Sunderland

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Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett says Regis Le Bris's plans worked perfectly for his side in Thursday's impressive draw against Manchester City.

"It could have gone either way," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "There were opportunities for both teams.

"What an excellent performance from Sunderland and you have to say Regis Le Bris has got it spot on.

"Everyone put a shift in.

"You look at [Erling] Haaland, especially in that second half, and you think 'what did you do?'.

"What a result that is. There's so many positives to take; clean sheet, we had opportunities to win it, when we had to defend we defended well.

"When you look back at the 90; Trai Hume had opportunities, [Brian] Brobbey had an opportunity, [Eliezer] Mayenda had a chance.

"Yes we had to ride our luck at times, but we knew we would have to from before a ball was kicked.

"We knew the everyone had to play well as a team and a unit, and we did.

"It's all about organisation. They kept their shape and just frustrated Manchester City. It's hard work to do what they did, to keep their positions, close people down, and make it difficult for a team like City.

"They had a lot of the ball, but when we got the ball we caused them problems."

When asked if the point against City is a better result than November's 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Bennett said "yes".

"You look at the Arsenal game and how we have developed from there," he added.

"I think we're a better unit now. You look at the second goal we conceded from Trossard and think 'could we have got out and closed that down?'. Against City we did that."

Hear more post-match reaction on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Manchester City

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Andrew: If someone had told a Sunderland supporter a year ago that we would be making Manchester City look ordinary they would have said you were mad. This is a side with guts, determination and a true team spirit which makes you proud to be a Mackem.

Ian: A very honest display full of endeavour and guts. Erling Haaland never really had a sniff from our two centre-backs. Brian Brobbey is going to be really good once he is up to speed and fitness.

David: So proud of that team. They battled so hard and pushed City all the way. Robin Roefs was excellent with the ball at his feet and Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete were immense at the back, giving Haaland very little joy. A big shoutout as well to two of our Championship players - Dennis Cirkin and Eliezer Mayenda - who both didn't look out of place. The season just gets better and better.

Richard: Incredible yet again. What a pleasure it is to support this wonderful club. Sunderland will establish themselves in the upper echelons of English football and stay there for some time. We're only just getting started. Back where we belong and how we've missed it!

Craig: Fantastic defensive performance. We rode our luck on occasion, but we are very hard to break down. It's a joy to watch Granit Xhaka. He is constantly organising his team and ensuring they don't let opponents pass. I dread to think where we'd be without him.

Man City fans

Joshua: A good performance in a tough away game, but the lack of clinical finishing cost two points. Rodri looked close to his best when he came on for the second half.

Gary: A very difficult game. One of those when you just have to dig in and hang on. City did that and I thought Josko Gvardiol played really well, and I liked his bravery when delivering passes to Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki.

Keenan: City improved steadily throughout the game and should have got something for their efforts. There was a lot to praise in our performance - excellent passing sequences and superb defending and goalkeeping. Unfortunately, Haaland and Foden's performances were terrible.

Harry: Absolutely woeful finishing. How many chances does Cherki have to create before our frontline finishes one? Sunderland were exceptional. Mukiele existed entirely to target the big striker. Gianluigi Donnarumma was excellent and so were our entire defensive line. Foden was silent and, respectfully, Savinho wasted 50 minutes that Jeremy Doku could have played. Trai Hume completely nullified Nico O'Reilly's ability to play forward. Our subs were the best performers, so hopefully Dokua and Rodri can get back to full fitness and Nico Gonzalez and Nathan Ake are OK. Sunderland showed us that we're going to need everyone we can get.

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"Who are ya?" were the shouts from the Sunderland faithful at the end, as their side continued their superb return to the top flight - despite missing five players who remain on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, bitter rivals Newcastle and now Manchester City have all come here without being able to take home all three points, showcasing how well drilled the side are under Regis le Bris.

At their heart of their remarkable clean sheet was French defender Nordi Mukiele, who shackled Erling Haaland for much of the contest and contributed three tackles and five clearances - showcasing why he has played at Paris St-Germain, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen during his career.

Sunderland could have claimed a memorable victory but Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda missed the most presentable chances that fell their way, denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma on both occasions.

Though they have won only two of their past nine games, Sunderland sit seventh in the table and are just one point adrift of Manchester United and Chelsea directly above them.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the 0-0 draw against Manchester City: "It was a good game against a really strong opponent who are one of the best in Europe. It was important to defend properly. We showed we can defend high and when they came a bit higher with their quality we had to manage the ball in the final third.

