In the last several years, Sunderland have teetered near the Premier League relegation zone. After a dismal start in 2016-17, it’s looking like this year is the one when the Black Cats are finally relegated.
David Moyes was brought in as Sunderland manager with hopes to lead the club away from a relegation fight and towards a mid-table finish. But with a quarter of the season gone, that isn’t proving the case.
Sunderland, statistically, have started off worse than their 2005-06 which ended with them being relegated. Moyes’ team have played ten matches in the Premier League so far, but only picked up two points – which ties them for the worst start in Premier League history.
They’ve have earned two draws so far, against Southampton and West Brom respectively. But are on a run of four-straight defeats in all competitions. Recently losing 4-1 at home against Arsenal.
MUST READ: What is wrong with Jose Mourinho and Manchester United?
Jordan Pickford has been a nice surprise in goal, but the defense has been poor. Lamine Kone and Papy Djilobodji have failed to live up to their hype as center-backs. However, Patrick van Aanholt has netted twice from left-back, which is the second-highest on the team.
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
Midfielders and attackers have failed to create many chances for the Black Cats, even some players that have played under Moyes before. Adnan Januzaj and Steven Pienaar are two examples of players who were brought in due to past history with Moyes. Neither has contributed.
Wahbi Khazri, Lynden Gooch, and Duncan Watmore all have potential to help the team get it together, but it will take a combined effort from everyone now. Jermain Defoe has bailed Sunderland out before with some big goals and already has five this season.
The issue, though, is that Defoe cannot be the only player contributing goals for Sunderland to stay up. The 34-year-old netted 15 goals a season ago to help the Black Cats survive. If secondary players cannot chip in with goals this year, then this team will not make it past December.
According to the Independent, David Moyes could be sacked this weekend if Sunderland don’t earn a victory at Bournemouth. With only three league matches in November, Sunderland need to make the most of them.
After Bournemouth, they host a struggling Hull City, before a daunting test at Liverpool two days after Thanksgiving. The main goal for Sunderland will be to not concede too many goals and allow matches get out-of-hand.
Next: Manchester City: Kevin De Bruyne must play centrally
It’s easier said than done, but for the Black Cats to have any chance, they need to get back to the basics now before it’s too late. Their rivals, Newcastle United, were relegated a season ago but are now striving in the Championship this season.
The way things are going, we could well see Sunderland relegated in May, whilst their Tyne-Wear rivals return to the top-flight.