That time is upon us again where we sit and gaze with optimism and hope as our team graces a Premier League pitch for the first game of a new season.
Read Sunderland look at what has been the four best and worst of Sunderland’s opening day games in recent times.
Best:
- Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal 2000/2001
A Niall Quinn goal separated the two sides on the day in what was a good start to a fantastic season for Sunderland as they finished 7th for the second year running.
- Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur 2007/2008
Roy Keane’s newly promoted Sunderland had a tough opening test against European challengers Tottenham. However, the script was ruined when debutant Michael Chopra stole all three points for the Black Cats in the final minutes. A great start to a term where Keane managed to keep Sunderland up in their first season back in the top flight.
- Bolton 0-1 Sunderland 2009/2010
Steve Bruce’s first game in charge was a trip to the Reebok Stadium. After a summer of spending and optimism on Wearside, marquee siging Darren Bent scored a debut goal to mark Brucies reign with a win, Sunderland would go on to finish 13th that season.
- Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland 2011/2012
A trip to Merseyside saw Sunderland steal a draw as Seb Larsson scored a peach of a goal on his debut for the club. The Black Cats were able to gain a credible point in what was a season of few highs as Steve Bruce was replaced by Martin O’Neill in December, with the club finishing 13th.
Worst:
- Nottingham Forest 2-0 Sunderland 2003/2004
After being relegated with a then record lowest points tally, Sunderland were hoping to bounce straight back to the premier league. Things did not go to plan however, Forest took all three points whilst Sunderland would go on to lose in the play-off semi-final.
- Sunderland 1-3 Charlton Athletic 2005/2006
An unwelcome return to premier league life for Mick McCarthy and Sunderland as Charlton and future Sunderland striker Darren Bent tore apart the Black Cats defence. This was a taste of things to come as Sunderland went on to break their own record and finish the season with a record low of fifteen points, twenty-three points away from safety.
- Coventry 2-1 Sunderland 2006-2007
After relegation, managerless Sunderland succumbed to a first game defeat. Things however did pick up with Roy Keane taking the hot seat and driving the club to the top of the table.
- Sunderland 0-1 Fulham 2013-2014
After a pre-season of mass turnover, Paolo Di Canio took charge at Sunderland with fans optimistic about the future with the Italian. Things did not get off to a good start with an undeserved defeat to Fulham on the opening day followed by further poor results. Di Canio was axed and it took a great escape under Gus Poyet to save the club from another relegation.
