:2007–08 Sunderland A.F.C. season

{{main|2006–07 Sunderland A.F.C. season}}

{{see also|History of Sunderland A.F.C.|List of Sunderland A.F.C. seasons}}

Discussions of takeover were held over the summer involving an Irish group, the Drumaville Consortium, led by Niall Quinn.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5059536.stm|title=Sunderland takeover talks ongoing|date=8 June 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}} They completed the takeover in July for £10 million as Quinn's group took 72.59% of the club's shares.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5222096.stm|title=Quinn takes control of Sunderland|date=27 July 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}} During the 2006–07 season, Roy Keane took over as manager from chairman Niall Quinn, who served as manager for the first six games of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=2038|title=Niall Quinn's managerial careerv|work=Soccerbase|access-date=8 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081007074832/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=2038| archive-date= 7 October 2008| url-status= live}} Keane had a successful start to his managerial career with a 2–1 win over Derby County on 11 September 2006.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/derby-county-1-sunderland-2-keane-casts-an-eye-on-messianic-future-415489.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/derby-county-1-sunderland-2-keane-casts-an-eye-on-messianic-future-415489.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription|title=Derby County 1 Sunderland 2: Keane casts an eye on messianic future|last=Shaw|first=Phil|date=11 September 2006|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=8 October 2008}}{{cbignore}} On transfer window deadline day, Keane signed new players; Dwight Yorke,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5300876.stm|title=Yorke completes Sunderland move|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008|date=31 August 2006}} Liam Miller,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10360 |title=Miller makes it five|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=8 October 2008|date=31 August 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231354/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10360| archive-date= 5 October 2008| url-status= live}} Ross Wallace, Stanislav Varga,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10358

|title=Keane signs Celtic pair|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=8 October 2008|date=31 August 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231349/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=10358| archive-date= 5 October 2008| url-status= live}} Graham Kavanagh and David Connolly.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5304006.stm|title=Irish trio make Sunderland switch|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008|date=31 August 2006}} A 2–0 win over Leicester City on 1 January 2007 sparked an 18-game unbeaten streak for Sunderland, which was eventually ended on 21 April 2007 after a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Colchester United.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6205647.stm|title=Leicester 0–2 Sunderland|date=1 January 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6555215.stm|title=Colchester 3–1 Sunderland|date=21 April 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}}

Sunderland reached the top of the Football League Championship for the first time in the season with a 2–1 win over Southampton, which included an 87th-minute winner from Grant Leadbitter.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/6513807.stm|title=Southampton 1–2 Sunderland|date=9 April 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}} Their promotion was confirmed as third placed team Derby County lost 2–0 to Crystal Palace, as a result Birmingham City were also promoted.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6578817.stm|title=Crystal Palace 2–0 Derby|last=Mercer|first=Nathan|date=29 April 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}} On the last day of the season, the Championship title would be decided. Sunderland won their game 5–0 against Luton Town,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602865.stm|title=Luton 0–5 Sunderland|date=6 May 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}} while Birmingham suffered a defeat against Preston North End thus crowning Sunderland as champions.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602867.stm|title=Preston 1–0 Birmingham|date=6 May 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 October 2008}}

Image:Liam Miller corner.jpg in Sunderland's pre-season tour of Ireland.]]

Sunderland's pre-season was busy with transfer activity, seeing eight players come in, and five players leave. Kenny Cunningham retired, Tommy Miller, William Mocquet, Kevin Smith were released,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12429|title=SAFC retained list 2007–08|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=17 May 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} while Robbie Weir, Jamie Chandler and David Dowson were all promoted to the first team from the club's youth system. Their first signing of the season was of Greg Halford from Charlton Athletic,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12525|title=Sunderland sign Halford|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=11 June 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} and their first transfer out of the club when Stephen Elliott moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12693|title=Wolves sign Elliott|date=19 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} On 13 July 2007, Sunderland signed the former Newcastle United player Michael Chopra from Cardiff City for £5 million and Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson on 16 July.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=1662|title=Chopra seals £5m Cats move|last=Walker|first=Martin|date=13 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12670|title=Keane signs Richardson|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=13 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}}

