Sunderland’s 17 factors to this point is probably the most from a promoted facet since Hull Metropolis in 2008-09 (20)
After two successive years of the promoted sides failing to impress within the Premier League, the present crop of groups are impressively bucking the development.
Each Leeds and Burnley have already proven they’re up for the battle in opposition to relegation after every profitable three video games out of 9 to this point – however the highest reward is rightfully going to Championship play-off winners Sunderland.
Simply 5 months after Tommy Watson’s dramatic stoppage-time winner in opposition to Sheffield United at Wembley – and a few seven years since dropping right down to League One – the Black Cats at the moment are flying excessive in fourth within the high flight, with one other late winner at Chelsea arguably their most spectacular but of their 5 victories to this point.
Their success below Regis Le Bris has had many questioning how far their excellent kind can take them this season. 101GreatGoals breaks down the explanations for his or her sensible begin.
Eye-catching switch window
A lot was made from Sunderland’s busy switch window which noticed them overhaul the squad with 14 new signings however it’s wanting extra spectacular because the weeks go on.
The likes of Nordi Mukiele, Lutsharel Geertruida, Robin Roefs, Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey all stood out throughout the win at Chelsea and look well-versed for English soccer.
Whereas none of them had prior Premier League expertise, they’ve all featured within the Champions League earlier than and are displaying their high quality below the steering of Le Bris.
It’s uncommon to see so many gamers impressing so rapidly for a brand new facet – notably for a promoted group – so numerous credit score has to go to the Sunderland boss and the broader workers for serving to them mattress in so rapidly.
The Xhaka impact
One arrival that has Premier League expertise in abundance is Granit Xhaka, who’s staking a powerful declare for the signing of the summer time following his shock arrival to the North-East from Bayer Leverkusen.
The previous Arsenal captain is unquestionably one other key purpose why so many gamers have settled into the facet so rapidly, with the Switzerland worldwide appearing as Le Bris’ lietenant on the sphere, offering the instance for his team-mates to observe.
His efficiency at Stamford Bridge has been described as a “midfield masterclass”, finishing extra tackles than every other participant (4), additionally profitable six out of seven duels and never committing a foul.
Xhaka brings the kind of expertise that so few promoted groups have and it’s making an enormous distinction in what’s one other testomony to the Sunderland recriutment group.
Defensive solidity
So many Championship groups come up and attempt to proceed taking part in an expansive model in opposition to superior opposition and so usually get came upon – however the basis of Sunderland’s success is their defensive solidity.
Daniel Ballard – one of many heroes of their promotion – stole lots of the headlines in opposition to Chelsea with seven clearances however it was the system deployed by Le Bris that annoyed the Blues.
In the meantime, with Omar Alderete sidelined, Le Bris handed Geertruida his first begin, deploying the adaptable Dutchman as a 3rd centre-back when Sunderland had been out of possession.
Nordi Mukiele moved wider to the best to cowl Trai Hume’s advances into midfield as soon as the ball was regained.
The advanced system was not straightforward to hold out, however Sunderland’s gamers executed it completely – irritating a facet who had received their earlier 4 video games prior and scoring 11 objectives.
Few groups survive the drop with no good defence – Sunderland definitely have that in abundance and it has them dreaming of objectives a lot loftier than surviving relegation.
