Sunderland simply must perform now or it will be too late to avoid a second successive relegation.
For the second time in recent weeks, Sunderland rescued a 3-3 draw and a potentially vital point in stoppage time of Saturday’s game.
It was Callum McManaman’s turn to be the hero against Middlesbrough, with Joel Asoro having forced an own goal at Bristol City a couple of weeks ago.
The problem for Sunderland is that Chris Coleman’s men lost twice between those two matches and, even with the points gained, they sit bottom of the Championship, having failed to build on those late rallies.
The gap to 21st place could stretch to five points on Tuesday night and Sunderland are quickly running out of time.
It really is now or never for Coleman’s side.
Their run-in is as tough as any of their relegation rivals’, too, with Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers their last two opponents this season.
Even the Black Cats’ immediate fixture list does not look too kind, with a trip to Millwall followed by Aston Villa’s arrival at the Stadium of Light.
But, at this stage of the season, it matters not who Sunderland are playing. Regardless of the opposition, they simply must start winning matches if they are to stay in the second tier.
The club struggle still to arrest a slump that spans at least two seasons and the time has long since passed for Sunderland to be able to pick and choose their matches.
The Black Cats had their fair share of Premier League great escapes. Now they need to belatedly kick into gear in a lower division.
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