Simon Adingra holds key for Sunderland after what Graeme Souness said about Ange Postecoglou
Sunderland will face an Ange Postecoglou side for the first time in his managerial career this weekend.
Sunderland have had over a week of preparation for their clash with Nottingham Forest, while the hosts have had just a few days, given their involvement in Europe.
Forest are still searching for their first win under Postecoglou, who was previously mooted for the Sunderland job before Chris Coleman took charge several years ago.
However, comments made by Graeme Souness after Tottenham lost to Chelsea in 2024 showcase exactly why Sunderland may have the upper hand this Saturday, and, in particular, why Simon Adingra could be crucial.
Ange Postecoglou called out for managerial naivety
Postecoglou won the Europa League with Spurs last season, but also nearly led them to relegation with a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.
It was the latter that ultimately got him sacked in North London, and going deeper, his way of playing made the decision inevitable.
Tottenham, like Sunderland have with Habib Diarra, suffered some huge blows from an injury perspective, and yet the Australian refrained from making tactical tweaks.
Tottenham’s Premier League record last season
- 11 wins
- 5 draws
- 22 losses
- -1 goal difference
- 38 points
He continued adopting a remarkably high line, which Souness called out after one of their many league defeats last season.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, he said: “When I think of Ange Postecoglou, I go back to that game against Chelsea where they got two players sent off and he still had them playing right up to the halfway line.
“They could have conceded four or five more goals that game – I thought that was naive.”
If he does the same when Sunderland travel to face Nottingham Forest, it could play into the hands of the Black Cats.
Simon Adingra will be a threat for Sunderland
If Sunderland are to exploit the inevitable high line by Forest, using Adingra on the wing is going to be key to that.
Alongside Chemsdine Talbi, Adingra has the pace and directness to cause problems, and stretch the defence wide open to allow more space for the likes of Wilson Isidor.
Adingra’s stats per 90 this season
- 1.16 dribbles per game
- 1.55 chances created per game
- 0.77 successful crosses per game
In recent games, Enzo Le Fee has started over the Ivorian, but on this occasion, the game will be tailor-made for a natural winger on both flanks to pin the hosts back.
With Diarra set to miss three months at Sunderland, Le Fee could be moved into his more natural role in midfield, with Chris Rigg also waiting for his second chance to impress.
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