To place Sunderland’s begin into context, it is value remembering how the Black Cats defied expectations to achieve the top-flight once more.
Regis le Bris’ facet completed 24 factors behind Burnley and Leeds within the computerized promotion spots and managed simply 58 objectives of their 46 video games.
They required an injury-time winner to edge previous Coventry within the play-off semi-finals they usually have been clear underdogs going into the ultimate at Wembley in opposition to Sheffield United, who completed 14 factors forward of the Black Cats.
However Sunderland confirmed their resilience once more, coming from behind within the remaining and scoring one other injury-time winner by way of Tom Watson to regain top-flight standing for the primary time in eight years.
It makes this season’s begin all of the extra spectacular.
The 17 factors Sunderland have amassed from their 9 matches up to now is the Black Cats’ equal greatest begin within the Premier League, matching the tally from the 1999-00 season.
Solely 5 newly promoted groups have earned extra factors from their opening 9 matches than Sunderland have managed this season.
All 5 of these groups, in addition to Sunderland in 2000, managed to outlive relegation.
“Anybody who’s trustworthy sufficient will say that they by no means anticipated Sunderland to begin this effectively, so full credit score to them,” Michael Carrick instructed BBC Radio 5 Reside after the win at Chelsea.
“The quantity of factors they’ve amassed already has given them an unbelievable begin and that is one thing they may wish to construct on.
“They regarded fairly snug and calm for lengthy durations, but additionally regarded harmful. They simply stored that perception to get the win.
“It is a textbook away win at an, arguably, larger staff.”
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