Sunderland's season began with a streak of five consecutive losses. A brief respite came with a three-match unbeaten run before the October international break, lifting the team out of the relegation zone. However, this momentum was short-lived; a defeat toManchester United post-break plunged them back into the bottom three, a position they never recovered from. The period between the international break and Christmas was particularly bleak, with the team losing every match.
Their second victory of the season came in late January againstWest Bromwich Albion, who were just above them in the standings. Cup competitions were poor as well, as Sunderland struggled against League Two'sCheltenham Town in the League Cup's first round before a 3–0 defeat toArsenal, and suffered a demoralizing exit in the FA Cup's fourth round to League One'sBrentford.
The poor performance led to the dismissal ofMick McCarthy, the manager of nearly three years, withKevin Ball stepping in as caretaker manager. The season's modest goal became to avoid setting a new low for the fewest points in a Premier League season, a record Sunderland themselves held. Not only was the new record set, but they also brokeStoke City's 21-year record for the lowest points under the three-point-win system. Sunderland marginally improved on their previous record for the fewest goals in a top-flight season The league's new low-point record was surpassed byDerby County two years later, who recorded 11 points in contrast to Sunderland's 15.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Welsh was born inManchester,England, but also qualified to representScotland internationally and has representedScotland at U-19 level.
^Nosworthy was born inBrixton,England, but also qualified to representJamaica internationally through his father andGuyana internationally through his mother, and would make his international debut forJamaica in May 2012.
^Collins was born inChester,England, and represented them at C level, but also qualified to representWales internationally and made his international debut forWales in February 2005.
^Gray was born inHarrogate,England, but also qualified to representScotland internationally and made his international debut forScotland in April 2003.