Could this be why Sunderland can beat the drop under Sam Allardyce?

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Following the 2-1 win against Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United, Sam Allardyce was adamant that his side had made a statement. They now sit one point off safety, thanks to Newcastle blowing up against Chelsea in a 5-1 away defeat. Allardyce is arguably the master of getting the most out of a team when their backs are against the wall, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to many if the former West Ham manager succeeded in helping Sunderland avoid the drop in back-to-back seasons.

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Here are three reasons why you should not underestimate Sunderland’s potential of avoiding relegation.

1 – Sam Allardyce

First and foremost, Allardyce has never been relegated from the Premier League. He had a raw deal at West Ham after working wonders to get them promotion from the Championship and back in the Premier League. Ridiculed for not playing “the West Ham way” always seemed a bizarre reason for the fans’ backlash, and in his final season he was given an ultimatum of playing more attractive football by the board. He eventually walked way after decided not to renew his stay at Upton park.

It was only a matter of time until he found himself at another Premier League club. Dick Advocaat parted ways with the “Black Cats” after another lacklustre start to a season at the Stadium of Light. When Sunderland’s 60-year-old manager took his post on 10th October 2015, he took charge without Sunderland having a win to their name.

“Big Sam” signed a two-year-deal at the Stadium of Light. If he is to achieve what many perceive to be the impossible and avoid the drop, he should be rewarded with a longer deal. The one thing Sunderland need is managerial stability. Allardyce is their sixth manager in four years which is nothing but counter-productive.