Lee Cattermole has warned the rest of the Premier League's strugglers that Sunderland's annual scrap for survival is finally under way.
The Black Cats battled their way to a 2-2 draw with West Ham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, in the process collecting two fewer points than they craved, but closing the gap to safety to nine.
They have dragged themselves back from the brink in each of the last four seasons - although admittedly from positions which have been marginally less taxing - and while their cause looks forlorn with just six games remaining, Cattermole is convinced the charge is on.