Black Cats Roar Back to Top-Flight Football

Sunderland's squad salutes loyal supporters after ending 13-year opening month win drought

Key Match Highlights:

• 46' GOAL: Eliezer Mayenda breaks deadlock with thunderous header
• 68' GOAL: Dan Ballard doubles lead from Xhaka's pinpoint delivery
• 90+3' GOAL: Super-sub Wilson Isidor caps historic win

New Era, Familiar Resolve

Regis Le Bris' £132m squad overhaul paid immediate dividends as summer signings combined with Championship heroes:

Midfield Masterclass

• Granit Xhaka (32) completed 92% passes, 7 ball recoveries
• Habib Diarra created 4 chances, including assist for opener
• Noah Sadiki covered 11.3km - most in match

Defensive Steel

• Ballard: 8 clearances, 4 interceptions, 1 goal
• Goalkeeper Roefs: 5 saves, including spectacular 89' stop

From Rock Bottom to Premier League Heights

Club legend Steph Houghton emphasized the journey:

"When we sank to League One in 2018, this moment felt impossible. Today proves our club's soul never dimmed - these players carry the weight of a city's dreams."

Survival Blueprint Emerges

Critical factors in Sunderland's early success:

1. Rapid squad integration - 12 new signings gelled instantly
2. Hybrid playing style - Transition from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 mid-game
3. Home fortress mentality - 46,218 fans created league's loudest atmosphere (112.4dB peak)

Upcoming Fixtures

Stat to Watch: Since 2015, 78% of promoted teams avoiding August losses survive relegation.

"This isn't just three points - it's a statement," manager Le Bris told Sky Sports. "When you mix young hunger with wise heads like Xhaka, magic happens."