While there remains a chance of them pushing their way into the top-six battle it is an increasingly remote one, with injuries and a frustrating end to the January transfer window taking their inevitable toll.
There have been some major highs and some impressive performers across a campaign, though it is one that will end with some regret given the outstanding position the club found itself in at the turn of the year.
So who has stood out over the course of the season and who might have a big summer decision to make depending on how the next six weeks or so go? We calculated our average player ratings from the season so far to find out more. We set a minimum of five senior appearances, to avoid any unfair judgements or major anomalies.
. Jack Clarke celebrates his goal Sunderland AFC 1-1 Bristol City F C EFL Championship Stadium Of Light 18-02-23. Picture by Martin Swinney
Sunderland have enjoyed a solid return to the Championship with a young squad this season Photo: Martin Swinney
. ANTHONY PATTERSON
6.3 An excellent return for such a young goalkeeper playing in the Championship for the first time. His consistency has been excellent, with few errors and some matchwinning saves. Distribution remains a work in progress but his shot stopping and command of his box is excellent. A huge talent drawing Premier League attention. Photo: Frank Reid
. DENNIS CIRKIN
6.2 Injury has been the biggest issue for Cirkin this season, preventing him from really stringing together a long run of appearances. There have still been some real highs, most memorably his excellent winner against Wigan Athletic. Has shown he belongs at the level, just needs a little more luck in terms of his fitness. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
. DANNY BATTH
6.4 A model of consistency and the player of the season so far for many supporters, based on the way he has led the defence week in, week out with no fuss. Landing him for a free in January 2022 goes down as one of the best pieces of business Sunderland have done in recent windows. Photo: Frank Reid
. DAN BALLARD
6.8 A quite simply exceptional first season on Wearside, marred only by his early foot injury that kept him out for a good chunk of the first half of the season. Comfortable on the ball, quick and excellent in the air - he looks to have it all and a massive future in the game. The player closest to Ross Stewart in our average ratings. Photo: Frank Reid
. BAILEY WRIGHT
5.9 Wright struggled for regular starts through the first half of the season, and so producing a consistent run of form was always going to be difficult. A major presence behind the scenes, he also stepped in with little match fitness to play a part in some crucial wins to keep Sunderland away from trouble. Might have a big decision to make on his longer-term future in the summer, as he has made clear he still wants to be playing regularly. Photo: Frank Reid
. TRAI HUME
6.3 Had to be patient as Lynden Gooch started the season in excellent form, but was nothing short of a revelation after the World Cup break. Has a great leap, loves a challenge and is comfortable enough on the ball to drift into midfield when required. Has understandably found it tougher in recent weeks as a very heavy schedule has taken its toll on the young squad as a whole, but a big part of the future. Photo: Frank Reid
. AJI ALESE
6.2 Has had a similar campaign to Dennis Cirkin, with a lot of positives and good performances but some injury frustration. It’s to Alese’s credit that he’s made a positive contribution in his first season of senior football, and having had to be patient in waiting for minutes earlier in the season. And - he’s often done it somewhat of out position, having rarely featured in central defence where has mostly played in his youth. Photo: FRANK REID
. CORRY EVANS
6.2 A consistent performer whose importance has been underlined in his absence through injury. A calming presence who protects the defence well, and Sunderland need another of his ilk in the summer window - the last few weeks have made that clear. Photo: Frank Reid
. LEON DAJAKU
5.4 Hasn’t been able to make much of an impression this season, mostly featuring from the bench and often up front when from the start. Currently on loan at St Gallen, a summer move looks a possibility with Sunderland so well stocked in the wide areas. Photo: Frank Reid
. ELLIOT EMBLETON
5.9 A serious injury suffered at Hull City prevented him from building on a solid first half of the season with some important contributions, particularly in crucial wins against Wigan Athletic and Reading. His versatility made him a valuable player for both head coaches, though it has possibly also prevented him from nailing down a regular spot in the XI - which will be his next challenge when fit next season. Photo: Frank Reid
1. ANTHONY PATTERSON
6.3 An excellent return for such a young goalkeeper playing in the Championship for the first time. His consistency has been excellent, with few errors and some matchwinning saves. Distribution remains a work in progress but his shot stopping and command of his box is excellent. A huge talent drawing Premier League attention. Photo: Frank Reid
2. DENNIS CIRKIN
6.2 Injury has been the biggest issue for Cirkin this season, preventing him from really stringing together a long run of appearances. There have still been some real highs, most memorably his excellent winner against Wigan Athletic. Has shown he belongs at the level, just needs a little more luck in terms of his fitness. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
3. DANNY BATTH
6.4 A model of consistency and the player of the season so far for many supporters, based on the way he has led the defence week in, week out with no fuss. Landing him for a free in January 2022 goes down as one of the best pieces of business Sunderland have done in recent windows. Photo: Frank Reid
4. DAN BALLARD
6.8 A quite simply exceptional first season on Wearside, marred only by his early foot injury that kept him out for a good chunk of the first half of the season. Comfortable on the ball, quick and excellent in the air - he looks to have it all and a massive future in the game. The player closest to Ross Stewart in our average ratings. Photo: Frank Reid