Sunderland

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland's return in style from the international break added weight to the noise that is surrounding the city and the football club at the moment.

The day kicked off in style with the official opening of Keel Crossing - a brand new footbridge that links the city centre to the Stadium of Light across the River Wear.

For pre-match beer drinkers like myself, that has shaved a good half an hour off the time it takes to get from the pub to the turnstiles - and that can only be a good thing.

There was certainly a sense that the majority of the people at the game had enjoyed the extra beer or two that had been afforded to them by the additional time spent in the various ale houses across Sunderland city centre. It helped ensure the atmosphere was buoyant and expectant as our in-form side took on Wolves.

Our visitors are in an awful situation, having collected only two points since the season started. We did not want to be the first team beaten by them in the Premier League this season so, despite the international break, our Lads were on their toes and ready for action.

After controlling the first half to lead though, the second half was not as pleasant, and had we played someone better than the team currently propping up the rest of the division we might have been made to pay.

Regis le Bris was typically gracious in his post-match comments, and gave Wolves the credit they deserved for making it a game, but the same cannot be said about Vítor Pereira, who seemed to be in deflection mode and looked down his nose at Sunderland for the way we opted to play the game.

Sorry, Vitor, but when you are bottom of the table you really cannot stand there and look down at anyone. Substance means more than style at this level.

Thankfully, having looked up to clubs like Wolves in the recent past, it is nice to be sat here with their fans admiring the way our team plays.

We have come such a long way in a short space of time.

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Marco Gabbiadini praised Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard for dealing with Wolves' threat in Saturday's win.

"We all love Ballard, he is a player that every fan wants to see playing," Gabbiadini said.

"Alderete and Ballard just headed and booted everything out of the box.

"Wolves had lots of ball, possession and passes. What did they achieve with that output? Not that much."

Listen to the full conversation from BBC Radio Newcastle here

John Bennett
Final score reporter at Stadium of Light

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I am starting to think that Robin Roefs might be one of the signings of the season in the Premier League. At just 22 years of age, he has slotted into what can be a very unforgiving division with ease since his summer move from the Dutch side NEC.

Saturday's win over Wolves was not his busiest game and Sunderland were fortunate in the second half that their opponents were struggling in the final third, but it was yet another clean sheet for the 22-year-old, adding to a growing collection.

In fact, opponents have now failed to score against him in 50% of his Premier League matches this season - four clean sheets in eight games.

There have been some memorable saves such as the athletic stretch to deny Bruno Fernandes against Manchester United, but what really stands out is his commanding presence in the Sunderland penalty area.

Yet again against Wolves, he looked so solid, calm and composed. It is as if he has been playing for the club and with this current set of players for years, which is remarkable when you consider that he is one of 16 summer signings.

It has been a great start to the season for Sunderland and Roefs is without doubt one of the big reasons why they are flying high.

There may have been more glamorous new arrivals to the Premier League this summer but very few have had the impact he has had so far.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League match between Sunderland and Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Ronnie: Haway Sunderland! Resolute in defence and able to break forward to threaten. That 'nailed on' relegation doesn't loom as large as it once did. Regis le Bris is a tactician who can also drill a defence into becoming a brick wall. Long may it continue!

David: A solid defensive performance against a poor but unlucky Wolves. We rode our luck too much and it was uncomfortable viewing. We really do need to find out how to finish teams off earlier. But I'm still very happy with the win. Haway the lads!!

Milo: I thought we didn't play our best brand of football today and yet still looked really impressive. We let Wolves look more dangerous than they deserved to but we're not the Sunderland of old and we didn't really even look like conceding. All that's left to say is watch the gap, Newcastle!

Wolves fans

Mark: Lacklustre, clueless and uninspiring. How many times can you try crossing without looking? Long balls to a striker who can't be bothered to jump! Whatever Vitor Pereira looks at on his screen is not the answer!

Richard: A must-win game was a very lame display. It saddens me to say but the Championship seems inevitable. I just can't see any other outcome.

