Sunderland A.F.C. season 2007–08

Infobox Football club season
club = Sunderland

season = 2007–08
manager = flagicon|IRL Roy Keane
chairman = flagicon|IRL Niall Quinn
league = Premier League
league result = 15th
cup1 = FA Cup
cup1 result = Third Round
cup2 = Carling Cup
cup2 result = Second Round
league topscorer = Kenwyne Jones (7)
season topscorer = Kenwyne Jones (7)
highest attendance = 47,802 (v Arsenal, 11 May 2008)
lowest attendance = 20,821 (v Wigan Athletic, 5 January 2008)

The 2007–08 season was the 111th full season in Sunderland A.F.C.'s history, their 105th in The Football League and 103rd in the league system of English football. After finishing 1st in the Championship during the 2006–07 season, Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League as champions. Sunderland returned to the Premier League at their first attempt after being relegated with the record at the time of 15 points in the 2005–06 season. This was Roy Keanes first season as a manager in the Premier League having won the Championship in his debut season.

Keane introduced twelve new signings in pre-season and allowed seven players to leave the club. They won their first game of the season, but subsquently started to struggle for points, winning just two games in their first 16. Their longest winning streak came towards the end of the season as they won three consecutive games. This late run helped Sunderland finish 15th, though they only managed to win two away games, of which the first came in late March. The team suffered first round exits in two of the cup competitions they entered: in the second round of the League Cup and the third round of the FA Cup. Kenwyne Jones was the club's top goalscorer, recording 17 goals all of them in the league. Left back Danny Collins was named as Sunderland's player of the season, while on loan centre back Jonny Evans was named as the club's young player of the season for the second season running. The club's average attendance of 43,344 was the seventh highest in the division.

Background

Discussions of takeover were held over the summer involving an Irish group, the Drumaville Consortium, led by Niall Quinn. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5059536.stm|title=Sunderland takeover talks ongoing|date=2006-06-08|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08] They completed the takeover in July for £10,000,000 as Quinn's group took 72.59% of the club's shares. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5222096.stm|title=Quinn takes control of Sunderland|date=2007-07-27|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08] During the 2006–07 season, Roy Keane took over as manager from chairman Niall Quinn, who served as manager for the first six games of the season. [cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=2038|title=Niall Quinn's managerial careerv|publisher=Soccerbase|accessdate=2008-10-08] Keane had a successful start to his managerial career with a 2–1 win over Derby County on 11 September 2006. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/derby-county-1-sunderland-2-keane-casts-an-eye-on-messianic-future-415489.html|title=Derby County 1 Sunderland 2: Keane casts an eye on messianic future|last=Shaw|first=Phil|date=2006-09-11|publisher=The Independant|accessdate=2008-10-08] On transfer window deadline day, Keane signed new players; Dwight Yorke [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5300876.stm|title=Yorke completes Sunderland move|publishr=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08|date=2006-08-31] , Liam Miller, [cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10360 |title=Miller makes it five|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-08|date=2008-08-31] Ross Wallace, Stanislav Varga, [cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10358
title=Keane signs Celtic pair|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-08|date=2006-08-31] , Graham Kavanagh and David Connolly. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5304006.stm|title=Irish trio make Sunderland switch|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08|date=2006-08-31] A 2–0 win over Leicester City on 1 January 2007 sparked an 18 game unbeaten streak for Sunderland, which was eventually ended on 21 April 2007 after a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Colchester United. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6205647.stm|title=Leicester 0-2 Sunderland|date=2007-01-01|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08] [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6555215.stm|title=Colchester 3-1 Sunderland|date=2007-04-21|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08]

