Nine games, five wins, two losses, two draws, and 17 points. Can you ask for a better start for Regis Le Bris and Sunderland?
The Black Cats are undoubtedly enjoying being back in the Premier League, and why wouldn’t you, after beating an in-form Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge?
As the club spent a total of £161 million on 15 new players, this can be a risk for a newly promoted side, but it has so far paid off.
Sunderland: Isidor Leading The Way
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 25-year-old striker has been one of their standout players this season, scoring 4 goals in 9 games.
What is so impressive about him so far is his positioning on and off the ball.
It seems that he has a good understanding with his teammates, and wants to run into areas which can cause problems for the opposition’s defence.
There is no doubt that he is and will be one of Sunderland’s key players this season.
The question is, how consistent can he be?
In last season’s Championship, Isidor bagged a total of 13 goals from 24 games.
Can he keep up the consistency and improve on those stats in the Premier League?
Sunderland Team Spirit: The Key
The Black Cats Boss praised his side’s togetherness and spirit as the key to their win at Stamford Bridge.
“The togetherness and our ability to defend and suffer together. If you give Chelsea space and time then they will punish you and it was the case after the first few minutes.
Le Bris: Chronicle Live
This is a great example of what is needed for a promoted side to compete in the Premier League.
If you look at the majority the teams who have managed to stay in the League after being promoted, the one important thing that can keep them up, is how they play as a team.
When you compete against established Premier League sides, you can’t always match them for individual quality, but the one thing you can do, is work together as a team to beat them.
The way they pressed Chelsea all over the pitch on Saturday, is a perfect example how effective they are off the ball. Long may it continue.
Le Bris’s side have bigger tests to come at home to Everton next Monday, as well as facing high-flying Arsenal next Saturday night.
So the next question is, can they sustain this impressive start?
Well, with the way they are playing right now, there is know reason to suggest that they can’t.
What are your thoughts on Sunderland’s start to the season?
Let us know, on World In Sport.