Fellow north east team Darlington was Sunderland's first pre-season friendly, Sunderland won the game 2–0 with goals from Ross Wallace and Anthony Stokes at The Darlington Arena.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12691&page=0&t=1|title=Darlington 0 Sunderland 2|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=18 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} This was followed up by a shock defeat to Scunthorpe United on 21 July where they were beaten 1–0.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12714&fixture=892|title=Scunthorpe 1 Sunderland 0|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=21 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Sunderland went on a tour of Ireland, where they would play Bohemians, Cork City and Galway United. They beat Bohemians 1–0 on 28 July thanks to a Stern John goal,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12767&page=0&t=1|title=Bohemians 0 Sunderland 1|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=28 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} but were held to a 1–1 draw at Cork City as Liam Miller scored the Sunderland goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12780&fixture=886|title=Cork City 1 Sunderland 1|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=30 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Their final game of the tour against Galway United ended as a 4–0 win for Sunderland, with goals from Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson, David Connolly and Stern John.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12816&fixture=887|title=Galway Utd 0 Sunderland 4|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=1 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Juventus travelled to the Stadium of Light to commemorate its ten-year anniversary. The game ended 1–1 as Daryl Murphy scored, but the Italian side scored with two minutes remaining to draw the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=12839&fixture=931|title=Sunderland 1 Juventus 1|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=4 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}}

Sunderland signed Dickson Etuhu from Norwich City for £1.5 million on 17 July,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12673|title=Keane signs £1.5m Etuhu|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=17 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} and Paul McShane from West Bromwich Albion on 26 July for £2.5 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12754|title=Sunderland sign McShane|date=26 July 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} With the start of the Premier League season looming, Sunderland broke their transfer record to buy Scottish international goalkeeper Craig Gordon from Heart of Midlothian for £9 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12855|title=Cats land £9m Gordon|last=Walker|first=Martin|date=7 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} The club's last signing before the start of the season was Roy O'Donovan from Cork City for an undisclosed fee.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12874|title=Keane signs O'Donovan|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=9 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}}

Image:Birmingham vs Sunderland.jpg

Sunderland's season started against Tottenham Hotspur on 11 August 2007. Sunderland won the game through a last minute goal from Michael Chopra in front of an attendance of 43,967.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931064.stm|title=Sunderland 1–0 Tottenham|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=11 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Their second game of the season was an away fixture to Birmingham City, a Paul McShane own goal had put Sunderland behind in the 28th minute, but Michael Chopra scored his second goal of the season to equalise. Birmingham took the lead again through Garry O'Connor but Sunderland scored another last minute goal, this time from Stern John to save a point.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941801.stm|title=Birmingham 2–2 Sunderland|date=15 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} On 24 August ex Manchester United and Newcastle United striker Andy Cole joined the club on a free transfer from Portsmouth.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13014|title=Cole signs for Sunderland|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=24 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Sunderland travelled to the JJB Stadium unbeaten on 18 August but lost 3–0 to Wigan Athletic.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941868.stm|title=Wigan 3–0 Sunderland|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|date=18 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} On 25 September Liverpool beat Sunderland 2–0 to give them their second consecutive defeat.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6952883.stm|title=Sunderland 0–2 Liverpool|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=25 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} On the same day, Tobias Hysén returned to his native Sweden with IFK Göteborg after he and his wife were suffering from home sickness.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/index.php?page_id=13016|title=Hysen moves to Gothenburg|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=25 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Luton Town produced a league cup shock as they beat Sunderland 3–0 at Kenilworth Road.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6963496.stm|title=Luton 3–0 Sunderland|date=27 August 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Sunderland signed three more players before the transfer deadline; Ian Harte from Levante on a free transfer,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13049|title=Sunderland sign Harte|date=29 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Danny Higginbotham from Stoke City for £3 million,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13051|title=Black Cats swoop for Higginbotham|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=29 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} and Kenwyne Jones from Southampton for £6 million with Stern John going in the opposite direction.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13052|title=Keane pays £6m for Jones|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=29 August 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}}

