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
17. Simon Adingra (6 appearances)
Adingra has been a bit unlucky in that some of his best work hasn’t resulted in more goals, and also to be the player sacrificed as Le Bris switched formation inside the first half at Man Utd. There’s clearly a lot of quality there but he’ll want to show it more consistently. 5.5 | Sunderland's Simon Adingra. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
18. Patrick Roberts (1 appearance)
It was a tough pre season for Roberts, with it becoming pretty clear early on that he wouldn’t be a big part of Le Bris’s plans this season. One substitute cameo at Burnley ended in frustration though his performance itself was tidy enough. A loan move to Birmingham felt like the right move for all parties, though was tinged with sadness given his contribution to the club in the years previous. N/A | Getty Images
19. Wilson Isidor (7 appearances)
Has stepped up really well. His three goals have been crucial to making the Stadium of Light a big strength for Sunderland this season, and represent a strong tally given that this isn’t a team that creates stacks of chances. Works very hard out of possession and in defending set pieces, too, which is vital. 8 | Getty Images
20. SUB: Brian Brobbey
Hasn’t made a big impact as of yet but that is understandable. He came on at Crystal Palace when his team were under a lot of pressure, and it was a similar situation at Nottingham Forest. At Manchester United, his side were 2-0 down and struggling. Le Bris has said he’ll need time to adapt from playing in an Ajax team dominating possession, and that has been clear early on. One to watch in the weeks ahead. 5 | Getty Images Photo: Brian Brobbey (3 appearances)