BLOG: The pressure is on Allardyce

By Martyn McFadden - A Love Supreme

The pressure is now on for Allardyce to get results over the Christmas period, as entering January in the bottom three is a bad omen.

Sunderland fell to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Watford. With a run of awful fixtures over the Christmas period, a home game against Watford was very much a must-win. Sunderland's work ethic was good, particularly in the second half, but unfortunately there was no cutting edge to score an all-important goal.

Sam Allardyce described the game as a six-pointer in the build-up, unfortunately I think that comment may have backfired, as Watford now find themselves in the top half of the table whereas Sunderland rest inside the relegation zone.

Though Younes Kaboul was far from the signing that Sunderland fans were hoping for in the summer, his absence against Watford was a huge blow. With Billy Jones the only available cover at centre back, it was an area where we were always vulnerable, particularly with Watford's quick attacks.

Sunderland must find a way of scoring more goals. Allardyce's decision to start Watmore ahead of Defoe, while praised by many, ultimately didn't pay off. Although we'd all like to give a rising talent his chance to shine, Defoe may prove a safer bet going forward.The pressure is on for Allardyce to get results over the Christmas period, as being in the bottom three going into January is always a bad omen.