Sunderland reached the top of the Football League Championship for the first time in the season with a 2–1 win over Southampton, which included an 87th minute winner from Grant Leadbitter. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6513807.stm|title=Southampton 1-2 Sunderland|date=2007-04-09|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08] Their promotion was confirmed as third placed team Derby County lost 2–0 to Crystal Palace, as a result Birmingham City were also promoted. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6578817.stm|title=Crystal Palace 2-0 Derby|last=Mercer|first=Nathan|date=2007-04-29|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08] On the last day of the season, the Championship title would be decided. Sunderland won their game 5–0 against Luton Town, [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602865.stm|title=Luton 0-5 Sunderland|date=2007-05-06|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08] while Birmingham suffered a defeat against Preston North End thus crowning Sunderland as champions. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602867.stm|title=Preston 1-0 Birmingham|date=2007-05-06|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-08]

Review

Pre-season

Sunderland's pre-season was busy with transfer activity, seeing eight players come in, and five players leave. Kenny Cunningham retired and Tommy Miller, William Mocquet, Kevin Smith were released.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12429|title=SAFC retained list 2007-08|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-05-17|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] While Robbie Weir, Jamie Chandler and David Dowson were all promoted to the first team from the club's youth system. Their first signing of the season was of Greg Halford from Charlton Athletic,cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12525|title=Sunderland sign Halford|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-06-11|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] and their first transfer out of the club when Stephen Elliott moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12693|title=Wolves sign Elliott|date=2007-07-19|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] On 13 July 2007, Sunderland signed the former Newcastle United player Michael Chopra from Cardiff City for £5,000,000 and Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson on 16 July.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=1662|title=Chopra seals £5m Cats move|last=Walker|first=Martin|date=2007-07-13|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12670|title=Keane signs Richardson|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-07-13|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07]

Fellow north east team Darlington was Sunderland's first pre-season friendly, Sunderland won the game 2–0 with goals from Ross Wallace and Anthony Stokes at The Darlington Arena.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12691&page=0&t=1|title=Darlington 0 Sunderland 2|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-07-18|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] This was followed up by a shock defeat to Scunthorpe United on 21 July where they were beaten 1–0.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12714&fixture=892|title=Scunthorpe 1 Sunderland 0|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-07-21|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Sunderland went on a tour of Ireland, where they would play Bohemians, Cork City and Galway United. They beat Bohemians 1–0 on 28 July thanks to a Stern John goal,cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12767&page=0&t=1|title=Bohemians 0 Sunderland 1|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-07-28|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] but were held to a 1–1 draw at Cork City as Liam Miller scored the Sunderland goal.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12780&fixture=886|title=Cork City 1 Sunderland 1|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-07-30|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Their final game of the tour against Galway United ended as a 4–0 win for Sunderland, with goals from Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson, David Connolly and Stern John.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12816&fixture=887|title=Galway Utd 0 Sunderland 4|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-01|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Juventus travelled to the Stadium of Light to commerorate its ten year anniversary. The game ended 1–1 as Daryl Murphy scored, but the Italian side scored with two minutes remaining to draw the game.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12839&fixture=931|title=Sunderland 1 Juventus 1|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-04|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07]

Sunderland signed Dickson Etuhu from Norwich City for £1,500,000 on 17 July,cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12673|title=Keane signs £1.5m Etuhu|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-07-17|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] and Paul McShane from West Bromwich Albion on 26 July for £2,500,000.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12754|title=Sunderland sign McShane|date=2007-07-26|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] With the start of the Premier League season looming, Sunderland broke their transfer record to buy Scottish international goalkeeper Craig Gordon from Heart of Midlothian for £9,000,000.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12855|title=Cats land £9m Gordon|last=Walker|first=Martin|date=2007-08-07|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] The club's last signing before the start of the season was Roy O'Donovan from Cork City for an undisclosed fee.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12874|title=Keane signs O'Donovan|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-09|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07]

