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…
21. JACK CLARKE
Absolutely superb through much of the first half of the season, though his output has dipped a touch of late as teams have increasingly doubled up on him out on that left flank. Can reflect on a job well done so far all the same. A- Photo: FRANK REID
22. AMAD
Arguably the key reason why either side of the World Cup break Sunderland have managed to stay just about clear of the lower reaches of the table. Stood up in a big way, on and most impressively off the ball. He has handed Mowbray so many selection dilemmas in the final third - but that’s exactly how the head could want it. A Photo: Frank Reid
23. JEWISON BENNETTE
Made an instant impact and has some tremendous attributes, not least his turn of pace. Challenge now is to turn that into consistent contributions that can get and keep him in the team. Was always going to a process that takes time. C+ Photo: Frank Reid
24. ELLIS SIMMS
Hard to argue with goal return given how little he’s played at the level and that he missed a significant stretch with ligament damage in his toe. Been an important foil to the outstanding Stewart. B+ Photo: FRANK REID