Sunderland's 10-game form shows slide as Fulham and Bournemouth pull clear | OneFootball

Sunderland's recent run has checked their momentum, with the 10-game form table underlining how rivals have edged ahead.

Sunderland Echo notes that since promotion with a Wembley win against Sheffield United in May, the Black Cats have been transformed on and off the pitch. They have beaten Newcastle United, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, and taken fully deserved home draws against Arsenal and Manchester City.

Last weekend's home loss to Fulham left them four points off the top seven, so hopes of a rare European campaign remain alive. Yet since that Wear-Tyne derby triumph over Newcastle, they have won only two of 11 and slipped into the bottom half.

Over the past 10 league matches, Manchester United lead on 22 points, with Arsenal and Manchester City on 19. AFC Bournemouth have 16 and Fulham 14. Sunderland are 17th with 9, ahead of only Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley on 8, and Tottenham Hotspur on 7.

Head coach Regis Le Bris said set-pieces have been a focus before the trip to the Vitality Stadium. He felt opponents are analysing Sunderland's set-ups, cited Dan Ballard as a regular target at both ends, and admitted deliveries against Fulham were poor. He added the team may need to evolve to be less predictable.

Source: Sunderland Echo