How can he say they’re pleased. Unreal
— Neil Stanness (@sr4Neil) December 14, 2019
Pleased to be drawing at home to blackpool ? its beyond a joke now #SackPP
— steve (@steve2013) December 14, 2019
Is a draw against Blackpool at home a good result considering Sunderland's recent form?
Yes
No
One fan pointed out that they were, in some ways, lucky not to lose the game altogether. Others suggested that Parkin should be demanding more from the defenders instead of praising the forwards.
We literally nearly conceded instantly. Luckily their player blocked it on the line
— Adam. (@AdamFulwell_) December 14, 2019
Maybe it would be better if you didn’t always go a goal down in the first place. That way you might actually win a game
— Brian Parker (@cannylad53) December 14, 2019
Am sorry but nobody to blame for the goal? How about the 5 defenders who with no pressure failed to clear an average ball into the box.
— Neil Grieves (@notch_32) December 14, 2019
What do we think?
It is clear that the standard at Sunderland Football Club has seriously slipped. Parkin’s comments suggest that the coaching staff are grasping onto any points they can get. Parkinson’s absence, however, suggests that his job itself is hanging by a thread.