Six games into the campaign, Sunderland have hit the ground running in the Premier League. After an eight-year absence, the Black Cats are relishing their return, and a crucial victory at Nottingham Forest has even lifted them into the Champions League spots. While few expect them to remain there by season’s end, Regis Le Bris’ side can already take pride in three wins that point to a promising journey ahead.
Speaking after the 1-0 triumph at the City Ground, Le Bris praised the collective effort of his players: “We know to be competitive in this league we have to work together, to suffer together. I am really proud because we defended very well and our substitutes played a huge part. With the ball, there is still room for improvement.”
That room for growth is encouraging, particularly as Sunderland’s early form hints that this season might not repeat the struggles of recent years when all three promoted teams were relegated. Alongside Leeds and Burnley, Sunderland have helped the promoted trio collect 23 points in their first six matches—a return unmatched since 2017-18. In fact, only five times in Premier League history have newcomers begun a season with a better record. Such strong openings often prove decisive, as in every season where promoted teams started this well, at least two of them went on to secure survival.
Goalkeeper Robin Roefs stressed the importance of staying grounded, saying: “It’s a long season. We’re only a few games in, but we have to enjoy the good moments and focus quickly on the next challenge.” Sunderland have taken 11 points from their first six fixtures—the most by a promoted side in 13 years, since West Ham in 2012-13. Only two newly promoted teams have ever enjoyed a better start, both of which came in the league’s early years, before the gap between established and promoted clubs became so stark.
Interestingly, of the seven clubs to claim at least 11 points in their opening six matches, six—including Sunderland—were play-off winners. History also leans in their favour, as every side to begin with such a tally has eventually avoided relegation. That said, Sunderland fans may recall Hull’s precarious 2008-09 season, when survival was only confirmed on the final day with 35 points.
So what explains this year’s brighter start compared to Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton last season? The answer lies in defence. Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds have collectively conceded eight fewer goals and allowed 32 fewer chances than their predecessors. They haven’t created significantly more opportunities than last year’s promoted clubs, but they have been sharper in front of goal, scoring three more times from almost the same number of shots and a similar expected-goals output. This suggests that, despite the old belief that survival depends on a reliable goalscorer, the 2024-25 newcomers may prove that defensive resilience is the true key to staying in the Premier League.
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