Calm Before The Storm

Sunderland fans have been looking forward to a week of no stress, upset and familiar feelings of anger after poor performances.

Sunderland have had a relaxing week off from the pressure of staying in the top flight but need to focus all their attention to next weekend.

Steve Bruce leads his men into battle at the intimidating Emirates Stadium against the classy Arsenal. Not a great place to go to when we have failed to win in the last twelve league games but we have managed to grab a point there last season.

We managed a gritty 0 - 0 draw last season as we seemed to turn a corner and we all need another massive team effort next weekend to get us away from the trap door. Although we do have injury problems in midfield, every single Sunderland player should approach this game as if it were their last.

The fans have been let down yet again this season and we need something to smile about before we approach some 'winnable' home games in the next few weeks.

Last time we travelled down to London we got smashed 7 - 2 by Chelsea and we have to avoid anything like that display. Sunderland are currently 3 unbeaten in the league but this statistic has not lifted any gloom on Wearside recently.

With the arrival of Hutton and Kilgallon we do seem to be stronger at the back but the main area of concern is creativity going forward.

Enter Kieron Richardson, he has been woeful at times for Sunderland but he has the ability to return from injury and change our fortune. He has all the criteria to be a great player as he is young, English, quick, has an eye for goal, and can score from free kicks. If he can get over this dip in form and get the team playing the way we were 3 months ago we should be good enough to stay up this season.

Let's enjoy the rest of this lazy Sunday and prepare ourselves for a massive few weeks for the club. Every Sunderland fan needs to support the club and carry the team over the line so we can rebuild this Summer under Steve Bruce.

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