Sam Allardyce has claimed he is ready to shun the January transfer window in a bid to kick-start Sunderland's Premier League survival fight with his existing resources.
The Sunderland manager hailed his side's low-quality but resilient 1-0 win at Crystal Palace as a potential turning point in the season.
Jermain Defoe stole the winner before hobbling off with a leg problem the former England striker does not believe to be serious.
Allardyce employed the same 3-5-2 formation that led to a 6-2 hammering at Everton at the start of the month, feeling vindicated for reprising the wing-backs system in South London.
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“The players have given me more confidence today, I try to guide them but they are the ones who go out and do it,” said Allardyce.
“They’ve got to be the saviours, not me.
“I can guide them, and help them along the way.
“You stay calm, cool and collected and try to show a bit of confidence in them, and hope they build confidence.
“And the only way that happens is by getting results like tonight.
“I read in the paper yesterday I was selling Defoe.
“This is the trouble with the window coming in January.
“I’m selling everyone apparently, then I’m asking them to play.
“I want to get the maximum from the players I have.”
Former Tottenham hitman Defoe bisected Scott Dann and Wayne Hennessey to pilfer the only goal in a poor contest at Selhurst Park.
“Why should I be ashamed?” said Allardyce when discussing his side’s gritty counter-attacking tactics.
“If we have to be resilient, determined and dogged, that’s what we’ll do.
“The players were very nervous to play that system again.
“It’s difficult for them, because you’re asking them to do something they haven’t practised an awful lot.
“The biggest problem for me was how to get Steven Fletcher and Jermain Defoe into the same starting line-up.
“And today has given me a bit of a way forward.”
Palace manager Alan Pardew lamented “a painful loss” as his side slipped to their fourth defeat in seven home league games this term.
Bakary Sako suffered a hamstring strain and will be a doubt for Saturday’s home Premier League clash with Newcastle.
“Scott Dann’s been fantastic for us, he just read that situation wrongly,” said Pardew of his defender’s mistake for the crucial goal.
“He tried to ease Jermain (Defoe) away, got the wrong side of him and then he was in trouble.”
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Isle of Dogs
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Liev Schreiber, Ed Norton, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson
Three stars
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
MATCH INFO
Mumbai Indians 186-6 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 183-5 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians won by three runs
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
