Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Sunderland sit second bottom of the Premier League table and are still searching for their first win of the season. David Moyes will be leading his side against a familiar face this evening as The Black Cats play host to Ronald Koeman’s Everton.
Moyes would have had every right to think Sunderland were set to record their first win of the season at Southampton just over a week ago but an error from young keeper Jordan Pickford gave Southampton a late share of the points.
That said it was a point that at least got Sunderland off the mark after back to back defeats against both Manchester City and Middlesbrough. Moyes has already gone on record by saying his side are set for a relegation battle this season and it’s wins at home that will help them beat the dreaded the drop.
When these two sides met last season it was under different circumstances and also different managers at the helm, Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland ran out comfortable 3-0 winners and it was this defeat that ultimately got Roberto Martinez the sack.
That was the end of an era at Everton and with the appointment of Ronald Koeman this Summer a new one has began and it must be said that the start has been pretty impressive with the Toffees being unbeaten in their first three league matches.
That tally of 7 points is a welcome boost after the criminal underachievement of last season. Last time out they got the better of basement side Stoke at Goodison Park. Lady Luck was arguably on their side that afternoon as a Shay Given Own Goal gave Everton all three points.
Everton have undergone a resurgence under Koeman and it must be said with not all that different personnel, many felt that they would spend big in the Summer now that they have a new majority shareholder but that hasn’t necessarily been the case.
Yes they have bought in Yannick Bolasie and Ashley Williams but that’s about the real extent of the expenditure and even by today’s Premier League standards it has been been relatively modest. It’s been more about revitalising the talent that was already at Everton’s disposal.
Of course the key bit of business this Summer would have undoubtedly been keeping hold of Romelu Lukaku although that said he is yet to find the net this season but the fact he is still at the club will be a massive boost to the club
The form guide points to a Everton win and you would be hardpressed to go against that. Everton unbeaten and Sunderland yet to win, it points to an away win. Moyes Sunderland are going to have to start picking up wins from somewhere but I don’t think Tonight is the night.
