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17. 2015/16 - Leicester City (A)
4-2 loss - Claudio Ranieri's tenure as Leicester City manager began with a bang. They eventually won the Premier League title whilst Sunderland replaced Advocaat with Sam Allardyce and stayed up once more. Photo: BEN STANSALL
18. 2016/17 - Manchester City (A) 2-1 loss
Allardyce left to manage England, leaving David Moyes to take the reins but a plucky performance from the Black Cats couldn’t hold City off. Sunderland were eventually relegated. Photo: Michael Steele
19. 2017/18 - Derby County (H) 1-1 draw
Simon Grayson’s men came from behind to earn a point as they began life back in the Championship with a draw against Derby. Grayson was replaced by Chris Coleman and Sunderland suffered back-to-back relegations. Photo: Mark Runnacles
20. 2018/19 - Charlton (H) 2-1 win
Lynden Gooch scored a late goal to ensure Jack Ross' reign as manager got off to a winning start, but the Scot couldn’t mastermind promotion - ironically losing the play-off final 2-1 to Charlton at Wembley with a last minute winner. Photo: Harriet Lander