Sunderland collapse

Tension is running high in the North East as Sunderland prepare for a daunting play-off semi-final clash against long-time rivals Coventry City. After a string of poor results, Black Cats fans are bracing for the worst, with many predicting a heavy defeat. Coventry, who have proven a consistent thorn in Sunderland’s side, head into the tie with a psychological edge, having remained unbeaten in their last ten encounters. Despite their own recent dip in form, the Sky Blues’ dominant 3-0 win in March still looms large — a reminder of the challenge that awaits Sunderland. As frustration mounts, some supporters have gone as far as to call the club’s late-season collapse “embarrassing” and fear the play-off tie could be over after the first leg.