Source: Northern_Echo
Gordon points the finger of blame at Defoe
CRAIG GORDON believes that England and Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe could have done more to avoid the clash that resulted in the Sunderland keeper suffering a broken arm. The Scotland number one has accused Defoe of making a poor challenge during last Saturday's game after he endured the latest blow to his stop-start season that is expected to sideline him until the end of the year. Midway through the second half at White Hart Lane, with Sunderland trailing 1-0, Defoe appeared to leave his boot in when Gordon had the ball in his hands. The £9m goalkeeper carried on playing for ten minutes before being substituted and taken to hospital where an X-ray confirmed Steve Bruce's worst fears. With the post-match analysis focusing on Darren Bent's failure to convert a penalty, Defoe's crunching challenge did not feature, prompting Gordon to claim: I thought at the time it was a poor challenge. After looking at it again I haven't changed my mind. It's always dangerous diving down at strikers' feet but I feel Jermain might have done more to avoid the collision. I'm really disappointed after the result and the injury at Tottenham. It's a real blow personally as I feel I was really starting to discover my best form for Sunderland after what's been a really difficult time with injuries over the past couple of years. I've been completely injury- free since coming back for the Norwich game (in the Carling Cup) but now after this broken arm I'll be out again for a number of weeks. In the meantime, Bruce continues to be linked with a bid for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. The Sunderland manager has admitted that he hopes to strengthen his midfield during the January transfer window and Johnson, whose family are Sunderland fans, is believed to be interested in a switch to the club he supported as a boy. Boro boss Gordon Strachan has declared his intention to retain the 22-year-old who is also attracting interest from Everton and Chelsea. Johnson's current contract expires next summer and the Teessiders' resolve to retain their leading scorer is expected to be tested in the upcoming months.