Wanted Mannone finally feeling right at home

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has been a key figure in the Gus Poyet-inspired revival which has seen the Black Cats reach the Capital One Cup final and drag themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone for the fist time since August, courtesy of Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over Stoke, in the space of a week.

Mannone, one of the 14 summer signings drafted in by then director of football Roberto De Fanti and former manager Paolo Di Canio during the summer, now has 19 senior appearances for the cub to his name, the last 18 of them starts, and he is relishing the opportunity to show what he can do having managed just 26 appearances in eight years at Arsenal.

So limited were his chances at Arsenal, that Mannone was forced out on loan three times to Yorkshire clubs, with Barnsley and Hull (twice) utilising his skills.

He said: “It’s something unbelievable, it’s like a dream. I suffered a lot in the past (at Arsenal), if I’m honest. I expected my chance for a long time there, but they never really gave me a real chance. Finally, I got it at Sunderland and I don’t want to waste a minute. I’m loving every minute of every game and when I can perform, I will do my best to help the team and to give something back to the fans, who have been incredible.

“It’s great to hear them singing my name.”

Those fans were certainly singing on Wednesday evening as their side edged past the Potters 1-0 to secure a first home league win in six attempts, and one which had significant repercussions.

Despite their recent improvement under Poyet – they have now lost just twice in 13 outings in all competitions – Sunderland have spent most of the season struggling to dig their way out of the bottom three.

However, having put themselves in touch in recent weeks without ever nudging their way over the safety line, they finally managed to do so with a nervy win over Stoke.

Mannone said: “It was a massive three points. We all knew that we needed a win and thankfully, even with difficulty, we got it, which was great.

“We hadn’t managed to beat one of the teams around us at home. The gaffer said before the game that this is the time, no more excuses, stupid reasons or cheap goals.

“We’re out of the bottom three for the first time since August and it’s great to see the table.

“It’s a great win and we can prepare for our next game, which is massive.”