Sunderland continue to impress at the Stadium of Light, remaining unbeaten at home this season. The Black Cats matched a feat last achieved by Blackburn Rovers 24 years ago, with seven straight home games without defeat in the Premier League. On Saturday, Sunderland came from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2, showcasing resilience and determination that has propelled them to fourth in the table.
Manager Regis Le Bris remains grounded despite the early-season success. “Our first target is we want to reach 40 points,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term goals rather than getting carried away by early momentum.
Historic Home Form and Record-Breaking Start
Sunderland’s start to the season is the best for a newly promoted side in two decades, surpassing previous campaigns and rivaling the likes of Wigan in 2005-06. Only five promoted teams in history have collected more points after 13 games. Fans may not be celebrating as wildly as during Peter Reid’s 1999 campaign, but the statistics highlight a remarkable beginning.
Former midfielder Lee Cattermole praised the club’s momentum: “Sunderland are riding a wave right now. Momentum-wise in the season, they’re getting through tough moments, the belief is there as a team. You can feel it in the stadium, the connection is there with the players and supporters.”
Epic Comeback Against Bournemouth
Saturday’s clash saw Sunderland fall behind early. Amine Adli put Bournemouth ahead in the seventh minute, followed by Tyler Adams’ spectacular strike from the centre circle. But Sunderland fought back after a penalty from Enzo Le Fee, and Bertrand Traore quickly equalized. The comeback was completed in the 69th minute when substitute Brian Brobbey headed in Le Fee’s corner.
Defender Dan Ballard highlighted the role of the fans in the comeback: “The team and the crowd believed and it was some turnaround in the end. They pushed us through. When we’re hanging on to a lead, they’re pushing us over the line.”
Unstoppable at Home
Sunderland’s home form has already surpassed previous top-flight campaigns. They have collected 15 points at the Stadium of Light this season—more than their total in the entire 2016-17 season. Remarkably, this was also their first Premier League victory after being two goals down in 188 attempts.
Le Bris praised the synergy between the players and supporters: “I think here we have a great energy in the stands, so if we give a lot on the pitch, they will react. We created this atmosphere and we deserved to win in the end.”
Sunderland’s early-season resilience, combined with their attacking flair and home support, marks them as one of the most exciting stories in the Premier League this year.
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