Sunderland

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Marco Gabbiadini says Sunderland's start to the season "could not have been better."

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, the former Black Cats striker said Sunderland have "absolutely nailed" getting points on the board.

"To be fifth in the table is a hugely impressive start to the season," Gabbiadini said.

"They all deserve credit. Everyone who comes off the bench is having an impact. They're all coming on and passing the baton from the person who's just come off.

"The manager has got options. He's making substitutions after an hour and keeping it fresh. Lots of good positive vibes coming from the whole situation.

"We didn't know how this was going to go. We signed a lot of players early in the window so they were already settled and we gradually added to that. There's a good core of last season's players who I'm sure have had a huge impact in that.

"It's a dream start. I don't think there's many Sunderland fans who would have put us down for this many points. We've been fortunate in the teams we've played - many of them are in the lower half of the table.

"But you still have to go out and win. We've frustrated a lot of teams this season."

Listen to the full clip on BBC Sounds

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

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The good times just keep on coming for those of a Sunderland persuasion, and right now I'm on cloud nine.

Saturday was another brilliant occasion for us and we were fantastic value for our three points at Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest.

I said it after the summer transfer window, and I'll say it again - Sunderland have not come up to make up the numbers.

All talk of relegation is off the table, replaced by talk of taking games one at a time and seeing each as an opportunity to win. It doesn't matter who the opponent is, we want to beat them. Simple as that.

Forest have some unbelievable players. You can see why they qualified for Europe this season because they had fantastic options on the pitch and on the bench for Postecoglou to call upon.

But whether it was Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, or Chris Wood, Sunderland's solid defence kept them at bay. Another clean sheet and another three points - and we are rapidly developing a reputation as a side opponents struggle to take apart.

I'm getting fed up with rival fans telling us we have had an easy start. We are yet to face Manchester City, Liverpool or Arsenal, but our past three games have been against Forest, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, all of whom are in Europe.

Two of those games were away, one of them against a Palace side now unbeaten in 18 matches and who defeated Liverpool on Saturday. And we went there and kept a clean sheet.

Write us off at your peril. I have no doubts we will keep on proving people wrong. Sunderland are doing much better than anyone expected, and for that we deserve all the credit in the world.

Next up is a trip to Old Trafford, and you have to wonder what the mood in their camp is like and whether they are looking forward to facing us or not.

We go there with nothing to lose and an unbreakable spirit, and that makes us a horrible prospect for a struggling Manchester United.

As crazy as it feels to write, I actually fancy us to go there and get something.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

Former England captain Steph Houghton says the way they have started this season in the Premier League "has been super impressive" because of "the energy and fight".

After six games, the Black Cats sit in fifth with 11 points and only one defeat.

"They were defending for their lives [against Nottingham Forest] but I love the fact they are loving doing that," Houghton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"They have accepted that they probably won't be able to play the football that they want to play away from home.

"Regis le Bris has brought in quality who don't have a lot of Premier League experience, other than Granit Xhaka, but he is anchoring that midfield and getting his experience across to the younger players.

"The energy and fight has been unbelievable. I don't think anyone could have dreamed about the start. They have been super impressive."

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Noel Sliney
BBC Sport

Sunderland's hot start has been a topic of query on our 'Ask Me Anything' form. Some of you want to know just how good this early season form is in a historical context for the club.

This is Sunderland's 17th season in the Premier League but the first in which they've reached a double figure points tally after six games.

It's their strongest start to a top-flight campaign since similarly registering three wins and two draws from their opening six league fixtures in 1967-68. You have to go back 70 years to find the last time Sunderland made a better start in the top division – they won four of their first six league matches, and six of eight, en route to finishing ninth in 1955-56.

Sunderland are only the seventh promoted side to reach 11 points at this stage of a Premier League season – the other six all stayed up.

Prior to this season, the Black Cats hadn't won a Premier League match in 25 attempts in the months of August and September since beating Wigan in September 2012. This time around, they already have three victories going into October.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

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

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

John: After Wednesday's good away performance in Spain, my expectations against Sunderland at home were high. But with a very changed team Forest never got going. The refereeing was suspect, with several poor booking decisions including protests about the goal - but we need to do better with these new players. It was a very disappointing result after last season and Nuno's departure.

