Sunderland

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Regis le Bris was likely to take a pragmatic approach after promotion and "that's exactly what we've seen", believes Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Smith says the Black Cats' boss has learned from the experiences of other clubs and that has helped Sunderland make a solid start.

"I didn't think we'd see him make the same mistakes a lot of coaches make when they want to come up to the Premier League and prove a point," Smith said.

"Credit to the recruitment. They've targeted athletic players who can cope with the physicality of the Premier League. I felt we would be a well-organised team and have a good structure.

"I think that's what we've seen. It hasn't necessarily been sparkling -- we haven't necessarily been creating lots of chances.

"You can see there's been a lot of work gone in to trying to understand why the last six teams who have been promoted have gone straight back down again and I think that's why we've seen Sunderland be a lot more flexible in this transfer window.

"I'm not getting carried away I still think it's going to be tight and there's going to be some difficult days ahead but there's real fight in this team. I have a lot of trust that Le Bris will keep the team solid.

"They've got a good chance of staying up but I'm not changing my expectations, I still think this is going to be a tough season at times."

Listen to the full clip here

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle about goalkeeper Robin Roefs' performance against Crystal Palace: "Palace had some chances and the goalkeeper did very well. He really impressed me, but they were all saves that you would have been disappointed if he conceded.

"He is very still - if you watch him, he is not one of these keepers that skips and jumps about when the ball is in motion. When the ball is going into a striker, he stays still so he can make his move when he's ready, when he sees the body angle of the striker or where he thinks the ball is going to go. He makes good reaction saves.

"It has been a great start for him. Defensively, the team are pretty solid. A fantastic start to the season and the fans must be delighted with how it is going. Everyone has attributed themselves really well."

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

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I do not think you will find too many Sunderland supporters that are disappointed with the performance and result that we got from our team at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Palace have not lost in 15 games now and it shows why when you see how well organised they are, both in and out of possession. They are going to do well this season, despite losing an important player in Eberechi Eze, and the fact that Sunderland gave as good as they got gives me immense confidence in where we appear to be heading.

There was a quote from Granit Xhaka doing the rounds on the club's social media the day before the game that I just can't get out of my head. "Back at it tomorrow. No excuses. We go for the win." Of course, we did not win, but that comment has really stuck with me because it reminded me that we have got a player in Xhaka who has only ever known what it feels like to win.

Indeed, he said upon arriving at Sunderland that he felt it necessary to experience struggle in his playing career if he is going to go on and become a coach one day - and that the standards have been raised considerably because of his presence in the side.

Much has been made about the relegations suffered by the past six promoted teams, but Sunderland do not seem to care about all of that and are not acting anything like a newly promoted team. At Palace we looked unbelievably organised, as we always have done under Regis Le Bris, but with a group of players who are not here to mess around.

There will not be many teams that go to Selhurst Park this season and get a clean sheet, never mind a draw, so I am delighted with how we played and how we achieved the result.

Palace had the better chances, but we invested in top defensive players to give ourselves the best chance of achieving results like this on the road. Nordi Mukiele looked every bit the quality of player you expect when you sign someone from Paris St-Germain, while Robin Roefs was imperious in goal and is already vindicating the decision to spend big money to bring him here. He is magnificent and it scares me that he is this good after just one season of senior football - how good is he going to be in a few years from now?

It is all good stuff. To be sat with seven points from four games, with two clean sheets to boot, is magnificent and is exactly the sort of start to life we needed in the Premier League to give ourselves a platform to kick on from here.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Jerry: We had enough chances to win the game, but I was a little underwhelmed with our performance to be honest. We had our moments, but we were too slow from the back in our build-up play. We missed Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton. Two points lost.

Glen: I thought the players put in a decent shift and had enough good chances to win, however, the goalkeeper had a very good game. My concerns come from the manager's insistence in slogging the same players when on the bench we have some very good forwards. Saturday was dying for a winger to come on but did the usual changes, nothing against Justin Devenny but Romain Esse is what we needed.

Jason: Felt like a match we should have won, but in fairness to Sunderland they set up well to manage the match. We lacked a bit up front to really push on and win, so overall probably a fair result. Liked Christantus Uche and his impact, more to come!

Bob: We were unlucky not to win this game as we came closest to scoring. Yeremy Pino had a great first game at Selhurst Park but we missed Sarr and Wharton. Still unbeaten this season, so it's not all bad!

Sunderland fans

David: Excellent defensive performance and I'd have taken a point if offered before the game, so excellent result.

Charlie: Looked very comfortable first half and possibly had the best chance when Chemsdine Talbi tried to control the ball instead of hitting it first time. Robin Roefs was superb in the later stages and kept us in the game but we need a striker and Wilson Isidor is better coming off the bench. But another point and we look fine to me.

