Sunderland’s 17 points so far are the most by a promoted team since Hull City in 2008-09 (20)
After two consecutive years of promoted teams failing to impress in the Premier League, the current crop of teams are bucking the trend impressively.
Both Leeds and Burnley have already shown they are ready for the relegation battle after each winning three of nine games so far, but the biggest praise rightly goes to Championship play-off winners Sunderland.
Just five months after Tommy Watson’s spectacular stoppage-time goal against Sheffield United at Wembley (and some seven years since they were relegated to League One), the Black Cats are now flying high in fourth place in the top flight, with another late winner in Chelsea arguably the most impressive yet of their five wins so far.
His success with Regis Le Bris has many wondering how far his excellent form can take them this season. 101GreatGoals takes a look at the reasons for their brilliant start.
Eye-catching transfer window
Much was made of Sunderland’s busy transfer window, which saw them revamp the squad with 14 new signings, but it is looking more impressive as the weeks go by.
Players such as Nordi Mukiele, Lutsharel Geertruida, Robin Roefs, Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey stood out during the win against Chelsea and seem knowledgeable about English football.
While none of them had previous Premier League experience, they have all featured in the Champions League before and are proving their quality under Le Bris.
It’s rare to see so many players impress so quickly for a new team, particularly a promoted team, so a lot of credit has to go to the Sunderland boss and the wider staff for helping them adapt so quickly.
The Xhaka effect
One arrival who has plenty of experience in the Premier League is Granit
The former Arsenal captain is undoubtedly another key reason why so many players have adapted so quickly to the team, with the Swiss international acting as Le Bris’ lieutenant on the pitch, providing the example for his teammates to follow.
His performance at Stamford Bridge has been described as a “midfield masterclass”, completing more tackles than any other player (four), also winning six of seven duels and committing no fouls.
Xhaka brings the kind of experience that so few promoted teams have and is making a huge difference in what is another testament to Sunderland’s recruitment team.
Defensive solidity
Many Championship teams emerge and try to continue playing an expansive style against superior opposition and often get caught out, but the basis of Sunderland’s success is their defensive solidity.
Daniel Ballard, one of the heroes of their promotion, grabbed plenty of headlines against Chelsea with seven clearances, but it was the system deployed by Le Bris that frustrated the Blues.
Meanwhile, with Omar Alderete sidelined, Le Bris gave Geertruida his first start, deploying the adaptable Dutchman as a third centre-back when Sunderland were out of possession.
Nordi Mukiele moved further to the right to cover Trai Hume’s advances towards midfield once the ball was recovered.
The complex system was not easy to implement, but Sunderland’s players executed it to perfection, frustrating a team that had won its previous four games and scored 11 goals.
Few teams survive relegation without a good defense; Sunderland certainly have it in abundance and that makes them dream of much loftier goals than surviving relegation.
