Sunderland Defy the Usual Promotion Narrative | OneFootball

Sunderland’s season so far has surpassed even the most optimistic of supporters’ hopes and defied the usual narrative surrounding promoted clubs.

The Black Cats have won five of their opening nine Premier League games of the season so far, losing just twice. Last weekend’s win against Chelsea was the highlight, with goals from Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Taibi securing a 2-1 score at Stamford Bridge. This result lent more weight to the argument that this Sunderland side is more than just one which will survive.

Sunderland’s last ten matches. Source: Sofascore

Of course, survival still remains the main aim for a team which was promoted through the Championship play-offs last season, something boss Regis Le Bris has been keen to reiterate.

“It’s the best league in the world,” the Frenchman said ahead of Monday’s game against Everton. “I enjoy every game. I enjoy the managers, I enjoy the stadiums, I enjoy everything. We know the dynamic is really positive.  Consistency is probably the main word. You can be competitive over a short period but over the full league is totally different. So, this will be our next challenge.”

Sunderland excelled against Chelsea last week by setting up with a back five in a low block and hitting their opponents on the counter attack. But facing an Everton side which will try to do similar will provide a completely different sort of challenge.

The Counter vs. Defensive Nous

Toffees boss David Moyes has long been known as one of the top defensive coaches in the Premier League and it will be much harder for Sunderland to hit their upcoming opponents on the break than it has been previously.

This clash could well provide an indication of what Sunderland’s realistic aims are this season. On the face of it, a point at home given their recent run of form would not be a bad result. But if they are serious about achieving more this season, Le Bris will have to show more of a willingness to keep the ball and attack without waiting for their opponents to commit men forward.

Stopping Jack Grealish will also be vital if Sunderland are to continue their momentum. Grealish has been one of the form players in the league this season, sitting joint top of the assists chart having set up four goals in the league and creating the third most chances in the division with 20, according to FotMob.

Pressure on the Visitors

Everton were undone by set pieces in their recent defeat to Tottenham, conceding twice from corners and it is certainly an area Sunderland can look to exploit. But having slipped to 15th in the table after losing their last two games, Moyes will know a third defeat on the bounce will ramp up the pressure and have fans fearing another season of relegation worries.

“Their (Sunderland) performance all season has been really good and a lot of people have been surprised by it,” Moyes said ahead of the game. The Scot managed Sunderland back in the 2016/17 season, a campaign in which they were relegated to the Championship. That presaged the start of a bleak spell in the club’s history which saw them fall to League One before working their way back up to the top flight again with last season’s play-off victory.

Now, Moyes will be hoping to be the man to put a stop to that resurgence, and in doing so getting his Everton side’s season back on track.