Giorgio: The players are afraid of their own shadows. Same scenario as the end of the Gary O'Neil era. From outside, it's always hard to judge, but I am not sure the squad likes and understand what Pereira wants. Too defensive, no creativity and not enough forward threats. In my opinion, the players could be good enough for a decent season but something is not working. We are in big trouble.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Manchester City 2-0 Everton

• Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth

• Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

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While there is a long way to go in the season, Sunderland have already dispelled any suggestion that they would struggle to make an impression after eight years outside the top flight.

Their start is all the more remarkable given that half of that time was spent in the third tier of English football, where they were operating as recently as 2022.

But a summer recruitment drive that delivered 14 new faces is reaping dividends.

Nordi Mukiele, who arrived from Paris St-Germain, impressed again and looks a shrewd investment in a deal worth around £12m, while DR Congo international Noah Sadiki provided plenty of industry.

And no home player covered more ground than captain Granit Xhaka, who offered an anchoring presence to Sunderland's midfield, particularly in the first period.

Listen to Gary Bennett's post-match reaction on BBC Sounds

Regis Le Bris spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Sunderland's victory against Wolves: "It's an important win. It was important to react after Manchester United defeat last time out. I was happy with the mind-set of the team. We started well and dominated possession. We generated momentum and chances. My only regret was we didn't score the second goal until late.

"We're still a young team but we showed a togetherness to keep a clean sheet."

On goalscorer Nordi Mukiele: "He has really good energy. He is a good player with a specific profile. He always shows this energy to go forward. Sometimes we have to manage that energy."

On Sunderland's target this season: "For me it's just a question of the next game. It's a long journey and a tough journey. If we can win points early, it's good for the confidence."

Did you know?

Since the start of the 2022-23 campaign (his final season with Arsenal), Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been on the winning side in 77 different league games. Only Federico Valverde (82) has won more games in the big five European leagues.

• Listen to Le Bris' post-match interview on BBC Sounds

• Trai Hume gave his thoughts to BBC Radio Newcastle

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Sunderland make two changes to the side that started their 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on 4 October. Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard both come in with Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku dropping to the bench.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Mukiele, Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Rigg, Le Fee, Isidor.

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Geertruida, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda, O'Nien, Adingra, Masuaku.

Wolves make two changes to the side that began their 1-1 draw against Brighton before the international break with Matt Doherty and Rodrigo Gomes coming in for Jackson Tchatchoua and the injured Hwang Hee-chan.

Wolves XI: Johnstone, Doherty, S Bueno, Krejci, H Bueno, Munetsi, Trindade, J Gomes, Arias, Larsen, R Gomes.

Subs: Sa, Wolfe, Agbadou, Arokodare, Mosquera, T Gomes, Hoever, Lopez, Tchatchoua.

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brighton v Newcastle

• Burnley v Leeds United

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth

• Man City v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sunderland v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Firstly, huge apologies to Sunderland fans. After all the stick I got from them for being so negative about them this season, I knew that as soon as I backed them to win a game, the wheels would come off - and that's exactly what happened against Manchester United.

It just shows that they are better off with me writing off their team, so they should probably welcome my prediction for this game.

This week, they are at home to Wolves, who are bottom of the table without a win, but the Black Cats have picked up a few injuries and their squad strength is a little bit of a concern.

United deserved to beat them before the international break - and it's not often you say that about United, is it? But I was impressed by Regis le Bris, because he did not make any excuses afterwards.

Sunderland need to get back on track, but I don't think they will find it straightforward against a Wolves side who have drawn their last two games. There is not going to be a lot in this and even I can't pick a winner.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sunderland put their unbeaten home record on the line against a Wolves side who are still searching for a first league win of the season.

BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes ahead of their game at the Stadium of Light.

At the start of the campaign it is fair to say most Sunderland fans would have happily taken 11 points from seven games going into October's international break. Their tally is as many as the three promoted sides had managed between them at this stage of last season as Leicester City (six), Ipswich Town (four) and Southampton (one) all got off to a terrible start.

