Match Report: Sunderland Vs Blackpool

A brace from acting striker Kieran Richardson sent out the message "Who needs Darren Bent" after Sunderland's 2-1 win away to Blackpool.

The Black Cats only had one available striker available in Asamoah Gyan, but it was Richardson, who played just behind the Ghana international at Bloomfield Road that was causing the trouble.

Gyan set Richardson up in the 15th minute to make it one - nil and he doubled the lead nine minutes later after running onto Steed Malbranque's pass and placing it nicely past Richard Kingson in the Blackpool net.

Sunderland dominated most of the match but a somewhat dubious penalty decision gave the Tangerines a reply, which rallied Ian Holloway's men to look for an equaliser, but couldn't find a way past Craig Gordon.

The match wasn't a dirty one, but three Blackpool players were unfortunate to suffer head injuries, including Goalkeeper Kingson, who was forced off in the 56th minute and replaced by Paul Rachubka.

Steve Bruce will without a doubt bring in a striker before the transfer window slams shut, but has refused to "panic buy" after praising Gyan and Richardson for their efforts following Bent's £18 million transfer to Aston Villa.

Sunderland have a week off next weekend as the FA cup 4th round takes place but will host champions Chelsea a week on Tuesday, hoping to repeat their 3-0 success last time round at Stamford Bridge.

DB-TheLies

Is a premier league footballer in a position to earn more money than someone in a profession such as a doctor or a lawyer? Yes, very much so, as long as the club is prepared to pay his wage.

Aston Villa pulled off a shock 18 Million pound bid for Sunderland striker Darren Bent yesterday and he moved to the midlands for one reason and one reason only, more money

It can’t be anything other than that, the England striker insists that he moved to Villa Park purely for “footballing reasons” but Bent saying that is nothing more than a charade.

A reported figure of £80k a week, £30k more than what he was earning at the stadium of light, is said to be what Bent is now earning, showing possible proof that moving to help save Aston Villa’s season is not the whole truth.

Plenty of players have done this in recent years, but the current money filled game is not the reason for this, Kevin keegan did it in the 80’s with his move to Hamburg, as did John Charles and Dennis Law in the 50’s and 60’s respectively with moves to Italy.

However I’m sure Darren Bent meant his appreciation to the Sunderland supporters and his transfer request wasn’t all his doing. Agents rule the game, managers and agents in each other’s pockets and Bents agent is probably now rubbing his hands alongside Gerard Houlier and Steve Bruce.

Because of its nature, Sky sports news or newspaper breaking news of a transfer will be welcomed by a club or an agent. An agent will try and sell a deal regarding an “unsettled player” to get the ball rolling, but in this case, I’m impressed this bit of business has been done without it.

But on that note, Bent’s transfer will probably be the biggest of its kind this January as it is very unusual to see this activity outside of Pre-season.