Premier League news: Sunderland AFC – The success story so far
On their much-anticipated return to the Premier League, underdogs Sunderland have defied expectations, and the usual struggles of newly promoted sides - by sitting fourth in the table with 18 points so far.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ellie McDevitt outlines five reasons why the Black Cats have started the season so well.
Super signing - Granit Xhaka
Sunderland’s summer signing Granit Xhaka has already proven to be a masterstroke.
Brought in from Bayer Leverkusen for just £13million, the Swiss midfielder has been made club captain and has quickly become a leader on and off the pitch.
Since joining, Xhaka has provided three assists and recently scored in the Black Cats’ draw with Everton.
He ranks joint-11th in the league for chances created, with only two players recording more from set-pieces than his nine.
Within the squad, he leads for touches, duels won, and distance covered.
Manager Régis Le Bris praised his influence, saying:
“Players like Granit, with his previous experience, are really important to us.
I’m happy to have this kind of player.”
Creating a fortress - The Stadium of Light
For any promoted team, home form is crucial - and Sunderland have turned the Stadium of Light into a fortress.
With an average attendance of 46,000, the atmosphere has been electric, and the players have responded.
The Black Cats have collected 11 points from their first five home games (three wins and two draws) and have not lost at home in the league since facing QPR last season.
Former player Jermain Defoe recently spoke about the importance of a strong home record:
“If you can get off to a good start after promotion, it makes all the difference.
“Make the Stadium of Light a fortress again and it becomes a really tough place for anyone to come.”
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New tactics - Régis Le Bris
As a newly promoted side, adapting to the intensity of the Premier League is essential. Le Bris has implemented a disciplined, defensively solid system built on organisation and work-rate.
Sunderland often press high, employing man-to-man marking and out-of-possession pressing.
While this approach sacrifices possession, it maximises physicality and energy - key attributes in the squad’s young line-up.
It’s a high-risk, high-reward tactic that demands endurance, but so far, it’s paying off.
Defenders Dan Ballard and Nordi Mukiele both rank in the league’s top 10 for clearances per 90 minutes, underlining the team’s defensive commitment.
Summer spending - A £160million statement
After years of frustration over limited spending, Sunderland finally opened the chequebook this summer.
The club’s long-term philosophy of buying and developing young talent, and then selling for profit - paid off, with major sales including Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson generating significant funds.
Combined with the £220million earned from promotion, this gave Sunderland the means for a major rebuild.
In total, 15 new signings arrived, including record deals for Habib Diarra (£31.5m), Simon Adingra (£24.4m), and Enzo Le Fée (£23m) - all of whom have strengthened the squad considerably.
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No room for sentiment - The players left behind
While Sunderland’s promotion campaign was built on the effort of their Championship squad, only three players from that side are now regular starters in the Premier League.
Fan-favourites such as Patrick Roberts (now on loan at Birmingham) and former captain Dan Neil have been replaced, while only Trai Hume remains a regular starter from the League One era.
This ruthless approach has raised standards and increased competition within the team, but not without some disappointment.
Midfielder Alan Browne reflected on the situation, saying:
“We’re players who got the club there and you’d like to think we would be rewarded with a fair chance.
“I’m disappointed, but I understand.”
Sunderland’s early-season success is built on bold decisions, a smart transfer strategy, fearless tactics, and a renewed belief in what’s possible.
For now, the Black Cats look more than ready to fight their way into a new era of Premier League football.
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