Sunderland staged an incredible comeback against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, and the result proved the Black Cats are firmly on the right track now this season.
It appeared Sunderland were on course for a disappointing defeat in South Wales with 20 minutes to go at the Liberty Stadium this weekend.
However, star men Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham stepped up with a quickfire double to turn the game on its head and secure the three points for Regis Le Bris’ side.
The Sunderland boss said he learned one major thing about his team after the win against Swansea, and we’ve all seen huge progress by the Mackems in a crucial area in the last week alone.
- READ MORE: BBC pundit says one Sunderland man was ‘outstanding’ vs Swansea, but it’s not Rigg or Neil
Sunderland have learned to fight back from behind
Prior to the win over Stoke City, Sunderland were among the worst in the Championship when it came to coming from behind to pick up points.
That started to change as Tommy Watson’s brace helped the Black Cats fight back from a goal down to get all three points against the Potters.
They had to do it again in midweek, with an injury time equaliser from Patrick Roberts salvaging a point against Bristol City.
| Championship rank | Club | Deficits | Wins | Draws | Defeats | Points gained |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| =24th | Swansea City | 9 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| =24th | Millwall | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| =24th | Preston North End | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| =24th | Stoke City | 11 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 2 |
| 20th | Derby County | 12 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 3 |
| 19th | Cardiff City | 12 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 4 |
| 18th | Sheffield United | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| =5th | Sunderland | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
Now, with the phenomenal turnaround against Swansea, Sunderland appear transformed, and will no longer fear being at a deficit again, as this young squad has proved they now have the mental strength to overcome that challenge.
Mental strength can help Sunderland secure promotion
After the sticky spot Sunderland found themselves in last month and at the start of December — when the club went six games without a win — things are really looking up now.
The win against Swansea puts the Black Cats right back in the hunt at the top of the Championship table, and while it will take something special to keep pace with Sheffield United and Leeds United all season, Sunderland area really establishing themselves as a top six side now.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 21 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 30 | 11 | 19 | 45 |
| 2 |  LeedsLeeds | 21 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 37 | 15 | 22 | 42 |
| 3 |  SunderlandSunderland | 21 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 32 | 17 | 15 | 40 |
| 4 |  BurnleyBurnley | 20 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 24 | 7 | 17 | 38 |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 20 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 17 | 8 | 37 |
| 6 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 21 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 35 | 25 | 10 | 34 |
After the game, Wilson Isidor insisted Sunderland will ‘never surrender’ and hinted at the team’s potential, and it’s true that the spirit and resilience the young side have shown over the last week could be huge for their hopes this term.
Sometimes, youth and inexperience can lead to naivety and cause a team to struggle. However, for Sunderland right now, it seems the young players are flourishing thanks to their fearlessness and hunger to prove people wrong.