“Gary Neville Only Watched the Highlights… But He’s Already Made Up His Mind About Sunderland”

“Gary Neville Only Watched the Highlights… But He’s Already Made Up His Mind About Sunderland”

Sunderland Make Impressive Return to Premier League with Strong Start

Sunderland have made a notable return to the Premier League, hitting the ground running with a string of promising early results.

After an eight-year journey back to the top flight—one that included stints in both League One and the Championship—the Black Cats are determined to stay.

Under the leadership of Regis Le Bris, there’s no appetite for another relegation battle. So far, the team looks up to the challenge, collecting 11 points from their first six matches.

While it’s still early in the season and plenty of football remains to be played, Sunderland’s encouraging start lays a solid foundation in their fight for Premier League survival.

Among those impressed is pundit Gary Neville, who has praised Sunderland’s performances since their return. Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he called their early form “brilliant” and applauded the team’s playing style.

“I haven’t seen them live yet,” Neville admitted, “but I think their first Monday night game, they hosted West Ham, didn’t they?

What stood out to me was their intensity. Yes, they’re going to be defending a lot, but when they break forward, they do it with real purpose. They get the ball into the box quickly, they’re physical, and they play with real intent.”

He added, “It’s great to see a promoted side come up and make a real impact. That’s what we want from Championship teams coming into the Premier League.”

Sunderland’s early performances are particularly impressive considering they only secured promotion through the play-offs. Their bold and proactive approach in the transfer market appears to be paying off, helping them compete immediately at the highest level.

However, tougher tests lie ahead. The Black Cats’ opening fixtures were relatively manageable on paper, but the upcoming schedule is far more daunting.

They’re set to face Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City in the coming weeks—along with a highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle in December.

This challenging run will be a true measure of Sunderland’s progress. Maintaining competitiveness in these matches, while continuing to pick up points elsewhere, will be key to building a successful season.

Should results start to turn, the pressure could mount. But for now, Sunderland can take pride in a confident return to Premier League life—and look to carry that momentum forward.