Sunderland have climbed to exalted company in Europe’s top leagues this season, securing an impressive unbeaten home record. Their 3-0 victory over Burnley on Monday maintained their position as the only team without a home loss in the Premier League thus far—company that includes European champions Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus.
Their success has pushed them up to eighth place in the league table. Manager Regis Le Bris insists on keeping focus on securing enough points to avoid relegation, stating, “For me, the target remains the same. The first priority is around 40 points, maybe more. The league is tough.”
However, Sunderland’s players are already looking ahead to a chance for European competition in the upcoming season. Midfielder Noah Sadiki said, “We want to reach the top. If we can get into the top six or even top five, there will be many matches coming up so we need to keep our focus on each game.”
Previously struggling sides have often found it challenging to thrive in the Premier League upon promotion; however, Sunderland has turned their Stadium of Light into a fortress. They now boast one of the longest unbeaten home records for a newly promoted side since Nottingham Forest’s 1977-78 campaign ended with victory and won their old First Division title.
Birmingham City holds the record for a newly promoted side in the Premier League era, having unbeaten home runs for 15 matches in 2009-10. Sunderland now have twelve home games so far this season, with Le Bris emphasizing that maintaining their unbeaten run at home is crucial as “the connection with our fans is key. As a newly promoted side, we want to change the momentum.”
With these factors working in their favor, Sunderland stands poised for success and a potential European berth next season.