The Black Cats have kept four clean sheets in their last five games, and should have claimed three points at both Charlton and Lincoln, games which finished goalless after the visitors failed to take their chances.
Sunderland now have seven games remaining to try and finish in the play-off places, yet sides around them are also in good form.
We’ve taken a closer look at what the league table would look like based just on the games since Neil took charge of Sunderland on February 11.
It should be noted that some teams have played more matches than others, and that Neil had just one training session to work with his players ahead of a trip to AFC Wimbledon last month.
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We’ve taken a closer look at what the league table would look like based just on the games since Neil took charge of Sunderland on February 11.
21. (4th) Portsmouth
Played: 9 | Won: 5 | Drawn: 3 | Lost: 1 | Points: 18 Photo: Jacques Feeney
22. (3rd) MK Dons
Played: 8 | Won: 6 | Drawn: 2 | Lost: 0 | Points: 20 Photo: Getty Images
24. (1st) Plymouth
Played: 10 | Won: 8 | Drawn: 0 | Lost: 2 | Points: 24 Photo: Stu Forster