Sunderland fans are missing George Honeyman despite mixed past reviews
Sunderland lost ground on top two Portsmouth and Luton Town in League One this weekend after a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town at the Stadium of Light. Josh Maja, whose future at the club is in serious doubt, scored the only goal for the Black Cats after Luke Waterfall had opened the scoring for the visitors.
It was a frustrating display from Sunderland, who left fans disappointed at their inability to beat a team fighting at the other end of the table.
The display also left Sunderland fans with that familiar feeling of absence making the heart grow fonder. The team’s captain George Honeyman has never fully won over the Sunderland fanbase. Despite being a loyal and passionate Sunderland fan himself, and always putting in his best shift for the club, fans sometimes occasionally feel he is a limited footballer.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: George Honeyman of Sunderland (C) scores the third home goal during the Checkatrade Trophy match between Sunderland and Carlisle United at Stadium of Light on October 9, 2018 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
He is currently missing with an ongoing ankle problem, something he has been playing through the pain barrier with since November.
Sunderland, clearly, miss him.
His energy and mobility in the middle of the park were greatly missed as Max Power and Lee Cattermole struggled to replicate. His ability to pass the ball forward and at pace was also keenly felt in his absence.
Sunderland fans are certainly starting to appreciate Honeyman a little more in absentia. Hopefully, he will be back leading out the Black Cats in the New Year…
I’m not Honeyman’s biggest fan but my word we miss him like hell, team is static as out without him in it!#SAFC@RokerReport
— Ryan Palliser (@RJPalliser10) December 29, 2018
Massively missed Honeyman today mind #safc
— Lewis Jopling (@LBJopling) December 29, 2018
Today made evident we need McGeough or Honeyman playing, no coincidence our best football was when they were playing. Also felt Embleton could have done a job today. #SAFC
— Tom Albrighton (@tmalbrghtn) December 29, 2018
??? Hands up who missed George Honeyman today? #SAFC ??♂️
— James Copley (@JamesCopley73) December 29, 2018
CM is our weakest position.
Without Honeyman we’ve no drive forward or even a spark of creation.
The then lack of attacking opportunities and everything that goes with a ‘bit of spark’ means it’s our weakest position.
Ironic given the no of signings.
But true. #SAFC
— . (@marrin_83) December 29, 2018
Desperately missing Honeyman and his work rate #safc
— AMS? (@sculldog1) December 29, 2018
What today did show is how important George Honeyman is to this #SAFC side. If you ever need to show someone his importance then watch back today and Boxing Day. The one time Maguire got into the area Honeyman does each and every week, we scored.
— Chris Weatherspoon (@christoph_21) December 29, 2018
We really miss Honeyman. Love him or hate him, we need him in midfield #SAFC
— Jøsh ? (@iEddsyy) December 29, 2018
Any points are better than no points but dare I say that we’re missing Honeyman these last few games #SAFC
— Stacey Armstrong (@StaceyA_91) December 29, 2018
We’ve been awful once again in the first half at home this season BUT somehow come out of it with the game in our hands. Need to step it up and we should beat these as they are crap. Hope Jack shakes it up. Missing Honeyman. Yep. It’s true. #SAFC
— SAFC Fans (@SafcFans) December 29, 2018
Awful at times mate. I agree about Power, he’s wasted when he plays deep. Missed Honeyman today too I thought
— Gary Baker (@GazbSAFC) December 29, 2018
