Sunderland

Sunderland are monitoring Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia striker Dion Beljo, 24. (Teamtalk), external

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Sunderland's victory over Chelsea has sparked debate about who should play in Regis le Bris' midfield going forward, says Black Cats fan Eleanor McCabe.

Jules Ahoka replaced the injured Granit Xhaka in the fourth minute and put in what McCabe described as a man-of the-match worthy performance.

She added: "A real question that has come from the game: are Sunderland better without Granit Xhaka?

"Ahoka was unbelievable. We need to be finding a way to get him in to the team more.

"Perfect passes, an incredible first touch and absolutely commanding in the midfield. [He was] fundamental to our win."

BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club have been heaping praise on Brian Brobbey.

The Sunderland striker has three goals in eight Premier League games this season and impressed again when the Black Cats landed a significant win over Chelsea on Sunday.

"A strong number nine is one of my favourite team-mates," said ex-Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart.

"I think there's nothing better than seeing them come up against a good centre-back, a battle.

"I think Sunderland know when they have Brobbey on the pitch, they are a match for anyone. And that raises the standards of everyone else.

"I think when he catches fire, other players know they will get chances than they may not necessarily get.

"He is the kind of player I would want in my team and the kind of player if I lined up against, I would be so aware of."

Take in a clip below or listen to The Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey will cause problems against any Premier League team this season, believes former Black Cats defender Gary Bennett.

The Dutch forward won Sunderland's penalty against Chelsea on Sunday that secured all three points for Regis le Bris' side after Enzo le Fee converted from the spot.

"You look at Brobbey, if you get him to play, you play to his strengths and he's going to cause any team in the Premier League problems," Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle at full-time at the Stadium of Light.

"Defenders cannot handle him - the two centre-backs [of Chelsea] didn't know how to handle him. They would know that they've been in a game.

"But the shape of Sunderland, you look at that and at the way that they've performed - that's what they were like last season.

"All round credit to Regis le Bris, he got it spot on."

Listen to Bennett's full post-match analysis by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

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

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Rusty: That's more like the Sunderland of last season, playing for each other and battling until the end. Granit Xhaka starting despite really bad form isn't right and the injury turned out to be fortuitous. He can now rest and recover. That effort has to be applied to every game going forward. It can't be a flash in the pan. We earned our place last season this way, it was no fluke.

Simon: Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor are so important, but neither are prolific, and it is the lack of goals that keeps setting us back, as well as uncharacteristically poor defending. We need a goal machine and a left-sided centre-back as good as Nordi Mukiele and Dan Ballard.

Keith: At last, the real Sunderland turned up. Really solid in defence, with great concentration. Brobbey was unplayable against a ragged Chelsea. We played with energy and worked tirelessly for each other. An enthralling game to watch.

Jeff: One of the best 90-minute performances from Sunderland in the Le Bris tenure. From kick-off to the final whistle, we were closing down opponents, chasing and winning second balls and creating chances.

Chelsea fans

Russell: Chelsea were bullied off the ball, with Sunderland showing that they weren't going to sit back and defend. Chelsea at the back were playing balls across the area and, instead of relieving the pressure, they made things worse.

Allan: Formation changes are not a good sign. Danny Welbeck might not be the quickest, but he is a number nine and should be playing in the absence of Joao Pedro. When you're 11 points behind the leaders after only 10 games, it's really not good enough.

Julian: Yet another spineless performance from the players and poor management from Xabi Alonso. We've all seen this film before under Clearlake and know how it ends.

Steve: This is the kind of spineless display against a bottom team that we have seen all too often over the last few years. There are too few leaders of men and too many little boys.

Match of the Day's Dion Dublin says he's "not surprised" that Chelsea struggled to deal with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey on Sunday as he "bullies" the opposition.

Breaking down the physical performance of the striker, Dublin said: "He is raw, bullies defenders and gets himself into good goalscoring positions.

"He did a proper centre forward's job and the defenders hated playing against him.

"He is exactly what Sunderland need."

Everton are ahead of Sunderland and Coventry City in the race to sign 19-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia from Swedish side BK Hacken. (Football Insider), external

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

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Joe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist

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Sunderland had been booed off by their own supporters at full-time in their last fixture - a 2-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.

Last week, with pressure mounting, club sources told BBC Sport Frenchman Regis Le Bris would be given more time to turn around his side's form - having led Sunderland to an impressive seventh-placed finish last season.

