It has been an impressive start to the season for Sunderland, who have taken eleven points from their first seven games under Régis Le Bris.
They have shown an impressive ability to compete at Premier League level, though the head coach has been keen to stress just how much room for improvement there remains. Here, we take an early look at how the squad has fared to date...
Note: Only players who have made a Premier League appearance included
13. Enzo Le Fee (6 appearances)
Responded well to the disappointment of not being in the starting XI at the beginning of the season, performing strongly from the bench and starring against Brentford on the left. Isn’t finding it easy to show his full creative ability with Sunderland not seeing more of the ball, so definitely more to come. His work rate is making it hard for Le Bris to leave him out, however. 6.5 | Getty Images
14. Noah Sadiki (7 appearances)
Has got through a quite remarkable amount of running in the early stages of his Premier League career, another inspired addition who is producing consistent performances. The next step is to add more in the final third but that’s no criticism, he has done his job brilliantly well. 8.5 | Chris Fryatt
15. Granit Xhaka (7 appearances)
Everything Sunderland and the club’s supporters hoped he would be. A calming influence on the pitch, drives standards off it and has already demonstrated real quality on the ball with three crucial assists. Increasingly looks as if he’ll be one of the most significant signings in the club’s recent history. 9 | Getty Images
16. Chemsdine Talbi (7 appearances)
His output in terms of goals and assists had been modest but his work rate and discipline out of possession has been an important part of Sunderland’s strong start. Has looked more confident from an attacking perspective off the left flank in recent weeks. 6.5 | Chris Fryatt