Sunderland’s performances this season – and the heights they have reached – would have shocked even the most optimistic Black Cats’ fan.
Depleted by injury and the loss of players to the Africa Cup of Nations, they have battled brilliantly during the hectic festive period but the game at Brentford proved one too many.
They were slow out of the blocks in west London, with a number of sloppy passes from the back causing problems.
The first goal came after the ball was lost cheaply in midfield before one pass took out the entire backline.
It stayed at 1-0 until half-time and Regis le Bris’ side came out fighting to start the second half, putting pressure on the hosts for the first time and winning a spot-kick when Brian Brobbey rolled Kristoffer Ajer and was brought down.
Enzo le Fee, who has performed so well for Sunderland this season, stepped up and attempted a Panenka.
Such cheeky efforts look great when they go in. Not so much when they don’t. This was surely the simplest of Caoimhin Kelleher’s four penalty saves in the top flight.
The Republic of Ireland international now has a 67% penalty save rate, the best of any goalkeeper to face five or more penalties in the Premier League.
It was a boost for Brentford that deflated Sunderland. If that had not already finished them off, the second and third goals soon afterwards did.
But with players beginning to return from Afcon, Sunderland will hope to get back on track before too long.