Few would have imagined Sunderland AFC being right here immediately. After back-to-back relegations in 2017 and 2018, the membership’s fall from grace felt limitless. Quick-forward to October 2025, and the Black Cats are all of the sudden one of many Premier League’s brightest tales. Their latest 2–1 overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which was reported by Softfootball, wasn’t only a win; it was a press release that Sunderland are now not right here to make up the numbers.
Talking after that recreation, as reported by Softffoball, defender Chemsdine Talbi mentioned they knew they might do the job, and so they confirmed it. That quiet confidence says all the pieces about this new Sunderland: fearless, well-drilled, and united beneath head coach Regis Le Bris.
Their story has been constructing quietly. Promotion from League One got here in 2022 beneath Alex Neil, however issues actually modified when Le Bris arrived in 2024. He introduced a transparent id of excessive urgent, daring soccer, and religion in younger gamers. In Could 2025, that perception paid off when Sunderland edged Sheffield United within the Championship play-off remaining, sealing their long-awaited return to the highest flight.
Now, they aren’t simply surviving; they’re competing. As of October 28, 2025, Sunderland sits 4th within the Premier League desk, degree on 17 factors with Tottenham and simply behind Bournemouth on aim distinction. They’ve received 5, drawn two, and misplaced solely twice in 9 matches, scoring 11 and conceding 7.
Veterans like Granit Xhaka and Reinildo Mandava have given stability to a facet constructed round fearless youth. Sunderland, through their official X account, posted a characteristic on Reinildo Mandava praising teammate Granit Xhaka, highlighting an sudden cultural {and professional} synergy on the pitch.
Xhaka, ever the chief, already has three assists to his identify. Wilson Isidor has scored 4 instances, whereas Talibi and Daniel Ballard have chipped in essential targets. Nordi Mukiele has been rock stable on the again, and younger keeper Robin Roefs retains rising in confidence each week.
What’s occurring at Sunderland feels real and never a fortunate streak or a short-term miracle. It’s eight years of arduous work, sensible recruitment, and affected person rebuilding lastly paying off. The Stadium of Mild feels alive once more, louder, prouder, and filled with perception.
From relegation despair to the sting of Champions League qualification, Sunderland’s journey is a reminder that soccer nonetheless rewards imaginative and prescient, braveness, and a little bit of cussed religion.
