How can Sunderland step out of the mid-table shadows?

When Martin O’ Neill entered the Stadium of Light there was geniune hope that the North East outfit would be able to escape the mid-table doldrums.

It has not quite worked out like that and the reason for this has been all too evident this season. They need to establish their attacking threat.

At the start of the campaign the Black Cats were lauded for their defensive strength and rightly so as they so resolutely managed to keep clean sheets.

They will have enough to escape the relegation battle but O’ Neill needs to find a way to bring the best out of the likes of James McClean and Adam Johnson if he is to succeed.

In Stephen Fletcher and Danny Graham he has strikers potential of finishing chances but they need help from players who can unlock doors for them.

Johnson arrived on Wearside with a huge reputation and needs to start delivering that potential. There has been a huge amount invested at the Stadium of Light and in this final eleven games the squad needs to finally gel.

O’ Neill may have to be ruthless in the summer otherwise and remove players who rely on their reputation and are making Sunderland stand still in the Premier League.

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