How Sunderland’s win at

Chelsea sums up Black Cats’ brilliant start to life back in the Premier League.

Sunderland are riding high in the Premier League; the Championship play-off champions were expected to be relegated but have surprised with a mean defence and lively, physical play; watch Sunderland versus Everton live on Sky Sports on Monday Night Football from 6.30pm, kick-off 8pm.

Sunderland have had the best Premier League start by a promoted side in 17 years.

So, what are the keys behind their success? The Black Cats upset Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, temporarily moving into second place – an extraordinary storyline given they were expected to be relegated straight back to the Championship.

Defensive solidity provides platform for results

“Ballard! Ballard! Ballard!” That shout from the away section echoed around Stamford Bridge as Sunderland fended off numerous Chelsea advances, with their giant No. 5 producing a game-high seven clearances.

While Dan Ballard exemplified his team’s willingness to put their bodies on the line, and Lutsharel Geertruida and Bertrand Traore provided crucial blocks, it was the Sunderland defensive scheme that vexed Chelsea.

With Omar Alderete sidelined, head coach Le Bris gave Geertruida his first start and used the versatile Dutchman as a third centre-back out of possession.

When Sunderland regained possession of the ball, Nordi Mukiele went right to cover Trai Hume’s midfield movements.
It was a complicated game strategy that demanded concentration and problem-solving.

During the first half, Mukiele was observed conversing with Le Bris and captain Granit Xhaka about how to fill holes created by Alejandro Garnacho. But they figured it out.

The set-up was an evolution of what they had been doing this season, but it demonstrated their tactical versatility and ability to frustrate while sitting in.

Chelsea had 69% possession but only produced 0.97 Expected Goals. “We didn’t create a lot,” said Blues manager Enzo Maresca afterwards.

He is not the first opposing manager to feel this way, as only Arsenal has conceded less goals than Sunderland this season.

That means Sunderland’s defence, which is expertly assisted by custodian Robin Roefs, is allowing their attackers to score crucial points.

Sunderland show resilience

Of course, the defence was broken early on when Garnacho was given the opportunity to run in behind.

Sunderland’s resilience, however, has been a defining feature of their early success. This season, they have earned the joint-most points from losing positions among Premier League teams.

A rush of chances ensued for Chelsea to add to their lead, but Sunderland quickly established a foothold and, by generating their own danger, levelled the match. This is a side that played an hour with ten men against Aston Villa and rallied from a goal down to secure a point.

They stay in the game and continue fighting. Another example was the late-game comeback victory over Brentford in August.