Jamie Carragher says he still expects Sunderland to be relegated this season, despite the club’s impressive return to the Premier League. Regis Le Bris’ side have collected eight points from their first five games, including two victories, and sit seventh in the early standings.
Sunderland’s resurgence has been one of the surprises of the campaign so far. Promoted through the play-offs, they entered the season as one of the favourites for relegation. Yet summer recruits Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs and Omar Alderete have all impressed, while striker Wilson Isidor has already equalled a club record set by Darren Bent.
Carragher’s verdict on Sunderland relegation
Carragher had tipped Sunderland, alongside Wolves and Burnley, to go down before the campaign began. On the Stick to Football podcast, Jill Scott asked him if Sunderland’s positive start had changed his view.
“I think they will, yeah. You don’t change your predictions in September.” — Jamie Carragher, Stick to Football Podcast
The former Liverpool defender made clear that, for now, he is sticking to his original call, even as Wolves and Burnley have struggled more than Sunderland in the opening weeks.
Sunderland’s strong start under Regis Le Bris
Le Bris has seamlessly integrated his new signings, building a team that looks far more cohesive than many expected. Xhaka has stepped straight into a leadership role at the Stadium of Light, while Alderete and Mukiele have bolstered a defence that has conceded just four goals in five matches.
The early table highlights just how well Sunderland have settled:
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Chelsea | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 8 |
| 7 | Sunderland | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 8 |
| 8 | Fulham | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 8 |
source: Premier League table – 25 September 2025
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Carragher’s prediction may yet be premature:
“Sunderland have built a squad with far more resilience than many expected. The early numbers suggest they can compete in mid-table, especially with Xhaka dictating tempo and Le Bris making them tactically disciplined. Carragher is right that it’s too early to draw conclusions, but the data already points to survival being achievable.”
He added: “History shows promoted clubs with 11 points from their first 10 games almost always survive. Sunderland need only one more win in their next five to reach that benchmark.”
Key Insights
- Jamie Carragher still backs Sunderland for relegation despite their strong start.
- Sunderland sit seventh in the Premier League after five games with 8 points.
- Granit Xhaka has become a key leader, while new signings have impressed.
- Wilson Isidor equalled Darren Bent’s scoring record at the club.
- History suggests Sunderland’s survival chances are already strong.
What’s Next for Sunderland?
Sunderland now face a critical run of fixtures as they aim to maintain momentum. Even one win from their next five matches would put them on course to hit the 10-game threshold usually associated with Premier League survival.
Le Bris’ ability to keep his squad cohesive and maintain intensity will be tested as the season wears on. If Sunderland continue to gather points steadily, Carragher may be forced to revisit his stance come the new year.
👉 Should Jamie Carragher admit he got it wrong about Sunderland, or is their early-season form just a temporary high?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 25 Sep 2025 20:18
Not a fan of Sunderland but hope they'll stay!
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