Sunderland

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

A stoppage-time victory at Spurs last week ended West Ham United's 10-game winless run and means the Hammers will have their tails up for the visit of the Sunderland on Saturday – but they still lay claim to an unwanted defensive record.

Unsound defence

West Ham's current run of 19 games without a clean sheet is the joint worst of any club in Europe's top five leagues. Seventeen of those have come since Nuno Espirito Santo took over in September and the Portuguese head coach will know his side, stuck in 18th, must shed that defensive frailty if they are to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.

The Irons have the leakiest defence in the English top flight this season, while a league-high 12 of their 44 goals conceded have been headers – despite boasting regular centre-back options of Max Kilman (6ft 4in), Jean-Clair Todibo (6ft 3in) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (6ft 4in).

Wantaway striker Callum Wilson was the hero last Saturday, prompting the powers that be at London Stadium to change tack over his future. The Englishman now looks set to stay until the end of the season, despite the recent arrival of fellow forwards Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos.

West Ham's home record against promoted side is encouraging – they've lost just one of their last 21 – but they'll be wary of a Sunderland outfit who blew them away in the second half of a 3-0 walloping at the Stadium of Light on the opening day.

Dogged Black Cats continue to impress

If Sunderland can follow up that August win with another in east London, it will mark just their second Premier League double over West Ham, having previously achieved it in 2010-11 – ominously, the last time the Hammers were relegated.

The Black Cats, who sit ninth, are unbeaten at home – only league leaders Arsenal can say the same – and have lost just one of their past eight games in all competitions.

Regis le Bris' side are becoming increasingly notable for their resilience after going behind, a quality they showed again during last week's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. They have won 16 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, second only to Aston Villa's tally of 18.

With 33 points from 22 games, Sunderland are the best-performing promoted side in 16 years. Alex McLeish's Birmingham City in 2009-10 were the last newcomers to have as many points at this stage of the season.

Durable Granit's work is top

Some shrewd summer signings have played their part in that success, and none more so than Granit Xhaka. The Switzerland captain, 33, has played the most minutes of any outfield player in the Sunderland squad.

And despite his reputation as a midfield schemer, the former Arsenal player has offered his new employer a perhaps surprising weapon in attack. Xhaka's role in Enzo le Fee's equaliser against Crystal Palace last weekend means he has made eight line-breaking passes that have led to a goal, more than any other player in the division this season.

Sunderland's 3-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend really set the tone for both teams' seasons, but it doesn't really help me much here.

The Hammers' win at Tottenham last week was extraordinary given their form going into that game, but their home record is still extremely poor.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are not the same force on the road as they are at the Stadium of Light, and they have not won away since the end of October.

Still, it has been such a strange season, with everyone beating everyone, that form, history, tables and stats are not really much help with these predictions anyway.

In the past few weeks, I have thought too much about AI and gone down the stat route to try to beat it at its own game, but that's not how I won the predictions title in previous seasons.

I need to go with my gut instinct more, and that's what I'm doing here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Leeds and Sunderland are both set to miss out on a move for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent. The 25-year-old USA international is keen on a move back to Major League Soccer with Toronto FC his preferred option. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi have returned from Africa Cup of Nations and Le Bris is hopeful "they will be able to play".

• Le Bris laughed and said the two "are still friends" after Sunday's dramatic final and trained today.

• On the possibility of players leaving in this window: "For players who need minutes, the conversation is still open. If we can find an agreement that is positive for both sides then we will move forward. Nothing is official for any players but we are working hard behind the scenes."

• In response to whether Wilson Isidor could be one of those departures: "Same idea. He is a really good player and important for us in the past and in the future."

• He said there is "nothing official" to report about incomings but they "are working hard" to bolster the squad.

• He wants to see his squad score more goals from "everywhere if possible" because they "have young players in the front line who need time to improve".

• On opponents West Ham, who the Black Cats faced in the first game of the season: "It shows this league is really hard because they are a good team that are experienced, but struggling. They don't give up that's clear and they are in good form. They have signed two new forwards so they can bounce back and create a new dynamic."

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?

With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.

• Read more detail on how clubs have been affected by injuries here

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has received immense praise for his impact on the Black Cats this season, with the midfielder's leadership and influence within the squad catching the attention of former players and pundits alike.

Xhaka has started all 22 Premier League matches, contributing five assists and providing a level of control, authority and consistency that has helped propel Sunderland into ninth place on 33 points - just four points off the top four.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, guest journalist Ian Murtagh waxed lyrical about the midfielder's presence in the dressing room and on the pitch, and drew a comparison with one of the most transformative signings the area has seen.

"He's the most influential signing in the North East since Kevin Keegan at Newcastle in 1982," Murtagh said.

"I'm not saying necessarily the best, but in terms of influence, in terms of driving up the standards, in terms of communicating with his team-mates, I think there are huge similarities between the two - even though they're 40 years apart."

