STM

Didn't see Dawson step on him, I had shite coverage. I'm shocked that anyone thinks it's anything but a suspension. He stood up and kicked him. Mind you, you would think Dawson was being mauled by rabid wolves the way he carried on.

Kicked their player. Unprovoked? Entirely. Standing up and walking away from Slimani. They had both been challenging for a ball before that.

Yep, we will be back in for Jorgensen IMO. I have no idea if that's a good thing.

Of course, people will calm down though. Give it 24 hours.

Kicked their player.

He will be banned and rightly so. This is another reason Rafa won't sign him. Can't lambast Mitro then let Slimani get away with it. I don't see enough in Slimani.

Can only see a West Brom second.

Was a blatant corner.

They have done their homework. Sitting off so Shelvey cant ping them in behind. We don't put it in the box because we have no one to cross it to.

Yeah it's way OTT. Just in holiday mode. Rafa will get amongst them.

That went well.

0-0 written all over this.

It just shows that Rafa values winning over giving players a "run out." I was convinced that he would give a few fringe players a go but I'm not surprised that he's playing his strongest 11 because he wants to win.

You would think this would be Slimani's best chance to show something. I dont disagree that it should be Gayles shirt. He's playing well.

Doubt he will be staying. Not starting today is a sign that he didn't rate his performance against Everton. I'm surprised he hasn't given him another chance though.

Their incompetence can only be a good thing for us. Shame we couldn't have beat them this year. Hopefully Rafa is allowed to catch them up next year with a better squad.

He's like Indiana Jones the way he hurdles the pit falls and then avoids the spikes. What's worst is that the Journos love him for it.

Knew it would work

He's so savvy too. He has them all in the palm of his hand. He's consistent and cool. Love the man.

So nice watching us with the pressure off. I'm certain that Murphy will start, possibly someone random like Manquillo too.

HTT is at the match. Poor sod.

Same here.

There's no way it will be a long contract. Rafa won't commit to anything over 3 years with these goones. My guess would be a two year extension and a pay rise. They will probably give him the same assurances as last summer I.e "money the club generates", with the exception that we should have much more money due to premiership tv money.

12 Sunderland fans in attendance. RTG will be opening a thread as we speak. Best fans in the land.

Come on Mitro.