“There was a big gap between the two teams,” admitted the Black Cats boss. “And we’ve got to be honest about that if we’re going to learn from what happened today.”
Jack Clarke, Sunderland’s 12-goal top scorer, should take heed. The 23-year-old is a wonderful technician, a rare example of a skillful dribbler whose quality in possession is matched by an eagle eye for goal.
Every pundit under the sun thinks the York-born wideman has the talent to thrive in the Premier League.
Soon, that’s where he’ll be. Crystal Palace and Burnley both launched failed bids to sign Clarke during the summer. Sheffield United and West Ham made enquiries. All four are believed to be considering offers this month, which could drive the asking price to around £20m.
Talent, though, is only half the equation. To compete consistently as a wide player at the highest level, you also need to run and press, tackle and track.
Denne historien er fra January 14, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra January 14, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.
