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…
17. EDOUARD MICHUT
A talented player who just needs to get fit and stay fit. We’ve seen glimpses of his quality on the ball and signs at Luton that he could really challenge Corry Evans - but it’s been too brief so far. Is hopefully closing in on a return now and a chance to kick on. C- Photo: Frank Reid
18. ALEX PRITCHARD
His form lulled ever so slightly when there were no natural strikers for him to feed and bounce off as he does so well. Either side of that he has been excellent, in his creativity and also in his leading of the team’s press. A key part of this team’s spine. A- Photo: FRANK REID 2022
19. LEON DAJAKU
Dajaku has plenty going for him, he’s quick, can strike the ball well and has a habit of getting in some decent positions. Doing it consistently is the challenge. Is clearly approaching a crossroads in his Sunderland career, he’s not getting the minutes to develop and his natural position is stacked with talented players producing more often than not. You feel something may have to give next month if he’s to make the most of his talent. C- Photo: Frank Reid
20. PATRICK ROBERTS
It’s been a fairly up-and-down period for Roberts. He was immensely unfortunate to lose his place early on due to the system change, hit back spectacularly in Mowbray’s early days and then had to watch on during Amad’s spell of other-worldly form. Superb from the bench at Hull, he looks ready to make his mark over the festive period. B Photo: IAN HORROCKS