Mixed Christmas Fortunes For New Sunderland Chief
The Christmas fixtures provided mixed fortunes for new Sunderland boss Michael Beale as the Vertu Motors-backed side scored a win and defeat from its two festive game.
Beale’s first match in charge of the Black Cats came against Coventry City on 23 December, but it would prove to be a difficult debut in the home dugout for the former Rangers boss.
Although Sunderland had chances to hit the front against the Sky Blues, it was Coventry who took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Tatsuhiro Sakamoto tapped in at the back post and the away side doubled its lead when Callum O'Hare rounded off a quick counter-attack move.
Kasey Palmer tapped in a third a matter of moments later as the Beale era got underway in challenging fashion.
Three days later, Sunderland were able to make amends during the Boxing Day trip to Hull City, who sat sixth in the points despite also being beaten in the final game prior to Christmas.
It appeared for large parts like the game was destined for a draw with limited chances for both sides, but with less than ten minutes on the clock, Jack Clarke cut in from the wing and fired home his eleventh goal of the season to secure the points.
The win means Sunderland have climbed back into the top six going into the final match of 2023 away at bottom side Rotherham.