Sunderland achieve feat that hasn’t been seen in Premier League since 2012-13
Sunderland’s presence in the Premier League has been sorely missed over the last eight years.
Sunderland have been excellent this season, with their long-awaited return to the top flight going better than any fan could have imagined.
Regis Le Bris‘ stock as a manager continues to rise as Sunderland sit fifth in the Premier League after six matches.
Sunderland’s 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest marked the club’s best ever start to a Premier League season, whilst also matching a record that dates back to 2012-2013.
Sunderland achieve best points haul for a promoted team since 2012-13
The Mackems are clearly punching above their weight, yet they look at ease in the Premier League, with smart recruitment and Le Bris’ system posing a problem for teams so far.
Sunderland sit on 11 points, marking the best start to a Premier League season from a promoted team after six matches since West Ham in 2012-13 (also 11).
Only Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest in the 1990s have exceeded a points tally of 11 after six matches, showcasing how rare a good start like this to life in top flight is for a promoted side.
Without a doubt, Wilson Isidor has been a huge driving force for Sunderland, scoring a goal in each of the Black Cats’ three matches at the Stadium of Light.
Eliezer Mayenda was favoured at the start of the season, yet Isidor’s game-changing contributions have left Le Bris with no choice but to start the 25-year-old.
| Games played | 6 |
| Games started | 3 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Shots | 15 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.23 |
| Touches in opposition box | 22 |
With Sunderland’s wingers and entire midfield containing summer signings in the majority of their matches, they have formed a solid relationship in such little time.
Captain Granit Xhaka was an incredible signing, with the decorated midfielder oozing class and providing three assists for the Black Cats.
Under the leadership of Xhaka, the defence has also been composed of experienced players who have taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
Sunderland’s excellent start due on their defensive solidity
Alderete’s winning goal against Forest has capped off his brilliant adaptation to life at Sunderland, whilst Nordi Mukiele has been outstanding wherever he has been deployed.
As a result, the Black Cats hold the joint-second best defensive record (four), with only Arsenal and Crystal Palace conceding fewer goals (three).
Robin Roefs has already proved to be one of the signings of the season, with the Dutch goalkeeper joining the Mackems for a fee of £8m from NEC Nijmegen.
- Goals conceded: 4
- Clean sheets: 3
- Penalties saved: 1/1
- Save percentage: 83.3 per cent
- Goals prevented: 2.61
Whilst the upcoming matches are expected to be much tougher, there is nothing that can dampen the mood that surrounds the Stadium of Light at his moment.
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