Prior to yesterday’s game at Bournemouth, Sunderland looked doomed to the drop to the Championship. The Black Cats had shown little spirit and even less quality for much of their Premier League campaign so far.
However, somehow David Moyes’ side etched out a 2-1 win on the south coast to lift spirits at the north east club. The win still means that Moyes men are bottom and five points away from safety, but it could prove a catalyst to an unexpected recovery this season for Sunderland.
An unexpected hero emerged from the win at Bournemouth in Nigerian international striker Victor Anichebe. The striker was signed on a free transfer by Moyes in a move to strengthen his strike force.
Anichebe spent the last few campaigns struggling to get into the West Brom team prior to being released in the summer. The game at Bournemouth was his first start for Sunderland and he made the most of it.
The former Everton striker scored the opening goal and also produced an assist for England striker Jermain Defoe. Moyes had taken a gamble by playing the striker from the start, but it certainly paid off for the Scottish boss and his team.
Sunderland are accustomed to making great escapes from relegation, so the Black Cats beating the drop this season would maybe not be a major surprise. However, it would maybe be a slight surprise due to the seemingly lack of quality in the north east sides team.
Moyes has been criticised by many for the team’s performances this season. In many ways, though, the Scot inherited a poor squad of players. He was also given a limited budget to improve the situation at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have looked doomed to the drop to the Championship, but not it looks like they may just have a ray of hope in their battle for survival.