Sbragia plummets back to earth

IF Ricky Sbragia could claim a fairytale start to his managerial career at Sunderland, the last two weeks have provided the most painful of reality checks.

Home games against Tottenham and Wigan were supposed to provide the Wearsiders with a buffer against the dead men at the foot of the Premier League: instead, Robbie Keane turned three points into one in the final seconds last week and then Wigan stormed the Stadium of Light with embarrassing ease on Saturday.

With Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth all edging closer to Sbragia’s team over the weekend, they must now confront difficult away trips — to Manchester City and West Ham — far too close to the mire for comfort.