Listen on BBC Sounds

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport

Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams has spoken to BBC Radio Newcastle about recent rumours linking Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor to moves away.

It has been rumoured that Manchester United have keeping tabs on 21-year-old Sadiki.

Williams said he "was a little bit shocked" when he first about the Sadiki link.

"Personally as a Sunderland fan I would like to think no [to Sadiki leaving], but you just never know. He has been brilliant this year and brings a lot of energy in the midfield area."

Sunderland have no intention of selling Sadiki, while Everton have inquired about the availability of striker Isidor.

Williams said he "would like to think we are not in a position where we need to sell and lose players. We are hoping it's just paper talk. These players are going to draw attention because they have come into the Premier League this year".

Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra has recently returned to the club after helping his country win Afcon.

However, there have been some questions over whether he should come straight back into the side because the club did well in his absence.

"The guy have done well over the period of time Diarra has been at Afcon," Williams said.

"They have done well enough to earn the spot during the time. I am not saying Diarra has lost his spot but being away has created a space for someone to step into."

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Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams was full of praise for Brian Brobbey after the striker's decisive impact in the 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, a result that lifted the Black Cats to ninth in the table after 22 games.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Williams said he believes Brobbey's blend of physicality, mobility and composure gives Sunderland a different attacking dimension, and suggested the forward's latest display underlined why sustained runs in the side can be crucial for certain profiles of striker.

With competition for places intense, the former Black Cats defender says performances like this only raise standards across the squad.

Williams said: "He looked big and strong. No disrespect to the other guys - they're a different type of player - but you know he'll hold it for you, secure it, and he can also run. He does cause a lot of problems.

"He needed a run in the team. He was coming on in games and still being effective but we were just thinking: 'If we get him on for the 90 minutes, how effective is he going to be?'

"The competition for places is brilliant and I think it's spurring everybody on to do better and better and better."

Listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland have no intention of selling midfielder Noah Sadiki to Manchester United but are willing to listen to offers for fringe players such as goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and midfielder Dan Neil. (Sun), external

Meanwhile, Everton have enquired about the availability of Black Cats forward Wilson Isidor. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I was listening to BBC Radio Newcastle's post-match show following Sunderland's victory over Crystal Palace, and something that a caller to the show said really struck me.

The lady talked about how when Sunderland fell behind in the first half, she had absolutely no fear. She knew that we'd get back into the game - there wasn't any questions around the fact it would happen.

To be able to say that about Sunderland is still baffling to me. For my whole life, we have found ways to lose games when it looked impossible to do so. When we've gone behind, especially at home, we've capitulated. But not any more.

We responded almost immediately to that goal from Yeremy Pino - a brilliant team goal finished off by Enzo le Fee. There was no panic. Sunderland's players simply got on with it and were even more dogged and determined to put it right.

In fact, it seems like going behind galvanises us. We've picked up 16 points this season from losing positions, which is a staggering statistic.

From then, it was clear there would only be one eventual winner - and we found it thanks to another determined and battling move that was finished off by Brian Brobbey, who was imperious throughout.

His exquisite shot in off the underside of the bar capped off a performance that, to many Sunderland supporters, was the finest we've seen from a centre-forward in over a decade.

Another three points in the bag, then, on our quest to hit 40 as quickly as possible. We aren't under any threat of relegation, of course, but to say that in January is a wonderful thing.

Now it's about keeping that momentum up, winning more games and seeing where it takes us. Our unbeaten home record remains and it's tough to see when that will eventually come to an end. We don't know when we're beaten.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

Manchester United are keeping tabs on 21-year-old Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki and could offer Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte, 24, in a swap deal for the DR Congo international. (Give Me Sport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Chris Collinson
BBC football data analyst

Sunderland's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace was the eighth time the Black Cats have come from behind to get something from a Premier League game this season.

And most importantly, the sixth time at their fortress Stadium of Light.

Only Aston Villa (18) have won more points from losing positions in the Premier League this season than Sunderland (16) and with 33 points from 22 games, Sunderland are the best promoted side in 16 years.

Alex McLeish's Birmingham were the last promoted team to have 33 points at this stage of the season in 2009-10.

Sunderland's home form has been key to their success this season and no other promoted side has gone unbeaten at home for longer at the start of a Premier League season than Regis le Bris' men.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Made to work for a win against a supposedly demoralised Palace. The lads stepped up again and got the backing we're famous for. No easy games, but such resilience makes a huge difference. I hope we give it a real good go in the cup, we have showed we can give anyone a game on our day!

Dave: Things are going so well at Sunderland I don't even care whether we spend in the January window. Happy to keep what we have and build again in the summer. Unheard of for a promoted team.

Jack: Great team performance - although we don't score a lot of goals it's refreshing to know that we have the ability to hit back if we go behind! To have 33 points at just over the halfway mark was unthinkable before the season started. Well done, Sunderland.

