NORTHERN EXPOSURE- Wigans humiliation may be bad news for Bruce
25 Nov 2009 - 13:54:25
As wonderful as Tottenham's nine-goal destruction of Wigan was to watch, it could prove to be the worst possible result for Sunderland.
Steve Bruce heads back to the DW Stadium in good heart himself on Saturday after his side's impressive win over Arsenal at the weekend, Sunderland's second success over top four opposition this season, and further evidence of the progress being made under the former Wigan boss.
But as well as facing a Wigan team with a point to prove, they must go without Darren Bent, now confirmed as a hamstrung victim for at least three weeks, and without Kenwyne Jones, still serving the last game of his three match ban for his daftness against West Ham.
Dangerous duo: Sunderland's Darren Bent (left) and Kenwyne Jones
It means Fraizer Campbell and either David Healy or Daryl Murphy will lead the line at Wigan. Hardly Defoe and Crouch. Hardly prolific.
More from Colin Young... NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Jimmy Bullard hails Hull's unsung hero10/11/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: A sure sign this region has become a deadzone05/11/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gordon's in, so Boro must back him with cash27/10/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gareth Southgate crowded out at Middlesbrough as Gordon Strachan emerges as the wanted man to lead promotion charge21/10/09 Northern Exposure: Newcastle fans want promotion far more than they want Alan Shearer in or Mike Ashley out 20/10/09 COLIN YOUNG: Ireland persist with Ireland when Reid could replace Reid06/10/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Ian Harte fears the worst for return to Leeds 29/09/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Bruce must win Cup to convince Sunderland fans22/09/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE Former Spurs striker Bent, who took his season's tally to nine with his goal against Arsenal - which means he has now struck against all the top four sides - has been one of the sensations of the Bruce reign, and terrific value for money.
But he is not the only one.
Unlike Roy Keane, who spent cash like a crazy kid in a sweet shop from the moment he arrived at the club, Bruce has spent his money wisely and it was demonstrated perfectly last week.
Two of his promising additions were actually absent with the rock solid Michael Turner suspended and Lee Cattermole entering the last phase of his recovery from medial ligament damage. Both should have been missed, their replacements made sure they were not and more than stood up to the challenge.
Paulo Da Silva and John Mensah have taken a little longer than therest to settle in at the Stadium of Light, growing used to the weather,the pace of English football and an entirely new environment. The pairwere the central defensive partnership against Eduardo and he hardlyhad a kick.
In front of them Lorik Cana again proved he could bethe best value signing of the entire season in the entire league withhis wholehearted display at the heart of the Sunderland midfield.
Captain fantastic: Lorik Cana was superb against Arsenal on Saturday
Thenew captain, it has been noted by Sunderland supporters, likes a tackleand is more than living up to his nickname of Le Destructeur. Arsenalcouldn't cope with him.
And alongside Cana, young Jordan Henderson is taking to life in the Premier League like a babe to water in the new Olympic size pool next to the Sunderland ground.
The main man: Everybody in football is impressed with the job Steve Bruce is doing at Sunderland
He outplayed Aaron Ramsey and gave another energetic performance toshow Bruce was right to give the Sunderland-born teenager a newcontract to keep him on Wearside for four more years.
He also gives hope to the rest of the promising youngsters under Ged McNamee and Kevin Ball's command in the Academy.
Saturday's visit to Wigan will severely test both managers. Bruce needs to dip into his limited striking resources. Roberto Martinez needs to inspire his beleaguered troops.
Martinez will not have had a harder week as a manager as he looks to overcome the embarrassment of White Hart Lane where, yes his team were outplayed, but they did so much to add to their own downfall with schoolboy defending and frightening and repeated loss of possession. It was enough to make some men resign.
The Wigan manager may have added his own players to the squad he inherited from Bruce - and found a lot of them wanting in the top flight - but he will demand a response against their former boss at the weekend.
Sunderland will have a fight on their hands. And if they do not surely Martinez has a fight on his to keep his job.
Bruce can still expect a warm welcome from Wigan chairman Dave Whelan when he returns to , but he was quick to pay tribute to his new chairman Niall Quinn, scorer of the winning goal the last time Sunderland achieved a win over Arsenal seven years ago.
On the rebound: Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will be desperate for his side to bounce back after a humiliating afternoon at Tottenham
Tottenham v Wigan
The former Arsenal and Sunderland striker even made a rareappearance round the tunnel and dressing room area after the win overArsene Wenger's team, no doubt just to remind his manager of that fact,and to acknowledge his appreciation of the work Bruce has done so far.And the return to the DW Stadium will test how far their jointstewardship has come.
Bruce is pleased with the progress beingmade so far. He said: 'I would have taken this at the start of theseason. Thankfully, the lads I have brought in have hit the groundrunning, and all made major contributions but make no mistake, I haveinherited some good players.
'There is a bit of belief and the boys I have brought in have certainly helped the cause.
'This is a fantastic football club and it's a delight to be here. I have not had to change a thing and as a manger you want to play in front of a big crowd, to build a team the fans can associate with.
'If anyone has a better chairman than Niall, I don't know, I am very lucky in that respect.'
Bruce left sweating over Sunderland ace Bent as striker faces three weeks outEmbarrassed Wigan players vow to refund fans after 9-1 thrashing at SpursSUNDERLAND FC
