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Let us examine the facts. Sunderland sit fourth in the table, three points from an automatic promotion place with two games in hand over Barnsley in second.

They’re nine points from the top side Luton, but have played three games fewer. Third-placed Portsmouth are wobbling.

Sunderland have only lost twice, scored in every game, are unbeaten at home and no side has conceded fewer goals. Most people believe they had a good January transfer window too.

So you might think that even the most dedicated whinger and doom-spreader would have their work cut out to talk them down. Is it even possible to conclude that promotion is out of the question?

Not a bit of it. We struggle to recall a victory with more criticism and snide pessimism attached than Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wimbledon.

When Manchester United played badly on Sunday and won, it was “the sign of a good team”.

When Sunderland did the same thing a day earlier, it was a sign that they’re useless, according to some.

Wimbledon are rock bottom and clearly not great. But they had nothing to lose and when teams visit the Stadium of Light this season, they are enervated by what for many League One footballers is the biggest crowd they will ever play before.

The visitors had also stuck four past West Ham in their previous fixture. Rock bottom or not, only the very daftest could assume that Sunderland would or should breeze past the opposition.

Nevertheless, let’s examine some other facts: if only to

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