One point from their last two games has represented a disappointing start to the festive period but to be relatively clear of the bottom three and still just about within striking distance of the play-off places is clearly a decent effort for a newly-promoted side.
Throw in a change of head coach and some key injuries, and it’s a case of job relatively well done with hopefully some more exciting days to come in the second half of the season.
But how have a generally young and inexperienced squad at the level handled it so far? Who has taken a major step forward, who will be hoping for more moving forward and who might well benefit from a loan move next month?
As we do every season, we’ve gone through the squad to reflect on their progress at the halfway stage to find some answers…
9. AJI ALESE
Took him a while to make an impact as he adjusted to new surroundings but when he did it was dramatic. Genuinely outstanding either side of an injury, and a couple of quieter games last week don’t change the fact that his arrival looks like a real coup. The question is whether he stays at left back or whether Mowbray looks to move him infield where he has more traditionally played in youth football. B+ Photo: FRANK REID
10. LUKE O'NIEN
You can only praise a player who so consistently finds ways to step up and contribute. Started slowly in midfield but since moving back into centre half he has just gone from strength to strength. It looks like his best position (or maybe right back) as he benefits from time on the ball - he has a good passing range when he can pick it. And always leaves it all out there. A- Photo: FRANK REID
11. LYNDEN GOOCH
Another who found the surprise shift to 3-5-2 in early season really suited him, he thrived as a combative and attacking wing back. Will face sterner competition in the second half of the campaign if Sunderland stick with a back four, but a dependable player who has stepped up. B Photo: Frank Reid
12. CORRY EVANS
Evans has returned to the Championship with minimum fuss, his quality and importance clear when he doesn’t play and Sunderland invariably suffer. To his credit, he’s barely missed a minute. A position Sunderland MUST recruit in next month - they can’t afford to be without him for any length of time just now. A- Photo: Frank Reid