SUNDERLAND'S ability to take points off the teams around them at the bottom of the table was the key to their survival this season.
No team in the bottom seven has been as successful at taking points off their rivals than Roy Keane's side.
A win against any top team is a morale booster for the Premier League's strugglers. But every game at the bottom is a potential six-point
er and victories against those teams not only boost your own points tally but deprive the opposition of points.
In the games played against each other, Sunderland and Bolton had the best records in the bottom seven – the Wearsiders having taken 25 points, Bolton 24.
When it comes to the bottom four teams, that translates to Fulham (19), Reading (18), Birmingham City (16) and Derby County (5) – marking a clear correlation between the teams struggling the most and their records against each other.
It was something Keane (pictured) was aware of from the outset of the campaign and he has taken satisfaction at their ability to squeeze an advantage out of the bottom of the table games.
The Irishman told the Football Echo: "I know how important it has been for us to take points off the teams around us – that was always going to be vital.
"I couldn't quote you the exact figures, but I know we've succeeded in that respect.
"We've had a setback against Wigan away, but managed to win at our place, we got draws away to Middlesbrough and Birmingham but beat them at home.
"We've taken three points off Reading, four points off Fulham, four points off Derby County.
"Overall, we've managed to take those points and that has made a difference to us.
"OK, we haven't done well in terms of results against the top sides and we've been hitty missy in terms of the midtable sides.
"But against the clubs nearer the bottom we've done well and that has been a big help.
"I'm hoping that will be the case next year but also that we'll push on because although we've had 11 wins and that has pleased me, there are plenty of games where we could have done better.
"We've had a few games that we've lost this season that were very close – games that we've lost 1-0 which we should at least have drawn.
"And hopefully next season we'll get to the level next season where we're getting points from those sort of games next time around.
"I think we've held our own this season, but we're looking to bridge that gap between us and a few of the teams above us next season."
H Sunderland lost all 10 games, home and away, against the top five – scoring just once.
- GRAEME ANDERSON
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