Sunderland have made one of the best begin by a promoted aspect within the Premier League for 17 years. So what are the secrets and techniques to their success?
The Black Cats shocked Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to briefly go second within the standings – an unimaginable storyline, given they have been anticipated to be relegated straight again to the Championship.
Their supporters celebrated jubilantly in west London however there have been loads of indicators in Sunderland’s efficiency to recommend they’ll construct on this quick begin and steer nicely away from the scrap on the backside of the desk. This was a win which summed up what has been so good about Regis Le Bris’ group this season…
Defensive solidity offers platform for outcomes
“Ballard! Ballard! Ballard!” That chant from the away part reverberated round Stamford Bridge as Sunderland repelled repeated Chelsea assaults, with their massive No 5 making a game-high seven clearances.
However whereas Dan Ballard could have epitomised the dedication of his group to place their our bodies on the road – and there have been essential blocks from Lutsharel Geertruida and Bertrand Traore – it was the Sunderland defensive system which annoyed Chelsea.
With Omar Alderete out, head coach Le Bris introduced in Geertruida for his first begin and employed the versatile Dutchman as a 3rd centre-back out of possession. Nordi Mukiele shifted proper to cowl Trai Hume’s strikes into midfield when Sunderland gained the ball again.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Sunderland’s win at Chelsea
It was a fancy sport plan which required focus and problem-solving. Mukiele was seen in dialog with Le Bris and captain Granit Xhaka through the first half as they found out methods to plug gaps Alejandro Garnacho was transferring into. However they labored it out.
The set-up was an adaptation of what they’ve been doing this season however confirmed their tactical flexibility and skill to frustrate when sitting in. Chelsea had 69 per cent possession however carved out simply 0.97 value of Anticipated Targets. “We didn’t create a lot,” conceded Blues boss Enzo Maresca afterwards.
He isn’t the primary opposition supervisor to really feel that manner, with solely Arsenal conceding fewer objectives than Sunderland this season. That imply defence – brilliantly supported by goalkeeper Robin Roefs – is giving Sunderland’s attackers the chance to earn them important factors.
Sunderland present resilience
After all, that defence was breached early on, when Garnacho was given the possibility to run in behind. However one other trademark of Sunderland’s sturdy begin has been their resilience. They’ve gained the joint-most factors from shedding positions amongst Premier League sides this season.
A flurry of possibilities adopted for Chelsea so as to add to their opener however quickly Sunderland gained a foothold and, by offering a risk of their very own, evened up the competition.
It is a group which performed for an hour with 10 males towards Aston Villa and got here again from a purpose right down to earn some extent. They keep within the sport and hold combating. The late-turnaround win over Brentford again in August was one other instance of that.
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A bodily risk
The pattern within the Premier League this season has been for groups to play in a extra bodily method – and Sunderland are thriving in that surroundings. They’ve a towering line-up, with the backbone of the group made up of gamers over six-foot tall. Solely 4 groups have scored extra headed objectives.
That presence got here to the fore for the equaliser at Chelsea, with Mukiele launching a protracted throw to trigger chaos within the field earlier than Wilson Isidor used his power to carry off defenders to faucet in.
There’s vitality of their performances, too. Central midfielders Xhaka and Noah Sadiki have coated extra distance than every other gamers this season. Sunderland are bodily powerhouses.
Xhaka management is getting most out of younger team-mates
Xhaka closes down Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez
In addition to that business and his apparent high quality on the ball, captain Xhaka leads his younger team-mates with authority.
“He sets the standards every day,” stated Le Bris. “He’s like a second coach on the pitch.”
Sunderland’s squad has the third-youngest common age within the Premier League however 33-year-old Xhaka is guiding them along with his invaluable expertise.
Savvy recruitment provides Le Bris choices
Chemsdine Talbi celebrates his match-winner at Chelsea with team-mates
Sunderland could have misplaced stars of their Championship promotion marketing campaign, similar to Jobe Bellingham and Tom Watson, however their heavy spending in the summertime has given Le Bris a aggressive squad.
It was an enormous outlay – £183.4m spent, probably the most of any newly-promoted membership over the previous 5 seasons – however it’s paying off proper now.
Xhaka may very well be the signing of the season however Roefs, Sadiki, Alderete, Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava and the at the moment injured Habib Diarra are among the many new arrivals to have impressed.
On Saturday, two mixed for the winner, with Brian Brobbey shielding the ball earlier than teeing up fellow sub Chemsdine Talbi to fit into the underside nook. Isidor has additionally struck a pair off the bench this season, illustrating the choices at Le Bris’ disposal.
The spectacular head coach is maximising Sunderland’s strengths to defy the doubters.
Watch Sunderland vs Everton stay on Sky Sports activities on Monday Night time Soccer from 6.30pm; kick-off 8pm
