Here, using stats guru Ben Mayhew's research, we took a look at the time the Black Cats had spent winning, losing and drawing in League One this season and how it compared to their divisional rivals after 11 games played.
The stats show chairman Stewart Donald was right to axe the Wearside club’s under-performing manager when he did.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see how the percentage of time Sunderland spent winning, losing and drawing in League One this season.
1. Tranmere Rovers (23rd)
Percentage of time spent... Winning: 5.8% Drawing: 44.1% Losing: 50.1% Photo: Lewis Storey
2. Southend United (22nd)
Percentage of time spent... Winning: 18.3% Drawing: 32.9% Losing: 48.8% Photo: Naomi Baker
3. Bolton Wanderers (21st)
Percentage of time spent... Winning: 5.4% Drawing: 58.9% Losing: 35.7% Photo: Nathan Stirk
4. MK Dons (20th)
Percentage of time spent... Winning: 27.9% Drawing: 27.2% Losing: 45.1% Photo: Pete Norton