How Sunderland are Breaking the Premier League Mould
The Black Cats currently sit 9th in the table after an impressive start to the season...
When Sunderland sealed promotion via the Play-Off final at Wembley with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United, there was jubilation, but also a quiet nervousness. After seven years away from the Premier League, many feared that The Black Cats would be back only to make up the numbers.
But seven games into the season, those fears have been silenced.
Currently sitting 9th in the table with 11 points, Sunderland have already beaten established sides like West Ham United and Brentford, both at the Stadium of Light. They’ve held high-flying Crystal Palace to a draw and kept things tight in narrow losses away to Manchester United and Burnley. This is a side growing in stature with every fixture.
And what makes it more impressive is how they’ve done it.
Breaking the Premier League Mould
From a tactical standpoint, Sunderland are the opposite of what many expect from newly promoted sides. They are not a high-pressing, possession-hungry side, nor do they sit deep and wait for scraps. What they’ve shown instead is a rare ability to adapt to the demands of each match and Regis Le Bris deserves huge credit.
Under Le Bris, they’ve struck a delicate balance between control and pragmatism. They average 21 long balls per match, but are also among the top teams in 10+ pass sequences. That blend has allowed them to disrupt possession-heavy teams while still constructing thoughtful moves of their own.
Their compact defensive block is among the most disciplined in the league. When out of possession, they occupy spaces in a way that suffocates creativity. Against Nottingham Forest, for example, the hosts enjoyed 63% possession but produced just 0.2 xG from open play in the first half. Forest couldn’t penetrate central areas, the critical space just outside the penalty area, was completely shut down.
This isn’t luck or a one-off. It’s a clear plan, that has been drilled into a team that understands its identity.
Defending with structure isn’t glamorous, but it wins matches. Sunderland have won 55.8% of their duels this season, the best percentage in the Premier League.
Set Pieces and the Fine Margins
Modern football is often decided by the smallest margins. In the Premier League, set pieces matter more than ever, and Sunderland have taken full advantage of this.
Last season in the Championship, they were average at best from dead-ball situations. This season, they’ve become deadly. 45% of their set pieces have led to shots, only three teams in the division rank higher in that department and 37% of their xG has come from set pieces.
The delivery, especially from Granit Xhaka, has been pinpoint. His floated cross to the back post for Alderete’s winner against Nottingham Forest showed what elite delivery looks like.
Players to Watch: Key Figures Driving the Charge
Beyond the system, individual brilliance has made the difference in tight matches. Sunderland‘s recruitment has been smart, with five players standing out in particular.
Granit Xhaka
The former Arsenal man has slotted into midfield like he’s never left the Premier League. His leadership and quality are evident, with assists in all of Sunderland‘s last three goals. Whether delivering from set pieces or controlling the midfield tempo, Xhaka’s presence lifts the entire squad. His assist against Nottingham Forest was a masterclass. The way he orchestrates the structure off the ball is equally vital. He’s constantly organising and communicating, ensuring discipline is maintained at all times.
Robin Roefs
Signed for just £9 million, Roefs might be one of the best value signings of the season. Only two keepers have made more saves than him. His penalty stop against Brentford was huge, but his reflex save from Bruno Fernandes and his commanding display against Crystal Palace showed the full range of his abilities. Calm, athletic, and with a strong command of his box, he’s become a cornerstone of this Sunderland side.
Omar Alderete
A £10 million signing who already looks like a bargain, Alderete was nominated for Premier League Player of the Month for September and it’s easy to see why. His goal against Forest was critical, but his defensive contributions and the way he reads the game have arguably been more important. He brings composure to the side, stepping in at the right times and distributing with quality.
Wilson Isidor
Isidor is proving that he can carry his momentum from the Championship into the top flight. He’s scored in every home game so far this season, making the Stadium of Light a fortress. Only four players, including Haaland and Semenyo, have scored more. His movement off the ball, particularly in tight areas, gives Sunderland a dangerous focal point in the final third.
Noah Sadiki
The midfielder is often likened to N’Golo Kante and it’s easy to see why. Sadiki covers every blade of grass and is relentless in the press. There were doubts when he arrived from Union SG about whether he could handle the step up. Those doubts are long gone. He’s the engine of this team and plays a key role in Sunderland‘s ability to transition. His intelligence and awareness for a player of his age is remarkable.
Gus Poyet on Sunderland’s Rise
Speaking exclusively to EPL Index, former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet offered high praise for the team’s progress.
“It has been an outstanding start to the season.”
“Your home form as a newly-promoted team is so important and that win over West Ham United would’ve gave them so much confidence to kick on.”
“The away win at Nottingham Forest has been the icing on the cake from the opening fixtures.”
“Granit Xhaka is obviously the standout player and has helped them to do so well, but huge credit has to go to the management and recruitment team.”
“I don’t see why not. They’ve just got to keep going about their business in the same way that they have so far.”
“Keep picking up points, avoiding injuries and there’s no reason why they can’t hit that magic 40-point mark.”
“The Stadium of Light has been rocking so far and that support definitely helps the players.”
Wolves at Home: A Defining Fixture
After the international break, Sunderland host Wolves, which is a match that feels more significant than most. Wolves have yet to win this season and sit near the bottom of the table. For The Black Cats, it’s a chance to reinforce their top-half credentials and potentially put daylight between themselves and a direct relegation rival.
There’s a long way to go, but from what we’ve seen so far, The Black Cats have every right to believe that this is the start of something special and not the end of a fairytale.