Peter: It remains early days but there is a worrying theme developing with Ange which is either suspect team selection, baffling substitutions, or both. Forest have some excellent players, but as a team we look like a Championship side. Ange says he has nothing to prove - well I for one sincerely hope he has.

Mike: Awful. Players seem confused, as were we in the stands. Schoolboy stuff. Out-thought and out-fought by a streetwise opposition. Ange has to go.

Tony: 18 months creating a winning team, destroyed in 18 days by an egomaniac with no idea.

Sunderland fans

Phil: Critics of the club have been silenced by the astute, decisive action in the close season transfer market, with Xhaka and Mukiele in particular being brilliant signings. Regis le Bris and his team are building a squad fit for the Premier League. It's intriguing that there's relatively little comment about Sunderland on the big phone-ins etc; we're just quietly going about our business and getting results. Long may it continue!

Bry: Alderete has been the touch of class and composure at the back we've missed. Tie that to a top keeper and several other excellent signings and we are going to shake the world this season.

Scott: What a performance. The manager knows what to do. The players know what to do. We have strength off the bench. I am excited to see where we can finish this season.

Simon: To have lost only once in the first six games is some achievement but the fixtures have been kind so much tougher challenges ahead. Points on the board though!

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland have taken a combined 23 points from their opening six games, making it the best start to a Premier League season by the promoted sides since 2017-18.

In fact, only five times in Premier League history have the promoted sides made a better start to a season.

Sunderland have made the best start of the three, accruing 11 points from their opening six games, which is the most any promoted side has taken in 13 years, since West Ham United did the same in 2012-13.

So why have this season's trio started so much better than Leicester City, Ipswich and Southampton 12 months ago?

Because they have been much more successful at keeping Premier League opposition at bay, conceding eight fewer goals and giving up 32 fewer chances between them.

While this season's promoted sides haven't actually created much more than last season's trio, they have been more clinical so far, scoring three more goals despite only taking nine more shots and generating a similar quality of chances in terms of expected goals.

So after years of conventional wisdom telling us that a reliable goalscorer was the key to surviving in the Premier League, might Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland prove that defensive solidity is actually more important?

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Kelly Cates 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:

• Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool

• Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland

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Sunderland fans happily stuck around long after the final whistle to celebrate a first away in the Premier League since 2017.

In the intervening eight years, they have dropped down to League One but have built themselves back up again and already look like they belong in the top flight just six games into their return.

They had to soak up a lot of pressure, particularly in a second half Forest dominated, but ultimately it was the ideal top-flight away performance as they dug in after taking the lead to secure another three points.

Granit Xhaka continued to prove what an astute acquisition he has been with a dominant display in midfield while in Robin Roefs they have a goalkeeper who is time and again frustrating the opposition with some outstanding saves.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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Sunderland fans happily stuck around long after the final whistle to celebrate a first away win in the Premier League since 2017.

In the intervening eight years, they dropped down to League One but have managed to build themselves back up again and already look like they belong in the top-flight just six games into their return.

They had to soak up a lot of pressure, particularly in a second half that Nottingham Forest dominated, but ultimately it was the ideal top-flight away performance as they dug in after taking the lead to secure another three points.

Granit Xhaka continued to prove what an astute acquisition he has been, with a dominant display in midfield, while in Robin Roefs they have a goalkeeper who is time and again frustrating the opposition with some outstanding saves.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side claimed all three points against Nottingham Forest: "It is good to win because it wasn't an easy challenge away from and it is our first win away in the league, so I'm really proud for our fans, the group and the squad because we worked hard.

"Against a squad like that, if you depend on an open block then they will kill you. It was clear in our game-plan. We expected to be more comfortable - or a bit more confident - with the ball, so that's one of our points to improve next week."

On whether he expected his team to have to defend so much: "Yes because they have many threats. They are really good on the ball and with their substitutes they added three, four or five more attackers.

"It wasn't something unexpected. We defended well. We were really well connected and we were working hard, with a good goalkeeper behind us."

On goalkeeper Robin Roefs: "We know in this situation that he can make these saves, but he needs a block to make it hard because otherwise it's a 1v1 and that wasn't the case tonight."

