Supporting Sunderland recently has been a somewhat tenuous task in recent years. However, 2016 was a season to remember. We narrowly avoided relegation under the helm of ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce, confirming Newcastle’s relegation on the same day.
A memorable 3-2 win at home to Chelsea was followed just four days later by a 3-0 battering of the Toffees in a game that saw one of the best atmospheres the Stadium of Light has ever witnessed. Here, we head back to those days and re visit the starting XI from that fixture.
GK - JORDAN PICKFORD
One of our own, and one of my favourite Sunderland players throughout the years of supporting the club. Pickford embodied everything it meant to be a Sunderland player and his heroics throughout the season not only played a pivotal part in our survival, but also kickstarted his England career.
Whilst we eventually succumbed to relegation the following season subsequently losing Pickford for a substantial fee, Pickford still resonates with all Sunderland supporters and his ability is one of the reasons Everton are yet to follow a similar fate to ourselves.
RB - DEANDRE YEDLIN
Yedlin has had quite the career. Starting his England career as a youngster at Tottenham with extremely high hopes, Yedlin joined Sunderland on loan for the 15/16 season and ultimately split opinion. His ability to drive forward with the ball and beat almost anyone for pace was entertaining to watch - although his defensive capabilities often left a lot to be desired.
Since that spell, Yedlin has had other spells in England (including the Mags) before moving back to his home country where he would go on to be captain in a team that consisted of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets…
CB - YOUNES KABOUL
Easily one of my favourite centre backs we’ve had since my time supporting the club. Kaboul was a man mountain at the back and an experienced one at that.
When the name ‘Kaboul’ gets mentioned, my mind (and most likely everyone’s) goes straight to that Pirlo-esque assist against the Mags. A centre back driving up the left wing and delivering a pin-point cross in a game of that importance was a sight to behold.
His departure left a huge hole in our defence and as the saying goes, sometimes you don’t know what you have until you lose it…
CB - LAMINE KONE
A strange saga developed with Kone who went from a fan favourite to a pantomime villain with his off the pitch antics following his link to Everton.
During this season however, Kone was unplayable. Won every header, every tackle and could put anyone on the floor (even Yaya Toure). His two goals in this fixture surprised everyone with how well they were taken. A close range volley crashing off the underside of the crossbar and in.
His partnership with Kaboul was one of the strongest Sunderland had in years however Kabouls departure eventually exposed his frailties and despite being linked with a £30m move to Everton, he would eventually return to France.
In hindsight, it was Kaboul who was probably talking Kone through every game and telling him exactly what to do. He was a totally different player without his mate next to him in defence.
LB - PATRICK VAN AANHOLT
Again, a player that some people will have a sense of distaste about following his move to Crystal Palace however PVA was a solid player during his time at Sunderland.
An attacking full back probably before his time, Van Aanholt contributed to many Sunderland goals but had his deficiencies when it came to defending.
It was his free kick that gave Sunderland the lead in the game against Everton, wrong footing Joel Robles in the 38th minute to start what would be an incredible day for all Sunderland supporters.
CM - JAN KIRCHHOFF
Never forget his debut. Possibly one of the worst you could imagine, leading to many actually writing him off after it. However, how wrong they were.
Kirchhoff was outstanding from there on. His ability to read the game and play a pass was above anyone else on the pitch in most encounters.
He only really had one flaw. Fitness… Kirchhoff spent a lot of his time in the treatment room and this was ultimately the reason he never managed to forge a career at the top level.
CM - LEE CATTERMOLE
I miss him. Cattermole spent a lot of his time underappreciated at Sunderland but his bite and desire is something we’ve missed ever since he left the club.
Not the most gifted technically, albeit still more than capable at the top level. Catts is responsible for a number of memorable Sunderland moments. The tackle on Colback and the fight with Portsmouth supporters amongst many more.
After a spell in the Netherlands Catts retired and came back to the North East, with his future looking destined to be a career in coaching. I still think he deserved an England call up at one stage in his career…
CM - YANN M'VILA
I also miss him. Our French midfielder had quality in abundance. His eye for a pass was remarkable and he would never shy out of a challenge.
His instagram post that summer still haunts me. Sunderland had the chance to keep M’Vila but decided against it. In favour of signing Didier Ndong instead. The rest is (thankfully) history.
RW - FABIO BORINI
Another player that was deemed a fan favourite for years. His big goals in big games gave Sunderland supporters memories to last forever. Putting us a goal to the good against Man City at Wembley provided a dopamine hit like nothing else.
His loan spell is the one that will be remembered most fondly. He played a huge part in Sunderland’s escape from relegation. However his permanent signing didn’t quite turn out the way many had hoped.
LW - WAHBI KHAZRI
I’ll never forgive David Moyes for what he did to this man. Sat on the bench whilst Steven Pienaar would run down the wing.
Khazri’s screamer against Chelsea in the game prior to this one is far and away the most memorable thing he did during his time at Sunderland, which admittedly was cut short and plagued with substitute appearances.
Khazri could have played a huge part in the following season but was frozen out for large periods. An exciting player, but certainly a mercurial talent.
ST - JERMAIN DEFOE
Defoe is easily in my top two all-time Sunderland players list and he isn’t second. Defoe single-handedly kept the club above water on numerous occasions with pivotal goals at pivotal times. Not to mention the heartwarming relationship he had with young Sunderland supporter Bradley Lowery.
Defoe was adored by everyone involved with Sunderland and even by those who supported other clubs. His form earned him a call up to the England squad after his move to Toronto appeared to have ended his international hopes.
His second spell at the club wasn’t what it was made out to be and was cut short pretty abruptly. However, what he did for the club in more ways than one will never be forgotten.
