Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce prepares for long battle ahead

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has told his players to adopt the mentality of being in a marathon, rather than a sprint, as they attempt to drag themselves clear of relegation trouble.

The Black Cats, under Alllardyce, have won three of their last five games, and are now two points clear of the drop zone.

However, Sunderland could soon be back in the bottom three as four of their next five games involve matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Wearsiders visit the Gunners on Saturday with Allardyce admitting: "We have gone a long way towards trying to get out of the position we are in but we have still an awful long way to go.

"At the minute, we have won the sprint, but we are in the marathon. We have slightly helped and relieved the situation but we are still in deep relegation trouble.

"Pick your points up against the teams in and around you in that bottom eight and that relieves the pressure when you play the Arsenals."

As for adding to his squad during January's transfer window, Allardyce added: "Some players won't want to up sticks wherever they are and come and join a relegation battle.

"So you have got to do a lot of research and a lot of finding out what exactly the criteria are for them to come and make you better than you already are.

"It's always been a difficult window to work in but even more difficult when you are in the relegation zone."

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