Sunderland - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Questions rose about the solidity of Sunderland’s defence as they fell short in a 4-2 defeat away to Leicester City in their opening fixture of this Premier League season. Dick Advocaat’s men had little to shout about at half time, conceding three goals in the opening 30 minutes of the game. New signing Younes Kaboul seems to have struggled to settle in his new role leading the Black Cats back line, as John O’Shea’s omission from the starting line-up may have surprised some after a solid 2014/15 campaign. Advocaat will have been happier at full-time than half-time, despite the loss, following his side’s attempt to drag themselves back into the game with goals through strikers Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher.

Sunderland fans will have wanted to see a better performance as they welcomed promoted side Norwich to the Stadium of Light in their second game of the season. Nonetheless they once again disappointed with a second consecutive loss of the season, this time 3-1. Another lacklustre performance will leave little hope for the home support and pressure will be heaped on manager Advocaat for the next few games. The Black Cats were lucky to escape with a goal in the defeat, with Duncan Watmore’s debut consolation goal after 88 minutes all the Sunderland fans had to be positive about after the game.

Perhaps the most disappointing starts for any team in the Premier League, Advocaat’s side could well see themselves propping up the rest of the league for a while, an in form Swansea side their next opponents. If results do not turn their way, the first Premier League sacking of the season could be on the cards.