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

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3 – An experienced squad

Something that could be the biggest factor in their survival this season is the experience they can draw upon from last season. After being written off by everyone and their dog, Sunderland coach Advocaat somehow reinvigorated his squad, wrung every last drop out of them, and low and behold they survived the drop.

A lot of the squad that pulled off the feat of last season have remained at the club, and this surely can’t be a bad thing. This will give them the knowledge that all is not lost. They are just one point off safety as they enter into “the business end”, with only 12 games left in this Premier League season. It is not too incomprehensible that five teams can be dragged into this relegation battle. They are only nine points adrift of Crystal Palace and West Brom who are placed 13th and 14th respectively.

Jermaine Defoe’s form could be all important in the run-in for Allardyce’s men. He has notched 10 goals in 22 league matches this season, and when he scores they more often than not appear to be match changing goals and not a mere consolation. As previous seasons have shown, it is goals that get you out of a relegation battle, Sunderland have scored more goals than anyone as far up the table as Chelsea in 12th position in the league.

In addition to that, Allardyce has made the Sunderland defensive unit look a lot more efficient and brought in more stability since his arrival. If he can get a string of results together they could survive for yet another season.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Jonathan Sosa