Sunderland set transfer wheels in motion as Phil Parkinson retains backing: three key conclusions from Doncaster victory

Sunderland returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win at Doncaster Rovers – and there were plenty of lessons to be learned after delving beneath the surface of the result.
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Here, we take a look at three key conclusions supporters can take from the Keepmoat Stadium triumph.

Phil Parkinson has not lost the dressing room

If Sunderland’s squad wanted Phil Parkinson out, they have a funny way of showing it.

The key conclusions from Sunderland's win at Doncaster RoversThe key conclusions from Sunderland's win at Doncaster Rovers
The key conclusions from Sunderland's win at Doncaster Rovers
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The Black Cats’ performance in South Yorkshire was full of grit, fight and determination – and arguably the best we have seen in recent months.

This wasn't a squad determined to see another manager depart; this was a side desperate to claim three points, which they duly did.

Spirits have remained high behind the scenes at the Academy of Light in recent weeks, and Parkinson retains the backing of his first-team squad as he continues to instil his desired style of play on the Wearsiders.

This performance, more than any in his tenure so far, made that abundantly clear.

Sunderland have the wheels in motion on the transfer front

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With January now just a matter of days away, some Sunderland fans were left irate with Parkinson’s comments that he would be willing to play the waiting game in the winter window.

But having confirmed the club’s interest in Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo, Parkinson clearly has his targets lined-up and is ready to move once the calendar swings onto January 1.

The Black Cats cannot rest on their laurels now

It would be naive to think that this result means Sunderland have turned a corner.

In reality, all they have done is tentatively peaked around the corner, wary of what could be facing them.

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Suffer defeat at Fleetwood and this gutsy performance will be quickly forgotten. What’s crucial now is that Sunderland mount some momentum – something they have been unable to do this term.

League One remains a tight division, and the play-offs are certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.

But stringing together a series of wins will be crucial – otherwise, a third season in the third tier looms.