KIERAN Richardson believes Sunderland are producing some of the best football in their history – and expects it to get better once Sulley Muntari is up to speed.

As you might expect of a footballer who learned his trade with West Ham United and Manchester United, Richardson is a firm believer in style as well as substance. He thinks the Black Cats can provide both, despite a run which has seen them lose five out of their last six games to end any lingering hope of European qualification.

Sunderland’s horror run of matches is nearing an end, but they still have to travel to Manchester City this weekend before an easier run of games – on paper at least – takes them to the end of Steve Bruce’s second season in charge.

Despite the recent slump, however, Richardson still feels it has been a good season, particularly if they end it strongly with their injured players coming back to fitness.

Centre-back Michael Turner is hoping to be involved at the weekend for the first time since November, while skipper Lee Cattermole returned as a substitute against Liverpool.

“We play good football,” said Richardson. “All credit to the gaffer, he’s brought a lot of good footballers in. I think we play some of the best football Sunderland have ever seen.”

The Wearsiders ended a run of four defeats with Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal, but slipped to another home defeat to Liverpool a week later. Nevertheless, Richardson believes they can look with confidence to the final chapter of the campaign, which starts at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday.