re: Match Day: 1/25

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He looked like he was allergic to the area when playing behind Steven Fletcher. Sunderland would advance the ball into their final third, and he'd just stop 30 yards from goal.

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Sometimes I wish he would just make a direct run, or play in a way that demands the ball. He seems content to be a passenger.

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Maybe the quality of his chances were so good in Holland that he thinks chances should come to him. He has to work to create those chances. He doesn't come short to receive the ball, he doesn't try to run beyond defenders, he doesn't move into space, he doesn't win balls in the air, and he never tries to face the game head on with the ball at his feet.

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You see, I agree with y'all that he has to put in more effort to be part of the action. I agree that I think he was used to a better supporting cast at AZ and hasn't done the best at transitioning to a different style.

He definitely looked disinterested today. I could see the frustration. But watching the game, and the "quality" of service he was getting (or not), I can understand that frustration.

I'm going to disagree with you on some of your points. I try to watch as many of Sunderland's games as I can, and Jozy does a great job of winning the ball in the air, getting it to his feet, and laying it off to a teammate... all with a guy on his back. Most of the balls he receives are in the air instead of to his feet.

And in regards to your comment about facing the game head on with the ball at his feet, well, Poyet has him pushed up so far that there is no space between Jozy and the defenders to run into. He either has to come back to the ball (and when he does this he often springs an attack) which requires him to play more as an attacking midfielder, or he has to try to make runs behind the defense. Sometimes he does this, but as I'm sure you saw today the passes that should have been into the space into which he was running were either overhit or passed behind him.

Maybe he was tired today, but he didn't do nearly enough running. The last couple of games I've watched Jozy has been timid, not aggressive enough, and sometimes unlucky, but this game he was absolutely awful. I think he'll turn the corner, but he has to work harder to create chances. I think in general his movement isn't good enough yet. His back to goal play has always been good, but if is to be a good lone striker he has to improve his movement.

Sunderland are terrible, but part of that is their spacing isn't right, they have too many players who ask for the ball to feet, and then what, to send an aimless ball into the box. Jozy should be running himself into the ground off the ball to get into good positions. He has, this season, continually run into defenses. The one time I remember that he got into a good position, it was against Sagna, who he absolutely physically dominated. But he was so much more energetic that game in comparison to this game. If he's tired, fine, but he should be able to at least some quality touches. There were long periods where he didn't get the ball, and his movement in the box ensured that he would never get the ball.

Sunderland's problem is that they don't have enough runners, so they are always clogged on the offensive end. Jozy needs to be more dynamic in general though.

Likely his left ankle. He challenged the guy shooting. I couldn't really tell what happened.

Isn't it shocking that Naismith actually looks half decent when he's played in his natural position up top instead of on the right? Hope Martinez gives him some more chances up top. It's something Moyes never did.

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Sunderland's problem is that they don't have enough runners, so they are always clogged on the offensive end. Jozy needs to be more dynamic in general though.

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I'm not going to argue with that either.

We don't know what Poyet is asking him to do though, really. I mean what if he said make near post runs every time? Who knows.

The announcers were blasting him today while ignoring the English players (surprise surprise) before relenting a bit and just admitting that Sunderland are terrible.

I find it funny that at one point they said he should stop coming back for the ball, while the general consensus seems to be that if he wants to get involved then he pretty much has to do just that.

I'm definitely not a fan of his wide play so far at Everton, but he's serviceable up top, and he's pretty good if he plays off a no. 9. He also thrives against lower sides due to his work rate, which is something we struggle with(letting lower sides stay in games). I think if he's given a game to play off of Lukaku, the results could be surprisingly good.

Yeah, that's nasty. There's other photos in the slideshow of the kick that caused the break. Really bad stuff. Hope he recovers well for the start of next season. He'll miss the world cup for sure. I'll always be grateful for the winner at Old Trafford in case he doesn't return.

Looks like the next round will be all Premier League or Championship teams unless Sheffield United gets an upset against Fulham or if Preston North End gets an upset against Nottingham Forrest in the replay.