Gus Poyet can barely believe Sunderland have won their past four games against Manchester City at the Stadium of Light by 1-0 margins. “It’s incredible, it’s unique,” he said. “I cannot explain it, I don’t know how and I don’t know why but I would take a fifth 1-0 at home. That would be perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
Poyet’s Sunderland have been largely unspectacular this season but the manner in which they held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw on Wearside last Saturday will have given Manuel Pellegrini pause for thought.
Moreover the home side have three former City players – Jack Rodwell, Costel Pantilimon and Adam Johnson – eager to impart inside information about the visitors in their ranks. “That could work in our favour,” said Poyet. “They know about City. We talk about certain things and it is so much easier when you can confirm those things with these three players. I can tell you they have shared a bit of information with us – and every little bit helps.”
Rodwell – who left the Eitihad Stadium in a £10m transfer last summer – impressed against Chelsea after a slow start to life at the Stadium of Light and a spell out of Sunderland’s first team.
“I think playing City will be special for Jack,” said Poyet. “We paid a lot of money for him and he left on good terms but he wants to show he is still on City’s level. It’s going to be a great night for Jack. I hope he scores.”
