The cycle of promotion and relegation in recent seasons, where those teams that have made the leap from the EFL Championship to the Premier League only to then invariably slump right back down, has been as predictable as it has been depressing for those fans who want to see a competitive top tier. But in 2025/26, things might just shape out a little differently.
French boss Regis Le Bris performed something of a miracle, taking the Black Cats back to the top tier in his first season at the Stadium of Light, and on their return to the Premier League, their first time back in nine years, Sunderland have already impressed greatly.
Indeed, such has been their start to the campaign that many pundits have switched from conversations about their likely relegation to optimistic discussions about the north-east side even securing a European berth for 2026/27.
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Eleven games into the season, and Sunderland have already accrued 19 points and sit in a very healthy fourth spot. Their latest clash saw them pull off a minor miracle by not only netting against league leaders Arsenal, ending the Gunners’ run of eight successive clean sheets, but also securing a last-gasp point following an entertaining 2-2 draw that helps them retain their home record.
Indeed, that form at home is going to prove crucial, and Sunderland’s long-suffering
supporters are creating an immense atmosphere, and they could well play their part in helping the club retain their position in the top flight.
Following that draw against Arsenal, Le Bris, who came to Sunderland in July 2024 following two years at Lorient, was full of praise for his side’s performance and outlined the importance of such a display going forward.
“It’s still tough against a team like Arsenal, one of the best teams in Europe, so you have to do a masterclass, otherwise it’s impossible to win something.
“I think the first half was well-balanced. We tried to defend high when it was possible,
organised a deep block, really compact, narrow, aggressive. We had the opportunity to manage the ball, sometimes. We even felt that it was possible to disturb them in that part.
“The second half was a bit tougher because you defend for long periods and then you have to stay composed with the ball.
“We still have a really young squad, really young players without great experience in the Premier League, so it’s a good lesson.”
Among the host of signings that Le Bris brought in following Sunderland’s performance was veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal captain, and with the Swiss tough tackler marshalling the club’s youthful and inexperienced side, the sky could well be the limit.
