Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill cast a dejected figure after the Black Cats' 1-1 Premier League home draw against 10-man Norwich. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd

Sunderland chief Martin O’Neill insists life will only get tougher after Norwich draw

Monday, March 18, 2013
4:21 PM

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has warned his beleaguered players that it will not get any easier as they attempt to avoid a fight for Barclays Premier League survival.

The Black Cats were only able to take a point from Norwich, who played for more than an hour at the Stadium of Light with only 10 men, as they failed to end their search for first a league victory at the seventh attempt.

O’Neill will now send his international players away to their respective countries keeping his fingers crossed that they return unscathed ahead of a run of games which sees his side face Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton.

O’Neill said: “We had an opportunity there to go and try to get three points. It’s difficult – it’s been difficult all season for us.

“But we have games still to play, tough matches, every one of them. But the whole league has been tough for us.

“I wouldn’t stop at four – they are all difficult games. This is the league. You play everybody twice, this is the run of games. But we had a situation around about Christmas-time when people were showing the fixture list then, and we were able to win back-to-back games against Southampton and Manchester City, so we have to go and do that again.

“My concern, obviously, is the players going away on international duty. I won’t see them for some time and I’m hoping they come back in one piece.”

O’Neill acknowledged his side might have got the rub of the green with regards to at least one of the second half refereeing decision – when Danny Rose was judged to have handled Russell Martin’s cross outside the penalty area, rather than inside, as TV replays showed to be the case.

But he insisted it was about time decisions started going their way.

“Norwich will be disappointed obviously, that might turn the game a bit as it turns out,” he said. “We can talk about decisions and we might have got a bit of luck, I’ve not seen it back.

“Not that we deserve much luck today, but I’ve seen about seven penalty decisions go against us in recent times. That bit of luck we didn’t deserve, maybe went in our direction.”

Regarding the other controversial moments, O’Neill said: “I’ve not had chance to watch any of the replays back of the penalty and sending-off, but the referee had a job to do and he’s made those decisions.”

He added: “We frustratingly gave the ball away when we were in decent positions – we were left trying to force issues that just didn’t exist and suffered the consequences.

“You can find it to be difficult playing against teams with 10 men when they’ve got something to hold on to, but we should have done better.”

12 comments

Looking at the fixtures, I would say that S'land have probably the toughest. Comes down to bottle as much as ability in some of these matches. I think they will be very close. If I had to bed, it would be them, Reading and QPR. Would prefer Villans to go down but think they will do enough to survive. When they have a good day they're dangerous and may well have enough goods left.... As for us, not losing at Wigan will be a big step.

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DJ_FRAMBOISE

Friday, March 22, 2013
How about "mince"?

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DocOhNo

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Uuuum, do you not approve of the word "flounce", sharky? Honestly, it IS a real word. Has come to mean "go in an exaggeratedly impatient or angry manner". From Norse, "flunsa" = "hurry". I apologise once again for my love of the beautifully assembled English language, offensive as it may be. Flouncing off for a pint now! ;-)

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Mad Brewer

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I keep looking at the picture above. I think he knows they are in trouble.

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sharky

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Ummmm flouncing????

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sharky

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Yes, Doc, Lambo does seem to have acquired that `flouncing out` trait from M`ON. I wonder if he`ll time it right before Lerner does the dirty? Trouble is, where does he flounce to? Sunderland, perhaps? I sometimes feel M`ON`s heart isn`t in the job any more. Other potential flouncing targets for Lambo could be Everton - or Blackburn. Agree on D. Graham. Does anybody think we`re still interested in Hooperman? Or R van Wolfswinkel? I don`t think Hoots will be doing any flouncing - not his style. OTBC.

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Mad Brewer

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Interesting.It doesnt hurt to put an interesting opinion on here instead of lowering yourself.I like alot of what you have to say also the tongue in cheek stuff. ;-)

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sharky

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I've just had a look at the remaining fixtures for Wigan, VIIIla, Southampton and Blunderland. I think Mr O'Neill will just about survive to continue his guru myth. If I were a betting man I would be saying that come the end of the season one particular manager will be hoping that Mr Lerner is true to his word. about job security.

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DocOhNo

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I'm very glad we didn't spend millions on Danny Graham.

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DocOhNo

Monday, March 18, 2013
He spent alot on Adam Johnson. What a dissapointment that must be. What can he see in Bramble though.

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sharky

Monday, March 18, 2013
Just like someone who looks on him as a mentor?

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DocOhNo

Monday, March 18, 2013
I was once a great admirer of MO`N. But I fear he is full of c**p these days. Too many flakey walkings-out.

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Mad Brewer

Monday, March 18, 2013