"They created many chances but the character was good. Even when we were on the edge we had one foot, one head, something to protect the ball.

"It was important to escape their counter-press. They were excellent a few weeks ago at the Etihad and it was impossible to escape their counter-press. We did well with that. We are growing and learning from different experiences.

"It's a question of experience as the standards in our team are high. They want to get better. If you stay at the same level, the league is going so fast that you'll be finished. They are still ambitious."

On the home crowd: "They're really important, especially in defensive moments. They push us, it's important for our game."

• Hear more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Defender Trai Hume also spoke to Sky Sports after the full-time whistle: "We wanted to be bold. When we went to their place, we went there with a bit of naivety and a bit of respect, which they totally deserve but coming here was a different game plan.

"We wanted to get after them and press and I think we did that. At times we won the ball back we created chances ourselves. I think it was a good game overall.

"I think every time we play at our home, the fans are incredible. They're our 12th man, and I think you can see that from our performances and how our home record is this season. They always push us. We make it tough for opposition teams coming here, so we need to keep it that way."

• Listen to what Eliezer Mayenda had to say post-match

Did you know?

• Sunderland are just the second promoted team to remain unbeaten in their first 10 home games in a Premier League campaign, after Ipswich Town in 1992-93, who went unbeaten in their first 11 matches.

Sunderland, Fulham and Crystal Palace are monitoring Paris FC's 27-year-old Algeria midfielder Ilan Kebbal. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Pundits Steph Houghton and Dion Dublin join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Thursday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Man City's display?

Come back on Friday for a selection of your replies

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Sunderland make just one alteration from the 1-1 draw against Leeds United last time out.

Eliezer Mayenda comes into the side in place of Chris Rigg, who drops to the bench.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin, Xhaka, Geertruida, Mayenda, Adingra, Le Fee, Brobbey.

Manchester City make two changes following their hard-fought 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

There's a surprise in defence with Nathan Ake getting a first Premier League start since October in place of Josko Gvardiol.

Savinho also comes into the side in place of Tijjani Reijnders, with both of the replaced players on the bench.

City are boosted by the return of Jeremy Doku, who is a substitute, alongside Reigan Heskey, son of former England striker Emile.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Ake, O'Reilly, Silva, Gonzalez, Savinho, Cherki, Foden, Haaland.

There are four games in the Premier League on Thursday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Fulham (17:30)

• Liverpool v Leeds (17:30)

• Brentford v Tottenham (20:00)

• Sunderland v Manchester City (20:00)

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Paul Birch
BBC Sport journalist

On Thursday, Manchester City look to cut the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table with a tricky trip to face a Sunderland side unbeaten at home (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Arsenal's stunning win over Aston Villa put the pressure back on Manchester City to start 2026 with a bang and keep pace in the title race. Good job, then, that they do not traditionally suffer from a hangover in the new year.

City have won their first league game in a remarkable 18 of the past 19 years, including the past 13 in a row. Interestingly, though, the last time they did not take three points was a 1-0 loss to Sunderland on New Year's Day in 2012.

There have been no January diets for City on the goalscoring front either as they have feasted over recent years. They have scored in an astonishing 32 consecutive league games in the month of January dating back to 2017.

It is the longest such run in top-flight history, while across the whole of the Football League only Crewe Alexandra between 1960 and 1972 have had a longer streak with 36.

December was pretty good as well for Pep Guardiola's men as they made it eight wins from eight in all competitions. After such a poor 2024-25 and a shaky start to this season, their mojo has come flooding back and they have won 13 of their past 15 games in all competitions.

They even managed a victory in their last game against Nottingham Forest without Erling Haaland finding the back of the net. This will be his first match at the Stadium of Light - he has scored at 22 of the other 23 Premier League venues he has played at apart from Anfield.

While he was having a quiet day at the City Ground, Rayan Cherki once again showed how he is emerging as one of the signings of the season with a goal and an assist in an all-action display.

If City are to win a seventh title in nine seasons, emerging unscathed from an extremely tricky trip to the Stadium of Light will be crucial.

Sunderland went through the first half of their home league games unbeaten for only the third time in the Premier League and they are one of only two sides, along with Arsenal, yet to lose at home. They have managed to score in all nine of those games as well.

They have already bloodied Arsenal's nose with a memorable 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, so can they now put a dent in Manchester City's title hopes?

