Sunderland relegated from English Premier League
Premier League side Sunderland becomes first squad to secure demotion.
Sunderland secured relegation early Saturday morning following a 1-0 loss versus Bournemouth.
The Black Cats needed an unrealistic amount of help to remain in England’s top flight, but they also needed to win. Sunderland’s loss and Hull’s draw with Southampton turned the inevitable into a reality for the club at the bottom of the table.
Sunderland has been positioned at 20 for 14 consecutive weeks and sits six points below Middlesbrough, the next closest club.
David Moyes and his club have had a dreadful 2016-17 season after missing relegation by two points last year. Sunderland’s league worst five wins and 21 points sealed the club’s fate of demotion with five games remaining.
All things considered, Sunderland’s relegation was inevitable and unescapable.
The club’s history is filled with inconsistency and relegation from the top flight. However, the Black Cats always manage to climb their way back up.
After 10 consecutive seasons in the Premier League, Sunderland finds themselves demoted once again.
Debt has plagued the club and hindered manager David Moyes’ ability to acquire players of his choosing. A terrible (at best) defense led to Sunderland’s struggles under Moyes, a man in whom the owners hoped could bring success back to the club.
Sunderland’s -34 goal differential is a league worst, despite a fine season from keeper Jordan Pickford.
What’s next?
Relegation means uncertainty for a few of the players’ futures with the club.
Forward Jermain Defoe and keeper Jordan Pickford put on top-class performances throughout the season, despite the club’s overall performance. With the club reportedly in debt, Defoe and Pickford may, to their delight, be sold this summer. Defoe has garnered interest from newly-promoted Newcastle, whereas Pickford’s services are being monitored by club’s such as Arsenal, Everton, and Manchester City.
Moyes’ future looks to be in question at the Stadium of Light, as well, all three are key building blocks for the club next season.
Middlesbrough will likely join Sunderland within the coming weeks as the next club to be relegated. Championship sides Brighton and Newcastle have already locked-in Premier League promotions as well.
Next: Most underrated Premier League players this season
Newcastle, relegated from the Premier League in 2015-16, made quick work of rebuilding and securing promotion the following year. Sunderland can now focus on rebuilding its squad and duplicating Newcastle’s plan from this season.