Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce believes that some serious transfer work in January is going to be the only way to save the Black Cats from relegation, according to Sky Sports.
His comments come after the Black Cats found themselves 3-0 down inside 22 minutes yesterday, with Manchester City tearing Sunderland apart in just 10 minutes. The result means that the Lads are now five points from safety in 19th place, having lost four games on the trot and conceding three goals or more in three of those.
Allardyce made six changes to the side that lost against Chelsea – with Vito Mannone and Danny Graham two of the surprise names in the starting eleven. The changes were planned for Big Sam to assess the positions he needs to strengthen in the winter transfer window.
“I’ve given the players as much time as I possibly could.”
“Everybody has had a chance and I may have to say to one or two of them that I might have to move you out to try and get more in, in January. I was hoping it wouldn’t be, but it certainly looks the case now.”
The defence certainly needs to be a priority in January, especially with Younes Kaboul ruled out for weeks with a torn hamstring. Allardyce was not pleased with the way City tore the Black Cats apart.
“We have to do something about it. [capitualting]”
“You’ve got to show resilience at away grounds in the Premier League. You’ve got to understand that you have to stay organised and committed.”
“When you see Raheem Sterling scoring a header, the red flags start to wave. It’s really worrying that someone of his size (5ft 7) can come and score like that at the far post without a challenge on him.”
A centre-half, left-back and midfielder would appear to be on Sam’s shopping list, as well as a recall for Jordan Pickford – who is impressing on loan at Preston North End. The 21-year-old looks set to take over from Vito Mannone, who is linked with a move back to Serie A.
Sunderland will need to spend big in January to have any hope of staying in the Premier League for a tenth consecutive season.
