The Black Cats currently sit in 18th spot, having staged a fightback over the last few months.
If one had posed the question of whether Sunderland would finally succumb to relegation following years of clinging on to Premier League status back in November, the response would have been a foregone conclusion.
Fast-forward almost two months and The Black Cats have begun to mount an escape, that whilst would still be some way short of relating it to an act of Houdini, is nevertheless hard to grasp.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
Having conceded at a rate of two a game on average over their first ten league games, David Moyes’ side have now won four of their last seven outings – two of those defeats have come against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Now also to able to keep clean sheets in the bargain, as witnessed with a resolute display against Watford, Sunderland fans are wondering if what seemed to be an inevitable conclusion come May, may once again be another feat of escapology.
If we take the example of Aston Villa last term for example, the club that had no less than four different stewards during the campaign finally fell through the top-flight trapdoor after five seasons of finishing in the bottom five places.
Sunderland have endured similar fortunes, ending the term clinging on in 16th or 17th spot in three of the last four Premier League campaigns.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their first goal
For the early part of this season, it seemed as though the hourglass would finally ebb its last grain of sand of this era of top-flight football on Wearside. Suddenly however, there is a real sense that another survival bid could be successful.
Veteran striker Jermain Defoe has been central to that. The former Spurs and West Ham man has enjoyed an Indian summer in his career at the Stadium of Light, with his 15 goals last season followed up by eight already this season.
An unlikely partnership with Victor Anichebe has struck gold of late, with Moyes knowing how to get the best out of the 28 year-old Nigerian from his time at Everton.
Didier Ndong has been a useful addition to Moyes squad. The tackle that forced Philippe Coutinho to miss six weeks was indicative of the commitment the Gabonese has added to Sunderland this term.
Watford’s Valon Behrami in action with Sunderland’s Jason Denayer
The key to the Black Cats survival hosts lie in a newly found defensive ethic. Between Lamine Kone, Papy Djilobodji and Jason Denayer, the Wearsiders have formed a cohesive unit of late, as Denayer – on loan from Manchester City – sits in front of the back four.
The telling factor in survival is likely to be home form over the remainder of the campaign. David Moyes play fellow strugglers Burnley and Swansea at home before the season is out. The caveat here, is that trips to both Arsenal and Chelsea loom in the final weeks leading up to May.
If recent form is anything to go by, Sunderland are capable of mounting a rear-guard action. As David Moyes knows all too well, form is temporary in the Premier League, but both he and their fans will hope that the last few weeks are not a flash in the pan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
