Chris Wilder announcement offers sliding doors moment for Sunderland ahead of Aston Villa clash
Sunderland have had a whirlwind of a summer, only amplified by the latest news away from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have had a great start to life back in the Premier League, despite being the underdogs in every encounter so far this season.
The Black Cats sit seventh in the Premier League, with seven points from their opening games as Sunderland prepare to face Aston Villa on Sunday.
However, the last few months haven’t only impacted the Wearsiders, with a stunning reveal ahead of their clash with the Villans.
Aston Villa haven’t scored since Sunderland got Chris Wilder sacked
This time last season, promotion was the aim, and Sunderland achieved that with a 2-1 win against Sheffield United at Wembley.
Tommy Watson’s 95th-minute goal secured a spot back in the top flight for his boyhood club and would ultimately get Chris Wilder sacked at Bramall Lane.
Now, this is where Aston Villa come in.
The Villans last found the back of the net in a competitive fixture on 16 May, just over a week before the Black Cats’ triumph in the play-off final.
Since their last goal, Wilder has been sacked, Sunderland have been promoted, and Sheffield United have announced the stunning return of Wilder less than 90 days after he was axed.
It’s grim reading for Aston Villa supporters, who will be hoping they can end their drought when they make the trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Tommy Watson goal may be most significant moment in recent Sunderland history
Sunderland are sitting seventh in the Premier League after breaking the record for the most money spent by a newly-promoted side, while Sheffield United sit rock bottom of the Championship with zero points from their first five games.
That is stunning when you consider the fact that the Blades actually went 2-0 up for a moment at Wembley.
Watson’s parting gift certainly cemented his spot in Sunderland history, despite having caused an uproar with his mid-season transfer agreement with Brighton.
It goes to show how fast football can change, and on this occasion, it has been a huge benefit for Sunderland.
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