Not a classic, but what an important week for Sunderland

Article by e-Sunderland Correspondent Ben Mummery

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To anyone watching, last night’s Stoke City encounter was not one that will go down in the annals of time as a classic Premier League thriller, but it’s likely that no game involving Stoke can ever be counted as such.

Over the course of a scrappy ninety minutes, the Black Cats managed to grind out three of the most desperately needed points they have ever earned, and moved themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time since August 2013.

It’s fair to say that Stoke City are playing a considerably better brand of football this season than they had done previously under Tony “long ball” Pulis, and with the introduction of players such as Assaidi, Arnautavic, Guidetti, and Odemwingie, they’re looking a more potent threat going forward, as well has maintaining their “land of the giants” status at the back.

Stoke have the ability to break up a game, and stop teams playing their way, this approach was personified by the so far immaculate Ki’s performance, as the Korean playmaker was severely hampered in what he was allowed to do last night, he had been clearly identified by Mark Hughes’ midfield as the danger man, however it looked like both sides had adopted this approach last night which lead to a very unattractive game many fans would have been pleased to see come to an end.

Adam Johnson’s solitary goal on the twenty five minute mark was enough to seal the deal for Sunderland, however there were a number of chances at both ends for each team, and the one nil score line probably did little to reflect the scoring opportunities the game had on offer.

That said, this is an enormous week for Sunderland. Poyet’s men have the opportunity to not only haul themselves out of the relegation zone, but to go into a Tyne Wear derby match at St. James’ Park buoyed from a midweek win.

Derby games are at best, difficult to predict, with form often meaning almost nothing, and the team that wants it more on the day prevailing. A further three points this Saturday could potentially lift Sunderland clear of trouble altogether, however with the tight knit nature of the bottom half of the table, who’s to say how many points will make a team safe?

Sunderland have struggled to string league wins together all season, however with three valuable points under their belt from Stoke’s visit, and the next fixture against a side who have just lost not only their best player to PSG, but their number one striker to suspension (appeal permitting), Mackem fans could be forgiven for holding their fingers crossed behind their backs in hope of a six point season from the old enemy.

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