It has been the Black Cats' form at home that has underpinned their impressive return to the top flight. They have secured two wins and a draw at the Stadium of Light with Wilson Isidor scoring in all three matches. Another victory would take them to 10 points from their opening four home matches in a top-flight season, something they have not managed since 1968-69.

Regis le Bris's side sit in ninth position, despite having only scored seven goals in seven games. Their average of 10 shots per match is their lowest in a Premier League campaign since records began in 1999-00.

The same can also be said for Wolves, whose average of 9.4 shots per match is also their lowest in a Premier League season. Vitor Pereira's side are one of two top-flight teams this season, along with Fulham, to have not had a player score more than one league goal so far.

They may sit at the foot of the table, but Wolves have actually improved on their start to last season. However, having two points compared to one is not something to cheer a fanbase who voiced their displeasure at the end of the frustrating draw with Brighton last time out.

Manager Vitor Pereira was sent off on a fractious afternoon at Molineux as their propensity to toss away a lead again cost them dearly. They have now opened the scoring in their past three Premier League games, but have failed to win any of them.

Pereira is also yet to get the best out of a squad that is clearly missing last season's top scorer Matheus Cunha. Chasing an elusive first win of 2025-26 has seen the Portuguese boss make a top-flight high 25 changes to his starting XIs so far.

Only Manchester United with 29 in 2001-02 and Manchester City with 26 in 2012-13 have ever made more by this stage of a Premier League campaign.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland's Trai Hume has been one of the breakout defenders of the 2025–26 Premier League season, and the numbers show why. After helping the Black Cats earn promotion, the Northern Ireland right-back has adjusted seamlessly to top-flight football, combining tenacity with intelligence in and out of possession.

Data from Opta via FBref shows Hume's performance in several key defensive areas, expressed in percentiles, which compare players with their peers. So being in the 80th percentile means he's outperforming 80% of full-backs in that category. These stats are also based on metrics per 90 minutes.

The 23-year-old's defensive profile paints the picture of a player who enjoys duels and defensive responsibility. He ranks near the top of the Premier League full-back pool for tackles in the middle third, underlining his willingness to step forward and break up play early.

His interception numbers are also good, reflecting sharp anticipation and positional awareness to cut out danger before it develops.

In the air, Hume is reliable, in the top seven per cent for aerial duels won, a valuable trait for a modern full-back who frequently faces diagonal switches and balls to the back post.

He has also proved adept at tackling, holding his ground in one-on-one situations.

Perhaps the most significant stat is Hume's ability to make tackles without fouling. He ranks in the 93rd percentile when it comes to fouls committed, in other words, he is someone who hardly catches the referee's attention.

In fact, he makes only 0.23 fouls per 90 minutes, despite being aggressive and on the front foot. It is quite surprising for a defender in a newly promoted side.

All this being said, there are two important caveats. First, Sunderland have spent much of the season without the lion's share of possession. In fact, they have only seen more of the ball in two Premier League matches - one of which was against Burnley, a game they still lost 2-0. That imbalance means Hume naturally has more opportunities to make defensive actions, so some of his numbers may be slightly inflated.

Secondly, the Premier League season is only seven games old so this is a small sample size. Regardless, the early signs are encouraging.

For a player still only 23, Hume's numbers reflect not just promise, but consistency at Premier League level.

As Sunderland strive to stay up this season, Hume is likely to be a crucial cog in whether they do indeed survive.

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Wolves at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Noah Sadiki and Omar Alderete suffered injuries on international duty. Le Bris says that Sadiki has been checked and seems OK. Alderete had a longer journey back and the club will have to wait to check on his condition - but initial chats were "positive".

• He says there is a possibility for both players to start against Wolves.

• Le Bris says the head of player recruitment, Stuart Harvey, was an important figure at the club, but his departure is part of their evolution. He added that there will be "different options and structure" arriving soon.

