As the battle against relegation hots up, Sunderland show that they may well have the staying power to avoid the drop.
With the Premier League entering its final furlong, the relegation places don’t look quite as cut-and-dried as they did a few weeks ago. Sunderland have been many people’s favourites to go down since the start of the season, and even after the appointment of Sam Allardyce they still looked like a team unworthy of staying in the top flight. But that could all be about to change as Big Sam’s transfer activity looks to have added a new dimension to the side.
The Black Cats put on a thoroughly convincing display against a Manchester United side who are also having a nightmarish season. In the thrilling 2-1 victory over the Red Devils, Allardyce’s men showed the kind of quality and resilience that they desperately require in order to retain their Premier League credentials next term. The win put them within a point of the safety zone and could spell a turn of tide on Wearside.
Allardyce will be satisfied that his business in the January transfer window was shrewd, as the new signings have instantly made an impact and added class to the squad. Certainly, ticket sales to the Stadium of Light will be on the rise at sites like ticketgum if Wahbi Khazri and Lamini Kone continue to impress. It was the two new boys that helped seal the win for Sunderland against Man U, with Khazri playing a hand in both goals-scoring the first and assisting the second from a corner.
Sunderland fans can also be grateful for their fellow relegation rivals slipping up. Newcastle suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Chelsea which leaves Steve McClaren’s future hanging in the balance. After picking up some talented, albeit expensive, signings in the January window many thought that the Magpies would be on the rise, but this may not turn out to be the case after all.
Norwich also managed to let a 2 goal lead slip away from them, taking only a point away from a tie against West Ham that they really should have won. This could be an omen of things to come as the Canaries may lack the mettle needed to ensure survival in such a fierce battle around the drop zone.
Norwich also managed to let a 2 goal lead slip away from them, taking only a point away from a tie against West Ham that they really should have won. This could be an omen of things to come as the Canaries may lack the mettle needed to ensure survival in such a fierce battle around the drop zone.
Of all the teams in this dogfight, Sunderland are perhaps the most experienced in this situation, and that could be key to dragging themselves up and out of the pits. For the last few seasons they have faced the drop and overcome exceptional odds to maintain their Premier League status. And with one of the most experienced strikers in the league, Jermain Defoe, spearheading the attack, they have a very good chance of staying up.
The next few months will be a tough, gruelling battle, but Sunderland have what it takes to remain in the Premier League.