If you’re a Sunderland fan, it’s safe to say that you’re probably not best pleased with your team’s start to the new Premier League campaign and their supporters here in the Tavern are not best impressed!
The Black Cats were supposed to really take off under new manager David Moyes but it seems that old habits die hard, and they’re struggling yet again.
They sit level on points at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one draw from their opening five games. Defeats to Manchester City, Middlesbrough,
Defeats to Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Everton and Spurs have left them winless in the league, with just victories in the Cup providing them with any success so far this campaign.
The pressure is beginning to build on the Scot and he’s got to start turning things around as soon as possible if they’re to avoid another season of relegation worries. Even the landlord here has tipped them for the drop, and he’s got a bit of a soft spot for the side from the North East.
Even the landlord here has tipped them for the drop, and he’s got a bit of a soft spot for the side from the North East.
So with that in mind, here’s 3 upcoming games that could make or break David Moyes’ tenure at Sunderland…
Crystal Palace – (Home, 24th Sept)
Palace have had a pretty solid start to their Premier League campaign but this is a game that Sunderland really need to win if they are to give their season the kick-start it needs.
It’s clear the likes of Manchester City are going to be untouchable this year and this is a fixture that, in front of their home supporters, they can really win.
If they can get Jermaine Defoe firing then they have every chance of perhaps sneaking a 1-0 victory.
He needs to find a win ASAP so why not in their next game?
Stoke City – (Away, Oct 15th)
On October 15, The Black Cats travel to the Britannia to take on a Stoke City side who are the only outfit below them in the league.
Obviously, things can change in between now and then but these are the two sides that have struggled most so far this campaign.
A draw would be a nightmare result for both teams so expect Sunderland to set up in such a way needed to win the game.
Stoke are there for the taking and this is a must-win for David Moyes.
West Ham United (Away, 22nd Oct)
Surprise, surprise, the next game for the Black Cats after the Stoke fixture is a trip to struggling West Ham United.
They’ve spent a lot of money but have really faced a slump in form and they’re another team that Sunderland are really capable of beating.
On their day, the Hammers can beat anyone but right now, they’re looking tentative at best.
Setting up in a positive manner would be best for this one because after all, West Ham have plenty of attacking talent and you don’t want to be on the back foot against Payet and co.