While Regis le Bris' team have only won two of their past nine games, a return of 28 points from 18 matches, with an all-important derby win over Newcastle thrown in, is the stuff dreams are made of.

One thing Le Bris will want more of from his side is goals, having only netted three in their past five. Six of their past seven top-flight goals at the Stadium of Light have come from set-plays, including penalties.

There is expected to be a milestone for Granit Xhaka. If selected, he will set a new outright record for the most Premier League appearances by a Swiss player of 244.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

A normal Premier League season may run from August to May, but what happens if we stop the table now? What if it was only what happened in 2025 that counted?

With the calendar flicking over to 2026, this is the ideal time to check back on which teams have had an enjoyable 12 months and see who had a year to forget.

The top five is an accurate reflection of this season's top five (although it should be noted not all teams have played the same number of games).

Arsenal have led the way this campaign and, after coming up short last season, they will be striving to go one better to finally secure an elusive first Premier League trophy since 2004.

If looking just at the past 12 months, the title would be theirs, despite a number of draws early in 2025.

Having gone through their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola late in 2024 and early into 2025, alongside their initial poor start to this season, it may be surprising to find Manchester City so close at the top.

But a feature of this City side under Guardiola is their ability to recover from less than impressive starts and go on winning streaks - they are currently on a run of six wins in the league.

Aston Villa fans can look also back fondly on 2025, having experienced the return of Champions League football, secured more European football again this term and found themselves in a battle for the Premier League trophy.

They may have had a slow start this season but their general consistency in 2025 and a club record-equalling run of 11 straight wins in the final weeks catapults them into the top three.

Having won the title with ease last season, Liverpool fans can still revel in that achievement. But a drop-off at the end of 2024-25 and a poor run this time around leaves them fourth for the year.

Meanwhile, Chelsea made progress in 2025 under Enzo Maresca, with Champions League football and two bits of silverware, but a lack of consistency in a young team prevents them ascending higher than fifth.

When looking at the next five, there are perhaps some surprises.

With their FA Cup win, 2025 will go down in Crystal Palace's history, and their Premier League form has not been too shabby either as they compete with the teams that have occupied Champions League spots in recent seasons.

No Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa? No problem for Brentford. They may have had a summer of upheaval but that has not stopped the Bees buzzing as they continue to perform above expectations.

After a few years of struggles on and off the pitch, 2025 seems to be the one Everton fans can finally start to look up rather than down with the new stadium and return of David Moyes bringing much-needed stability.

Newcastle may have had a few ups and downs, but they have come good when needed and hold their own in the top six, while Brighton continue to establish themselves firmly in the top 10.

Find out how the bottom half of the table shapes up on the post below

Now, what about those who may have had a less enjoyable 2025?

Manchester United continue to try to find their feet under Ruben Amorim. And while there have been glimmers of progress in recent weeks, a torrid first half of the year has left them with much room for improvement (and a draw with Wolves to end 2025 only added to the questions).

Bournemouth and Fulham both seem to have found consistency in their ability to be inconsistent.

There have been bursts of form from both, but also bouts of disappointment they might rather forget.

As for Nottingham Forest, 2025 may have been the year they returned to Europe for the first time in nearly three decades, but when it came to results in the league, particularly this season, it has been more of one to forget.

Under their third head coach of the season, they will hope 2026 does not bring the return of Championship football.

Like Forest, Tottenham's 12 months has been memorable for both the good and the bad.

A first trophy in 17 years was secured in the Europa League, but it has been far from impressive in the Premier League, managing just 11 wins from 37 matches and some pressure already building on boss Thomas Frank.

One of the most notable things about the bottom end of the calendar year table is the presence of all three promoted teams, despite two of the three having played a game less than the relegated clubs of last season.

With Leeds nine points better off and Sunderland 17, it highlights the disparity in how well this year's promoted sides have done in comparison to the previous three.

For the Black Cats, it has been a dream return to the top flight, including a recent win over Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle, and in this season's table they find themselves just two points off fifth.

After overcoming a difficult patch, Leeds are also enjoying their return to the top table, slowly pulling themselves away from the danger spots.

It has been more of a struggle for Scott Parker's Burnley, but they will not lose hope with still half a campaign to go.

After recent successes with European football, domestically things have become a harder watch for West Ham supporters as they struggle to find the balance between good football and much-needed results

Then there is Wolves - and fans may want to look away.

