Keane's return to Wearside haunts Sunderland (From The Northern Echo)

Keane's return to Wearside haunts Sunderland

5:02pm Saturday 7th March 2009

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Sunderland 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1 WITH the rest of the Premier League either with a free weekend or involved in FA Cup action, Sunderland knew that a victory over Tottenham was crucial in their own relegation fight.

And, courtesy of Kieran Richardson’s cool finish inside three minutes, three points was exactly what Sunderland had looked like claiming at the Stadium of Light.

But after Ricky Sbragia had adopted the cautious approach by withdrawing a second striker for the final 16 minutes, Tottenham made the most of being encouraged forward by equalising in the final moments.

In Keane we trust was a saying that became accustomed to the Wearside tongue, so it was fitting that it was Robbie Keane who delivered the crucial blow.

Up to that point it had looked as if Sunderland’s chances of staying in the top-flight were going to receive a terrific boost, but it was Keane’s intervention in the dying stages that means the battle remains far from won.

The former Liverpool striker would never have had the opportunity to level things had referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot at the other end, when it looked obvious that Ledley King had pulled down Kenwyne Jones in the area.

But with no penalty given, Keane struck in front of the fans that used to sing his namesake Roy’s name, to raise question marks over Sbragia’s decision to go on the defensive for the final quarter of an hour.

There is now a five-point gap to the Championship trap door, but the hope within the dressing room will be that this appearance from Keane does not return to haunt them.

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