NG ILL-EQUIPPED

LY AND TECHNICALLY – AND THE NEED FOR FRESH BLOOD IN THE BLACK CATS’ SQUAD HAS RARELY BEEN SO CLEAR

Sunderland back into it just before half-time.

Understanding the situation, the fans have remained resilient and while frustration was evident here, the mood did not turn as ugly as it might have done.

The hope will be that this proves to be an aberration, the exception to Sunderland’s generally improving home form. That the physical excellence seen against Liverpool can be rediscovered.

Sunderland’s Premier League future depends on it.

Here, they were secondbest in every department.

Consolation: Jermain Defoe marks his consolation. Pictures by Frank Reid

Crouch beats him (right) to make it 3-0.