Sunderland Are In A Spot Of Bother But That's All
It is difficult not to feel a little despondent about Sunderland at the moment because no matter what sort of spin you try to put on it, three back to back defeats is difficult to accept.
The fact things could get worse before they get better is of little comfort either. Three successive losses could so easily come five if you consider the fact the Black Cats' next two games are away at Everton and Arsenal. That is followed by a home game against resurgent Liverpool and a trip to Manchester City.
So suddenly, that European push is faltering, and even the hope of a top eight finish looks as if it could be in jeopardy. The Wearsiders are wobbling and they could be about to take a nasty little tumble just as the finishing straight moves into view.
Yet, while three defeats is three defeats, nil points out of nine, it is important everyone remembers how far Steve Bruce's side has come in such a short period of time.
In truth, European football was probably always going to beyond them this term, particularly since Darren Bent decided he would rather play for more money at Aston Villa in the January window, but a top eight finish isn't.
Bruce's target was a top ten place in the summer and that is still very much on despite the recent slump.
Everyone must remember that a defence which has conceded nine goals in just three games is also a defence which had kept more clean sheets than any other team in the top flight up until the turn of the year.
Craig Gordon and Titus Bramble were at fault for the goals against Tottenham last weekend, yet they have been two of the best performers in a miserly defensive unit before the Stoke game.
Gordon's confidence appears to have suffered badly as a result of that Stoke bombardment in which he never looked convincing, but Bramble has never allowed a mistake to cause any lasting damage.
Both, though, need to take a deep breath this week, enjoy a few days off and then get back to business in preparation for the trip to Everton the following weekend.
Sunderland have looked a little jaded mentally in my opinion and a few days off can do wonders for that.
Supporters irritated by the downturn in results at the Stadium of Light, should keep one eye on an injury situation which has deprived Bruce of his captain and best defensive midfielder Lee Cattermole, as well as striker Danny Welbeck in the immediate aftermath of Darren Bent's abdication.
Fans need to be mindful of the fact that Asamoah Gyan is playing as a lone frontman in his first season in English football and new signings Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon are still trying to settle in at a new club.
They should also take comfort from the fact that, after a home game against Liverpool and another difficult away game at Manchester City, Sunderland have the sort of run in every manager in the Premier League would want.
You can never assume anything in football, but Sunderland's last seven games are all against sides in the bottom half of the table.
Bruce is almost certainly going to have Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell back in his plans, while Michael Turner and Cattermole should also be in contention.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, Sunderland just need to make sure they are in a position to make the most of it when they get there.
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Luke Edwards - is Chief Sports Writer of The Journal and uses his blog to give a unique and entertaining insight into events at Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Your headline Sunderland in a spot of bother should apply to Niall Quinn's Marketing and PR team for the fiasco around his current Building Bridges Meet and Greet the supporters sessions. Last night (Monday March 7) I accompanied my wheelchair bound Brother in Law, Daryn Robinson, to the first of these events at the Whiteleas Social Club in South Shields only to be told the meeting was on the 3rd Floor of the Club with NO disabled access. When Daryn, a supporter for 40 years, entered for the tickets he mentioned he was disabled, It was also a missed opportunity for me to bleat about the dreadful sound system at the Stadium of Light and the total lack of Razz Matazz when you come to the ground. (I've never found a lottery ticket seller yet) It's a bit like arriving to the outskirts of Durham Jail.
Your headline Sunderland in a spot of bother should apply to Niall Quinn's Marketing and PR team for the fiasco around his current Building Bridges Meet and Greet the supporters sessions. Last night (Monday March 7) I accompanied my wheelchair bound Brother in Law, Daryn Robinson, to the first of these events at the Whiteleas Social Club in South Shields only to be told the meeting was on the 3rd Floor of the Club with NO disabled access. When Daryn, a supporter for 40 years, entered for the tickets he mentioned he was disabled, It was also a missed opportunity for me to bleat about the dreadful sound system at the Stadium of Light and the total lack of Razz Matazz when you come to the ground. (I've never found a lottery ticket seller yet) It's a bit like arriving to the outskirts of Durham Jail.
Luke, Not much serious response to your load of twaddle.
It would be better if you showed a bit of concern about the Magpies, because it is still a distinct possibility that all three of the promoted sides will go straight back down.
The main reason why the Mapies should go back down is that it is totally unfair to rob the other Championships sides of the sight of the Nolan Ckicken Dance for two season in a row. And of course to rob them of the Sid James Beer Belly Dancers too.
Luke:
"There is light at the end of the tunnel, etc. ..."
Sorry to use this cliche, but I hope it is not a freight train speeding towards them.