Image:Sunderland vs Reading.jpg

Sunderland opened the month with a 1–0 defeat away to Manchester United on 1 September, Louis Saha scored the winner 18 minutes from full-time. Roy Keane said "I'm delighted with the overall performance. It would have been nice to test their goalkeeper a bit more but overall I'm delighted with the players' efforts." about the team's display.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963704.stm|title=Man Utd 1–0 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=1 September 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Jack Pelter signed for Sunderland on 8 September, from New Zealand team Canterbury United, on a free transfer in an original one-month deal.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13116|title=Keane confirms Pelter deal|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=8 September 2007|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008}} Two weeks after the defeat to Manchester United, Sunderland beat Reading 2–1 on 15 September. Kenwyne Jones and Ross Wallace scored the Sunderland goals in a game which was overshadowed by the tribute paid to 1973 FA Cup Final scorer Ian Porterfield who died on 11 September 2007.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6984883.stm|title=Sunderland 2–1 Reading|last=Stevenson|first=Jonathan|date=15 September 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Sunderland met Middlesbrough on 22 September in their first north east derby of the season. Grant Leadbitter scored in the 2nd minute to put Sunderland in front, but two ex-Sunderland players; Julio Arca and Stewart Downing put Middlesbrough into the lead. Liam Miller scored an 89th minute volley to save a point for Sunderland.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996754.stm|title=Middlesbrough 2–2 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=22 September 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005002113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996754.stm| archive-date= 5 October 2008| url-status= live}} Grant Leadbitter scored his second goal in as many games on 29 September as Blackburn Rovers beat Sunderland 2–1.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008201.stm|title=Sunderland 1–2 Blackburn|last=Scrivener|first=Peter|date=29 September 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}}

October started with an away fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 7 October. Sunderland went 2–0 down within the first 14 minutes. However, Sunderland levelled the score at 2–2 with goals from Ross Wallace on the 25th minute and Kenwyne Jones on the 48 minute. Arsenal won the game 3–2 after a late Robin van Persie goal.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7019622.stm|title=Arsenal 3–2 Sunderland|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=7 October 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Sunderland suffered back-to-back defeats when they lost 3–1 away to West Ham United on 21 October. Kenwyne Jones got the goal for Sunderland.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7043009.stm|title=West Ham 3–1 Sunderland|last=Lillywhite|first=Jamie|date=21 October 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Fulham came to the Stadium of Light on 27 October, Fulham took the lead in the 32nd minute with a 30-yard free kick from Simon Davies. Sunderland snatched a point when Kenywyne Jones scored an 86th-minute equaliser. The wearsiders had gone down to ten men in the 67th minute when Greg Halford was sent off.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7054068.stm|title=Sunderland 1–1 Fulham|last=Lillywhite|first=Jamie|date=27 October 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}}

Sunderland lost 1–0 away to Manchester City on 5 November after a goal from Stephen Ireland. Manager, Roy Keane, expressed his frustration in a post match interview saying "We didn't deserve anything. I don't feel we did enough to get anything out of the game. I don't think their keeper had too many saves to make, did he?".{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065173.stm|title=Man City 1–0 Sunderland|last=Henderson|first=Charlie|date=5 November 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} 10 November was the first Tyne–Wear derby of the season. Danny Higginbotham put Sunderland into the lead shortly after half time, but James Milner drew Newcastle level on the 68th minute after his cross beat goalkeeper Craig Gordon into the far post. Sunderland had a chance to win the game when ex-Newcastle forward Michael Chopra headed against the bar minutes from full-time.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7076643.stm|title=Sunderland 1–1 Newcastle|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=10 November 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Sunderland ended the month on a low as they were beaten 7–1 away to Everton on 24 November. Dwight Yorke scored Sunderland's only goal just before half time. Roy Keane said "It's hard to take, but we lose as a team and I picked the team and sorted the tactics so I have no problem taking responsibility for what happened."{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7099691.stm|title=Everton 7–1 Sunderland|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=24 November 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}}

