BIG SAM TO THE RESCUE AGAIN

WHEN Sunderland appointed Sam Allardyce it was bad news for the rest at the bottom. Because Big Sam knows how to get his teams out of trouble. But it’s unfair to call him a survival specialist — he is much better than that. In the short term he can save a side but long term he is a top-quality manager. That’s two wins in two for Sunderland now and against really tough opposition. Stoke are a good side and when you look at Newcastle’s result against Crystal Palace this weekend, it shows you what a good win it was for Sunderland at Selhurst Park last week. I’ve also been impressed by young Duncan Watmore (right). He’s so fast and dribbles well with the ball and that combination rattles defenders. He’s an intelligent lad and he could become a good player.

TALE OF TWO BOSSES

Sunderland’s record under both their managers this season: ADVOCAAT ALLARDYCE