Cisses arrival appeared to put Sunderland into a new bracket. The clubs ambition and that of Manager Roy Keanes as well as Chairman Niall Quinns was not to see the club residing at the bottom of the table. This was a bright new dawn and the club were determined to push on. With last seasons focal point, Kenwyne Jones, injured for the start of the new season, Cisse would take on the goal scoring responsibility. Initially and excitingly he began with devastating effect. Cisse proved he was unafraid to try and beat the keeper from anywhere around the box. Sunderland for too long seemed to have been blessed with forwards unprepared to have a go, in comparison Cisse had the crowd on their feet every time he touched the ball. He was powerful and dynamic, just the player Liverpool hoped they had bought before injury struck. That would be no problem here, and with an agreement reached with his parent club Cisse looked very much like the chant from the terraces said, Djibril Cisse Sunderlands number 9. However, Keanes most spectacular moment as Black Cats boss would oddly herald the beginning of the end of his time at the club. The return of Jones in the celebrated derby win over Newcastle would be cause for friction. The early season star of the show wasnt happy to share his limelight it appeared and Keane would struggle to find the answer to the dilemma. Hed soon be out the door while despite the odd goal later in the season, Cisse wouldnt be the same player as his early promise had mouth-wateringly suggested.
