Team Overview: Sunderland has been a consistent top flight competitor since English football began back in 1879, but the Black Cats haven’t won a first division title since 1936 and they have hoisted no significant hardware since the 1973 FA Cup. But, Sunderland has managed to stave off relegation again and thus avoided 2005’s fate.
Best Performers: I don’t like Djibril Cisse, what with his strange look and all, but I must admit the man had a good season notching ten goals. Likewise, Kenwyne Jones also put up 10 goals while displaying some solid skills. Goalkeeper Fulop struggled at times, but still finished the season with a mediocre 1.42 goals per game average.
Highest High: When one thinks of Sunderland’s “highest highs”, they must admit that there aren’t many. The Black Cats did rise to the occasion when the pressure was really on them though. Their biggest win came on April 18th when they edged Hull City 1-0 in front of a home crowd, a victory that assured they would not be relegated.
Lowest Low: Once Sunderland knew they would stay in the Prem, they packed it in and ended the season on a very poor finishing note. In fact, they lost four of their last five matches, including a 3-0 loss to stinker West Brom. Sure, they almost took out Chelsea, but they also had ugly losses to Everton and Portsmouth.
Future Outlook: Sunderland must improve on both defense and offense next season. Their attack is impotent, notching a mere 34 goals all season. The Black Cats need to use the transfer window to pick up an attacking mid to supply Cisse and Jones. If that happens, they can stay competitive in the Prem. If not. Well, it was nice knowing ya.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 0 comments… add one now }