August

Sunderland's season started against Tottenham Hotspur on 11 August 2007. Sunderland won the game through a last minute goal from Michael Chopra in front of an attendance of 43,967.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931064.stm|title=Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=2007-08-11|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Their second game of the season was an away fixture to Birmingham City, a Paul McShane own goal had put Sunderland behind in the 28th minute, but Michael Chopra scored his second goal of the season to equalise. Birmingham took the lead again through Gary O'Connor but Sunderland scored another last minute goal, this time from Stern John to save a point.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941801.stm|title=Birmingham 2-2 Sunderland|date=2007-08-15|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] On 24 August ex Manchester United and Newcastle United striker Andy Cole joined the club on a free transfer from Portsmouth.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13014|title=Cole signs for Sunderland|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-24|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Sunderland travelled to the JJB Stadium unbeaten on 18 August but lost 3–0 to Wigan Athletic.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941868.stm|title=Wigan 3-0 Sunderland|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|date=2007-08-18|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] On 25 September Liverpool beat Sunderland 2–0 by to give them their second consecutive defeat.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6952883.stm|title=Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=2007-08-25|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] On the same day, Tobias Hysén returned to his native Sweden with IFK Göteborg after he and his wife were suffering from home sickness.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=13016|title=Hysen moves to Gothenburg|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-25|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Luton Town produced a league cup shock as they beat Sunderland 3–0 at Kenilworth Road.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6963496.stm|title=Luton 3-0 Sunderland|date=2007-08-27|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Sunderland signed three more players before the transfer deadline; Ian Harte from Levante on a free transfer,cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13049|title=Sunderland sign Harte|date=2007-08-29|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Danny Higginbotham from Stoke City for £3,000,000,cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13051|title=Black Cats swoop for Higginbotham|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-29|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] and Kenwyne Jones from Southampton for £6,000,000 with Stern John going in the opposite direction.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13052|title=Keane pays £6m for Jones|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-08-29|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07]

eptember

Sunderland opened the month with a 1–0 defeat away to Manchester United on 1 September, Louis Saha scored the winner 18 minutes from full time. Roy Keane said "I'm delighted with the overall performance. It would have been nice to test their goalkeeper a bit more but overall I'm delighted with the players' efforts." about the team's display.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963704.stm|title=Man Utd 1-0 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=2007-09-01|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Jack Pelter signed for Sunderland on 8 September from New Zealand team Canterbury United on a free trasfer in an original one month deal.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13116|title=Keane confirms Pelter deal|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2007-09-08|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Two weeks after the defeat to Manchester United, Sunderland beat Reading 2–1 on 15 September. Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace scored the Sunderland goals in a game which was overshadowed by the tribute paid to 1973 FA Cup Final scorer Ian Porterfield who died on 11 September 2007.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6984883.stm|title=Sunderland 2-1 Reading|last=Stevenson|first=Jonathan|date=2008-09-15|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Sunderland met Middlesbrough on 22 September in their first north east derby of the season. Grant Leadbitter scored in the 2nd minute to put Sunderland infornt, but two ex-Sunderland players; Julio Arca and Stewart Downing put Middlesbrough into the lead. Liam Miller scored an 89th minute volley to save a point for Sunderland.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996754.stm|title=Middlesbrough 2-2 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=2007-09-22|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Grant Leadbitter scored his second goal in as many games on 29 September as Blackburn Rovers beat Sunderland 2–1.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008201.stm|title=Sunderland 1-2 Blackburn|last=Scrivener|first=Peter|date=2007-09-29|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05]

October

October started with an away fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 7 October. Sunderland went 2–0 down within the first 14 minutes. However, Sunderland leveled the score at 2–2 with goals from Ross Wallace on the 25th minute and Kenwyne Jones on the 48 minute. Arsenal won the game 3–3 after a late Robin van Persie goal.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7019622.stm|title=Arsenal 3-2 Sunderland|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=2007-10-07|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Sunderland suffered back-to-back defeats when they lost 3–1 away to West Ham United on 21 October. Kenwyne Jones got the goal for Sunderland.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7043009.stm|title=West Ham 3-1 Sunderland|last=Lillywhite|first=Jamie|date=2007-10-21|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Fulham came to the Stadium of Light on 27 October, Fulham took the lead in the 32nd minute with a 30 yard free kick from Simon Davies. Sunderland snatched a point when Kenywyne Jones scored an 86th minute equaliser. The wearsiders had gone down to ten men in the 67th minute when Greg Halford was sent off.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7054068.stm|title=Sunderland 1-1 Fulham|last=Lillywhite|first=Jamie|date=2007-10-27|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05]

