Sunderland have had their best start to the Premier League for 17 years as a promoted team. So what is the secret to their success?
The Black Cats defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, temporarily moving into second place in the table. It’s an incredible story considering they were expected to be relegated straight to the Championship.
While their supporters celebrated jubilantly in west London, there were plenty of signs in Sunderland’s performance to suggest that their fast start means they can firmly avoid the wreckage at the bottom of the table. This was a victory that summed up what a good Regis Le Bris team has been this season…
Defensive solidity provides the basis for results
“Ballard! Ballard! Ballard!” chants from the away section echoed around Stamford Bridge as Sunderland’s big No. 5 made a game-high seven clearances to repel Chelsea’s repeated attacks.
Chelsea’s Marc Giu struggled against Sunderland’s Dan Ballard
But while Dan Ballard may have exemplified the team’s commitment to physicality, and while there were also important blocks from Lutcharel Gertruida and Bertrand Traore, it was Sunderland’s defensive system that frustrated Chelsea.
With Omar Alderete absent, head coach Le Bris introduced Geertruida into his first start, using the versatile Dutchman as a third centre-back when not in possession. When Sunderland won the ball back, Nordi Mukiele shifted to the right to cover Trey Hume’s move into midfield.
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Free to watch: Highlights of Sunderland’s win over Chelsea
It was a complex game plan that required concentration and problem solving. Mukiele was seen talking to Le Bris and captain Granit Xhaka in the first half as they looked for a way to fill the void left by Alejandro Garnacho. But they worked it out.
This set-up was an adaptation of what they’ve been doing this season, but showed tactical flexibility and an ability to get frustrated while sitting. Chelsea had 69 percent of the possession, but their expected goals amounted to just 0.97. Blues manager Enzo Maresca admitted after the game: “We didn’t do much.”
Only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than Sunderland this season, and he is not the first opposition manager to feel this way. This means that the defense, supported admirably by goalkeeper Robin Roofs, is giving Sunderland’s attackers a chance to pick up vital points.
Sunderland show resilience
Of course, that defense was broken early on when Garnacho was given the chance to run behind. But another trademark of Sunderland’s strong start has been their resilience. This season, they have tied for the most points among Premier League teams despite falling down the table.
Chelsea had a flurry of chances to add to their lead, but Sunderland soon gained a foothold and provided a threat of their own to level the game.
The team played for an hour with 10 players against Aston Villa and came back from a goal conceded to earn a point. They stay in the game and keep fighting. A late come-from-behind victory over Brentford in August was one such example.
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physical threat
The trend in the Premier League this season has been for teams to play in a more physical way and Sunderland are thriving in that environment. They have a towering lineup, with the backbone of the team made up of players over 6 feet tall. Only four teams have scored more headed goals.
His presence was evident in Chelsea’s equalizer, when Mukiele caused chaos in the box with a long throw before Wilson Isidore rammed his body past a defender and forced the ball into the goal.
Their performance also has energy. Central midfielders Xhaka and Noah Sadiki have covered more distance than any other player this season. Sunderland are a physical powerhouse.
Xhaka’s leadership makes the most of his young team-mates
Xhaka shut out Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes
Captain Xhaka not only shows his industry and obvious quality on the ball, but also leads his young team-mates with authority.
“He sets the standard every day,” Le Bris said. “He’s like a second coach on the pitch.”
Sunderland have the third-youngest average age in the Premier League, but Xhaka, 33, brings valuable experience to the team.
Savvy recruitment gives Le Bris options
Chemzuddin Talbi celebrates the win against Chelsea with his teammates
Sunderland may have lost stars of their Championship promotion campaign such as Jobe Bellingham and Tom Watson, but heavy summer spending has made Le Bliss a competitive side.
A huge outlay of £183.4m, the highest for a newly promoted club in the past five seasons, is now paying off.
Xhaka could be a season-long signing, but Rufus, Sadiki, Alderete, Mukiele, Reinild Mandaba and the currently injured Habib Diarra are among the impressive new additions.
On Saturday, Brian Brobbey shielded the ball before teeing fellow sub Kemsudine Talbi into the bottom corner and the pair combined for the winner. Isidore has scored several runs off the bench this season, showing the options Le Bris has at his disposal.
The impressive head coach is defying the skeptics by making the most of Sunderland’s strengths.
Watch Sunderland vs Everton live on Sky Sports from 6.30pm on Monday Night Football. Kickoff at 8pm