• On Saturday's opponents: "They struggled at the beginning of the league, but their last two games showed that they are competitive. They have good energy and are well coached."

• Luke O'Nien was described as a "really good example" for the club after making the journey from non-league to the Premier League: "You have your own skills, own journey and background - his mentality is absolutely fantastic, he wants to learn every day and connect with his team-mates."

• Le Bris spoke about his tactical experiences so far as a Premier League manager: "We don't live the same situation twice - everything is different. We have a young squad with 14 new signings, so we are still learning something new and we are playing against the best teams in the world. We are learning together, through both positive and negative results."

Listen to BBC Radio Newcastle Nick Barnes speak with Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

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The Premier League table is starting to take shape and while results are obviously what matter most, they don't tell the whole story in terms of how teams have been playing so far.

Expected goals (xG) tells us how much teams have been dominating games by creating lots of good chances up front and restricting opponents to few, bad ones at the back.

Penalties are excluded because they distort a team's numbers on how threatening or vulnerable they are in general, especially at this early stage.

Below is a graphic showing how good teams have been in attack and defence, with the most dominant teams in the top-right corner and the least impressive in the bottom-left corner.

Arsenal and Manchester City have been the most dominant sides, with the Gunners having the best defence and fourth-best attack and City the joint-best attack and fourth-best defence.

High-flying Crystal Palace are the only side to rival City's attacking threat, while Newcastle are living up to their name by being almost as impregnable at the back as Arsenal.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea have one of the top five attacks in the league but worryingly also rank in the bottom five defensively.

• Find and follow your Premier League club on BBC Sport

Liverpool's back-to-back defeats following five straight wins gives a more accurate picture of how they have been playing, while Tottenham have needed to be very efficient to make up for their lack of dominance in games.

Aston Villa's early-season struggles are no longer to do with finishing - they have now scored six non-penalty goals from an xG of 6.0 - but simply because they have not been playing well.

While promoted sides Leeds and Sunderland have adapted quite well to the top-flight, Burnley have struggled to make the jump so far with both the worst attack and the worst defence.

Read more on what expected goals tell us about the start to the season

Image source, Getty Images

On Wednesday, BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes is answering your questions.

In this final part, he looks at the ambitions held by the club.

Stephen asked: When will Sunderland expand the capacity of the Stadium of Light?

Nick answered: Interesting question.

The club has applied to extend the Roker End but there are so many variables to be considered - staying in the Premier League is one of them. It is a big question whether the club want to take the financial hit at the moment.

It is one to watch but it certainly underlines the ambition of this ownership group that it is something they are considering.

Kevin asked: Given our very good start, should we now have bigger ambitions than finishing just 17th this season? Or should we remain humble and if we finish 17th celebrate it like a cup win?

Nick answered: It would be great to think they can finish higher than 17th but I think we have to be realistic.

With the fixture list for the next few months being particularly demanding, remaining humble would not be the worst thing in the world at the moment.

If Sunderland are still in the top 10 at Christmas, then that may be the time to loosen the shackles and start to believe they could finish much higher. But for the time being they need to be winning at home and beating the teams around and below them.

Continue in that vein and a degree of greater optimism can be happily embraced.

Image source, Getty Images

On Wednesday, BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes is trawling through your questions.

The second part takes a look at Regis le Bris' options upfront.

David asked: Do we need to sign another proven goalscorer in the January transfer window or do you think we have enough goal threat with the existing squad? Are you expecting another busy window?

Nick answered: Personally I would like to see another forward but Regis le Bris seems confident the current three of Wilson Isidor, Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda will be good enough.

That said, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are looking at the market and if the right player becomes available I suspect they would be open to bringing someone else in.

I expect movement especially as by January we will know the impact of injuries, cards and the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The club will also look to move a number of players out.

• Not a Sunderland fan? Find and follow your club here

Richard asked: Hi Nick, two questions - do you think Brobbey will become a regular starter? And how will Afcon impact us given we will lose so many starters?

