SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Players celebrate the second Sunderland goal, an own goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stadium of Light on October 18, 2025 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland AFC has made a surprising start to the 2025 Premier League season, currently standing in seventh place, just one point behind reigning champions Liverpool. This follows their promotion through the playoffs after finishing fourth in the Championship the previous season. Despite questions surrounding the validity of their early success, Sunderland’s impressive form has instilled hope among fans.
After a tumultuous previous campaign that saw Sunderland finishing 16th in the Championship, many had low expectations for their return to the Premier League. The team, led by manager Regis Le Bris, ended last season with only 76 points, significantly behind the top two teams, Leeds and Burnley. Nevertheless, a last-minute turnaround in the playoff final secured their place in the top tier.
As the season unfolded, Sunderland has faced a relatively unchallenging fixture list. They opened the season against a struggling West Ham and have since played several teams currently at the bottom of the table. Notably, their opponents include Brentford, Nottingham Forest, and Wolverhampton, all of whom have experienced difficulties early in the season. The statistics suggest that Sunderland’s position may not be fully reflective of their capabilities, as they have yet to contend with stronger sides.
Despite these concerns, Sunderland’s performance has been bolstered by a successful transfer window. The acquisition of midfielder Granit Xhaka was a significant coup, alongside the addition of Noah Sadiki, known for his defensive prowess. The club has also seen standout performances from players like Nordi Mukiele, who has made a notable impact both defensively and offensively.
Defensive Strength Sets Sunderland Apart
Sunderland’s defense has been particularly impressive, conceding only six goals thus far, a statistic that positions them favorably among Premier League teams. Their expected goals against stands at just 9.73, ranking them sixth in the league. This figure is significantly better than that of higher-profile teams like Chelsea and Liverpool, indicating that their defensive strategy is yielding results.
While Sunderland’s attacking output has not been as strong, ranking as the sixth worst in the division, their ability to maintain clean sheets has allowed them to secure vital points. Victories against teams like West Ham and Nottingham Forest were marked by solid defensive displays, and even a goalless draw against Crystal Palace showcased their resilience.
Looking ahead, Sunderland faces a challenging schedule that includes matches against top teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal. This series of fixtures will be crucial in determining their true standing within the league.
Future Challenges and Fan Optimism
The upcoming matches will serve as a significant test for Sunderland, as they seek to establish themselves in the Premier League. With 72 points still available, the primary goal remains survival. Historically, accumulating around 40 points is seen as the benchmark for staying up, a target Sunderland is well positioned to pursue if they can maintain their current form against lower-ranked teams.
Despite the challenges ahead, Sunderland fans are relishing the unexpected thrill of their team’s performance. As the club continues to navigate the complexities of the Premier League, the hope is that their early success is not merely a product of a favorable fixture list, but rather a sign of a new era for Sunderland AFC.