November

Sunderland lost 1–0 away to Manchester City on 5 November after a goal from Stephen Ireland. Manager, Roy Keane, expressed his frustration in a post match interview saying "We didn't deserve anything. I don't feel we did enough to get anything out of the game. I don't think their keeper had too many saves to make, did he?".cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065173.stm|title=Man City 1-0 Sunderland|last=Henderson|first=Charlie|date=2007-11-05|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] 10 November was the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season. Danny Higginbotham put Sunderland into the lead shortly after half time, but James Milner drew Newcastle level on the 68th minute after his cross beat goalkeeper Craig Gordon into the far post. Sunderland had a chance to win the game when ex-Newcastle forward Michael Chopra headed against the bar minutes from full-time.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7076643.stm|title=Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=2007-11-10|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Sunderland ended the month on a low as they were beaten 7–1 away to Everton on 24 November. Dwight Yorke scored Sunderland's only goal just before half time. Roy Keane said "It's hard to take, but we lose as a team and I picked the team and sorted the tactics so I have no problem taking responsibility for what happened."cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7099691.stm|title=Everton 7-1 Sunderland|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=2007-11-24|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05]

December

On 1 December Sunderland beat Derby County 1–0. The defeat against Everton led to Craig Gordon being dropped from the side. He was replaced by Darren Ward who made a save to push Kenny Millers strike onto the post. With the game looking to be heading towards a draw, Anthony Stokes scrambled to ball in to win the game.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7110964.stm|title=Sunderland 1-0 Derby|last=Magowan|first=Alastair|date=2007-12-01|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] On 8 December Sunderland travelled to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea. Sunderland went behind in the 23rd minute through an Andriy Shevchenko goal. Chelsea won the game 2–0 after Liam Miller was sent off whilst giving a penalty away, which Frank Lampard scored.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7122773.stm|title=Chelsea 2-0 Sunderland|last=Mercer|first=Nathan|date=2007-12-08|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Sunderland played Aston Villa on 15 December, Danny Higginbotham put Sunderland ahead with a 10th minute header. Villa midfielder Shaun Maloney equalised when he scored a from a 71st minute free kick. Sunderland could've won the game late on, but Danny Collins' header was ruled out by referee Steve Bennett for a foul. Roy Keane displayed his annoyment at Bennett saying "It sums up (the referee's) day. He was giving everything against us and to say we're disappointed would be an unbelievable understatement. You could sense he was waiting to blow his whistle. It would be nice to see him later."cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7134148.stm|title=Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa|last=Harlow|first=Phil|date=2007-12-15|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05]

Reading reversed their defeat to Sunderland previously in the season by winning 2–1 on 22 December. Reading had lead 1–0 after a 69th minute goal from Ívar Ingimarsson. Michael Chopra leveled the match by scoring a 82nd minute penalty. A goal by Stephen Hunt in the 90th minute sparked controversy as it appeared not to have crossed the line.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7145749.stm|title=Reading 2-1 Sunderland|last=Barder|first=Russell|date=2007-12-22|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Sunderland met Manchester United on Boxing Day at the Stadium of Light, they were beaten 4–0 in a game were Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn made the step up from the club's Youth system to the first team.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157355.stm|title=Sunderland 0-4 Man Utd|last=Hughes|first=Ian|date=2007-12-26|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-05] Martyn Waghorn promoted to first team from Youth system. Sunderland ended 2007 with a 3–1 home win to Bolton Wanderers on 29 December, Kieran Richardson, Kenwyne Jones and Daryl Murphy were the scorers.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157418.stm|title=Sunderland 3-1 Bolton|last=Ornstein|first=David|date=2007-12-29|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06]

