Sunderland supporters have had it pretty tough the past few weeks, and it’s safe to say the ones that are left in the Tavern aren’t taking it very well at all.
Under new manager David Moyes things were supposed to have been turned around at the first attempt -but if anything, the Black Cats have gone backwards.
Even the landlord in the Football Transfer Tavern isn’t impressed, and has tipped them for relegation back into the Championship.
So with things starting so poorly for Sunderland, what should Moyes do from here in terms of team selection? Something obviously isn’t working in his current side so should he stick with it or change it up, hoping something might give?
With that in mind, here’s our list of the three players that should start every game for Sunderland from now on…
Duncan Watmore
David Moyes needs more quality going forward.
But a player that definitely did well against West Brom was young Duncan Watmore, who was absolutely everywhere during the game. He ran, he chased and his enthusiasm really was infectious.
If his colleagues can follow his lead, then the Black Cats might be able to claw themselves away from the drop zone. It’s going to be tough but fair play to Watmore – he put down a real marker this weekend.
Patrick van Aanholt
Van Aanholt came off the bench to score Sunderland’s equaliser against the Baggies and the pace and energy he brought to the left-hand flank was superb.
The former Chelsea wing-back has often come in for criticism regarding his ability to defend but in the 35 minutes he did have against West Brom, he looked solid, composed and every bit a part of this Sunderland side.
Jason Denayer playing at full-back isn’t working so this is a switch that really makes sense from all angles.
Jack Rodwell
Paddy McNair has been given a starting role in midfield in recent weeks and it’s a move that has left some supporters in the Tavern scratching their heads.
Former Manchester City man Jack Rodwell is a much more proficient holding midfield player and he showed that when he came on against West Brom.
He’s composed, good with the ball and can pass well – and if the Black Cats can get him fit and in-form, he could be the key to this survival race. We haven’t seen the best from Jack Rodwell just yet and he needs to be really pushing to help his side out of this mess.
