SURERIRIRIRLOUD ON TREND FOR BUT FOR THINGS OF THINGS?

Given the club’s turmoil over the past decade, Sunderland’s owners could be forgiven for feeling apprehensive about their return to the Premier League.

Their route back to the top division has been a long one, with the black cats experiencing back-to-back transfers and spending four years in one league.

Even the promotion of the previous season will happen.

Having finished 16th in the previous season, Sunderland upset the results by beating Sheffield United in the Play-Off Finals at Midnight.

But there was more than good fortune to Sunderland’s awakening.

There were fears after the Black Cats made 14 first-team signings this summer that Le Bris’ side would lose the camaraderie that helped them secure promotion.

But the Black Cats have more than kept the momentum going this season.

With 14 points from eight matches, Sunderland have matched their best start to a top-flight campaign.

Not that manager le brris takes anything for granted.

“For me it’s just a question of the next game,” he told BBC sport.

“It’s a long journey and a difficult journey. If we can win points, it’s good for confidence.”

The start of the black cat built on their form at home, with 10 of 14 points coming to the stadium of light – only the leaders have more.

Perhaps the most impressive element of Sunderland’s form is that they have beaten the appearance of promoted sides in recent seasons.

Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich – all of whom were relegated last season having secured promotion the season before they finished last season. Sunderland have come to terms with themselves.

In fact, Sunderland’s points are the best from a promotion since Wolves in the 2018-19 campaign.

If 40 points is the benchmark for survival, then Sunderland are well on their way to safety.