If Sunderland manage to beat Everton on Monday, they could climb from seventh to second in the Premier League table – just five points behind leaders Arsenal. With 10 matches played, few would have predicted such a flying start for Regis Le Bris’ newly promoted side. Yet Sunderland have impressed through a combination of bold pressing, tactical flexibility, and clever use of possession.
High pressing and defensive discipline
Under Le Bris, Sunderland have shown bravery in how they defend without the ball. Rather than sitting deep, they often press high in a man-to-man structure, forcing mistakes and limiting the opposition’s ability to build from the back. Their high-intensity press against Chelsea in late October was particularly effective, pushing the hosts into uncomfortable areas and disrupting rhythm.
When teams bypass that press, Sunderland quickly adapt by dropping into compact shapes — at times using a 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 setup. The same group of players executes both strategies seamlessly, combining individual duels with zonal organisation. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been central to their resilience, preventing more goals than any other Premier League keeper so far, according to expected goals data.
Structured build-up and tactical balance
In possession, Le Bris prefers a positional structure. Sunderland build patiently from the back, with defenders spreading wide and midfielders like Granit Xhaka dropping deep to collect the ball. They can also switch to a direct route when under pressure, looking for Wilson Isidor’s runs up front.
Centre-back Omar Alderete has been key in progressing the ball, using disguised passes to evade the press and start attacks. Once in the final third, Sunderland rely heavily on their full-backs and wide triangles — combining wingers, overlapping defenders, and midfielders like Xhaka to create crossing chances.
Flexibility fuels their success
Le Bris’ biggest achievement so far has been ensuring that every phase of play connects. Sunderland are organised when attacking and already prepared to defend if they lose the ball. They can sit deep, go long, or press high depending on the situation. Their set-piece routines have also delivered vital goals.
This versatility and tactical clarity have turned Sunderland into one of the Premier League’s surprise packages. If they continue this disciplined, adaptable approach, their remarkable rise might just be more than an early-season story.
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