Premier League: Sunderland no closer to survival

PORTSMOUTH 3-1 SUNDERLAND

Sunderland are still in grave danger of the drop after a crushing defeat to Portsmouth, who came from behind to win their final home game of the season, thanks in part to midfielder John Utaka, who’s place in the starting lineup had originally raised a few eybrows.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play when Calum Davenport’s cross was tapped in by Kenwyne Jones.

But John Utaka fired in an controversial equaliser a minute later and then the Nigerian international forced Phil Bardsley to bundle in an own goal that gave the home side the lead. Sunderland’s misery was sealed late on when Utaka found substitute Armand Traore and he fired in an angled shot.

In contrast, Portsmouth brought in Kanu and Utaka, among other players, as part of a three-man front line with Peter Crouch as they looked to celebrate Premier League safety with a flourish.

Such progressive thinking almost was not rewarded in the first half, despite numerous opportunities. In the second half, it was the Black Cats who surprisingly took the lead, but it was short-lived thanks to Utaka’s inspiring display. Sunderland may feel hard done by, though, as the opening goal for Pompey was scored after a whistle from the referee, but after some deliberation from the officials, the strike stood, which then opened the floodgates.

One Pompey player who could not celebrate the success with his team-mates on the pitch was goalkeeper David James, who was out with a shoulder injury, which he claims he has been carrying “for 18 months”, because it has never been too serious. You could have bet your house that he would have played if Pompey had something to play for, though. It leaves England manager Fabio Capello looking for a replacement keeper for the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra. A player on the other end of an injury timeline was longest-serving player Linvoy Primus, who made his first appearance for the first team in two years, and is being offered an ambassadorial role for when he decides to hang up his boots.

Meanwhille, the result leaves Sunderland needing a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to guarantee their safety, but should they slip, Hull (at home to Man Utd), and Newcastle (away to Aston Villa), will be there to pounce. Middlesbrough (away to West Ham) still have an outside chance. Four teams, two survival spots, something’s got to give…