The Premier League often boasts about its superiority and competitiveness, with pundits claiming it to be the best in every aspect. However, recent seasons have exposed the fallacy of such claims, particularly in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.
Teams like Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United in 2023/24, and Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton in 2024/25, were considered easy targets, collectively winning only a handful of matches out of a significant number played. Their poor performance highlighted the lack of competitiveness in certain fixtures.
These six struggling teams managed to secure just 26 wins out of 228 matches over the two seasons, emphasizing their low success rate. In contrast, the newly promoted teams in the current 2025/26 season have shown remarkable improvement, winning a higher percentage of games and demonstrating a more positive goal difference.
Among the promoted sides, Leeds United and Burnley have made decent starts, but Sunderland and their coach, Régis Le Bris, have been the standout performers. Their positive approach and success on the field reflect well on the club and its management, particularly the astute decisions made in player recruitment.
The appointment of Le Bris has been pivotal in Sunderland’s resurgence, with notable signings like Granit Xhaka and promising young talents injecting energy into the squad. The fans’ support has also been instrumental in creating a positive atmosphere around the club and its ambitions for the season.
Despite setting a target of reaching 40 points, a common goal for newly promoted teams, Le Bris’s impact goes beyond mere objectives. His strategic approach, in collaboration with the club’s hierarchy, has rejuvenated Sunderland and instilled a sense of belief that special achievements are within reach.
Sunderland’s early success under Le Bris not only benefits the club but also adds excitement to top-flight football, showcasing the potential for growth and competitiveness in the Premier League. The positive momentum generated by the team’s performances reflects a bright future ahead for Sunderland and their supporters.