Alles Andere » Allardyce used the transfer window to

Sunderland’s survival was confirmed with a game to spare following their 3-0 win over Everton at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday. That hadnt seemed likely in November when the Black Cats had capitulated 6-2 against the same opposition to leave them with six points from the first 11 games.But Sam Allardyce used the transfer window to great effect with the signings of Lamine Kone, Wahbi Khazri and Jan Kirchhoff proving pivotal. Sunderland safe as Toon drop Sunderland secured their Premier League status with a 3-0 victory over Everton. I think the contribution of the players we got in January was really big for this team to come out of trouble, Allardyce told Sky Sports after the game. Heres why…Lamine KoneKone was the goalscoring hero on the night with two of Sunderlands three goals and the first of which was a strike that Jermain Defoe would have been proud of - the 27-year-old Ivorian blasting the ball beyond Joel Robles to settle the nerves at the Stadium of Light.But its defensively that Kone has had the biggest impact. Sunderland have lost only 21 per cent of the games that the centre-back has played this season compared to 64 per cent without him - and the key to that has been the teams improved defensive solidity. Sam Allardyce talks to Sky Sports after securing Sunderlands safety In the 14 games prior to Kones inclusion in the line-up, Allardyces side conceded an average of more than two goals per game - 30 in total. In the 14 games hes started since, Sunderland have let in only 14 goals.With Kone coming in, were becoming a team thats very difficult to break down, Allardyce told Sky Sports. And thats giving us a platform to win games.Jan KirchhoffKirchhoffs impact wasnt quite so immediate. He endured a woeful debut against Tottenham, appearing ill-prepared for the speed and physicality of the Premier League. But the £750,000 signing from Bayern Munich adapted quickly in a holding midfield role. Kirchhoffs tackling Jan Kirchhoff has averaged 4.2 tackles per 90 minutes, more than any other Sunderland player this season. Its like playing with a third centre-back, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports. Hes made a massive difference in there. The statistics support that view with Kirchhoff having more touches per game and making more tackles per game than any other Sunderland player. Jan Kirchhoff was delighted after Sunderlands 3-0 win against Everton I just love the way he plays, said former Sunderland forward Niall Quinn. He doesnt shirk any responsibility, he makes the tackles if they need to be made. He does that hard side of the game really well and hes a stylish player.Allardyce agreed when discussing the player with Carragher and Quinn afterwards. He explained: In midfield weve got stronger. Jan Kirchhoff coming in and sitting and intercepting has kept the pressure off the back four. Wahbi Khazri scored a stunning goal against Chelsea and has had a big impact Wahbi KhazriFor all the platform provided by Kone and Kirchhoff, Defoe still needed help at the other end of the pitch if Sunderland were to score the goals to take them to safety. Invention was lacking and Khazri was the man who helped to deliver it. Sunderland chances created Player Chances created per 90 Wahbi Khazri 2.3 Yann MVila 1.3 Sebastian Larsson 1.3 Jeremain Lens 1.3 The former Bordeaux winger was the last of the trio to arrive but he soon became a fan favourite. Khazri has created more chances per game than any other Sunderland player. The end product was there when it mattered too. It was Khazris stunning goal against Chelsea last weekend that helped to spark Sunderland to life in the 3-2 victory at the Stadium of Light. Four days on and the teams safety was confirmed, thanks in no small part to three huge January signings. Also See: Allardyce: Its pretty miraculous Sunderland safe as Toon drop E.J. Gaines Jersey .Y. -- As if the worst start in franchise history isnt bad enough, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black braced his teams win-starved fans for potentially more tough times. Custom Browns Jerseys .com) - The Grand Slam season will get underway Monday at the Australian Open in Melbourne, where a new champion will be crowned this year. http://www.brownsauthenticproshop.com/Youth-Zane-Gonzalez-Jersey/ . And by all indications, the team is expected to select phenom Connor McDavid with their selection. The Buffalo Sabres, who were knocked down to the second overall pick after finishing with the worst regular season record, are expected to take the other generational player in Jack Eichel. Darren Fells Jersey . He reps the 4-1-6The insecurity of Canadian basketball fans is not what it once was with the home grown talent making its way to the big leagues, but it is still nice to see the local kids remembering where they come from once they make their way south. Nick Chubb Jersey . No pretty goals on this night, just get to the front of the net and fight for a