On 1 December Sunderland beat Derby County 1–0. The defeat against Everton led to Craig Gordon being dropped from the side. He was replaced by Darren Ward who made a save to push Kenny Miller's strike onto the post. With the game looking to be heading towards a draw, Anthony Stokes scrambled to ball in to win the game.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7110964.stm|title=Sunderland 1–0 Derby|last=Magowan|first=Alastair|date=1 December 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} On 8 December Sunderland travelled to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea. Sunderland went behind in the 23rd minute through an Andriy Shevchenko goal. Chelsea won the game 2–0 after Liam Miller was sent off whilst giving a penalty away, which Frank Lampard scored.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7122773.stm|title=Chelsea 2–0 Sunderland|last=Mercer|first=Nathan|date=8 December 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Sunderland played Aston Villa on 15 December, Danny Higginbotham put Sunderland ahead with a 10th-minute header. Villa midfielder Shaun Maloney equalised when he scored from a 71st minute free kick. Sunderland could have won the game late on, but Danny Collins' header was ruled out by referee Steve Bennett for a foul. Roy Keane displayed his annoyance at Bennett saying "It sums up (the referee's) day. He was giving everything against us and to say we're disappointed would be an unbelievable understatement. You could sense he was waiting to blow his whistle. It would be nice to see him later."{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7134148.stm|title=Sunderland 1–1 Aston Villa|last=Harlow|first=Phil|date=15 December 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}}

Reading reversed their defeat to Sunderland previously in the season by winning 2–1 on 22 December. Reading had led 1–0 after a 69th-minute goal from Ívar Ingimarsson. Michael Chopra levelled the match by scoring an 82nd-minute penalty. A goal by Stephen Hunt in the 90th minute sparked controversy as it appeared not to have crossed the line.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7145749.stm|title=Reading 2–1 Sunderland|last=Barder|first=Russell|date=22 December 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Sunderland met Manchester United on Boxing Day at the Stadium of Light, they were beaten 4–0 in a game were Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn made the step up from the club's Youth system to the first team.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157355.stm|title=Sunderland 0–4 Man Utd|last=Hughes|first=Ian|date=26 December 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 October 2008}} Martyn Waghorn promoted to first team from Youth system. Sunderland ended 2007 with a 3–1 home win to Bolton Wanderers on 29 December, Kieran Richardson, Kenwyne Jones and Daryl Murphy were the scorers.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157418.stm|title=Sunderland 3–1 Bolton|last=Ornstein|first=David|date=29 December 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}}

Sunderland began the new year with a 1–0 away loss to Blackburn Rovers on 1 January. Dean Whitehead had the chance to put Sunderland in the lead, but missed his penalty kick. Minutes later, Blackburn won a penalty of their own; Benni McCarthy converted the penalty before Dwight Yorke was sent off late on.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163895.stm|title=Blackburn 1–0 Sunderland|last=Chowdhury|first=Saj|date=2 January 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Jonny Evans returned to Sunderland on loan for the second time for the remainder of season from Manchester United.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13913|title=Evans joins Cats on loan|last=Walker|first=Martin|date=4 January 2008|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005232623/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13913| archive-date= 5 October 2008| url-status= live}} Sunderland met Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round as they lost 3–0 on 5 January.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163974.stm|title=Sunderland 0–3 Wigan|date=5 January 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} On 12 January Kieran Richardson scored a double to beat Portsmouth 2–0 at the Stadium of Light.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7172835.stm|title=Sunderland 2–0 Portsmouth|last=Hughes|first=Ian|date=12 January 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Sunderland made their first permanent signing of the January transfer window when Frenchman Jean-Yves Mvoto signed from Paris Saint-Germain on 15 January for an undisclosed fee. Mvoto said "This is a big opportunity for me, I'm pleased to be at Sunderland."{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13980|title=Sunderland sign French defender|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=15 January 2008|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005225259/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13980| archive-date= 5 October 2008| url-status= live}}

On 19 January Sunderland played Tottenham Hotspur. An early Aaron Lennon goal saw Spurs take the lead, and Robbie Keane's 100th goal for the club in the 90th minute won the game for Tottenham at White Hart Lane.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7184825.stm|title=Tottenham 2–0 Sunderland|last=Lyon|first=Sam|date=19 January 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Phil Bardsley signed for the club on 22 January from Manchester United for £2 million,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14043 |title=Sunderland complete Bardsley signing |last=Alexander |first=Nick |date=22 January 2008 |publisher=Sunderland A.F.C. |access-date=7 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124045034/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14043 |archive-date=24 January 2008 |df=dmy }}