Despite playing 20 Premier League games more, the West Midlands side accumulated only one point more than Sunderland across the year.

A win this term still eludes them and safety in 2026 appears a distant dream.

Check out how the top half of the table looked in the post above

Manchester City did not have it all their own way when they beat Sunderland at Etihad Stadium, but they dismantled them in the end and they are capable of doing the same at the Stadium of Light.

It is hard to see anyone stopping City at the moment really.

Rayan Cherki is a big talent and with such quick feet. Phil Foden almost scored against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and when Erling Haaland draws a blank, like he did in that game, you know a goal is not far away.

Still, Sunderland have the aggression that saw them rattle Arsenal and they are so well-organised defensively too. That's why they still haven't lost at home this season.

I feel bad for writing them off so often, but I'm sorry to say I'm going to do it again.

I feel like City have found their flow so I can't back against them, but I'm expecting Sunderland to put up one heck of a fight.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Best memory and why?

In a legendary year - one moment stands out above all the others: Dan Ballard's header in the final with seconds left of our Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry at the Stadium of Light.

Honestly, that was the single greatest moment and feeling I have ever experienced inside a football stadium - and I doubt it will ever be beaten.

The scenes were absolutely unbelievable.

Worst moment and why?

Our last-minute loss at Leeds was effectively the moment where we had to collectively accept that automatic promotion was off the table.

I would not change a thing about Sunderland's promotion journey, but it did not feel good at the time.

If I could drink a New Year's brew with one member of our squad/management it would be...

Granit Xhaka and I would ask him what his genuine ambitions are for where Sunderland can go from here.

Granit would not have signed for Sunderland if the assurances over what we hope to achieve had not been pretty solid and, while in public our captain and management are not going to set high expectations, I would love to catch one of them off the record and hear what they actually think.

Granit has the highest standards that I have ever seen from a player at this club and I would not be surprised if he thought we were capable of winning something.

The thing that's infuriated me in 2025 is...

Lazy reporting on Sunderland.

Even this week, I have heard ex-players in the media referring to Sunderland as a newly-promoted team as though that is still a reason why teams should be capable of beating us.

We do not always get the credit that we deserve and there is a lot of context missing when people chat about us, failing to understand that we have basically signed a full new team of players who came from clubs that were used to competing for trophies and in Europe.

My gut tells me 2026 will bring...

Sunderland's first European qualification since 1973. Bring it on!

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

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Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Dan Ballard will miss the game but is "getting better" and could return for selection against Tottenham on the weekend.

• On possibilities during the January transfer window: "This market is a bit different. In the summer, I think the market is really open and it's tough because the competition is high but in the winter, it's a bit different because some of the players who've had less game time want to move but it means they are not in good form. So is it obvious they will click quickly with us?"

• He continued: "I don't think we'll rush this process but I think we're in a good place and it's really important to find the right player who fits with our system. It's always a question of different elements because you have the player, the club and you have us, so it's not an easy task. We will see."

• Simon Adingra scored his first goal of the season against Leeds on Sunday and Le Bris hopes his confidence will continue: "It was obvious that this period was a busy period with fewer players so it means more opportunities to get game time. He's still a talented player - it's just sometimes you can have a tough period with less confidence and so on. He worked hard and he's well connected with the club now so it's not a surprise. I hope it will continue."

• On Dennis Cirkin making his Premier League debut in the at the weekend having not played since the play-off final victory over Sheffield United at the end of May: "Really happy. He's had a tough period and helped the team last season. Sometimes you can have this period of injuries and it's tough to regain your confidence and you reinjure yourself so it's a cycle. We supported him really well, the staff and team-mates as well and we're happy to have him in the squad."

• The Black Cats boss says his side will have to utilise the "belief" that comes with being undefeated at home this season and hopes the crowd can "influence the game".

• On 2025 being his best year in football: "That's really positive, thanks to our teamwork. We had a tough period as well and it's important to remember that it was tough to get to this point. It's about hard work, resilience, creativity and so on. I hope it will be the key foundations for the future.

• He added: "We are living football in this city. It's impressive - it's not just a football club and not just a game. It's something shared with everyone."

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

I was at the very entertaining 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Leeds on Sunday. In these days of entitlement at some clubs, it was great to see both teams applauded off by their own supporters at the end.

They were both right to do so. Leeds deserved the three points and their fans understood the team had given everything and created enough chances. Most importantly their recent exponential improvement has not petered out.

