This week’s Echo column comes from Gareth Barker.

EVEN in victory, Sunderland find themselves treading water near the foot of the table.

After slipping into the bottom three last weekend, for only the second time this season, it just goes to show how costly some of those early-season draws could be.

It’s frustrating.

Aside from the home capitulation to Crystal Palace, we’ve looked pretty solid under Dick Advocaat.

Sunderland have looked a threat going forward in the last couple of games, and have created clear-cut chances that should have been taken.

Seven points from the last four matches is a good return, but it could have been so much better.

Recent results around the bottom of the table just go to show you can’t write anyone off. You can’t rule teams in and out of the battle.

You can read the rest here.