January

Sunderland began the new year with a 1–0 away loss to Blackburn Rovers on 1 January. Dean Whitehead had the chance to put Sunderland in the lead, but missed his penalty kick. Minutes later, Blackburn won a penalty of their own; Benni McCarthy converted the penalty before Dwight Yorke was sent of late on.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163895.stm|title=Blackburn 1-0 Sunderland|last=Chowdhury|first=Saj|date=2008-01-02|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Jonny Evans returned to Sunderland on loan for the second time for the remainder of season from Manchester United.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13913|title=Evans joins Cats on loan|last=Walker|first=Martin|date=2008-01-04|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Sunderland met Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round as they lost 3–0 on 5 January.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163974.stm|title=Sunderland 0-3 Wigan|date=2008-01-05|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] On 12 January Kieran Richardson scored a double to beat Portsmouth 2–0 at the Stadium of Light.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7172835.stm|title=Sunderland 2-0 Portsmouth|last=Hughes|first=Ian|date=2008-01-12|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Sunderland made their first permanent signing of the January transfer window when Frenchman Jean-Yves Mvoto signed from Paris Saint-Germain FC on 15 January for an undisclosed fee. Mvoto said "This is a big opportunity for me, I'm pleased to be at Sunderland."cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13980|title=Sunderland sign French defender|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2008-01-15|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07]

On 19 January Sunderland played Tottenham Hotspur. An early Aaron Lennon goal saw Spurs take the lead, and Robbie Keanes 100th goal for the club in the 90th minute won the game for Tottenham at White Hart Lane.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7184825.stm|title=Tottenham 2-0 Sunderland|last=Lyon|first=Sam|date=2008-01-19|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Phil Bardsley signed for the club on 22 January from Manchester United for £2,000,000,cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14043|title=Sunderland complete Bardsley signing|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2008-01-22|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] the next day Rade Prica also signed for the club, from AaB Aalborg for £2,000,000.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14050|title=Sunderland sign Swedish striker|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2008-01-23|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] New signing Rade Prica scored a goal on his debut for Sunderland to wrap up a 2–0 wib at home to Birmingham City on 29 January. Daryl Murphy scored the first goal in the 15th minute.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210578.stm|title=Sunderland 2-0 Birmingham|last=Lyon|first=Sam|date=2008-01-29|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Andy Reid signed for the club on the last day of the January transfer window deadline from Charlton Athletic for £4,000,000.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14105|title=Sunderland sign Reid|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=2008-01-31|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07]

February

Sunderland had a poor start to the month, as they lost 3–0 away to Liverpool on 2 February. They turned down two penalty appeals, prompting Roy Keane to comment, "We felt they were penalties. But I didn't feel we were going to get those decisions today."cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210604.stm|title=Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland|last=Ornstein|first=David|date=2008-02-02|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Following a recent heart attack in a League Cup game between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, Clive Clarke had his Sunderland contract terminated on 5 February due to the event while on loan at Leicester.cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14133|title=Clarke leaves Sunderland|date=2008-02-05|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-07] Sunderland bounced back from the defeat to Liverpool with a 2–0 win against Wigan Athletic on 9 February. Dickson Etuhu put them in the lead before Daryl Murphy scored a 25 yard strike in off the bar.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7223968.stm|title=Sunderland 2-0 Wigan|last=Ornstein|first=David|date=2008-02-09|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Sunderland, however, lost their next game 1–0 to Portsmouth on 23 February at Fratton Park.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7248364.stm|title=Portsmouth 1-0 Sunderland|last=Lyon|first=Sam|date=2008-02-23|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06]

