Sunderland have started the Premier League poorly, but the EFL Cup could bring Moyes some joy.
Sunderland are yet to pick up a win in the Premier League so far this season and sit in 19th place with just a point to their name.
David Moyes’ only win as Black Cats boss came in the second round of the EFL Cup, where a late Adnan Januzaj goal ensured Sunderland’s place in the next round.
They head to Loftus Road to take on Queens Park Rangers and the cup tie could be the perfect tonic for the North East side. While a cup run is probably the last thing on Sunderland fans’ minds as they already appear to be in another relegation battle, a run of good results in a domestic cup could give the Wearsiders the confidence to improve their Premier League position.
In 2014, Gus Poyet completed the great escape and also guided Sunderland to a League Cup final at Wembley.
It was a run that galvanised a Sunderland side that look destined for relegation, yet as they flopped in the Premier League, they flourished in the League Cup.
Poyet’s men managed to dispose of Chelsea before winning a two legged affair with Manchester United, which was decided by a penalty shootout that will go down in red and white history. Players became heroes and legends were made.
While they came up short in the final to Manchester City, despite going in front through Fabio Borini, the result is not what Sunderland fans talk about.
The ‘dare to dream’ attitude of the fans became drilled into the players and as the red and white masses chanted “things can only get better”, things did get better.
Despite saying they needed a miracle, Poyet guided Sunderland to Premier League survival, picking up huge wins at Old Trafford and ending Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten streak at Stamford Bridge.
The run they went on in the EFL Cup made Sunderland believe in themselves. While it is too early in the season to be thinking what might be happening come March, a run in the cup could have Premier League benefits further down the line.
That must start with a win away to QPR.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