the next day Rade Prica also signed for the club, from AaB Aalborg for £2 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14050 |title=Sunderland sign Swedish striker |last=Alexander |first=Nick |date=23 January 2008 |publisher=Sunderland A.F.C. |access-date=7 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006044121/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14050 |archive-date=6 October 2008 |url-status=dead }} New signing Rade Prica scored a goal on his debut for Sunderland to wrap up a 2–0 win at home to Birmingham City on 29 January. Daryl Murphy scored the first goal in the 15th minute.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210578.stm|title=Sunderland 2–0 Birmingham|last=Lyon|first=Sam|date=29 January 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Andy Reid signed for the club on the last day of the January transfer window deadline from Charlton Athletic for £4 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14105|title=Sunderland sign Reid|last=Alexander|first=Nick|date=31 January 2008|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081006044131/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14105| archive-date= 6 October 2008| url-status= live}}

Image:Liverpool-Sunderland 3-0.jpg

Sunderland had a poor start to the month, as they lost 3–0 away to Liverpool on 2 February. They had two penalty appeals turned down, prompting Roy Keane to comment, "We felt they were penalties. But I didn't feel we were going to get those decisions today."{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210604.stm|title=Liverpool 3–0 Sunderland|last=Ornstein|first=David|date=2 February 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Following a recent heart attack in a League Cup game between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, Clive Clarke had his Sunderland contract terminated on 5 February due to the event while on loan at Leicester.{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14133|title=Clarke leaves Sunderland|date=5 February 2008|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=7 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081005231336/http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=14133| archive-date= 5 October 2008| url-status= live}} Sunderland bounced back from the defeat to Liverpool with a 2–0 win against Wigan Athletic on 9 February. Dickson Etuhu put them in the lead before Daryl Murphy scored a 25-yard strike in off the bar.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7223968.stm|title=Sunderland 2–0 Wigan|last=Ornstein|first=David|date=9 February 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Sunderland, however, lost their next game 1–0 to Portsmouth on 23 February at Fratton Park.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7248364.stm|title=Portsmouth 1–0 Sunderland|last=Lyon|first=Sam|date=23 February 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}}

On 1 March Sunderland drew 0–0 away to Derby County. Michael Chopra could have put the team in the lead, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Sunderland's manager said, "He [Chopra] was clearly onside and we are always told that the advantage goes with the attacking player."{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7260381.stm|title=Derby 0–0 Sunderland|last=Whyatt|first=Chris|date=1 March 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} An Andrew Johnson goal on the verge of half time helped Everton to a 1–0 win at the Stadium of Light on 8 March.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7272604.stm|title=Sunderland 0–1 Everton|last=Braithwaite|first=Matt|date=9 March 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Sunderland lost consecutive games when Chelsea beat them 1–0 on 15 March due to a Didier Drogba goal. Andy Reid came close to putting Sunderland in front as his free kick was plucked from the top corner by Carlo Cudicini.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7284965.stm|title=Sunderland 0–1 Chelsea|last=Phillips|first=Owen|date=15 March 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Sunderland's first away win of the season came on 22 March when they won 1–0 at Villa Park against Aston Villa. An 83rd minute Michael Chopra scored the winning goal for Sunderland.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7298167.stm|title=Aston Villa 0–1 Sunderland|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=22 March 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} A 2–1 win at home to West Ham United on 29 March helped Sunderland to their first consecutive wins of the season. Kenwyne Jones' first goal since late December levelled the score at 1–1 and a 95th minute Andy Reid goal won the game.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7309366.stm|title=Sunderland 2–1 West Ham|last=Holt|first=Sarah|date=29 March 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}}

Image:Fulham vs Sunderland.jpg

A 3–1 away win to Fulham on 5 April helped Sunderland to nine points in three games, as goals came from Danny Collins, Michael Chopra and Kenwyne Jones.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7320183.stm|title=Fulham 1–3 Sunderland|last=Whyatt|first=Chris|date=5 April 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} They lost 2–1 at home to Manchester City on 12 April. Manchester City were awarded a dubious penalty given by Mike Riley, and Elano converted it in the 79 minute. Dean Whitehead equalised with a near post volley after Andy Reid crossed the ball. Manchester City, however, still had time to win the game and Darius Vassell scored an 89th minute scuffed shot to beat Craig Gordon.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7332041.stm|title=Sunderland 1–2 Man City|last=Bevan|first=Chris|date=12 April 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} On the return fixture of the Tyne and Wear derby on 19 April Sunderland were defeated 2–0 away to Newcastle United.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7344159.stm|title=Newcastle 2–0 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=20 April 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} The next game was another derby for Sunderland, this time the Tees–Wear derby on 26 April. Sunderland won the game 3–2 at home to Middlesbrough, with goals from Danny Higginbotham, Michael Chopra and an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal, thus securing their safety and staying in the Premier League.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7356054.stm|title=Sunderland 3–2 Middlesbrough|last=Taylor|first=Julian|date=26 April 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}}

