‘I think they finish…’ – Tim Sherwood delivers 86-word answer to cheeky Sunderland title challenge question

‘I think they finish…’ – Tim Sherwood delivers 86-word answer to cheeky Sunderland title challenge question

Tim Sherwood dismisses Sunderland title talk but backs impressive Black Cats for top-half finish

Sunderland’s remarkable start to life back in the Premier League has caught the attention of many — but Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood has poured cold water on playful suggestions that the newly-promoted side could be involved in a title race.

A dramatic late victory over Chelsea on Saturday temporarily lifted Regis Le Bris’ men up to second place in the table, before results elsewhere saw them end the weekend in fourth. Even so, the Black Cats remain just five points behind leaders Arsenal after nine matches — an impressive feat for a side that only returned to the top flight this season.

Interestingly, Sunderland’s current points tally is one higher than Leicester City’s was at the same stage of their stunning 2015/16 title-winning campaign, sparking tongue-in-cheek comparisons among fans. But while Sherwood isn’t buying into the fairytale talk, he’s adamant that Sunderland are comfortably safe from relegation.

Sherwood tips Sunderland for mid-table finish

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sherwood was asked by a viewer whether Sunderland could genuinely challenge for the Premier League crown.

“I think they finish mid-table,” he replied. “At the beginning of the season — and I won’t be alone in this — I thought they’d get relegated. But their recruitment has been absolutely outstanding.

“Granit Xhaka has been a huge signing for me. So Sunderland fans can look forward to another season in the Premier League. I think they’ll finish around 10th, and I’m sure at the start of the season everyone would’ve taken that.”

Sherwood’s view aligns with that of fellow Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison, who has also been full of praise for Le Bris’ side.

Clinton Morrison: “Sunderland are safe already – 100%”

During a recent interview, Morrison echoed Sherwood’s optimism, insisting there’s no danger of Sunderland going down this season.

“They’re safe already — 100%. I think Sunderland stay in the Premier League this season without a shadow of a doubt,” Morrison said.
“They’ve been fantastic. The manager has been outstanding. That wasn’t a smash-and-grab against Chelsea — they were always in the game, they defended brilliantly and competed all over the pitch.”

Morrison also singled out Granit Xhaka and Wilson Isidor for special praise.

“The recruitment has been outstanding,” he added. “Xhaka’s been unbelievable. When I saw he was joining Sunderland, I wondered if he’d be the same player — but he’s been even better.

“And Isidor’s been brilliant too. You always ask if a player can make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League — and he’s done exactly that. What a performance from Sunderland.”

Morrison concluded by crediting Sunderland’s smart transfer business and strong leadership under Le Bris:

“I wasn’t one of the people tipping Sunderland to go down. They lost a lot of players but spent wisely and have a very good manager. I don’t worry about them at all.”

Sunderland’s superb start has silenced early-season doubters, and while talk of a title challenge might be premature, both Sherwood and Morrison agree — the Black Cats have already proven they belong in the Premier League.