Sunderland’s fightback against Everton on Monday night at the Stadium of Light was another sign of the character running through Régis Le Bris’ side.
The Black Cats fell behind to a brilliant solo strike from Iliman Ndiaye in the first half, but Granit Xhaka’s equaliser after the break ensured they walked away with a hard-earned point — and a record that highlights their growing maturity as a Premier League side.
While many inside the ground felt Sunderland should have been awarded a late penalty for a Michael Keane handball, the 1-1 draw took their tally to eight points recovered from losing positions — more than any other team in the Premier League so far this season.
Sunderland lead the league for comeback points
The ability to turn games around has quickly become a defining feature of this Sunderland side. To put it in perspective, the club only earned six points from losing positions in their entire 2016/17 top-flight campaign.
This year, they’ve already surpassed that tally after just seven matches — an extraordinary feat for a newly promoted team.
Le Bris admitted he wasn’t completely satisfied with his starting setup against Everton but praised his players for adapting mid-match.
“It’s really important because we face different scenarios — it’s obvious,” Le Bris said. “Sometimes you start well, you don’t know why… other times you start how we did today and you don’t know why, but we know we can switch momentum. All the time we are still connected with our ideas, and it’s the best way to get back into games.” — Régis Le Bris, post-match interview
That fighting spirit goes back to promotion success
Sunderland’s resilience is no accident — it’s been a defining trait since their Championship promotion campaign last season. Across 46 matches, they collected 18 points from losing positions, the fourth-highest total in the division behind Sheffield Wednesday (24), Bristol City (21), and Leeds United (19).
Their determination was also on full display in the play-offs. Trailing Coventry City in the semi-final second leg, Dan Ballard’s dramatic late header forced extra time and sent the Black Cats to Wembley. There, Tommy Watson’s injury-time goal sealed promotion glory against Sheffield United.
That unrelenting mindset has carried straight into the Premier League, where Sunderland are proving their doubters wrong week after week.
The mentality that defines Sunderland
Xhaka — who scored his first goal for the club against Everton — summed up the team’s feeling after the match: Sunderland could, and perhaps should, have taken all three points. But the broader takeaway was clear: this is a team that never folds.
What was once a Championship strength has now become a Premier League identity — energy, togetherness, and a refusal to stop fighting until the final whistle.
Key Insights
- Sunderland have won eight points from losing positions — the most in the Premier League.
- Régis Le Bris credits this to “connection” and staying faithful to their game model.
- That same resilience carried Sunderland to promotion last season.
- Granit Xhaka scored his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw with Everton.
- The Black Cats have lost just once in their last six matches.
What’s Next
Sunderland return to action on Saturday 8 November, hosting Arsenal at the Stadium of Light in what promises to be their toughest test yet under Le Bris. The manager will hope the international break provides time to recharge and integrate tactical tweaks before facing the Premier League leaders in front of a raucous home crowd.
Beyond the next fixture, this comeback resilience will define Sunderland’s season. Le Bris’ ability to keep his squad connected and mentally sharp could be the difference between mid-table safety and another relegation battle — and if recent performances are any indication, his players are fully buying in.
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