After ensuring their own safety, Sunderland travelled to Bolton Wanderers on 3 May, who were not yet safe from relegation. Sunderland lost the game 2–0 at the Reebok Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7368642.stm|title=Bolton 2–0 Sunderland|last=McKenzie|first=Andrew|date=3 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} On 11 May, the last game of the Premier League season, Sunderland played Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal won the game 1–0 through a Theo Walcott goal. Sunderland also recorded their highest home attendance of the season, when the match was watched by 47,802 people.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7381801.stm|title=Sunderland 0–1 Arsenal|last=Orlovac|first=Mark|date=11 May 2008|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 October 2008}} Sunderland finished the season with 39 points in 15th place,{{cite web|url=http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=2609&team=39&season=2007-2008|title=League table|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|access-date=10 October 2008}} with Kenwyne Jones as top goal scorer with seven goals.{{cite web|url=http://www.catstattery.co.uk/Iseasonapps/ISA130.asp|title=2007–08 Appearances|publisher=The Stat Cat|access-date=10 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207163337/http://catstattery.co.uk/Iseasonapps/ISA130.asp|archive-date=7 February 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Left-back Danny Collins was named as Sunderland's player of the season, while on-loan centre-back Jonny Evans was named as the club's young player of the season for the second season running.{{cite news|url=http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Danny-Collins-named-top-Cat.4039785.jp|title=Danny Collins named top Cat|date=1 May 2008|newspaper=Sunderland Echo|access-date=10 October 2008|archive-date=2 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502143917/http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Danny-Collins-named-top-Cat.4039785.jp|url-status=dead}} They finished with an average home attendance of 42,728 which was the fifth highest in the league.{{cite web|url=http://www.emfootball.co.uk/attend2008.html|title=Average League Attendances 2007–2008|publisher=East Midlands Football|access-date=10 October 2008}}

{{clear}}

{{main|2007–08 Premier League}}

Image:Sunderland - EPLaverageattendances07-08.jpg recorded the fifth highest average attendance during the 2007–08 Premier League season.]]

{{:2007–08 Premier League|showteam=SUN}}

{{Fb rs |hw=9 |hd=3 |hl=7 |hgf=23 |hga=21 |aw=2 |ad=3 |al=14 |agf=13 |aga=38 }}

{{Fb rs footer|u=4 December 2018 |s=[https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/premier-league/11-may-2008// 11v11] |date=May 2008}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Matchday

|label1= Ground

|res1=H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H

|label2= Result

|res2=W/D/L/L/L/W/D/L/L/L/D/L/D/L/W/L/D/L/L/W/L/W/L/W/L/W/L/D/L/L/W/W/W/L/L/W/L/L

|label3= Position

|res3=6/4/8/14/17/14/13/15/16/16/15/15/15/18/14/15/17/18/19/17/18/18/18/14/16/14/15/15/16/16/16/13/13/14/15/13/15/15

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3=3rd|color_18-=red1

|updated=complete

|source=[http://www.statto.com/football/teams/sunderland/2007-2008/results Statto.com]

|date=May 2013

}}

{{See also|2007–08 FA Cup}}

{{See also|2007–08 Football League Cup}}

:Sources{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2493&teamTabs=stats&season_id=142&season_id=137|title=2007/08|work=Soccerbase|access-date=21 December 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2007-2008/faprem/sunder.htm|title=Sunderland|publisher=Football Squads|access-date=21 December 2012}}

• 2007–08 in English football

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081005182115/http://www.catstattery.co.uk/Mseasons/MSG130.asp 2007–08 Premier League season] at The Stat Cat

{{Sunderland A.F.C. seasons}}

{{2007–08 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sunderland A.F.C. Season 2007-08}}

2007-08

Category:2007–08 Premier League by team