March

On 1 March Sunderland drew 0–0 away to Derby County. Michael Chopra could have put the team in the lead, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Sunderland's manager said, "He [Chopra] was clearly onside and we are always told that the advantage goes with the attacking player."cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7260381.stm|title=Derby 0-0 Sunderland|last=Whyatt|first=Chris|date=2008-03-01|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] An Andrew Johnson goal on the verge of half time helped Everton to a 1–0 win at the Stadium of Light on 8 March.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7272604.stm|title=Sunderland 0-1 Everton|last=Braithwaite|first=Matt|date=2008-03-09|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Sunderland lost consecutive games when Chelsea beat them 1–0 on 15 March due to a Didier Drogba goal. Andy Reid came close to putting Sunderland infront as his free kick was plucked from the top corner by Carlo Cudicini.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7284965.stm|title=Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea|last=Phillips|first=Owen|date=2008-03-15|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Sunderland's first away win of the season came on 22 March when they won 1–0 at Villa Park against Aston Villa. An 83rd minute Michael Chopra scored the winning goal for Sunderland.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7298167.stm|title=Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=2008-03-22|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] A 2–1 win at home to West Ham United on 29 February helped Sunderland to their first consecutive wins of the season. Kenwyne Jones' first goal since late December leveled the score at 1–1 and a 95th minute Andy Reid goal won the game.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7309366.stm|title=Sunderland 2-1 West Ham|last=Holt|first=Sarah|date=2008-03-29|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06]

April

A 3–1 away win to Fulham on 5 April helped Sunderland to nine points in three games, as goals came from Danny Collins, Michael Chopra and Kenwyne Jones.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7320183.stm|title=Fulham 1-3 Sunderland|last=Whyatt|first=Chris|date=2008-04-05|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] They lost 2–1 at home to Manchester City on 12 April. Manchester City were awarded a dubious penalty given by Mike Riley, and Elano converted it in the 79 minute. Dean Whitehead equalised with a near post volley after Andy Reid crossed the ball. Manchester City, however, still had time to win the game and Darius Vassell scored an 89th minute scuffed shot to beat Craig Gordon.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7332041.stm|title=Sunderland 1-2 Man City|last=Bevan|first=Chris|date=2008-04-12|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] On the return fixture of the Tyne and Wear derby on 19 April Sunderland were defeated 2–0 away to Newcastle United.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7344159.stm|title=Newcastle 2-0 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=2008-04-20|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] The next game was another derby for Sunderland, this time the Tees-Wear derby on 26 April. Sunderland won the game 3–2 at home to Middlesbrough, with goals from Danny Higginbotham, Michael Chopra and an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal, thus securing their safety and staying in the Premier League.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7356054.stm|title=Sunderland 3-2 Middlesbrough|last=Taylor|first=Julian|date=2008-04-26|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06]

May

After securing their own security, Sunderland travelled to Bolton Wanderers on 3 May, who were not yet safe from relagation. Sunderland lost the game 2–0 at the Reebok Stadium.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7368642.stm|title=Bolton 2-0 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=2008-05-03|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] On 11 May, the last game of the Premier League season, Sunderland played Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal won the game 1–0 through a Theo Walcott goal. Sunderland also recorded their highest home attendance of the season, when the match was watched by 47,802 people.cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7381801.stm|title=Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal|last=Orlovac|first=Mark|date=2008-05-11|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=2008-10-06] Sunderland finished the season with 39 points in 15th place, [cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=2609&team=39&season=2007-2008|title=League table|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|accessdate=2008-10-10] with Kenwyne Jones as top goal scorer with 7 goals. [cite web|url=http://www.catstattery.co.uk/Iseasonapps/ISA130.asp|title=2007-08 Appearances|publisher=The Stat Cat|accessdate=2008-10-10] Left back Danny Collins was named as Sunderland's player of the season, while on loan centre back Jonny Evans was named as the club's young player of the season for the second season running. [cite web|url=http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Danny-Collins-named-top-Cat.4039785.jp|title=Danny Collins named top Cat|date=2008-05-01|publisher=Sunderland Echo|accessdate=2008-10-10] They finished with an average home attendance of 43,344 which was the seventh highest in the league. [cite web|url=http://www.emfootball.co.uk/attend.html|title=Average League Attendances 2007-2008|publisher=East Midlands Football|accessdate=2008-10-10]

Match results

Legend

FA Cup

Transfers

In

Loans out

ee also

*2007–08 in English football

References

External links

* [http://www.catstattery.co.uk/Mseasons/MSG130.asp 2007-08 Barclays Premier League season] at The Stat Cat.