Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce insists that Vito Mannone is still the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, even with the impressive performance of debutant Jordan Pickford against Tottenham, from Saturdays Premier League fixture.
Pickford produced a sterling debut performance in Sunderland’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham and was one of the only players to leave with his dignity intact as well as praise from many Black Cat fans.
The England under-21 international, made many first-rate saves throughout the game, especially in the first half keeping Sunderland tied at 1-1. With the sale of Costel Pantilimon to Watford mid-week, this demonstrated that Allardyce has a certain amount believe in the local born keeper.
The Sunderland boss is still adamant that Mannone is the first-choice keeper, as he looks to regain his regular first team place. In a statement to the Chronicle Live, Allardyce clearly said that “Jordan isn’t the No1 – Vito is the No 1”.
He’s waited patiently for the chance to restore himself as the No 1. He was player of the year before i came… we hope he can show that capability again and keep young Pickford at bay.
Allardyce went on to comment about Pantilimon’s move to Watford, a player who made 45 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland and has 2 clean sheets this season.
He was the first one who found a football club. He found a club who wanted him, and negotiations took place between both clubs… I was OK with it.
Also commenting on the battle that there would have been for Sunderland goalkeeper top spot:
Costel would have been the one who would not have been comfortable with not being in the first team.
The Sunderland boss then ended his statement confirming that negotiations with defender Lamine Kone had broken down, with the player not coming to the North East.
