Sunderland turned in a strong performance this afternoon stuffing West Bromwich Albion four nil at the SOL. A game described by most as a must win was in the bag before half time thanks to a brace from Kenwyne Jones and an Andy Reid header. Djbril Cisse sealed the rout early in the second half by converting the lads’ first penalty of the season.

There were a couple of changes to the side that lost to the Champions last Saturday. Pascal Chimbonda and Dean Whitehead both failed to make the squad which meant Kieran Richardson was named skipper.

Fulop retained his place in goal behind a back four of Bardsley, Nosworthy, Ferdinand and Danny Collins. In the middle Malbranque, Richardson, Tainio and Reid looked to supply Cisse and Jones up front.

I thought WBA started the game a bit better than Sunderland and they forced a few corners early on. The lads looked a bit edgy and struggled to string passes together inviting pressure from WBA. I’ve watched West Brom a couple of times this season and although they play nice football they struggle in the final third to convert the chances they create.

Sunderland started to get on top in the game when Malbranque started to get on the ball more. He created the first real chance of the game when he crossed for Jones who side footed a volley straight at Scott Carson. We took the lead when Andy Reid crossed from the right hand flank to Kenwyne Jones a t the back post. The cross was inch perfect and Jones made no mistake with his diving header.

Jones doubled the lead instantly after good work from Tainio won Sunderland possession from the restart. Tainio played the ball to Malbranque who in turn played a ball through to Cisse. Cisse powered away from the defender and blasted a low shot which forced a good save from Scott Carson. Cisse then did well to pick up the rebound and cross into the six yard box only for the ball to ping pong about and then off the post before falling to Jones to tap in.

The lads continued to dominate and were rewarded with a third goal before half time. Malbranque again did well on the wing before crossing to the back stick for Andy Reid to nod in.

After the break Sunderland were awarded our first penalty of the season when a WBA player was adjudged to have handled. I couldn’t really see from where I was sitting but as we know all too well when you’re rooted to the foot of the table these things tend to go against you. Kenwyne Jones on a hat trick wanted to take the penalty but Andy Reid grabbed the ball first only for Djbril Cisse to in turn take it off him and make it four nil blasting the ball straight down the middle.

WBA continued to pour forward in numbers which made the game really open and end to end. Sunderland had loads more chances to score with Cisse, Reid and Jones all guilty of wasting these opportunities. Despite making a couple of good saves Scott Carson was having a nightmare with his kicking and every time he took a goal kick he was being jeered. He fluffed a couple of clearances as well but the lads failed to capitalise.

With half an hour to go Malbranque was replaced by Edwards, but the Frenchman was far from happy after being brought off. Andy Reid made way for Leadbitter soon after but Sunderland failed to add to their lead. WBA had a couple of chances late on the most notable one a free header which was glanced over.

A good solid performance from Sunderland and also the bonus of a clean sheet which is something to build on.

ALS Man of the Match: Kenwyne Jones. A tough one to pick today as there was some good performances today. Steed was having a good game before being taken off whilst Tainio looked the part playing the holding role.

Final Score: Sunderland 4 WBA 0

Aidan Crowe

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