The month of September proves an exciting one in football. It accounts as the first indication of how a new manager, or new signings will adapt to life at the top of English football.
In many regards it is the first sign of things to come, for instance Sunderland AFC are yet to win a league game in August and September since 2012, a shocking fact, and a shocking taster of the progress of Sunderland.
The month has seen bigger shocks, for example the departure of Sunderland’s former manager Sam Allardyce as head coach of England. After just one game, a horrendous judgement on Big Sam’s behalf, the former Bolton manager now finds himself without job since swapping Sunderland for England.
But Sunderland are under David Moyes now, and just how well or bad did September go under the new manager. With just one point on the board , you can see how this one goes.
We highlight the best player of September and the worst, as well as the best moment and worst moment of the mentioned month.
Best player of September
Read Sunderland’s September’s player of month goes to local lad and goalkeeper Pickford.
With Sunderland’s number one out by injury, Moyes relied on a young keeper to steer the ship at the back and without him, at times, the ship would have sank.
Pickford, has shown a great prescience, gained respect from peers, made team of the weeks’, and generated, at one point, the most passes in a single game by any Sunderland player.
Worst player of September
The eight million pounds centre half hasn’t taken to like in the Premier League like partner Kone.
Games against Everton showed both his weaknesses and strengths. One half he can demand the back line, block every ball, stay tight on players, and generate great tackles. However football is a game of two halves and in most games the former Chelsea man makes crucial mistakes that cost Sunderland the game.
His man marking has been an obvious pointer of concern, as well as his lack of communication with his fellow players, leading to holes in the back line.
The potential is there, whether he proves it is a different matter. Even Moyes said he had his wits about signing Papy.
Best moment of September
Wednesday 21st September, QPR 1 – 2.
Sunderland remained in the EFL competition, with a trip to Southampton coming up.
Comeback goals from Mcnair secured a late win over QPR, being the only postitve result of the month, it has to be the best moment of September.l
Worst moment of September
Monday 12th September, Sunderland 0 – 3 Everton.
The first game of September for Sunderland resulted in a 3 nil hammering to the hands of Moyes former team Everton.
In front of 40,000 fans it has to be the worst moment of September.