On captain Granit Xhaka: "We need a captain like that, definitely. He gives us so much confidence and he can manage the rhythm. He is really good on the ball and he understands like a future coach I think."

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs also spoke to BBC Match of the Day after the match: "What an evening. We showed mentality and we showed we give everything on the pitch. With this mentality, I think we can achieve a lot."

On how the defence stood tall in the second half: "To be honest with you, I didn't really feel like they were going to score even if we played on one hour more. So many balls came in the box and the guys fought for every ball and did so well."

On what it has been like since joining Sunderland: "I am really happy with the start from us as a team, but also from me. I'm happy to help the team.

"I did know it was a club with a big history. I was told before I got here that the fans would be really great in home games, but that even in away games they show massive support. They pushed us to the win tonight.

"There's a really long way to go, we are just a few games in, but we have to celebrate every good moment and move on to the next one."

Did you know?

• Sunderland are unbeaten in four Premier League games (W2 D2) and they will end the day in the top four of the top-flight after five or more games for the first time since 30 March 2001.

• The Black Cats' 11 points from their opening six Premier League games this season (W3 D2 L1) is their most at this stage in a top-flight season since 1967-68.

Hear from Chemsdine Talbi and more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

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

Have your say on Forest's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Ange Postecoglou makes five changes for his first home game as Nottingham Forest manager.

James McAtee makes his first Premier League start for the club, while Nicolas Dominguez starts for the first time this season.

Chris Wood returns in attack, while Dilane Bakwa and Dan Ndoye also come into the first XI.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Zinchenko, Dominguez, Anderson, McAtee, Bakwa, Ndoye, Wood

Substitutes: John, Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Kalimuendo, Igor Jesus, Hutchinson, Yates, Jair Cunha

There is just one change for Sunderland as Arthur Masuaku makes his first Premier League start, coming in for the suspended Reinildo.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku, Xhaka, Sadiki, Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra, Isidor

Substitutes: Patterson, Neil, Ballard, Geertruida, Brobbey, Mayenda, O'Nien, Adingra, Traore

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

• Brentford v Manchester United (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leeds United v Bournemouth

• Manchester City v Burnley

• Nottingham Forest v Sunderland (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Tottenham v Wolves (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 Crystal Palace v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Sunderland", for instance.

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

A lot has been made of how new Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou is still waiting for his first win, and he has got another tough game on his hands here.

I was so impressed by Sunderland's display with 10 men in last weekend's draw with Aston Villa. They were superbly organised.

The Black Cats are without injured midfielder Habib Diarra but they will still be difficult to break down and will fancy their chances of extending their four-game unbeaten run.

Based on form, they should probably get something from this but I am going against the grain here, and I am going to say Big Ange will get over the line and get the result he wants.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Ange Postecoglou takes charge of Nottingham Forest at the City Ground for the first time on Saturday, with promoted Sunderland the visitors. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes going into the game.

Postecoglou is the first permanent Nottingham Forest manager to be winless after four games in charge since Stan Hardy in 1930. Nonetheless, he has been encouraged by the team's adoption of his front-foot philosophy in back-to-back draws away to Burnley and Real Betis.

The Australian saw moments of "beauty" from his side during their first European game for 29 years on Wednesday, when a late Betis equaliser denied them victory. It was the third match in a row in which Forest have been unable to hold on to a lead.

"We need to now convert our good play into victories, but I think that'll come if we keep playing like that," Postecoglou enthused afterwards. "I just thought some of the football we played was outstanding and this group of players have been really receptive to what we're trying to do."

The table below shows how Postecoglou's appointment has accelerated Nottingham Forest's change from a side who sat deep and used long balls to launch attacks. In their past two matches, they have gone against the growing trend for a direct approach, instead creating chances through slick passing moves.

Postecoglou is winless in nine Premier League games, including his time at Tottenham. It is the worst top-flight run of his managerial career but Saturday represents the 60-year-old's first home match with Forest.

Positive omens for Black Cats

Opponents Sunderland have bucked a trend so far this season by making a strong start. Their tally of eight points after five games is the equal-highest by a promoted side across the past seven seasons.

In Premier League history, 15 promoted sides have reached eight points or more after five matches - and they all avoided relegation.

