Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland side have impressed after seven games since their promotion to the Premier League – particularly their defensive record.
The Black Cats have conceded just six goals in seven games – fewer than Manchester City and Liverpool – and currently sit ninth in the table.
Sunderland Defensive Record
Few would have predicted that Sunderland’s defensive record would be one of the strongest in the early season.
After seven matches, Le Bris’ men have allowed only six goals, a figure bettered only by Arsenal (3), Tottenham (5), Crystal Palace (5) and Newcastle (5).
The underlying numbers back up much of their defensive resilience. Sunderland’s expected goals against (xGA) sits close to their actual goals conceded, suggesting this isn’t just luck or goalkeeping heroics – it’s structural solidity.
Their compact mid-block, aggression in duels, and togetherness have made them a nightmare to play through.
For a wider look at how Sunderland compare across the league, you can read our full Premier League xG Table analysis, which highlights where each team stands in terms of both attacking and defensive efficiency.
Arsenal rise to the top of the Premier League table following Matchweek 7 📈 pic.twitter.com/VfscUQiorl
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 6, 2025
What Makes Sunderland So Hard to Break Down?
Under Le Bris, Sunderland have forged an identity built on detail and discipline. Out of possession, they line up in a compact 4-4-2 that shifts seamlessly into a 4-3-3 when pressing higher.
Their approach is aggressive but intelligent. When the opposition centre-back has the ball, forward Wilson Isidor jumps from the holding midfielder to press the defender, while Granit Xhaka backs up the press and Nayef Alderete steps out from the back line.
The result is a defensive unit that closes passing lanes while maintaining shape – a crucial difference from other newly promoted sides who tend to chase rather than control space.
Le Bris’ Sunderland defend their box like their life depends on it. When they went down to ten men against Aston Villa, the players’ reaction – compactness, communication, and a collective refusal to fold – summed up the culture he’s built.
The Regis Le Bris Effect – Tactical Details and Culture Shift
Appointing Regis Le Bris in the summer of 2024 now looks a masterstroke. Sunderland’s recruitment department identified a coach capable of implementing modern, detail-driven football while fostering resilience.
After earning promotion last season, Le Bris has now shaped what is essentially a new squad – with signings like Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Reinildo – into one of the Premier League’s most cohesive units.
Beyond tactics, Le Bris has instilled accountability and belief. Every player understands his role, whether pressing high or defending deep.
This clarity of instruction is visible on the pitch too: the team press man-to-man when the moment is right, but they’re equally content to drop into a narrow 4-4-2, protecting central areas and forcing opponents wide.
Granit Xhaka has assisted all 3 of Sunderland's last Premier League goals 🎯
Pure class 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qE1Mm1CgCG
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 3, 2025
Sunderland in Possession – Direct, but Smart
For all the defensive plaudits, Sunderland are just as well-coached with the ball. They don’t dominate possession like Arsenal or Manchester City, but their use of it is purposeful.
In the 4-3-3 build-up, Sunderland often play long to Isidor – not as a desperate outlet, but as a strategic trigger. The midfielders and wingers immediately swarm around him to compete for second balls, turning those recoveries into attacks.
This is direct football with detail: rather than hopeful long balls, it’s coordinated territory gain.
On the flanks, Sunderland often form wide triangles – for instance, Trai Hume (the full-back) low with Chris Rigg (the centre-midfielder) inside and Chemsdine Talbi (the winger) wide – allowing them to combine neatly before switching play or delivering crosses.
It’s a structure that keeps them balanced, compact, and difficult to counter-attack.
Can Sunderland Sustain This Defensive Level?
The biggest question now is sustainability. Sunderland’s xGA is roughly in line with their actual goals conceded, but maintaining this level requires constant focus.
Le Bris’ system demands enormous physical effort — pressing triggers, compact spacing, constant communication. Fatigue, injuries, or fixture congestion could test the depth of the squad.
There’s also the matter of variance. Sunderland have benefited from disciplined game management and a few timely saves, but regression to the mean is inevitable over a full season.
Even so, the structure gives them a platform to stay competitive in matches where newly promoted teams typically struggle.
Upcoming matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City will provide the sternest test yet. How Sunderland’s defensive organisation copes against the league’s elite will tell us just how far Le Bris’ methods can take them.
Sunderland have conceded just 6.70(xG) – the fourth best record in the league. pic.twitter.com/HoGifQ3T5u
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) October 1, 2025
Will Sunderland Stay Up?
In an era where newly promoted clubs often rely on financial firepower or defensive pragmatism, Sunderland have shown that tactical clarity and cultural cohesion can close the gap.
Le Bris’ system blends principles such as zonal structures, positional rotations, and coordinated pressing with old-school grit. The players buy in, defend as one, and attack with purpose.
Whether they can sustain this level across 38 matches remains to be seen, but Sunderland’s start to life back in the Premier League is no fluke.
They are organised, brave, and brilliantly coached, and for the first time in years, the Stadium of Light feels like a tough place to go again.
