Sunderland have been enjoying a strong start to their Championship season so far and currently occupy the top spot in the table. After finishing way down in 16th last campaign, the Black Cats are pushing hard and have a promotion place firmly in their sights.
With six wins from their opening nine games, it’s been a solid run of performances overall for Sunderland, but how does their current form compare to where they were this time last season? We’ve taken a look back through previous results and compared the 2023/24 table after the first nine matches to the current Championship standings.
Take a look below at how Sunderland’s form compares to this time last year, along with the rest of their rivals.

1. 24th: Cardiff City (5 points)
A huge blow for Cardiff City sees them all the way down at the very bottom of the table, despite being high up in 6th place this time last season, with 16 points on the chart. | Getty Images

2. 23rd: Portsmouth (5 points)
The League One champions are struggling in these opening stages of the Championship and are still yet to get their first win, despite a dominant run last season in their promotion run. | Getty Images

3. 22nd: Queens Park Rangers (7 points)
QPR were also in this exact position this time last season, with eight points from their opening fixtures. | Getty Images

4. 21st: Luton Town (8 points)
After a tough relegation battle in the Premier League, Luton Town were demoted to the Championship and so far, it's been a tough start for them and not the immediate promotion-challenging campaign many expected. | Getty Images