Larsson confident of Sunderland’s survival

Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson is plotting his side’s latest escape from the Premier League’s relegation zone, beginning from Saturday’s visit to Everton.

After a goalless draw with Spurs and a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace, Larsson berated Sunderland’s slack defending in a 4-0 defeat to Southampton, admitting the first goal will be crucial for his side at Goodison Park.

Larsson said: “It is a tough run of games starting with Everton but, looking back at previous seasons, at this stage strange things start to happen.

“We have picked up many points in games where people haven’t backed us to, so let’s hope that can happen again.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“We feel like if we can get in front we can stay solid and stay strong. We are tough to break down but, unfortunately, a few too many times we have gone behind and not been strong enough to turn things around so that is something we have to improve.”

Despite being rock bottom of the league, the Black Cats are just two points from safety and Larsson admits the squad is confident of beating the drop come the end of this season.

He added: “The belief is there that we are going to sort this situation out and stay in the league.

“It is going to be tough, we realise where we are but we have been in worse positions so we won’t stop fighting until the end.”