Sunderland were winless heading into October in each of their previous four top-flight campaigns. They already have two victories this time around and have demonstrated the "well organised and pragmatic" identity that head coach Regis le Bris referenced during pre-season.

History suggests the Black Cats will stay up but they head into back-to-back away fixtures seeking a first win - and goal - on the road. A slow start on their travels characterised Sunderland's previous seven Premier League campaigns, during which it took them seven attempts on average to earn a first away victory.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary of Nottingham Forest v Sunderland at 17:30 BST on Saturday

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport football statistician

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland have taken a combined 19 points from their opening five games, making it the best start to a Premier League season by the promoted sides since 2017-18.

In fact, only four times in Premier League history have the promoted sides made a better start to a season.

Sunderland have taken the most points out of the three, becoming the ninth promoted side in Premier League history to taken eight points from their first five games.

It's a good omen for the Black Cats as all of the previous eight sides survived, with four even finishing in the top half…although Hull did only survive on the final day in 2008-09.

So why have this season's trio started so much better than Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton last campaign?

Because they've been much more successful at keeping Premier League opposition at bay, conceding six fewer goals and giving up 31 fewer chances between them.

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland haven't actually been much better in attack.

While they've scored four more goals than the promoted sides did at this stage last season, they've taken a similar number of shots and generated fewer expected goals between them, so there's still room for improvement going forward.

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On Habib Diarra, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following surgery: "We know he will need time to properly recover now, without rushing the process, because he is a very young player. I'm not worried about the situation. It's a shame because Habib was important for us. He has done well so far, but depth in the squad is still needed."

• He was asked about players like Jay Matete and Joe Anderson, who are not featuring in first team or reserve squads: "They are still training with the group because we need to take care of them. They are not involved in the core of the squad right now, so they are probably waiting for the next transfer window for a new opportunity. It is not ideal but football is like that."

• After being taken off following Reinildo's red card against Aston Villa, Le Bris said Chris Rigg's reaction has been "positive", adding: "He was frustrated and disappointed, but one of his main qualities is he is a squad player. He can manage his anger for the squad, for the collective purpose. He is really young and his reaction was really balanced."

• When it was pointed out to Le Bris that his side are yet to score in the first half of a match this season, he said that was "natural", adding: "Games are often like that - both teams are more stable and organised. The game becomes more open and chaotic later on. After 45 minutes, you understand the opponent more so you can find opportunities."

• On Noah Sadiki, who has been praised for his hard work early in the season: "He is not the only one but running and covering space is one of his qualities. We spoke early in the season about his volume - it is a strength, but it is possible to manage his energy and be more efficient. He is getting better in this part of the game."

Hear more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary of Nottingham Forest v Sunderland at 17:30 on Saturday

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

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says Habib Diarra's absence will "unquestionably be a blow" for head coach Regis le Bris, but believes the Black Cats will be able to find a solution in their squad.

It is estimated that the 21-year-old midfielder will be sidelined for at least two months after undergoing "successful surgery" on a groin injury on Monday.

"I think Regis le Bris was hoping it would only be two or three weeks out when he spoke about it after Sunday's match," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle. "But it won't be, it is more serious.

"Diarra will be out until December now, which is a great shame because he was building quite the relationship with Noah Sadiki in the middle of the field.

"He is the club record-signing so of course it will unquestionably be a blow, but there are options for the head coach.

"Chris Rigg started on Sunday. I thought he looked fine for the 30 minutes or so that he played and he didn't look out of his depth.

"Granit Xhaka could also drop a bit deeper, Enzo le Fee could then be played in the number 10 and Simon Adingra could be brought back into the side on the left.

"Another option is to possibly play Dan Neil, but it is quite clear that he is second-choice to Sadiki at the moment."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

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Another decent performance, another point on the board, and we're still undefeated at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League.

That said, despite being pretty upbeat and positive in the wake of the game, I'm actually feeling slightly conflicted about the result Sunderland achieved against Aston Villa on Sunday.

On one hand, I feel frustration Reinildo Mandava's moment of madness led to a subsequent red card, which not only means we are going to be without a very good player for three games, but also that we had to play over an hour of football with 10 men in a game we would have won comfortably if it had been 11 versus 11.

On the other hand, I feel unbelievably proud of my team and the players for the effort they showed across 90 minutes to ensure we got a good result.

