Ally McCoist shares new ‘difficult’ Sunderland reality despite derby win vs Newcastle
Ally McCoist believes Sunderland could be about to enter their most “difficult” period of the season, despite their huge win over Newcastle.
Sunderland beat Newcastle 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, which made the wait for another Premier League Tyne-Wear derby worth every second.
The Mackems have had to endure mocking from Newcastle fans since the Magpies won at the Stadium of Light last year, but things are looking a lot different now.
The contest was as feisty as ever, and unsurprisingly, the Northumbria Police are investigating Newcastle and Sunderland fans over an incident which involved glass bottles being thrown.
At the end of the day, however, Sunderland are the ones who walked away with the three points and continued their impressive start to the season.
McCoist has looked past the win for the Black Cats and fears what Regis Le Bris now has to deal with.
Ally McCoist thinks Sunderland may struggle because of AFCON
It’s almost the midway point of the season, and Sunderland are exceeding expectations and more, with many Mackem fans dreaming of what’s now possible.
Sunderland spent over £160m in the summer to help Le Bris stabilise the Black Cats in the top flight, but many who were brought to the Stadium of Light were African stars.
Le Bris has six players who will represent their countries at the African Cup of Nations, which starts on 21 December.
The six Sunderland players going to AFCON:
- Habib Diarra
- Arthur Masuaku
- Reinildo
- Noah Sadiki
- Chemsdine Talbi
- Bertrand Traore
While speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist revealed that he remains unsure about whether Sunderland will be able to continue their current vein of form.
McCoist said: “Yes, I think they’ll cope, but I think it’ll have an effect. I just think it’s difficult to take that number and quality out of the team, for it not to have an effect.
“Whether they’ll continue the run of form they’re on, I would question, but I’m not sure you can replace that same quality.”
Sunderland are the Premier League side that will lose the most players due to AFCON.
Habib Diarra timing is typical
Habib Diarra became Sunderland’s record signing this summer, but has only managed to play four games for the Black Cats.
The midfielder has been out injured with a groin injury since September, and is just about returning to fitness, right in time for AFCON.
| Games | Goals |
| 13 | 4 |
Diarra is a regular starter for Senegal when he is fit, and will most likely play a big part in his country’s campaign this winter.
The tournament runs deep into January, and Sunderland may be without their marquee signing for a few more weeks yet, not that they’ve missed him that much.
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