Sunderland in the Premier League this season has been one of the surprises of the campaign, and their consistency has seen them end Gameweek 10 in fourth position after a 1-1 draw with Everton at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s Champions League chances have skyrocketed thanks to their blistering form since promotion, with the club perched in the top six after a string of eye-catching results – the most shocking, being the 2-1 over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
And given how solid their defence has been – conceding just eight goals, the same as Manchester City among the top-four sides – there’s every chance the newly promoted team could make a surprise push for a spot in Europe’s elite competition.
The French Mastermind Behind the Miracle
Regis Le Bris has been in charge of Sunderland for the past three years, overseeing their promotion to the English Premier League when they finished fourth in the championship, before beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the playoffs at Wembley. The former FC Lorient head coach has started life in the top flight with intent.
After 10 games, he has lost twice, won five games and has conceded 10 goals. An impressive start for the Black Cats, who have collected 18 points, scored 12 goals, and kept four clean sheets – figures far exceeding expectations. Their strong form has them level on points with third-placed Liverpool, and seven behind league leaders Arsenal.
Le Bris’s achievement speaks volumes, as he became the first manager to guide Sunderland to promotion in his debut season since Roy Keane in the 2006/07 season, doing so with the youngest ever starting XI in a Championship play-off final, averaging just 23 years and 316 days.
This season, his team showcases a balanced blend of youth and experience. The perfect mix that could significantly boost Sunderland’s Champions League chances and keep their European dream alive.
Sunderland’s Midfield Maestro
Granit Xhaka Leads Sunderland Unexpected Charge Toward the UEFA Champions League
Former Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has emerged as one of the standout transfer steals of the summer window. His commanding displays in the heart of Sunderland’s engine room have not only been outstanding but have genuinely elevated Sunderland’s Champions League chances, propelling the newly promoted side into the top-four mix with grit, vision, and leadership that few saw coming.
The Switzerland international has one goal and three assists for Sunderland in the EPL this season and has created five big chances for the Black Cats already, making him one of the most important players in the squad.
The 33-year-old Bundesliga winner with Bayer Leverkusen has brought a wealth of top-level experience to Sunderland, adding a sense of calm, control, and authority to the midfield.
His ability to dictate the tempo and transition play from defence to attack has been immense in Regis Le Bris’ tactical setup.
Beyond the football pitch, Xhaka’s presence has also had a transformative effect in the dressing room – guiding younger players, instilling belief, and setting the standard for professionalism and resilience.
With him pulling the strings in midfield, Sunderland look more organised, more confident, and increasingly like a side capable of sustaining their push for a historic Champions League qualification.
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Sunderland’s Premier League prospects
A Defence That Could Win Titles
Eight goals conceded in ten games – thanks to a resolute defence that has left opposing teams scratching their heads, wondering how to break them down.
Behind this defensive structure that has troubled opposing attacks is former PSG and Bayer Leverkusen defender Nordi Mukiele, who has seamlessly adapted to life at Sunderland in the EPL, partnering with both Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete on different occasions.
Mukiele has brought leadership, composure, and tactical awareness to the back line. His versatility has allowed Le Bris to switch fluidly between a back three and a back four, giving Sunderland the flexibility to adjust tactics depending on the opponent – a key factor in the Black Cats’ defensive solidity and their growing Champions League ambitions.
Sunderland’s organisation, discipline, and defensive chemistry have been key to their impressive start, forming the solid foundation behind their push for a place in the UEFA Champions League. Sunderland’s top-four race now feels like a genuine possibility rather than mere imagination.
In goal for Sunderland is the impressive Robin Roefs. The 22-year-old Dutchman has made a seamless transition to English football after joining from NEC Nijmegen in the summer transfer window.
This season, Roefs ranks second in the Premier League for save percentage (81%), tied with Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, with only Arsenal’s David Raya (84%) ahead of him – a testament to his sharp reflexes, composure, and growing influence between the posts.
Can the Fairytale Last?
The coming weeks will be crucial for Sunderland, as a series of tough fixtures could either strengthen or derail Sunderland’s Champions League chances.
In what promises to be a demanding stretch of games that spreads across November and December, Sunderland will face a tough series of fixtures against Arsenal, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United.
If they can secure 10 points from a possible 15, then it would not only solidify their place in the top four but also significantly boost the chances of seeing Sunderland play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 04.11.2025
