Sunderland pushed Middlesbrough all the way on the weekend, but the Black Cats still lost the fixture 1-0.

The result leaves managerless Sunderland rock bottom of the Championship table, and it's not looking good for the Mackems.

Is it fair to say Sunderland are now the favourites for the drop? Are they doomed?

We take a look....

George Dagless

I think they are.

The Black Cats shouldn't be given where they've come from and the size of the club but they cannot play off their reputation and they look in trouble.

Whilst the likes of Bolton and Burton Albion are scrapping and fighting for everything, Sunderland look to have given up already and they need to change that mentality ASAP.

Alfie Burns

They certainly are for me, I can’t see how even a change of management will help at the Stadium of Light.

The club are in serious trouble and I am fully expecting to see Sunderland suffer back-to-back relegations.

Even the likes of Bolton and Burton look like they will pick up a handful of victories, but Sunderland just don’t.

Adam Simeoni

At this point, yes. Sacking Grayson was a stupid decision, what is happening this season is not his fault in the slightest.

He was given a practically zero budget to compete in a tough league, and he did what he could.

Sunderland deserve to go down just for this.

Chris Gallagher

Not just yet.

They are certainly in a relegation fight but there were at least some positive signs on Sunday, as they pushed a good Boro side all the way.

Obviously, the new manager appointment will be pivotal and a lot will depend on who that is. There are worse teams out there though in terms of talent.