Sunderland show true mentality monster spirit as stunning Chelsea win confirms best promoted side in years
Since Brentford’s triumph at Chelsea in April 2022, Sunderland became the first promoted team and play-off winner to defeat a top-half team on the road.
Following their play-off promotion to the Premier League, the Black Cats have had an incredible start to the season.
The outstanding start to 2025–2026 for Sunderland are very impressive and this are most of the things to be aware of:
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Win versus Chelsea puts them in second place in the Premier League. With a niche record against rivals Newcastle United, the club had their best start since promotion in 2008. The table’s “well earned” position
After defeating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Sunderland is in second place in the Premier League, their greatest standing in the top division in nearly 25 years.
Only Manchester City (6) and Arsenal (3) have given up less goals (7) in the 2025–26 Premier League, and they now have 17 points out of a possible 27.
We are thrilled to see promoted teams put up a real fight after the final six teams were relegated to the Championship, and Regis Le Bris has done an outstanding job.
It would do Sunderland no justice to imply they are only “putting up a fight.” Not only are they surpassing their fellow promotees Leeds United and Burnley, but they are also demonstrating greater potential than the terrible six that came before them.
Teams that were promoted to the Premier League in recent seasons have, as we have stated, struggled greatly.
The fact that Sunderland is the first Premier League team to win away from a top-half team since April 2022, when Chelsea was the victim of yet another incredible comeback, serves to highlight that fact.
That day’s winners were Brentford, who overcame a deficit to win 4-1 at Stamford Bridge. In the last three seasons, Southampton, Luton Town, and Nottingham Forest have all failed to do so.
Last season, Southampton didn’t even defeat a side in the top half at home, much less away from home. Bravo to Sunderland, who deservedly won against a lacklustre Blues team.
Although their amazing fortitude has been evident throughout the season, their victory on Saturday could be the best illustration of their character to far.
In fact, Chelsea has lost more points from winning 8th positions than any other team this season, while no other team has gained more points from losing 7th positions.
The choices Regis Le Bris has on his bench have aided them in their fightback.
They have used substitutes to score three goals, with Chemsdine Talbi netting the game-winning goal after entering the game in the 65th minute. Brighton is the only one with more (six).
The most points a promoted side has amassed at this time in a Premier League season since Hull City in 2008–09 is 17 points, which puts them in second position.
Sunderland supporters can enjoy these additional entertaining statistics: It was Sunderland’s first Premier League victory against Chelsea since they broke Jose Mourinho’s 77-game winning streak in April 2014.
Their greatest point total after nine Premier League games is 17. On the same day, Sunderland and Newcastle scored the game-winning goals in the 90th minute for the first time in Premier League history.
I guess with this👆 Sunderland fans should really feel good and enjoy their moment to the fullest.
Commentators respond to Sunderland’s thrilling victory over Chelsea
Michael Carrick believes that anyone who claims to have expected this is lying since Sunderland is far exceeding expectations.
“Any honest person will admit that they never thought Sunderland would get off to such a strong start, so they deserve all the praise.”
“They have an incredible start because to the number of points they have already earned, and they will want to expand on that.
For extended periods, they appeared serene and at ease, but they also had a menacing appearance.
To win, they simply held onto that belief. “It’s a classic away victory against a potentially superior team.”
Ashley Williams couldn’t stop praising. Sunderland, in my opinion, deserved their victory.
“They had an excellent setup for a squad that gained promotion the previous season. “They played with a genuine belief that they could win something, but they were solid.”
Their attitude really pleased me. Sunderland was certain that their well-defined plan would succeed. Eventually, it did.
Troy Deeney is also certain that Sunderland’s impressive campaign debut has been “well earned.” “It’s a fantastic beginning that has been deserved.
Given how much work they put in and their lack of emotional intelligence, I believed that Sunderland was merciless. Most teams, when they win, keep the players who helped them win.
Not only will they believe they can remain up, but they will also ask themselves, ‘Do you think we can get in the top 10?’ They said they would aim to stay up and finish second at this point in time, and they changed the custodian and pretty much every other player.
And Sunderland supporters would have told you you were insane if you had stated it a few months ago.
Steve Sidwell, a former Chelsea midfielder, believes Sunderland’s current form can last. The red and white wall in Sunderland was simply too strong for Chelsea to overcome.
“They truly were outstanding on defence this afternoon. From the front line to the midfield to the defenders, every unit was outstanding.
They were capable and composed enough to go and choose the winner. “Sunderland has a wonderful personality; they could have a fantastic season.”