chance.TORONTO - Kevin Pillar was in centerfield for a fourth-straight game on Saturday, maximizing an opportunity at consistent playing time by swinging a better bat, hustling on the base paths and playing all out defence. Pillars doing his best to refute the old saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. "Thats what any young player wants, just a little consistent playing time to make the adjustments, to show you belong at this level, show you can play," said Pillar. "I come to the yard ready to play everyday whether Im in the lineup or not. I cant remember the last time I played centrefield four days in a row but Im pretty happy about it and hoping we can start winning some games." Pillar entered Saturdays action 4-for-12 in three games since his recall from Triple-A Buffalo. On Wednesday night he turned a single through the left side into a double, hustling from the moment he left the batters box. On Friday, Pillar made a head-long, diving catch of a Brian McCann shallow flyball to end the fourth inning. Hes making what already was an interesting situation even more complicated. Colby Rasmus did serve as the designated hitter on Friday but otherwise has been relegated to the bench over the four-game stretch. The Blue Jays said Rasmus had a stomach virus in the middle of the week. Obviously, hed recovered by the time the Yankees arrived in town. Anthony Gose is expected to be recalled when rosters expand on September 1. That leaves five legitimate outfielders (Jose Bautista, Melky Cabrera, Rasmus, Pillar, Gose) vying for playing time at three spots. Bautista isnt going anywhere. Cabrera isnt going anywhere. So, barring the unforeseen and the odd day off for either Bautista or Cabrera, it appears to be three guys competing for playing time in centrefield. "Kevs playing good right now," said manager John Gibbons. "Ride him while hes hot, anyway. Hes swinging the bat and playing some good defence." The club has been waiting for Rasmus to get on one of his patented hot streaks, something which hasnt happened for a protracted period of time this season. About to experience his first kick at the free agency can, Rasmus could help himself (monetarily) and the Blue Jays (contributing to wins) by going on a September tear. The ballclub, however, must be realistic about its postseason chances (slim) and in looking to the future, may use September to determine whether Gose and Pillar could form a platoon in 2015. "I dont know what well do when all those guys get here, you know," saaid Gibbons.dddddddddddd BUEHRLES INNINGS With five scheduled starts remaining, Mark Buehrle needs to pitch 33 innings to get to 200 for the season. Its a number particularly important to the 35-year-old, whos won at least 10 games for a 14th consecutive season and is looking to extend his run of throwing 200-plus innings to a 14th-straight year. "Yeah, it means a lot," said Buehrle. "I mean its the goal I set every year. Obviously its going to come to an end sometime, whether its the result of a bad year or retirement. Its one of those things I still, in my mind, want to get to and if I dont, like I said its got to come to an end sometime but Ill get home in the offseason and itll be disappointing if I dont get there." Manager John Gibbons is eager to help Buehrle achieve the mark. With off-days factored in, Buehrles last scheduled start is to be the Thursday, September 25 series finale with the Mariners. "Its important for us, too," said Gibbons. "Wed love to see him get that." Gibbons wont rule out throwing Buehrle in relief on the final day of the season, against Baltimore, if hes a couple of innings away from getting to 200. NEW LOOK LINEUP Its just one move but it had ramifications for six players. Manager John Gibbons, desperately looking for an offensive spark, moved Munenori Kawasaki into the two-hole usually occupied by Melky Cabrera. That pushed each of Melky Cabrera (third), Jose Bautista, Adam Lind, Edwin Encarnacion and Dioner Navarro down a spot. "(Kawasaki) usually gives you a good, tough, battling at-bat," said Gibbons. "He really works the pitchers well. It just kind of lengthens the lineup a little bit. Try something different." ENCARNACION STRUGGLING Edwin Encarnacion entered Saturdays action struggling since his return from a six-week absence with strained right quadriceps. In 12 games, Encarnacion had pieced together a .152/.235/.283 slash line with one home run and seven hits (three doubles). The Blue Jays were hoping getting Encarnacion and Adam Lind (fractured right foot) back in the lineup would be the cure to what ailed them. During a 7-17 August, that hasnt been the case. "Its a timing thing," said manager John Gibbons. "I thought when he first came back he was on a lot of pitches, just fouling them off. This time, hes still a little bit out of whack. We need him to be good, lets face it. He needs to just get his at-bats and hopefully he catches fire because when he does hes awful dangerous." 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