Sunderland's early-season struggles are being directly linked to the demands of their long-awaited return to European football. The Black Cats sit bottom of the Premier League with just five points from nine games, having lost 3-1 at Coventry City last time out, a result that prompted captain Granit Xhaka to question the team's 'courage'.
France defender Nordi Mukiele claimed the side had become 'arrogant' after their successful promotion campaign last term. The club's first European adventure since 1973, a Europa League campaign they have started well with two wins and a draw, appears to be draining their domestic efforts. Sunderland have lost two and drawn one of the three league games immediately following their European fixtures this season.
A costly adaptation
The squad, which spent £161 million on 15 new players after winning promotion in 2025, has found the step up challenging. This summer's investment was a more modest £60 million on five additions. The team has failed to score a first-half goal in seven of their nine league matches, and two of their paltry total of seven league goals have come from the penalty spot. Discipline has also been an issue, with Sunderland finishing with 10 men in defeats to Arsenal, Bournemouth and Coventry.
Only relegated Burnley and Wolves had a worse Expected Goals difference than Sunderland last season, a statistical weakness that has carried over. The contrast with last season's memorable highs, which included a double over Chelsea and Newcastle and holding Arsenal and Manchester City at home, is stark.
The road ahead
Despite the concerning form, Le Bris' position is not in immediate jeopardy and he will be given more time to turn the situation around. The immediate focus is on lifting the mood with a positive result against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light this Sunday. Chelsea, currently fourth in the standings, present a formidable challenge for a side 19 points adrift of the summit.
The 3-1 defeat at Coventry, where Enzo Le Fée's penalty was a mere consolation after goals from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Taiwo Awoniyi and Jack Rudoni, highlighted the current gulf. The team's next chance to address their domestic woes comes quickly, with the visit of Chelsea following Thursday's Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb on Bonfire Night. Top scorer Brian Brobbey, with three goals this season, will be key to any revival.
