Sunderland boss Regis le Bris will get extra patience as he tries to reverse a bleak Premier League opening.
A loss to Coventry dropped the Black Cats to last place with just one win from nine games.
Thursday sees Sunderland host Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League before they meet Chelsea at home on Sunday, then the international break looms.
Sunderland’s paradox – San Siro trip amid relegation fight
Le Bris arrived from Lorient in 2024 and instantly delivered promotion back to the top flight after an eight‑year exile.
A year later the 50‑year‑old steered the club to a remarkable seventh‑place finish, clinching Europa League qualification.
It marked Sunderland’s first European berth in 53 years.
So far they have secured two wins and one draw in the Europa League group stage.
Last season’s Le Bris‑led side shocked everyone, emerging as one of the Premier League’s biggest over‑achievers. In my view, their over‑performance reflected shrewd management.
The Cats netted three more goals than xG suggested while conceding six fewer.
Although they lingered near the bottom for possession and shot metrics, their defence stood out.
Only Burnley and West Ham attempted more shots, yet Sunderland often forced low‑quality chances on opponents.
Their opponents’ average xG per shot was the league’s second lowest, and a nearly 72% save rate ranked second best, explaining why they allowed the fourth‑fewest goals despite facing the third‑most attempts.
This campaign tells a different story; the side now concedes the second‑highest xG per shot.
Shot volume remains steady, but opponents generate far better chances, leaving keeper Robin Roefs exposed with a 50% save rate, the lowest among top‑flight teams.
Defensive woes are matched by a wasteful attack: ranked 10th in xG yet six goals shy of expectations, making them one of the league’s most inefficient finishers.
Pre‑match, post‑match and topical Black Cats content
31 October 2026
Subscribe for everything you love about Sunderland