And the Black Cats produced a fine performance on Sunday, recording their first league win since beating Fulham 1-0 at home in the second game of the season.

That said, Le Bris will be concerned about two of his star players - Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey - hobbling off with muscle injuries.

Brobbey put in a particularly impressive performance against Chelsea and almost scored early on when he headed Chemsdine Talbi's cross narrowly wide.

After Brobbey's substitution in the 77th minute Sunderland switched to a defensive-first approach but were rarely threatened by their opponents.

The win meant they climbed from 20th to 18th in the table, one point off safety.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was important before the international break to win again so three points are crucial in the league but also the re-connection with our identity and our fans.

"The more we play this style of play the more the fans supporters. It is like a circle that helps the energy grow inside the stadium.

"Today was really good.

"Happy for the three points but still a long way to go."

On Xhaka going off: "The depth of the squad is important and the Europa League and League Cup helped for young players to get experiences. Jules Ahoka was impressive."

Did you know?

• Sunderland have taken the lead in just two Premier League games this season – the fewest times of any side – but have gone on to win both matches 1-0 (also at home v Fulham).

Sunderland starting XI:

Robin Roefs: The Dutch goalkeeper was rarely tested but dealt comfortably with the attempts that came his way. 7

Thomas Meunier: A solid and disciplined display at full-back while marking danger man Morgan Rogers. The Belgian also produced a superb tackle in the box midway through the second half. 8

Nordi Mukiele: The returning defender was a huge presence at the back, combining physicality with composure. 7

Luke O'Nien: The defender was fortunate not to concede a penalty after making contact with Cole Palmer but VAR judged it to be just outside the box. He also tested the Chelsea goal early in the second half. 6

Reinildo Mandava: It was a busy afternoon for the full-back, who was heavily tested down his flank by different big-name attackers. 7

Trai Hume: Hume saw a well-struck left-footed volley blocked in the opening moments of the game, while his defensive work was typically diligent throughout. 7

Noah Sadiki: Produced a disciplined display, filling gaps in midfield and frustrating Chelsea's attackers. 7

Granit Xhaka: The Sunderland captain went off injured after less than three minutes. N/A

Enzo Le Fee: The Frenchman's penalty sent Mike Penders the wrong way and proved the difference. 7

Chemsdine Talbi: Produced a wonderful cross in the 15th minute to create a chance for Brian Brobbey and played an important role linking defence and attack on the counter. 7

Brian Brobbey: A powerful presence up front. An early effort was scuffed wide, but he grew into the game and dominated Levi Colwill in several aerial duels. He came close to a brilliant solo goal before winning the penalty. 8

Sunderland substitutes:

Jules Ahoka (on 3, Xhaka): Booked shortly after coming on but played well despite being on a yellow card and was key in winning the ball in midfield. 7

Wilson Isador (on 67, Brobbey): A tough ask following Brobbey and missed a big chance late on but showed his energy to help his team over the line. 6

Subs not used: Ellborg, Danso, Methalie, Rigg, Tutierov, Fofana, Angulo.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

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 Chelsea's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

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

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

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

• Ipswich v Bournemouth - live on BBC Sport website and app

• Sunderland v Chelsea - live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Manchester United v Aston Villa (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated.

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I keep hearing how Sunderland boss Regis le Bris is under pressure. Really? After finishing seventh and getting a promoted side into Europe last season, it seems crazy that his job is at risk now.

Still, Le Bris has plenty of problems to solve, while his squad is being stretched by the Europa League.

The Black Cats won this fixture on the final day of the last campaign, but their home record is nothing like as strong this time around.

They are also conceding an average of almost two goals a game in the Premier League, compared with 2025-26 when only three teams had a better defensive record.

Add that to their problems scoring - Nottingham Forest are the only team with fewer goals so far - and you can see why they are bottom of the table.

I am still not sure how to judge Chelsea yet - yes, they beat Manchester United last week, but everyone beats Manchester United. However, I just don't see the Black Cats keeping them out.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 GMT), with bottom side Sunderland hosting in-form Chelsea.

Black Cats in the firing line

Sunday marks 168 days since Sunderland beat Chelsea on the final day of the season, securing European qualification for the first time in 53 years, but the Wearsiders' fortunes have declined dramatically since then.

Last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Coventry City kept the Black Cats bottom of the table and increased the pressure on head coach Regis le Bris. However, club sources have since told BBC Sport the Frenchman will be given more time to halt the slide.

Le Bris' side spectacularly exceeded expectations by finishing seventh last term but this season have been profligate in attack and vulnerable at the back.

