Is Moyes a marked man?

Despite the two-goal cushion, from the moment Crystal Palace scored Sunderland’s crushing defeat in the 94th minute was not unexpected. That is the sad inevitability of it all.

With the score line at 2-1 just how many supporters were resigned to the loss? If we are honest with ourselves, it is likely a significant number of hardy fans could see the predictability of the situation as it unfolded.

However, let us not be under any illusions, the frustrations supporters feel are not borne from the Black Cats’ summer of upheaval – although that undoubtedly has played a part – the real deep rooted dissatisfaction stems from the fact that the current struggles are a perennial event.

Supporters have grown weary from watching the same problems reoccur time after time. For the last five years the club have continually failed to deliver a win during the months of August and September. In fact in terms of points on the board, at this stage in proceedings at least, this season is on course for one Sunderland’s worst in the Premier League.

If the Black Cats’ woes have become a sure thing then you might argue the next step is already decided. The history books tell us that in the past when the going gets tough Sunderland owner Ellis Short jettisons the manager who happens to be in the hot seat at the time.

Therefore, it could reasonably be concluded that should the trajectory continue the current incumbent David Moyes may shortly find himself looking for other gainful employment. Certainly the heat is already turning up and firing warm blasts in his direction.

The real question now though is whether Ellis Short and the Board will buck the trend and stick with Moyes despite Sunderland’s predicament or whether they will revert to type and pull the trigger on yet another man in charge. Whilst this is still a hypothetical scenario at the moment, if this does happen it would mean a ninth manager for the club in eight years.

The fans are unable to make the important decisions of course but as ever they can certainly have a view. Therefore to try and make sense of matters perhaps the answer to the question above depends on whether, despite the poor results, there are any signs of meaningful improvement both within the squad and/or the club itself.

Frankly at the moment - on the pitch at least - the players look incapable of consistently being able to perform at the level required to win games in the Premier League, in order to stave off relegation.

The Board have to ask themselves do they trust David Moyes to turn this around? Is he able – with all his dourness – to motivate a squad that looks bereft of confidence?

Personally, I still think so but the job is a huge undertaking and one that may be completed only after a return to the Championship. Before success is achieved further failure may need to be endured. Short may have to accept that this as a possibility should he elect to stick with Moyes. The constant turmoil has possibly now finally come home to roost.

As we approach another home game it is likely that supporters will look at events with the national team and consider what might have been. The reality is that during the summer Sunderland lost a manager who seemed to finally have a firm hand on the tiller for one solitary match in charge of England.

That by anyone’s measure has to rankle.

It is likely that some Sunderland fans might even show their backing of Sam Allardyce at the weekend’s match. However, as much as I agree Big Sam was a loss to the Black Cats I am not sure any outpouring of support from the stands will achieve anything positive for the home team against West Brom.

Even if Moyes were to part ways with the club I doubt Ellis Short would seriously consider an approach for Allardyce. You get the sense that at the end of Big Sam’s time on Wearside tempers had frayed between the Board and the now ex England Manager, making any return incredibly unlikely.

When it comes to Big Sam bridges are surely burned and the club need to move on, with Moyes at the helm. If the changes essential to improving Sunderland’s league position can only be achieved by the Scot slowly and incrementally then so be it. Five years of upheaval cannot be undone overnight.

However, the true test for Moyes now will be whether can he sufficiently demonstrate signs of improvement to justify keeping him in the role.