What a turnaround for Sunderland from last week’s dismal performance versus West Brom. The Black Cats had to stand up to a vast array of Manchester City talent, and they did the fans proud with key players stepping to the forefront and undoing the individual wrongs of last week. Simon Mignolet impressed with a super stop from Adebayor, the wingers provided more width and Darren Bent got a goal that will boost his confidence even more.Considering the Citizens are a team many are tipping to break into the Champions League places, this result emphasises how Steve Bruce has turned around the disaster of last week with a performance that embodied determination, spirit and pride. The win shows that Sunderland are a side capable of beating the big teams, and if this form can be transfered to away games and when playing so-called ‘smaller’ clubs, then the club could once again challenge for a place in the Premier League top ten.Granted, the Black Cats used various lives on Sunday. The shocking miss from Carlos Tevez was a key moment in the game. On another day that could have easily gone in and prevented what was a thoroughly deserved home win. Luck is something that seems to rarely be with Sunderland, so to see both a glaring miss and a late penalty winner on the same day is something that the fans will not forget anytime soon. Bruce now needs to build on this great victory with a few crucial away wins that will push this club forward.A deadline day signing would be great too. If rumours are to be believed regarding Asamoah Gyan, Sunderland will be gaining a true replacement for Kenwyne Jones, capable of supporting Bent and taking some pressure of our top scorer. If we can attract players of Gyan’s quality, the future looks bright at the Stadium of Light.The views in this article are that of the writer and may not replicate those of the Professional Footballers' Association.
