Sunderland ended arguably their toughest month this season with an away defeat to West Ham United on Saturday lunchtime.
Manchester City were the first team that the Black Cats would face last 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 the Wearsiders entering the final stretch of the season and still one point from safety, Read Sunderland choose their awards for the month of February:
Player of the month - Lamine Kone
The former Lorient man has been colossal since arriving at Sunderland in January, with the defender being the commanding centre-back the Black Cats have been missing for quite some time.
Kone’s ability in the air and brute strength make him a nightmare for opposition players, just ask Yaya Toure. He even managed to chip in with a match-winning goal against Manchester United midway through February.
Honourable mention:
Wahbi Khazri and Jan Kirchhoff have both been superb since arriving and have added a new dimension to the Sunderland side.
Goal of the month - Jermain Defoe vs Liverpool
This game was one that will be remembered for the Liverpool fans protest of 77 minutes. However, this game also saw Sunderland produce a fine comeback against a strong Liverpool side.
Defoe got the all important equaliser minutes before the end with a fine turn and shot from just inside the area, leaving Simon Mignolet with no chance, Defoe’s only goal of the month.
Honourable mention:
Wahbi Khazri scored a delightful free-kick against Manchester United inside three minutes to open his Sunderland account.
Villain of the month - Billy Jones
There have been a few villains in a Sunderland shirt this season but the award for villain of the month for February goes to Billy Jones.
The right-back was beyond poor in the opening two games of the month, particularly against Liverpool, a performance which subsequently lost Jones his place in the starting XI.
Honourable mention:
Patrick Van Aanholt had a solid month but his mistake against West Ham cost the Black Cats at least a point.
Individual Performance - Wahbi Khazri
The Tunisian was superb against Manchester United, registering an assist and a goal in a game that the Black Cats won 2-1.
Khazri was a thorn in the Manchester United defence with his ability with both feet and on a dead ball earning him man of the match.
Honourable mention:
Jan Kirchhoff was superb in his home debut against Manchester City. The German controlled the game in the heart of the midfield and has continued to impress since.