In some ways, Sunderland took a page from Leicester City’s book in keeping their Premier League safety hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.
The Black Cats allowed visiting United two-thirds possession -- 66 to 34 -- but were very good when they had the ball in out-attempting the visitors 21-12.
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Manager Sam Allardyce saw a win like this coming, and the normally bombastic Englishman says the three points were both deserved and overdue.“Today was very similar to the way the Manchester City game went (which Sunderland lost 1-0) but this time we got what we deserved from the chances we created.
“I thought we might be punished for not taking them and wondered whether it was going to go our way, but it ended up being an unbelievable win for us.”
The real story for Big Sam is that Sunderland’s transfer window buys are looking fantastic. Ex-Bordeaux man Wahbi Khazri, at least to start, has looked like an absolute game-changer, while Lamine Kone bolted in the winner (even if it’s being credited as an own goal).
Sunderland is now a point back of derby rivals Newcastle United for 17th place, and four points back of Swansea. The Magpies face Chelsea at 12:30 p.m. ET, while Swans hosts Saints at 10 a.m. ET.
