Things have started very brightly for Gus Poyet in his new post as Sunderland manager, following a 2-1 win at home to bitter rivals Newcastle. Despite being on the wrong end of a thrashing by Swansea City in his first game in charge, Poyet will have secured himself many supporters with the win against the Magpies. There is no doubt Sunday's win was huge. Borini's winner led to scenes of jubilation which the Stadium of Light was yet to see this season. Yet, regardless of the nature and size of the victory, it will be Poyet's next few games which determines their survival credentials. Look at Di Canio's reign as manager; he also started with a defeat, leading into a fixture with Sunderland's North-East enemies. After securing victory at St. James' Park, Di Canio then went on to win the following game at home to Everton, but failed to secure another three points as manager. An early derby-day can go one way or the other for the manager; luckily for Poyet, and Di Canio before him, the supporters were behind them right away with a win that means so much to anyone involved with the club. Poyet's side travel to Hull on Saturday, which could prove to be a stern test considering Hull are yet to lose at the KC in the league this season. The Uruguayan picking up points there is vital though; they play three of the big six in the next half-a-dozen matches. New managers often bring wins in the first few matches; it is what happens directly after this period that is hugely important. Players are excited about new regimes and ideas at first, getting rid of old systems that were failing, and bringing in fresh enthusiasm. Yet when they become adjusted, this is when form needs to continue and moral needs to stay high. Good managers do this. Clearly, Di Canio did not lack passion or enthusiasm, quite the opposite, but it was well documented that players did not take to his new regime once they were adjusted and used to it. Poyet needs to carry this win into not just the next match, or the following game, but into the busy festive period. If Sunderland are bottom at Christmas, they could be destined for the Championship. Bryan Robson's West Brom side remain the only Premier League club to survive from this position on December 25. Stability will also be a major factor in Sunderland's bid for Premier League survival. The team has undergone major changes since last term, with Di Canio bringing in 14 new faces during the squad overhaul this summer. Yet, from the 14, Poyet started just two in the Newcastle win, and only three in his first game in charge. In Di Canio's final game in charge, almost half the team were new players, with five starting the West Brom fixture. Poyet needs to decide his best team and stick with it. Maybe then, Sunderland can start looking up the table. Crystal Palace's next permanent manager, whether that be hot favourite Tony Pulis or not, will have the same difficult tasks that Poyet faces. Both clubs have a huge group of new faces, and giving these time to gel will be vital, but stability will make this all the easier. Having said all this, Poyet certainly has the qualities to be the perfect fit for Sunderland. They will undoubtedly try to play good, passing football, as Brighton did under Poyet's guidance, and have the players to fit into this kind of system. Giaccherini, Johnson and Borini could all flourish with this style. If Poyet can get this balance right, I'm sure Sunderland will have no problems climbing the Premier League table sooner rather than later.
