1. Adam Johnson Could Make A Late Charge For The World Cup
Only six months ago, Adam Johnson's second term on Wearside looked like it wouldn't be a success. With a game based on flair and darting in from the flanks, the Englishman had a tendency to go missing in games and under the tutelage of Paolo Di Canio seemed to become that much more elusive. Yet wind forward to the present day and Johnson seems to be going from strength to strength. With his sixth goal in four appearances and had a hand in all of Sunderland's previous seven goals before the derby. Johnson's excellent run of form continued into the game itself the former Man City winger's excellent dinked pass to Phil Bardsley provided the catalyst for the penalty, and he proved to be in the right place at the right time once more when he tapped in after Tim Krul could only parry a deflected shot from Jack Colback. Couple this with an endlessly inventive array of passing, and the Middlesbrough trainee had the press benches cooing with delight. If he can sustain this excellent form and that's a big if, as he appears to be the very definition of a confidence player there's no reason why he can't at least include himself on Hodgson's provisional 25 names to take to the World Cup.
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.
