Tony Mowbray shares Sunderland ‘fear’ after what he’s seen at Stadium of Light
Tony Mowbray has highlighted his one concern over Sunderland’s ability to survive in the Premier League.
Sunderland are no strangers to the task that awaits them as they look to cement their status in the Premier League.
After an opening day win against West Ham, Sunderland suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burnley, showcasing just how easy it can be for things to change.
Many have highlighted AFCON as Sunderland’s biggest concern this season, though Mowbray thinks it could be something internal which proves to be the biggest challenge.
Sunderland’s harmony could be disrupted by summer business
Sunderland have spent more money in the Premier League than any other promoted club in history, showcasing the level of ambition shown by the Black Cats.
From the side that achieved promotion via the play-off final, only three players have remained as consistent figures in the Sunderland side this season: Trai Hume, Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda.
Adding more quality was essential, but when speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast on 27 August, Mowbray highlighted how their business could disrupt their squad harmony and togetherness.
“My fear for them is that they lose [the squad harmony]”, Mowbray explained.
| vs Sheffield United (play-off final) | vs West Ham (Premier League) |
| Anthony Patterson | Robin Roefs |
| Trai Hume | Trai Hume |
| Dan Ballard | Dan Ballard |
| Luke O’Nien | Jenson Seelt |
| Dennis Cirkin | Reinildo |
| Dan Neil | Granit Xhaka |
| Jobe Bellingham | Habib Diarra |
| Chris Rigg | Noah Sadiki |
| Enzo Le Fee | Chemsdine Talbi |
| Romaine Mundle | Simon Adingra |
| Eliezer Mayenda | Eliezer Mayenda |
“Luke O’Nien’s not playing, Dan Neil’s not playing, Patrick Roberts isn’t playing, Jack Clarke got sold, Amad Diallo went back to United.
“The core of that group, the strength that it brought to get them to where they’ve got, of course, you tamper with that.
“You have to spend in the Premier League now, because that group probably wouldn’t have survived.”
Sunderland had no room for sentimental decisions
Neil, O’Nien, Roberts and co all played a massive role for Sunderland in their promotion, but it would have been a disaster if they started the season with them in the starting 11.
The gulf in quality between the Championship and Premier League is growing, and if decisions are made based on sentimental value, relegation is nailed on.
Sunderland had to spend to improve their side, and with 12 new additions and more to come, they have achieved what they set out to do.
After all, Sunderland’s Carabao Cup defeat to Huddersfield showcased just how much quality they have added for the Premier League.
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