David Moyes ‘can’t change it overnight’

David Moyes has insisted he is not being defeatist by admitting Sunderland are engaged in yet another Premier League relegation fight just two games into the new season.

The comments from the Black Cats boss following Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat by Middlesbrough were met with dismay by some fans, who had hoped for better this season following four successive — and ultimately successful — battles to preserve the club’s top-flight status.

Moyes has high hopes of improving on that record and steering Sunderland into calmer waters, but he knows there is no quick fix.