Sunderland, missing six players at Afcon and losing their talismanic centre-back Daniel Ballard to injury, know that this battling point could be vital in the coming months.

Two positive, attack-minded sides who have just come up from the Championship are playing fearless football which is a joy to behold.

As were the smiling faces of those fans at the end.

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Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin says he "couldn't sleep" after making his Premier League debut for the club on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Black Cats in 2021 from Tottenham's academy, was given the opportunity for his first appearance in the top flight as he came in for the injured Dan Ballard against Leeds.

Although Sunderland were only able to draw 1-1, Cirkin, who normally operates as a left-back, was still grateful for the opportunity.

"I couldn't sleep, I was just buzzing from adrenaline. The thought of it is crazy to me," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It is cliche but you dream of it as a kid, you really do, and it is a dream come true. We were all a bit disappointed with the result, but I won't forget this moment. You look back at it and, wow."

Cirkin was a regular in the Championship last campaign but an injury before the start of this season meant his dream of playing in the Premier League has had to wait, with recent appearances for the under-21s helping build his fitness.

"It is not too difficult for me [the comeback and wait] because in my mind I'm thinking I will get an opportunity, you will get a chance whether it is a start or on the pitch in training everyday," he added.

"Even playing for the under-21s, I was delighted because it has been so long, so I'm super delighted.

"This is just the first step for me. Making my debut is amazing but there are a lot more goals I want to achieve. I'm already looking to the next one, then maybe one day if I have kids. I'll have a chat about this day."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

David Raya has the most Premier League clean sheets by a goalkeeper in 2025, unsurprisingly so given his involvement in Arsenal's lauded defensive displays over the year.

His 15 clean sheets is one ahead of Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace and Chelsea's Robert Sanchez.

However, none of those three rank in the top six for the percentage of shots saved in the Premier League in 2025. Now-departed Manchester City keeper Ederson leads with 78.1% but he faced considerably fewer shots on target (32) than Sunderland's Robin Roefs, who is second with a 77.5% save percentage from 80 shots.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Nick: Possibly one of Sunderland's worst performances of the season, particularly in the second half. Really missed their Afcon players and Dan Ballard. Chris Rigg looked out of his depth at this level and needs protection so he doesn't lose his confidence. Bryan Brobbey and Wilson Isidor lacked the speed, skill, ideas and ability to execute while Granit Xhaka unfortunately had a poor game by his standards. In reality, we were lucky to get away with a draw but it is amazing to be sat in seventh place. We will bounce back (though the next game is going to be a massive challenge).

Colin: Leggy, but we can forgive them. To have 28 points and be unbeaten at home is amazing. Take a bow Regis and the lads.

Chris: Thought we were lucky. Leeds dominated the second half but on the plus point, we showed character and with players on Afcon duty, this was a good point in the end.

Gordon: Sunderland missed the physicality of Ballard. We still created a few good chances but just can't seem to take them when they come. How many times are we going to hit the woodwork this season? We can't complain with our points tally so far although we could do with some firepower up front.

Leeds fans

Stephen: A storming performance. Soaked up the early pressure from Sunderland before controlling much of the first half. Statistically dominated the second period including the crucial goals scored column. Dominic Calvert- Lewin had a superb all-round game capped off with finishing the move for the equaliser. A goal for the ages! With each passing match in the current unbeaten run, the general pattern of play across the team is becoming more accomplished.

Alasdair: Very good point away. A superb team goal and DCL delivers again! Brenden Aaronson has taken a lot of flack from some of the home support this year but he delivered a man of the match performance. Well done lad - keep it up.

Wayne: It's a good point all things considered after being 1-0 down but the way the first 30 minutes of the second half went, I'm a tad disappointed we didn't win. Nice to see 20 points on the board before the halfway stage. Seven points above 18th with a 10-plus goal difference on West Ham is not a bad place to be. We are five unbeaten and are now picking points up on the road. Elland Road is where it happens for us.

Thomas: I think Leeds will be kicking themselves as they let Sunderland off the hook. The second-half performance was exceptional and they should have taken the three points. I think Daniel Farke should have used his substitutes in the final 15 minutes as you could see both teams were out on their feet. Fans will hope Joe Rodon's injury isn't too serious as he been pivotal in their recent improvement.

Pundits Joe Hart and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham

• Sunderland 1-1 Leeds

Sunderland are interested in signing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, and 21-year-old Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. (Teamtalk), external

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