---
title: "Allardyce firm on Vito Mannone as Sunderland No 1"
canonical: "https://readsunderland.com/2016/01/22/allardyce-firm-vito-mannone-sunderland-no-1/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Harvey Jamison"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-01-22T10:14:04Z"
modified: "2016-01-22T10:14:04Z"
---

# Allardyce firm on Vito Mannone as Sunderland No 1

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.

![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/https://media.readsunderland.com/readsunderland/2016/01/505199816.jpg)

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](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-boss-sam-allardyce-says-10769860), 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](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-boss-sam-allardyce-says-10769860) 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](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-boss-sam-allardyce-says-10769860) confirming that negotiations with defender Lamine Kone had broken down, with the player not coming to the North East.