Sunderland pulled off a minor miracle by avoiding relegation in 2015/16.
Under Dick Advocaat, the Black Cats failed to win in their opening eight matches and things did not get much better under Sam Allardyce, winning just three of their next 11.
But a late-season run, which saw the Wearsiders lose twice from early February, enabled them at least another top flight campaign under 'Big Sam'.
Sunderland were at times hapless in the first half of the season but Allardyce was able to instil some steely resolve while promoting attacking football which was finished off by Jermain Defoe.
The veteran striker provided 11 of his 15 goals after the turn of the year, guiding the Black Cats to a 17th-placed finish, at the expense of Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle United.
Now that's a joyous climax to a campaign!
BLACK CATS SNAPSHOT
POSITION: 17th
WIN-DRAW-LOSS RECORD: 9-12-17
POINTS: 39
GOALS FOR-AGAINST: 48-62
SUNDERLAND'S TOP 3
SCORERS:Jermain Defoe 15, Patrick van Aanholt 6, Fabio Borini 5
ASSISTS: Glen Johnson, Yann M'Vila both 6, Patrick van Aanholt, Jeremain Lens both 4
CLEAN SHEETS (leader): Vito Mannone 4
YELLOW CARDS:Lee Cattermole, Billy Jones both 8, Fabio Borini 6
RED CARDS: Younes Kaboul, Jeremain Lens both 1
EA SPORTS Player Performance Index:Jermain Defoe 595, Patrick van Aanholt 369, Yann M'Vila 363
TRIBAL'S TOP BOY
TWITTER TALK
Had an amazing experience with @SunderlandAFC .. Everyone from the fans to the staff to my teammates were outstanding
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) May 16, 2016
Tried to get in the away end today but I couldn't because I ve been receiving too many kisses! next time! thank you all! #hawaythelads
— Fabio Borini (@borinifabio29) May 15, 2016
to the USA now! Again thank you @SunderlandAFC for everything. #hawaythelads
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) May 16, 2016
Were staying up, they're going down...we're staying up, they're going down...#whatachant#safc#gettheraveon
— Jordan Pickford (@JPickford1) May 15, 2016
This is what we call the perfect finish! You Fans drove us to the victory again and you should take a bow. #safcpic.twitter.com/98puQihOBx
— Younes Kaboul (@YounsKabs4) May 12, 2016
FROM THE BOSS
“You go back to November with Everton beating us 6-2 and it shows you how far we've come. From January onwards, we've been a team.
"Yes, I am staying, I hope so!
“Our signings in January have proved crucial and now the next set of recruitment over the summer is just as important. This club can't be cheering and doing a lap of honour just for escaping from relegation."
- Sam Allardyce, May 2016
STAT STORY
*Thanks to Opta
469 – Only Villa (243) and Crystal Palace (450) led for fewer minutes this season in the Premier League than Sunderland (469). Rope-a-dope.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2016