Nick answered: I understand Brobbey is still carrying a slight knee injury. He is not 100% fit at the moment but is clearly not far away.

A lot I guess will depend on how he adapts to the Premier League when he does get his opportunity. Undoubtedly though, in being given the number nine shirt, he is high in the club's mind as the foremost striker.

Regarding Afcon, it is largely in midfield where the impact will be felt. I think they have enough cover in defence to bridge the time the players are away. Then, with a little imagination and versatility eg Mayenda playing right wing, Enzo le Fee on the left and Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and hopefully a fit Brobbey, they can muster a strong first team.

It will also be a surprise if all six or seven African players are away for the duration of the tournament.

Image source, Getty Images

Throughout Wednesday, we are going to be putting your questions to the BBC's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes.

In the first part, he looks at Regis le Bris' tactics and how to compensate for the loss of injured Noah Sadiki.

Davey asked: With the news that Noah Sadiki has sprained an ankle, how do we replace his energy in midfield?

Nick answered: It remains to be seen just how serious his injury is but if he does miss the Wolves match, Le Bris suggested at Crystal Palace that Dan Neil would have replaced him when he picked up a knock early in the game.

As it happened, Sadiki played on and late in the game Lutsharel Geertruida replaced him, but I see the Dutchman more as a defensive player than an attacking option. Therefore, I would expect Neil to be the replacement.

Peter asked: In defence, Nordi Mukiele has done so well alongside Omar Alderete, and yet we surely need Dan Ballard back, for both penalty boxes. Perhaps Le Bris could move Mukiele to right-back and Trai Hume switch across to the left?

Nick answered: It's a discussion I've had a fair few times over the past few weeks.

It's certainly an option and I agree regarding Ballard. There is a school of thought Le Bris may opt to play three at the back away from home, which would accommodate Ballard in the team.

Of course if Alderete is injured, Ballard will be straight back in and it is almost certain Le Bris will play four at the back at home

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I hate international breaks.

I have really enjoyed this season so far, but the worst part of it has been having things repeatedly disrupted - and there's ANOTHER one in November!

Not only do I have to find other things to do around the house, but I have to wait anxiously on whether one of our players has got injured while away with their country.

As I write, it seems one of our key men has picked up a knock and is a doubt for the home game with Wolves this weekend.

Noah Sadiki has been an absolute revelation at Sunderland since arriving from Union Saint-Gilloise summer. Initially, I was not sure if he was one for the future or was someone to come straight into the starting XI.

It was clear from minute one of pre-season that he is a proper player and not here to warm the bench.

Prior to arriving, his nickname was 'Mini Kante'. You can totally see why once you see him popping up here, there, and everywhere on the pitch.

He is so good at covering the ground that when we went down to 10 men against Aston Villa, nobody really noticed, as Noah did the running of two men.

He missed out on DR Congo's second international game of the break with a sprained ankle and was sent back to Wearside for treatment and assessment.

The brief footage we have seen showed him limping and, while he was not wearing a moon boot or using crutches, it did not look great.

Injuries and knocks aside, it is not ideal trying to prepare for a game when most of your squad will not return to training ground until Thursday or Friday.

But all teams at this level have good players, so Wolves will be no different to us. We have just got to hope Regis le Bris has eked value from the time he has had with his remaining players.

We beat Livingston in a behind-closed-doors friendly with a relatively strong side last week. Those minutes will be important going forward, as injuries to Habib Diarra and Sadiki prove we are going to need a fit and firing squad to stand any chance of surviving.

For the first time in forever, we are favourites for a Premier League game - and with good reason.

We have had a cracking start while Wolves are bottom, but they have improved recently. Even so, they have chucked away leads against Spurs and Brighton late on, which may point to some fragility. We have to try and exploit that.

With tougher games on the horizon, this result may prove pivotal to keep up our brilliant start to the season.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external