Another heavy defeat on New Year’s Eve left Sunderland fans fearing the worst heading into 2017, but a shock home draw with Liverpool earlier today somewhat eased fears at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats remain in the relegation zone, but twice came from behind against the title-chasing Reds, with Jermain Defoe netting two penalty kicks. The performance wasn’t pretty, but there was plenty of heart on show just 48 hours after a wounding loss to a major rival in the battle at the foot of the table.
Still, there’s work to be done in the North East, and with the January transfer window now open there is the chance to act.
The Stadium of Light side haven’t been relegated from the Premier League since 2005/06 and have always found what’s required to stay in the division since returning to the top flight from the Championship at the first time of asking.
Is that a step too far this season? What are Moyes’ priorities heading into the transfer window?
Here are THREE glaring issues that Sunderland must solve in January if they are to stay up…
Support for Defoe
Despite Sunderland’s lowly position in the Premier League, veteran striker Jermain Defoe has still managed to score on a regular basis. Even when his team are performing badly, he’s still popping up with goals – as evidenced by his consolation against Burnley and his two strikes from the penalty spot vs. Liverpool. In fact, eleven of Sunderland’s 19 in 20 games have come via the veteran forward!
What Sunderland need is creativity and the right attacking midfielders who can conjure up more chances for Defoe to knock away.
He isn’t missing many and even though he’s 34, he still has enough quality to keep the Black Cats up.
Goalkeeper gone
Jordan Pickford has been a more than capable choice for Sunderland between the sticks this season but he’s now injured and faces a spell on the sidelines of close to two months.
That leaves Moyes in a bind with Vito Mannone the only viable choice available to him. The Italian ‘keeper didn’t exactly look up to speed in the recent 4-1 thrashing to Burnley, albeit he made some smart stops at home against Liverpool.
Sunderland need competition for the position or face seeing their season sink into oblivion. If Pickford’s recovery is slower than expected then a good chunk of the season’s second half could be lost to Mannone’s poor form.
A loan signing is probably the preferred option here given the Black Cats lack of resources. Can Moyes find a player not getting game time that is good enough to come in and play a vital part in keeping them up?
Defensive deficiencies
Only Hull and Swansea have conceded more goals than Sunderland this season – the Black Cats have let in a massive 37 goals in the Premier League.
The form of Lamine Kone has faded from that he showed last season while the options at right-back are a clear weak link in the backline with only Billy Jones getting a regular game there.
Moyes needs proven defensive talent to come in and help stem the tide or addressing those goalkeeping woes and lack of creativity for Defoe won’t matter.
Every game from here on out is a cup final and the Sunderland manager needs leaders in the backline to provide the platform for success.