Everything that could have gone wrong for Sunderland probably has gone wrong. A manager fiasco before the season. A depressing transfer window. Injuries to key players and the battered and bruised version of David Moyes, instead of the solid and dependable Moyes from his Everton days. And it is no surprise that they find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after the completion of Match Day 11.
There are rumours that David Moyes is hanging on by a thread to his job with a match by match analysis the order of the day. With such reports almost reaching the training facilities, maybe the players got the push they needed and came up with their first win of the season against Bournemouth and the fighting spirit shown by his players would have encouraged Moyes and there will be a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that they don’t stop here. And luckily they have a home match next up against fellow strugglers Hull City, which is a must-win match for them.
While for a 20th placed team, there are hardly any positives or strengths to derive from the performances, we still try to point out a couple of them along with the weaknesses they have shown.
STRENGTHS
David Moyes took a big decision by rejecting the chance to sign England international Joe Hart and instead focused on trying to keep the window of opportunity open for the Pickford. And with the injury to Mannone, he has got exactly that. And Moyes probably has no regrets associated with this decision now.
The England Under 21 has been impressive between the sticks and along with his performances has shown maturity beyond his years. Along with Pickford, the output from Defoe has been outstanding. He has been doing this year in year out. Leading a wafer-thin attacking line, he has been a lone ranger for them scoring 6 goals with the next best being Van Aanholt with 2.
WEAKNESS
Sunderland made the biggest mistake in the transfer window, failing to adequately add depth in case of injuries or loss of form and this is exactly what they are facing right now. With the injury to Borini, they have been left with Defoe up top and if it wasn’t for the old warhorses remarkable form for such a team, they would have been worse off, if that is indeed possible.
Depth is lacking all over the pitch thus not allowing Moyes to change things around too much. Sunderland also have a weakness in the manager they have now, with no disrespect to Moyes. He has overseen horrible spells at Manchester United and Real Sociedad and is probably nit the right person to be heading a team in disarray at this moment.
But all said and done, we hope the Black Cats find a way to turn things around and utilise the winter transfer window adequately to give themselves a chance.
