Chopra off the blocks with a winner

Finally, an Indian connection scores in the Premiership. Michael Chopra reckons he can win a place in the hearts of Sunderland fans

Finally, an Indian connection scores in the Premiership. Michael Chopra reckons he can win a place in the hearts of Sunderland fans after scoring a last-gasp winner in their opening English Premiership match against Tottenham.

Many commentators questioned Black Cats boss Roy Keane’s wisdom at spending £5 million on Chopra. But more than the price tag, Chopra had to overcome the fact that he is a Geordie—a native of Sunderland’s bitter rival city Newcastle—and a former Newcastle United striker to boot. But the substitute scored in the 94th minute at the Stadium of Light to send Sunderland fans into raptures as he got last season’s Championship winners off to a flying start in the Premiership.

“I was disappointed not to start but I was determined to get on the pitch and get a goal,” said Chopra. “I was desperate to do it, especially being a Geordie from Newcastle coming to Sunderland, I was desperate to get that goal and show Sunderland fans I want to be here,” said Chopra. Chopra, son of an English mother and an Indian father, made news for being the first player of Indian parentage to play and score in the Premier League. As a Player of Indian Origin, the AIFF requested his services, but Chopra has refused to play for India.

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“I think they’ll love me now! I know all about the north-east supporters so I know if you work hard, you’ll get on with the fans,” he added. Keane was delighted to get his Premiership management career started with a win. “We played extremely well and I thought the better team won,” he said.

Other results: Bolton 1-3 Newcastle, Derby 2-2 Portsmouth, Everton 2-1 Wigan, Middlesbrough 1-2 Blackburn, West Ham 0-2 Manchester City, Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool.

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