🚀 Check out this must-read post from BBC Sport 📖
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✅ Here’s what you’ll learn:
Given the turmoil the club has experienced over the past decade, Sunderland fans could be forgiven for feeling anxious about their return to the Premier League.
Their road back to the top flight has been a long one, with the team experiencing back-to-back relegations and spending four years in League One.
Even the promotion for last season was exciting.
Having finished in 16th place the previous season, Sunderland beat Sheffield United in the final with an injury-time winner at Wembley Stadium.
But there was more than just good fortune to Sunderland’s revival.
There were fears after the Black Cats made 14 first-team signings this summer that Le Bris’ side could lose the teamwork that helped them gain promotion.
But the Black Cats have maintained the momentum so far this season.
With 14 points from eight matches, Sunderland equaled their best start in the Premier League.
Not that head coach Lou Bress takes anything for granted.
“For me, it’s just a question of the next game,” he told BBC Sport.
“It’s a long journey and a difficult journey. If we can get points early, it’s good for confidence.”
The Black Cats’ good start has built on their home form, with 10 of their 14 points coming at the Stadium of Light – only leaders Arsenal have the same number.
Perhaps the most impressive element of Sunderland’s form is that it has bucked the trend of teams on the rise in recent times.
Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich – who were all relegated last season after gaining promotion the previous season – had just 14 points between them after eight matches last season. Sunderland have already managed to achieve this total on their own.
In fact, Sunderland’s points tally is the best by any since Wolves in the 2018-19 season.
If 40 points is the benchmark for survival, then Sunderland are already on their way to safety.
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