Mike: Superb - just superb. Not always the best team in the game, but we never gave up and both goals were world-class finishes. Llooking forward to many more great performances and keeping the heart of Sunderland beating.

Craig: Being a Sunderland fan right now is just bizarre. This team (and the manager) are absolutely immense. We actually might get into Europe. Europe! Pinch me.

Adam Cottier
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland are shrewd. Shrewd with their transfer business; shrewd with their tactical approach - and also calm and measured. Such qualities they exuded in their victory at home to Crystal Palace.

And they appear to have a pathway laid out for them to grow as a Premier League club and establish themselves in a cutthroat world that was alien to them until Regis Le Bris came to the North East.

On a run of five games without a Premier League win, Sunderland fans could have been forgiven for feeling a little uncomfortable when Yeremy Pino put Crystal Palace ahead on Saturday.

But there was no evidence of panic in the stands - or on the pitch.

And the smart recruitment extends long before last summer. A case in point is Enzo Le Fee.

He's an all-action midfield player who has just marked a year at the club. His swift, composed equaliser set Sunderland on their way to a victory which would be sealed in style by the strength and instincts of Brian Brobbey - another player that appears to be moving through the gears in the Premier League.

Sunderland's home record since promotion is phenomenal.

Palace were weary and broken by the end, but Sunderland still showed many of the qualities that have made them so formidable at the Stadium of Light, an atmospheric and imposing arena in its rightful place as a top-flight venue again.

It is Sunderland's shape and rhythm that stands out, as well as the shear power and technical ability that runs through a group of players brought together to try and make Sunderland a force to be reckoned with.

Le Bris' vision of this group and how it should play is transparent and he should be applauded for making the team click so soon, with so many fresh faces coming in since he arrived.

And when Sunderland play like this, they really are a force.

So just how far can Le Bris take them?

Hear more reaction from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Hear post-match reaction from Gary Bennett and Nick Barnes

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman 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:

• Chelsea 2-0 Brentford

• Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

• Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace: "I think we showed a great level of maturity. It was really important to stay composed because we felt the quality of Crystal Palace, they are a good side. We showed our intentions and I think our second half was very good."

On the form of Brian Brobbey: "He's getting better game after game. It's very important to have a strong striker and to build these performances progressively, and we can see now his team-mates are trusting him and feeding him. He has the ability to score which is so important for a striker.

"He's a fighter on the pitch, you can feel it. At the beginning of the game their centre-backs were strong and had the ability to manage his power, but progressively he gained the advantage.

"We have a specific identity here and a great connection with our fans. We have to use it. Even last season we felt this connection. We showed this energy on the pitch. Sometimes the football is not incredible, but the lads are always wanting to work and fight. At least when you show this quality you can feel this support.

"Let's work hard. It's not easy to win games in the Premier League, we know that. We will have to fight once again."

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Not for the first time this season, Sunderland showed tremendous character to preserve their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light and cement their healthy position in the top half of the table.

The Black Cats have now won more points from losing positions this term - 16 - than they have in any other Premier League season, and more than any other promoted club since West Brom in 2010-11.

Only high-flying Aston Villa have come from behind to pick up more points than Regis le Bris' side in 2025-26.

If they can avoid defeat at home to Burnley in February, Sunderland will have set a new 12-match unbeaten home record by a promoted Premier League club.

Brian Brobbey's deft second-half finish was a fitting end to another committed display in front of their own supporters - albeit against a Palace side who have endured one of the toughest weeks in their recent history.

Sunderland fans can surely start to look forward to another year of Premier League football next season, but with Le Bris' team now only three points off fourth-placed Liverpool in the standings, Black Cats supporters could have even more to celebrate come the end of the campaign.

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 Crystal Palace's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Regis Le Bris makes four changes to the Sunderland team that started their FA Cup third-round tie at Everton.

Reinildo makes his first start for the club since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, with Omar Alderete, Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey also coming in.

Dennis Cirkin, Luke O'Nien, Simon Adingra and Eliezer Mayenda drop to the bench.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Le Fee, Xhaka, Sadiki, Mundle, Brobbey

Subs: Patterson, Cirkin, Neil, Geertruida, Rigg, Mayenda, O'Nien, Isidor, Adingra

Oliver Glasner makes two changes to the Crystal Palace team that drew with Aston Villa in their last Premier League game.

Jefferson Lerma returns after suffering a head injury against Newcastle two weeks ago, while Chris Richards is also restored to the side.

Jaydee Canvot is named on the bench, with Marc Guehi unavailable as he finalises a move to Manchester City.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Lerma, Lacroix, Richards, Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Johnson, Pino, Mateta

Subs: Matthews, Benitez, Uche, Clyne, Canvot, Sosa, Imray, Riad, Drakes-Thomas

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

• Man Utd v Man City (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Fulham

• Liverpool v Burnley

• Sunderland v Crystal Palace

• Tottenham v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

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

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT 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 Chelsea v Brentford" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal", for instance.

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