Today’s piece comes from Stephen Goldsmith.

MAN Utd, Everton, Spurs and Swansea all left Wearside with three points each last season.

Saturday’s goalless draw with Chelsea means they can also be added to that list of sides, who have FAILED to do so this time around.

That can’t be under-stated.

Any side needs their ground to be a tough place for their opponents and we’ve been seen as a bit of a soft touch in recent seasons.

It’s also been notable that the atmosphere is the healthiest it’s been for some time, with that bond between the team, manager and crowd seemingly strong.

It’s all a good platform for the second half of the season when some of the lower sides visit the SoL.

You can read the rest here.