Reaching forty seven points given the failings of newly promoted sides in recent times is no mean feat. Strange feeling, this.
The last time Sunderland guaranteed another season of Premier League football as a newly promoted club? You’d have to go back to 2007/2008. Roy Keane and Niall Quinn’s magic carpet ride. A thrilling 3-2 home win over Middlesbrough sealed the deal.
This time? Different.
Saturday’s gritty draw with Wolves. West Ham’s loss to Brentford. Premier League football for 2026/2027 rubber stamped in slightly more low key fashion. But that shouldn’t detract from what Régis Le Bris has achieved.
This is the first Sunderland side since 2010/2011 to reach such a total, their third highest ever in the Premier League era.
A RELIEF? SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF? MOST DEFINITELY
What should’ve been six points from the last three games only ended up as one. That’s frustrating. The clash at Molineux which undoubtedly swung on Dan Ballard’s utterly infuriating red card, wasn’t the prettiest.
One or two of Sunderland’s recent failings were exposed again. But in the final analysis? The number one goal for 2025/2026 has been attained.
Survival. A foundation on which to build for seasons to come.
Those boxes have been ticked.
THE PREMIER LEAGUE IS A DIFFERENT BEAST NOW
Have points been dropped in frustrating fashion? Yes. Have we occasionally been left wanting more? Yes.
But we must remember. This version of the Premier League is very different to the one Sunderland left in disgrace back in 2017.
The pace is more rapid. More physically demanding. Altogether more daunting.
Squad depth is regularly tested. Mettle and resilience too. But the fact Sunderland have never looked remotely out of their depth? That speaks volumes.
Come up, bank the cash and sink without a trace? “Here for a good time, not a long time”? Not this time.
THE TALISMANIC LEADERSHIP OF GRANIT XHAKA
It’s hard to look beyond Granit Xhaka when you reflect on what the Lads have done this season. The Swiss international has been immense.
But he’s far from alone. Omar Alderete, Ballard, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo, Brian Brobbey, Robin Roefs and Wilson Isidor have all done their bit at key moments.
Attitude wise? Borderline impossible to fault.
For much of the season, particularly at home, Sunderland were fiendishly difficult to beat. A no nonsense, ‘in your face’ approach. That solidity kept them well out of the relegation battle.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Will Sunderland need to evolve to compete as strongly next season? Of course.
When 2026/2027 kicks off, they’ll no longer be able to rely on the element of surprise. Le Bris’ style of play will have to be adapted to make them more of an all round threat.
But he remains the right man for the job. His position should not be under threat.
The recruitment last summer? A step into the unknown in terms of scale, fees and profile. But it’s hard not to view it as a categorical, if not entirely faultless success.
Many of the new arrivals have established themselves as mainstays and genuine bargains. Some have found the going tougher and will need patience. But the raw materials are in place.
Another positive summer of recruitment? Another top ten challenge could be on the cards.
THE SCARS OF PAST FAILINGS
At times this season, the scars of past failings have stung. Perhaps I wasn’t alone in that.
But maybe I just needed to show more faith in Le Bris and his players. Trusting that they’d do the business when it mattered.
That’s exactly what they’ve done.
Here and now, Sunderland are where they deserve to be. Where they should be.
And that’s more than good enough.
