While Twain had said he wanted to win, football games were not won by words. Without careful preparation and meticulous arrangement, coupled with the right tactics, saying that one wanted to win was nothing but empty talk.
Sunderland was not a strong team. The newly promoted team played like a newly promoted team — the team's results fluctuated. During the first round of the league tournament, they hosted Tottenham Hotspur. The two teams played a dull game, but Sunderland continued last season's performance in the English Football League Championship. Based on their tenacious defense, they launched counterattacks. They finally cracked open Tottenham Hotspur's goal and got off to a great start.
Keane's debut in the new season appeared to be successful and stunning.
There was even an expert who could not wait to announce that this season, Sunderland was likely to be like the Wigan Athletic of two seasons ago.
