Moyes: Win against the big boys needed for Sunderland survival

David Moyes has said he believes Sunderland can avoid relegation despite needing a win against Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea in the coming weeks.

The Black Cats have not scored a goal since February 4 and the loss away to Leicester on Tuesday brought their tally to six straight games without a win in the Premier League.

Sunderland seek eight points from eight games to escape the drop zone, meaning they need at least three wins – a big ask given they must face three of the top six sides before the season ends.

But Moyes believes his players can use their experience of past relegation battles despite the difficult end to the season ahead.

He said: “The players have been here before and we will keep going, it’s still within our hands to stay up and we’ll make sure that we do that.

“At the moment we’re struggling to find those goals, and I really believe that to give us a real chance we need to win one of these away games.

“I think the boys have given a good go at it, so there’s no faulting them and I think they’ve done everything they can.

“What I hadn’t put down was a win against a Manchester United – or an Arsenal or Chelsea – in our remaining fixtures, so we now have to win at least one of those games.

“It’s Manchester United next, so let’s see if we can win that one.”