Ball not smiling at Camara

There may be a new man at the helm, but nothing else changed today on Wearside. Another decent display by Sunderland resulted once again in another loss at home, the desperate Sunderland fans yet to see a victory at home all season.

And it is rather apt that, in a game between two fellow promoted teams, the only difference between the sides was a moment of class from Henri Camara, one of Paul Jewell’s main signings this summer. Two of McCarthy’s signings didn’t even make the first eleven.

And yet the difference between these two sides now lies at 33 points and 12 league places, less than a year after Sunderland finished the season 1 place and 7 points ahead of Wigan.

For all of Sunderland’s endeavour and chances, notably from Elliot, Delap, Stead and Kyle twice, they did not possess the clinical edge to finish their chances off (excluding Kyle who, typically, volleyed home superbly only to see his goal chalked off for offside). Wigan on the contrary, had 2 chances and scored 1.

Their only other chance was a McCulloch effort that was superbly saved from player of the month Kelvin Davis, one player who has eventually started to show why McCarthy paid so much for him. Too little, too late Kelvin.

So the story of the season continues, decent display, not ruthless or creative enough. There might be a new man in charge but the same team remains. You can’t polish a turd, and Mourinho would have no chance with these lads, sadly. They’re triers, god bless them, they just aren’t good enough for this level.