Scott: Great point away from home. Shame we couldn't snatch all three points. As long we keep picking up wins at the Stadium of Light, we will comfortably survive.

Paul: An important point that, being realistic, might be very important at the end of the season. We still haven't gelled as a team but seven points from the first 12 is a great start.

Chris Wise
BBC MOTD reporter at Selhurst Park

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Another mini milestone in Sunderland's season: a first away point in the Premier League.

It's probably more significant than it seems, not just because they've got it at a very good Crystal Palace side, but also because points on your travels are a precious commodity for newly-promoted teams.

What struck me about Sunderland's performance on Saturday was how measured they looked in possession. They didn't create enough, and boss Regis le Bris was quite frank about that when I spoke to him for Match of the Day afterwards. But they carried an air of composure, particularly defensively.

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was impenetrable, and appears to be an excellent piece of business. The way Nordi Mukiele dealt with Jean-Philippe Mateta is also well worth noting. He made sure his fellow Frenchman just couldn't have his usual, telling impact.

For a team with so many new faces, Sunderland are gelling quickly, and it's impressive.

Pundits Ashley Williams and Shay Given join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

• Newcastle 1-0 Wolves

• West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

Bobbie Jackson
BBC Sport journalist

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Sunderland are yet to find the formula for picking up wins on the road in the Premier League but with be pleased to have picked up a point at Crystal Palace.

The Black Cats have won both home fixtures this term but claimed just a point from two games on the road and looked devoid of ideas against the Eagles.

Regis le Bris side failed to register a single shot on target at Selhurst Park and only earned a share of the points due to a fine performance from goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

The Dutch stopper was called into action several times in the second half to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta, Daichi Kamada, Daniel Munoz and Christantus Uche.

From an attacking point of view, Sunderland were unable to find a foothold as they still search for a first away goal of 2025-26.

A home fixture with struggling Aston Villa, who are yet to score this season, is next on the agenda at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 21 September.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's draw with Crystal Palace: "This is a really strong place to visit and we did well in the first half, we dominated the ball without many threats.

"In the second half they pushed, that is normal at home but we showed good character and resilience.

"Probably we didn't push enough to create chances. That is probably the next layer of the game.

"You never know but the connection so far is really positive. The players want to work together and enjoy being together. You have to improve every day."

On the performance of goalkeeper Robin Roefs: "He is a really good goalkeeper. We need good players in the squad to be efficient and he had a good game today.

Roefs also added: "From the start we knew what we are capable of. We really fight as a team, we are really happy with our start and it is up to us to continue this.

"We are not just a team who wants to defend, we have some players who are really good with the ball.

"We showed we are really good fighting for each other."

Hear more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Hear from Nordi Mukiele

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

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Oliver Glasner makes two changes to the side that won at Aston Villa prior to the international break with injured pair Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr dropping out.

Summer signing Yeremy Pino gets his first start with Jefferson Lerma also coming in.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Lacroix, Richards, Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Pino, Hughes, Kamada, Mateta.

Subs: Benitez, Clyne, Esse, Sosa, Rodney, Devenny, Cardines, Canvot, Uche.

Regis Le Bris makes two changes from a 2-1 win against Brentford last time out, with Wilson Isidor, who has scored two goals from the bench this season, getting his first start.

Simon Adingra also gets the nod with Eliezer Mayenda dropping to the bench and Enzo Le Fee not named in the squad.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Mandava, Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki, Talbi, Adingra, Isidor.

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Geertruida, Rigg, Maydena, Traore, Masuaku, Jones, Brobbey.

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

• Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Brighton

• Crystal Palace v Sunderland

• Everton v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• West Ham v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

It was huge for Crystal Palace to keep hold of defender Marc Guehi, despite Liverpool's efforts to sign him on deadline day.

Fair play to Guehi for the way he conducted himself through that transfer saga - I have a lot of admiration for him.

I should have gone with the Eagles to beat Aston Villa last time out because of their recent results against Unai Emery's side - they played them four times last season, winning three and drawing the other.

I am not going to make the same mistake this time. Palace are missing the injured Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr but their boss Oliver Glasner has a knack of making his side extremely effective no matter who is missing.

Sunderland have done brilliantly to win their first two home games and I can see them making this quite tight, but I think they will have to wait a bit longer for their first point on the road.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace host Sunderland in a battle between two sides who have made bright starts to the season.

With two trophies in the past four months and a place secured in the league phase of Europe's Conference League, it is a great time to be a Palace fan, and the good form has not just been limited to the cup competitions.

