Frustration and inconsistency has plagued us
As we approach the final three games of the season, it is pretty clear that Sunderland are a lost cause with regards to Championship survival.
We probably need maximum points from Burton, Fulham and Wolves, while also hoping that the teams above us go on a Sunderland style run.
However, it didn’t have to be this way.
The last five or so games have brought a different look about the side, and there is no doubt in my mind that had the application, and at times quality, Sunderland have shown over the last month been shown earlier in the season, then we would not be staring League One football in the face.
Small things, even in the last few games have seen us bottom of the league, requiring snookers, rather than having fate in our own hands.
Had we held on to the leads against Leeds, Reading and Norwich, we would be out of the relegation zone on goal difference, with Burton at home to come. Small margins.
While Sunderland can be mathematically relegated tomorrow afternoon, we need to go down with as much momentum as possible.
That means going all out to beat a Burton side, and complete a first league double of the season.
We have to win the game, so at least the teams above us have to win theirs – Barnsley, of course, have a game in hand against Nottingham Forest.
The options Chris Coleman has to choose from are further limited, with the announcement of Love, Asoro and Gooch out for the season.
Hopefully Paddy McNair is fit to remain in the side, and, aside from Love, we go with the same side that faced Reading.
Sunderland should have won that game, more comedy goalkeeping (the first goal was just bizarre), compounded by mediocre defending, costing us a further two points.
The season has been a disaster, we all know this, but it has also been one littered with missed opportunities.
Sunderland have been infuriating, seemingly determined to mess up every chance that has been afforded to get out of trouble.
The final two games, Fulham away and Wolves at home, sum up the frustration and inconsistency that has plagued the campaign. Fulham last lost a league game in mid December, against Sunderland.
Wolves, already promoted, have beaten every team they have played this season – except for Sunderland.
We have shown we can perform against the teams up the top, which makes giving Barnsley six points and Bolton and Birmingham four, even more unfathomable.
So barring a miracle, it’s the third tier for Sunderland next season, facing newly promoted Accrington Stanley, and a Fleetwood side managed by Joey Barton.
Oh joy.