Not Isidor: Sunderland “monster” is becoming the club’s modern day Phillips

Sunderland Shake Off ‘Yo-Yo’ Tag with Promising Start Under Le Bris

Sunderland have long carried the reputation of a ‘yo-yo club,’ frequently bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship.

The stats back it up too — since the Premier League’s rebranding in 1992, the Black Cats have been relegated from the top tier on four separate occasions.

However, new head coach Régis Le Bris is determined to break that cycle. And so far, he’s off to a strong start in his first taste of Premier League management.

Sunderland currently sit fifth in the table after just one defeat in their opening six league fixtures — an encouraging sign for the Wearside outfit as they adjust to life back in the top flight.

Isidor’s Electric Start

One major reason behind Sunderland’s early momentum is the explosive form of Wilson Isidor. The French striker has quickly endeared himself to the fanbase with a blistering start to the campaign, already netting three goals this season — part of his 16 overall under Le Bris.

Isidor is aiming to join the ranks of Sunderland’s most revered forwards, following in the footsteps of names like Darren Bent, who bagged 32 of his 106 Premier League goals while at the Stadium of Light.

Though Isidor still has a way to go to reach those heights, his current form has already reportedly attracted interest from clubs like Aston Villa.

But after finding his stride on Wearside, the 25-year-old seems focused on continuing his impressive form at Sunderland rather than jumping ship — a route other star forwards have often taken.

The club has seen key attackers move on in the past, with Kevin Phillips notably leaving for Southampton in 2003 following relegation under Mick McCarthy.

The Legacy of Kevin Phillips

It’s still early days to compare Isidor’s influence to that of Kevin Phillips, who remains a club legend and one of the Premier League’s most prolific finishers. Often overlooked next to icons like Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, Phillips was sensational at his peak.

His debut Premier League season in 1999/2000 saw him score a staggering 30 goals in 39 games — a feat that earned him the Golden Boot and immediate cult status.

Across his time at Sunderland, Phillips racked up 61 top-flight goals, helping the team secure back-to-back seventh-place finishes in 1999/2000 and 2000/01. He later added another 30 goals across spells with Southampton, Aston Villa, Birmingham, and Crystal Palace, but Sunderland always remained the club closest to his heart.

Le Bris will undoubtedly be hoping that Isidor can carve out a similar legacy in the red and white stripes.

Xhaka Brings Steel and Class

While Isidor has lit up the scoresheet, another key figure behind Sunderland’s flying start is Granit Xhaka. The former Arsenal midfielder brings vital experience and leadership to a youthful squad.

Described as a “monster” in his Gunners days, the Swiss international has slotted seamlessly into Le Bris’ system.

With three assists from six league appearances and a commanding presence in midfield, Xhaka has helped Sunderland become one of the league’s toughest sides to break down — conceding just four goals so far.

His performances have earned praise from pundits, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie noting that the team is “built around” him.

Unlike Phillips, who made his name at Sunderland, Xhaka arrived with an established Premier League reputation. Yet his influence has been just as profound. He’s helping a newly promoted side not only survive but compete — and possibly even push for a top-half finish.

Sunderland have often been plagued by inconsistency and player departures in the past. But under Régis Le Bris, and with new stars like Isidor and Xhaka leading the charge, the club might finally be ready to shed its ‘yo-yo’ image and establish itself once again among English football’s elite.