Black Cats already on the way to safety, says Pearce

EX-Newcastle star and England defender Stuart Pearce says a “brilliant start” and “immense” atmosphere may keep Sunderland up this season.

- By CLIVE YOULTON

SCOTT Parker knows just how big a game his Burnley side have against Sunderland today.

‘The Clarets boss saw his side lose 3-0 at Spurs in their opening game while the Black Cats beat West Ham.

There was no overreaction from Parker following Burnley's defeat on their Premier League return.

Parker's side were more than a match for Spurs for much of the game, but failed to take their chances at key moments in the game, while the hosts - and Richarlison in particular ~ were in clinical form in front of goal.

Despite being so early into the campaign, the Clarets head into their first home game under a bit of pressure, facing a fellow newly-promoted side in Sunderland who got off to the perfect start.

Given the importance of picking up points against sides expected to be in and around you, Parker knows just how significant a game it could be.

He said: “It’s a big game for us. But every game is a big game for us and we've got another massive one now.

“I’m a realist, first and foremost. At times, I can be very rational and I can see through certain things with a real honesty and a rationale. Against Tottenham, against a very, very good opponent with huge quality in their team, for 60 minutes, we went toe-totoe.

“But we'll go again. We'll dust ourselves down, get back in, look over the clips, improve, learn, and keep moving.”