Sunderland were fantastic. I keep talking about the spirit and desire of this group, and, rather perversely, I think our players quite enjoyed the scenario that unfolded, and they all got stuck in and made sure Villa struggled to make their one-man advantage count. We were the better team, and every man in a red-and-white shirt grafted for the point we achieved.

Sunderland continue to surprise and impress me.

Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete have been two unbelievable signings, and I feel like I need to pinch myself occasionally when I'm watching just how good some of these players are we've recruited. Still, some of the lads we had last season - namely Wilson Isidor, Trai Hume, Chris Rigg, and Dan Ballard - do not look out of place when surrounded by these new acquisitions, and for that they deserve immense credit.

The goal Villa scored came against the run of play. In truth, the always-excellent Robin Roefs probably should have done better, but we'll let him off. We didn't drop our heads. We persisted, we drove at the Villa defence, and Mukiele's long throws caused all kinds of problems and led to the equaliser.

But it was two moments of quality from Granit Xhaka and then Isidor which led to the goal - a wonderful cushioned header from our captain into the path of Sunderland's top scorer, who was on his toes and ready, nudging Ezri Konsa aside before slamming the ball beyond Emi Martinez.

There is something very different about this group of Sunderland players and they never give up, which is why we keep on finding ways to accrue points.

Another satisfying performance, then, even if I am a tad annoyed we never really had the opportunity to beat Villa with 11 players.

Let's keep the good feeling going as we head into next weekend's game against Nottingham Forest!

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

Nick Barnes
BBC Newcastle

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Regis Le Bris speaks consistently about players getting their chance as the season is long and demanding.

Five matches in and his foresight is being tested early with the injury to Habib Diarra.

It is a blow without question as Diarra and Noah Sadiki were building a good rapport in the engine room of midfield but on Sunday Chris Rigg stepped up for his first Premier League start to plug the gap and didn't look out of his depth.

Unfortunately he was only on the pitch for thirty five minutes before being replaced by Dan Ballard following Reinildo's dismissal.

Going forward Rigg is the obvious candidate to replace Diarra but another option open to Le Bris is to drop Granit Xhaka into a defensive midfield role which will allow Enzo Le Fee to play in his favoured number ten position. Simon Adingra can then be accommodated on the left wing. Le Bris at least has options.

• Listen to debate over Trai Hume's tackle that has fans talking - should Sunderland have had another red on Sunday against Aston Villa?

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra has had surgery on a groin injury and will miss at least two months.

The Black Cats say the 21-year-old Senegal international, signed in a reported club record £30m deal from Strasbourg in the summer, is expected to return in December following a period of rehabilitation.

Diarra sustained the injury in training before last weekend's draw with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

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

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Arnold: After a soul-destroying red card, Sunderland showed their true strengths. Playing as a team and securing a remarkable point. Unbeaten in three games. This team is building into one to be reckoned with.

Fred: This fightback, with 10 men totally convinced me we are a Premier League team and we are here to stay.

Ian: Sunderland have shown in the first five games what you need to survive. Threat, controlling games, resilience and a great team spirit. They react to the superb fans, home and away. A great point today, although had it been 11 v 11 they would have won easily against a surprisingly very poor Villa team. Hats off to Regis le Bris- he's such a good manager at this level.

Craig: The fans are absolutely loving the way Sunderland are playing. Ten men with an hour left and we fight and fight. If we do stay up, it will be because of this attitude. Long may it continue.

Villa fans

Clive: Villa still haven't put in a performance to actually win a game. The manager disappearing down the tunnel before the whistle was blown is not a good sign and I feel the lid of the pressure cooker is about to be blown.

Robbie: A terrible performance. They seemed clueless. They are easily read and do not have final penetration. They are going to struggle and will not be in the top 10.

Mick: These performances are no better than those under Steven Gerrard three years ago. None of Unai Emery's signings have added quality. And the league decline started last season. Relegation fodder unless someone gets a grip.

Christian: It has been the same every game this season, and towards the back end of the last too. Slow, ponderous, dull football. Maybe teams have worked us out and we're not adapting. Maybe some players wished they were elsewhere, maybe both. Emery consistently talks about our identify. What is it? I don't know what he's trying to achieve anymore.