Sunderland secured a fine 2-1 win at home to Manchester United on Saturday to close the gap on safety to just one point. The Black Cats took the lead within the opening 3 minutes through Wahbi Khazri, who scored from a deliciously whipped free-kick.
Manchester United increased the pressure and made a breakthrough 5 minutes before the break through Anthony Martial, who followed up after Vito Mannone had saved a fierce Juan Mata shot.
The Black Cats increased the intensity in the second-half and got what they deserved 9 minutes from the end when Lamine Kone headed past David De Gea from a Khazri corner.
Here is what we learnt from the game against Louis Van Gaal’s men:
The new boys can save us
Sunderland have looked a lot sharper and solid in the past three games and coincidentally it has been when the new signings have featured. Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchhoff have added steel and organisation to the Sunderland defensive mould, whilst Wahbi Khazri has impressed going forward, registering his first goal for the club on Saturday and looking a threat throughout.
Hopefully, the new January signings can add the cutting edge Sunderland have lacked as the Black Cats look to escape relegation again.
DeAndre Yedlin should be first-choice
The American had arguably the toughest task on Saturday, dealing with both Anthony Martial and then Memphis Depay, but he coped with ease.
His pace makes it very difficult for Sunderland to be caught on the counter-attack, whilst it also poses a threat going forward. He is a much better choice than Billy Jones at right-back and hopefully he can have a run of games in the first-team.
Vito is back to his best
Since being named Sunderland’s player of the season in 2013/14, Mannone has endured a tough time on Wearside, both for first-team opportunities and form. However, since the departure of Costel Pantilimon in January, Mannone has thrived as Sunderland’s number 1 yet again. His shot-stopping has been superb and his distribution has also improved, keeping out youngster Jordan Pickford in the first-team.
Have faith in Big Sam
Sunderland registered a rare win against Manchester United on Saturday, proving that Sam Allardyce has the tactical prowess to steer Sunderland to safety. Big Sam’s side have taken 4 points from a possible 9 against Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, a superb return for a struggling side.
Hopefully, this can be the start of a run of form for Sunderland, with a few ‘winnable’ games ahead in the coming weeks.