ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Sunderland 2 Chelsea 3: THIS WAS quite an afternoon by the sun-dappled Wear, containing a resignation, a celebration, a farewell and a world-class goal from England's newly anointed Golden Boot.
Ricky Sbragia resigned as Sunderland’s manager minutes after the final whistle, relieved fans delighted in top-flight salvation, Guus Hiddink bid a somewhat wistful goodbye to the Premier League and Nicolas Anelka rose to the top of the scoring charts.
Niall Quinn last night said he would “take time” to select a replacement for Sbragia, but the Sunderland chairman – who will be able to entice the new manager with a significant transfer war chest once the Irish-American billionaire Ellis Short completes his buy-out of the club within the fortnight – should first reflect on a lucky escape courtesy of Newcastle.
The inexperienced Sbragia should never have been appointed as Roy Keane’s successor and Quinn acknowledged as much.
Announcing that Sbragia had agreed to revert to his old role as a coach, the typically eloquent Dubliner enthused. “Ricky’s got a job for life here. He’s given this club a lifeline. But we’re a massive football club and now we need a big name who can change the mentality of the dressing-room. We need a big man who can take the pressure.”
Sbragia revealed he had decided to quit during a chat with Quinn on Saturday. “To take the next step they need a bigger name. I felt it was time to go,” he said.
On the field, Anelka scored the sort of goal that defies superlatives. With Anton Ferdinand opting to stand off him a little, Anelka eyed the angles and realised he had space to direct the cleanest of right-foot shots into the top corner from outside the area.
It boosted his Premier League goal tally to 19 for the season, one ahead of Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sunderland, finally forced to emerge from their shells, swiftly equalised when Petr Cech missed a cross as Kieran Richardson directed the loose ball into the net.
Parity proved short-lived as Dean Whitehead’s attempted headed clearance fell kindly for
Salomon Kalou then volleyed a second for Chelsea, and Ashley Cole emphasised their dominance by half-volleying beyond Marton Fulop. Kenwyne Jones added a semblance of respectability to the scoreline.
All that remained was for Sunderland’s reprieved under-achievers to perform an inadvertently comedic lap of honour serenaded by pumping music in front of wildly exultant fans.
Hiddink has seen most things but even he was slightly taken aback, remarking: “Curious,” before reflecting. “I’ve loved every minute of the Premier League.”
Guardian Service
