David Moyes' side could now drop out of the top flight this weekend if results go against them
Here, Press Association Sport reviews Sunderland's sorry season in numbers
21 - Sunderland's current points total - 12 adrift of the survival line, with only 15 left to play for.
15 - they have at least surpassed their then-record low from their 2006-07 relegation season, and also their 19 points four years previously
Their unwanted record was, of course, 'beaten' the very next season by Derby's 11 points.
5 - the Black Cats' win tally after 33 games
Middlesbrough, in 19th, also have five through 34 games while Hull and Swansea, with nine in 34, are the only other teams in single figures.
18.4 - Moyes' win percentage as Sunderland boss, in all competitions.
-33 - Sunderland's goal difference is the worst in the top flight, two worse than Hull.
26 - only Boro, with 24, have scored fewer goals than Sunderland
Jermain Defoe, with 14, has more than half of the Black Cats' tally.
17 - they have failed to score in 17 league games this season, the most in the Premier League.
7 - only seven players have scored Premier League goals for Sunderland this season
Boro, with nine, are the only other club in single figures
17 - on the brighter side, the club had a player recognised in the PFA awards for the first time in 17 years, with Jordan Pickford nominated for Young Player of the Year
The fact it was their goalkeeper who made the list may be less encouraging, however
3 - after Defoe, the club's next-highest scorers this season have just three league goals
One, Victor Anichebe, has been injured for much of the campaign
The other, full-back Patrick van Aanholt, left the club in January.
Source : PA
Source: PA