The Eagles are on the longest current unbeaten league streak of any side in the Premier League, a run of nine games. They have not gone 10 without defeat in the top flight since a run of 12 in 1990, and have set a new club record of 14 games unbeaten in all competitions as a top-flight side.

It is a far cry from 12 months ago, when pressure was mounting on manager Oliver Glasner as Palace had to wait until the end of October to register their first Premier League win of the 2024-25 campaign.

But having shrugged off the absence of Eberechi Eze, they must now cope without Ismaila Sarr, who has scored in the past two league games but who looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa last time out.

The away side has won five of the past six Premier League meetings between these two teams, and after their impressive start to the season, victory at Selhurst Park might no longer surprise Sunderland fans.

In fact, the Black Cats could become just the third newly promoted club to win three of their opening four Premier League matches, after Nottingham Forest in 1994-95 and Bolton Wanderers in 2001-02.

They are the 13th to win two of their first three – though five of the previous 12 ended up being relegated so there is still work to be done.

The magic number to hit is 11 points after 10 games – none of the 12 promoted sides to have started that well over the past 10 seasons have been relegated. Two more victories in their next seven games would take Regis le Bris' side to 11 points.

While they have been fast out of the blocks in terms of points earned, getting going in games has been a different matter, with Sunderland yet to score a first-half goal in the Premier League this season.

Luckily for them, they have made amends in the second half, scoring five - second only to champions and early-season pacesetters Liverpool.

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (kick-off 15:00 BST).

• Listen to Le Bris speak to BBC Radio Newcastle here

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Le Bris confirmed there are no new injury concerns. Dan Ballard's availability remains uncertain, though the head coach believes he could be ready for the game against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Romain Mundle's return is anticipated during "the next international break".

• On the signing of Brian Brobbey: "Different profile, pure striker with the ability to hold the ball, to run in behind, and I think is a good finisher with a different physical profile. Eli (Eliezer Mayenda), Wilson (Wilson Isidor) and Brian are different so for a manager and the squad, if we can manage different options according to what is needed, it's better."

• The Sunderland boss indicated that he was happy with the business that was done during the transfer window, especially with the addition of "three new players in the end", which adds to the squad's depth, versatility, and provides "more competition".

• On scoring late in games: "It is really positive to have this mindset, and it's not easy to understand why. The personality of the players, the consistency of the game model, the quality of the squad, the connection with our fans, we have many elements to explain this mentality until the end."

• Le Bris suggested that the work done on the training ground with "eight or nine" players during the international break was positive, and it "was easier to manage different kinds of practices" and "to have many connections with them".

• On Granit Xhaka: "He is our captain right now and I think he is like a symbol with his level, his experience and his standards, and he shows to everyone how to behave, to be successful. And the connection with our club and our fans was very natural."

• The Sunderland manager acknowledged that difficult conversations take place with players who are not featuring regularly, but stressed it comes down to them "understanding and being aware of the situation of stepping up in the Premier League." He explained it is about the players "trusting the process" and knowing they will "have the opportunity".

• On the expectation before having a brilliant start to season: "I didn't have any expectation because we are discovering a new league, so we don't know and we didn't have to fix a limit before. So, let's work hard, try to win and we'll see."

• Le Bris also noted that Selhurst Park is a difficult place to visit because "they are confident" and "it's a consequence of a huge work before". He added that "it is a good example for us," pointing to a team that has overachieved and is now capable of winning trophies.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Dutch journalist Arthur Renard believes Sunderland's deadline day acquisitions will suit the Black Cats.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Renard said Regis le Bris has strengthened the Black Cats' attack and picked out the abilities striker Brian Brobbey will bring to the Stadium of Light:

"He has a lot of stamina and power, he's really good at holding the ball and doing quick one-twos," Renard said.

"He has a really good scoring ability although last season, he was not as prolific as in the previous two. In that way, it's maybe a little surprising that Ajax got the money they did for him. I think he could be more suited to a more physical game.

"I would say Bertrand Traore has lost maybe a little bit of pace, a bit of power but he still has his moments. He scored a really important goal away at PSV.

"I'm a little bit surprised that Sunderland went in for him because even in the Netherlands he seemed to be a bit out of pace, but you could see that this guy still has it [and] he does have Premier League experience."

Defender Lutsharel Geertruida has arrived on loan from RB Leipzig but has 17 caps for the Netherlands. Renard thinks he can offer something different for Sunderland.

"Geertruida has technical flexibility and the different positions he can play gives Sunderland many options at the back," he said.

"He's good at reading the game and he likes going up front. He's an all-rounder.

"You can maybe compare him to Jurrien Timber at Arsenal, who was a centre-back a lot of the time at Ajax and now he's a right-back at Arsenal.

