Sunderland are 'arguably' the best team to visit Bloomfield Road all season, according to Blackpool boss Michael Appleton - high praise indeed given the teams his side has faced on home turf. The Black Cats fought out a 1-1 draw with the Seasiders on New Year's Day, recovering after going a goal down to claim a point from a game they could easily have won.
Appleton felt his team also deserved a point from the game, although it only extended their winless run to nine games and it was not enough to lift them out of the Championship relegation zone. But Appleton was complimentary about Sunderland, who dominated the game despite being severely hampered by injuries and illness.
He said Tony Mowbray's men are up there with the best sides his team have faced at home, and that list includes second-placed Sheffield United and third-placed Blackburn Rovers, along with the likes of Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Watford, and in-form Luton Town. "Sunderland are a top team," said Appleton. "I'd arguably say they're the best side that have been here this season.
