The Sunderland supporters here in the Transfer Tavern were partying until the very early hours of Sunday morning last weekend, following the Black Cats’ impressive 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in their relegation six-pointer.

The Sunderland faithful have not had a great deal to shout about this season and last weekend was arguably the highlight in an otherwise drab campaign, with the result offering a glimmer of hope that they can retain their Premier League status.

David Moyes will be hoping that his side can now go on a revival of sorts over the next few weeks, starting with their game against Southampton this weekend.

One Sunderland fan is having a game of darts with his pal here in the Tavern and he thinks a game against a Saints side struggling for form could be ideal for the Black Cats this weekend.

Lee Clarke looks at two things Sunderland must do if they are to take three points off Southampton this weekend.

Feed Jermain Defoe

Sunderland as a collective have managed just 24 goals in the Premier League during the 2016/17 campaign, with the former England striker netting 14 of those.

Although the club is heavily reliant on the striker’s goals, whilst he is fit they need to ensure that he gets the right service.

One Sunderland fan is tucking in to an all day breakfast here in the Tavern and he thinks that Defoe’s goals against Palace last weekend typified the lethal instincts of the striker.

Play on the front foot

Sunderland had just 32% possession during last weekend’s win over Crystal Palace and against better opposition they must keep the ball better.

Against better teams the Black Cats could pay the price for not having the lion share of possession and David Moyes would be wise to rectify this.

A couple of Sunderland fans are sampling one of the landlord’s real ales and they agree that the club hasn’t dominated possession in anywhere near enough of their games this season.