Premier League Season Review – Sunderland

Sunderland: 17th

FA Cup: Round Three

Capital One Cup: Round Three

It has become an annual occurence for Sunderland to look like relegation certainties, change the manager and kickstart a revival by defeating arch rivals Newcastle United in the new man’s second match in charge. It is a case now of lightning striking four times, and on this occasion it was the wily Sam Allardyce who defied the club’s league position when he took over in October to lead them to safety, while reminding everyone of his managerial ability.

After guiding the team to safety in 2014-15 Dick Advocaat was persuaded to stay on as boss by a combination of adoring supporters and owner Ellis Short, despite having announced his intention to retire. Among the summer signings the Dutchman brought in were Tottenh...