Sunderland manager David Moyes dropped Didier Ndong to bring more 'Britishness' to his midfield in 0-0 draw with Burnley

Sunderland manager David Moyes has revealed he dropped Didier Ndong for Saturday's clash with Burnley in order to bring more 'Britishness' to his midfield.

The Black Cats did their chances of staying in the Premier League little good as they drew 0-0 with the Clarets at the Stadium of Light, leaving them firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, seven points from safety.

In a bid to secure just their second league victory of 2017, Moyes surprisingly switched up his midfield by bringing in Jack Rodwell in place of Ndong, with the outcome doing little to help his side's cause as they lacked creativity and drive.

David Moyes holds his head in his hands during Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Burnley

David Moyes holds his head in his hands during Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Burnley

In explaining his decision after the game, Moyes insisted the move to pair Rodwell with Darron Gibson was made in order to add a British streak to proceedings.


'I decided I wanted Jack and Gibbo together. I thought the game might suit more Britishness in the middle of the pitch. 

'I just felt I would go with that in the middle and the two boys up front.' 

Moyes selected Jack Rodwell (left) in the place of Dider Ndong against Burnley
Ndong was surprisingly left out

Moyes selected Jack Rodwell (left) in the place of Dider Ndong (right) against Burnley

Season at a glance

  • Premier League
  • Premier League
  • Championship
  • League One
  • League Two
  • Scottish Premiership
  • Scottish Div 1
  • Scottish Div 2
  • Scottish Div 3
  • Ligue 1
  • Serie A
  • La Liga
  • Bundesliga

Moyes also admitted the prospect of his side staying in the Premier League is becoming more and more unlikely, with the former Manchester United and Everton boss accepting it may well need something 'special'. 

'We are getting close to needing something special. It's been done here regularly. Let's hope,' he said.

'I'm not kidding anyone on and we haven't done from the start – it'll need some really big results. 

'We took a point. I wanted three points, I see this as two points dropped. I have to use it as something to build on.' 

When the Premier League resumes following the international break, Sunderland face crunch visits to Watford and Leicester, prior to a home game against Moyes' former club, Manchester United. 

Moyes has admitted it may need 'something special' to keep Sunderland in the Premier League

Moyes has admitted it may need 'something special' to keep Sunderland in the Premier League