Sunderland ended arguably their toughest month this season with an away defeat to West Ham United yesterday.
Manchester City were the first team that the Black Cats would face this month, and the Wearsiders produced a fine display despite losing 1-0 through a Sergio Aguero goal. The Black Cats managed to take four points from their next two games against Liverpool and Manchester United, games in which the new signings truly began to make an impact.
With Sunderland entering the final stretch of the season and still one point from safety, Read Sunderland choose their team of the month for February:
Vito Mannone
The Italian keeper has played every game in February for Sunderland, conceding 5 in 4 and failing to keep a clean sheet. However, Mannone has been solid and has justified Allardyce’s faith in the stopper.
DeAndre Yedlin
Yedlin began the month as second choice only to be given his chance against Manchester United and West Ham. The American has been okay and is a much better alternative than Billy Jones.
Lamine Kone (Player of the Month)
What a purchase this man was by Sam Allardyce. Kone has been a rock in the centre of the Sunderland defence and has even chipped in with a match-winning goal against Manchester United.
John O'Shea
The Irishman has looked a lot more assured alongside Lamine Kone and his leadership qualities are always invaluable.
Patrick Van Aanholt
His mistake cost the Black Cats at least a point against West Ham, but apart from that the Dutchman has had a solid month.
Jan Kirchhoff
Two man of the match displays from the German this month put to bed any doubt of his abilities after a nervy debut at the end of January. Kirchhoff has been superb and looks a steal at £750,000.
Yann M'Vila
It hasn’t been the Frenchman’s best month in red and white but nevertheless he has been solid. Perhaps a hint of fatigue or simply underperforming, but M’Vila will be hoping to replicate his early season form in the coming months.
Lee Cattermole
Sunderland’s problem position. The attacking midfield role of the midfield three has mainly been handed to Cattermole and he has struggled, but, by default, gets into the team of the month.
Perhaps it’s time for Allardyce to give Jack Rodwell a chance?
Wahbi Khazri
The Tunisian playmaker has been a breath of fresh air on Wearside with a goal and two assists to his name for the month. His trickery, ability with a dead ball and his quality with both feet make him a menace for opposition defenders.
Dame N'Doye
Another position which Sunderland have struggled to find a regular spot for is the wide right role. Dame N’Doye has been handed a few starts in the position and has done reasonably well. Duncan Watmore is currently injured, whilst Fabio Borini has some work to do if he is to reclaim a starting spot.
Jermain Defoe
A single goal for February, which came against Liverpool, will disappoint Defoe who has been largely wasteful with his chances.