"That gives them a licence to go forward which Geertruida is good at."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Granit Xhaka says he chose a move to Sunderland in order to experience moments of "solidarity and suffering" that will show him "another side of football".

The new Black Cats captain has spent much of his career competing for domestic titles and told the Swiss publication Blikk that he hopes his time at the Stadium of Light will shape him as a manager for the future.

BBC Radio Newcastle delved into the comments with journalist Nick Barnes "fascinated by the drive" of the 32-year-old. Barnes agrees with Xhaka, saying his time at Sunderland could help him be successful as a head coach.

"His mindset is interesting," Barnes said. "When you look at former players who played at a very high level who have gone into management, I'm thinking Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney and the like, most of their experiences have been at successful clubs. Then they went into management and it's a completely different picture.

"But Granit Xhaka is clearly ambitious and he's looking at all aspects of management in a way. The coaching, the psychology, the influence he has in the dressing room, the leadership and how to deal with a 3-0 defeat at home.

"I'm just fascinated by his drive. Even from the very start, his messages have always been 'we're here to create history and make a name for ourselves' and there's a lot of psychology that goes into his approach.

"I think with the age he is and still playing at this level, he's is very driven. I could see him being very successful as a head coach."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

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As I write this, the international break is in full flow, and for the first time in forever ,it feels as though there is a lull in Sunderland news.

This pause in particular presents us with a whole new set of potential problems that we have not experienced for some time.

Since returning to the Premier League, we have spent a massive amount to get the squad to a competitive level, bringing in a raft of new players. Many of these are important players for their countries.

Yet their departures on international duty means Regis le Bris has had a smaller group to work with than he would have liked before Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. It likely means that the majority of those who will start at Selhurst Park will have had hardly any preparation.

Considering how meticulous Le Bris is, he will not be happy having to deal with so many moving parts.

That said, isn't that just part of being the coach of a Premier League side, where most teams are full of international footballers?

Palace's manager Oliver Glasner has the same headaches, with the added challenge of having to reintegrate Marc Guehi after Palace put a late stop to his move to Liverpool.

We just have to hope it all works in Sunderland's favour.

Brian Brobbey is an unknown quantity and I would be tempted to chuck him in from the start to see if he can rough up the Palace defenders. I cannot call Guehi's professionalism into question, but could this be a good time to stick a total unknown up against him given his head may well be in the shed?

If needed, the pace and energy of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda off the bench (or as 'finishers', as Le Bris puts it) can make a difference later in the game.

After starting the season with two wins from three games, going away to the current FA Cup holders presents a different task and, in truth, anything other than a defeat would be a bonus.

I am hoping Sunderland's survival plan factors in having a great home record, but we must complement that with the odd win or draw here away from home.

I cannot tell whether it is a good time to play Palace, but Sunderland have to go there with confidence, hoping to spring a surprise.

Do not write us off - our record of scoring late goals over the past five games shows only a fool would do such a thing!

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

Tottenham are continuing to monitor Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin and might move to re-sign the left-back, who is a product of their academy, in January. (TBR Football), external

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

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Sunderland have enough flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules to make more signings in January to boost their Premier League survival hopes. (The I - subscription required), external

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

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Sunderland midfielder Milan Aleksic has joined Polish side Cracovia on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old joined from FK Radnicki 1923 in his home country of Serbia last summer and has made 10 appearances for the Black Cats across all competitions, scoring one goal.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "At 20 years of age, Milan is a player who possesses the potential to progress to the next level, but to do this, he needs regular games in an appropriate environment.

"Cracovia have made a positive start to the season domestically, and this move will provide Milan with the platform he needs at this moment in time."

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The dust has just about settled on a busy transfer window for Sunderland.

The Black Cats have made 15 signings for about £161m based on reported initial fees – the highest summer spend by a promoted side in Premier League history.

Those incomings were:

• Habib Diarra - Strasbourg

• Enzo le Fee - Roma

• Simon Adingra - Brighton

• Chemsdine Talbi - Club Brugge

• Brian Brobbey - Ajax

• Noah Sadiki - Union Saint-Gilloise

• Granit Xhaka - Bayer Leverkusen

• Omar Alderete - Getafe

• Nordi Mukiele - Paris St-Germain

• Robin Roefs - NEC Nijmegen

• Bertrand Traore - Ajax

• Reinildo Mandava - Atletico Madrid

• Arthur Masuaku - Besiktas

• Lutsharel Geertruida - RB Leipzig (loan)

*All permanent unless otherwise stated

Sunderland also signed Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea but his deal was cut short last weekend.

Heading the other way, this summer saw notable exits for Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson.

Of all the summer incomings at the Stadium of Light, who do you think will have the biggest impact?

Rank them here