While Sunderland rank 10th for expected goals, they have underperformed their xG by six, making them the Premier League's second most wasteful finishers.

At the other end, they have gone from allowing the second-lowest xG per shot last season to the second highest in the current campaign. They are not conceding notably more attempts, but opponents are being afforded the time and space to shoot from more dangerous positions.

That helps explain why Robin Roefs has saved fewer than half of the 33 shots on target he has faced in the Premier League this season - the lowest rate of any goalkeeper to have played more than once.

Blues duo in perfect harmony

Chelsea's defeat at the Stadium of Light in May ended their hopes of qualifying for Europe, but the Blues look well set to return to continental competition after an encouraging start under Xabi Alonso. The west London side have won three of their past four Premier League games - as many victories as in their previous 14 matches combined.

Alonso's side rode their luck at times during the first half against Manchester United last weekend, but took control after the break through goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.

Rogers has scored six goals since joining from Aston Villa this summer, one more than Palmer. The two players became friends during their time together in Manchester City's academy and have taken little time to rekindle their on-pitch chemistry.

The pair have created 14 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, with Rogers providing 10 shooting opportunities for Palmer, who has returned the favour on four occasions. No other pairing combined for more than nine shots going into this set of fixtures.

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Defender Nordi Mukiele "should be" available for Sunday after missing the past two games.

• On Sunderland's form - they have suffered back-to-back defeats and not won in the Premier League since 30 August - Le Bris said: "It is part of the journey. Often, when we get successes, we think about the last part of the journey but we forget about how tough it was before. Last year, we weren't expected to end seventh in the league. It wasn't a comfortable experience and we don't like it, but we have to show the way and keep the energy high. When I wake up in the morning, I have this energy and I like it, and I have to give it to the players."

• He added: "This morning was painful [after the Europa League loss to Dinamo Zagreb] but they are ready for the next fight. We need more clarity as a team because at the minute we are a bit too exposed. It is part of the journey and a strong reminder to our players how we want to achieve our goals."

• On how to turn form around: "The experience is always fun. I think we get better through difficult experiences and you remind yourself what could have been better and you try to avoid your mistakes. It is a new chapter to write. The pillars are always the same. We need to be pragmatic first because it is clear if you concede goals it is more difficult to win the game. But, at the same time, we need to keep the creativity and the bravery."

• He added: "We knew Dan Ballard was important last year. You have ups and downs and when things are a bit harder you have to protect them. In two or three weeks, when we are more confident and in a better shape, we can afford to play like we used to play."

• On how his team can win against Chelsea, who they beat at home on the final day of last season to seal their European qualification: "We have done it before with more or less the same squad, so it is possible. We have had many conversations with our leadership group. They are important because they will show the way."

• Finally, Le Bris spoke about how the Stadium of Light atmosphere can help his team: "The crowd is a key part of Sunday. It is the connection with the squad. Also, they need to back us when it's harder and they have this power and passion to do that."

Hear more from Le Bris above or on BBC Sounds here

Listen to full match commentary of Sunderland v Chelsea on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 and BBC Sounds

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

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We asked for your views on Sunderland's defeat by Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.

Here are some of your comments:

Edward: Having travelled up from the Midlands to watch this match, I was hoping there would be an improvement after the Coventry performance, but no such joy. Same old story. We were a yard slower than the opposition, we did nothing creative and we never looked like scoring. On top of that, it could have been worse as we had to clear a certain goal off the line.

Jura: We haven't completely lost our way. There's something still there that just needs to click back into place.

Geoff: The manager has to go. After the jubilation of last season, this is becoming embarrassing. Regis le Bris doesn't seem to know how to rectify the woeful defending, and you have to feel that there is something else going on here. The players have lost faith in, or are not playing for, the manager. Either way, he has to go.

James: Are the happy clappers still keen on Le Bris? At what point do we cut our losses and recognise he is out of his depth. In his first season, he relied on the buzz of being promoted. There has been no similar buzz this season and it shows in the players' horrendous performances. Get Thomas Frank in.

Johnny: The worst Sunderland performance I've ever witnessed. Midway through the second half, Kevin Danso flubbed a ball over to a bunch of air particles; this summed it all up. Despite hitting the post twice and the bar, along with a disallowed goal, we lacked confidence, grit and footballing ability. An honourable mention to Granit Xhaka, who needs to be replaced in midfield by Jules Ahoka. It will be the end of Le Bris' borrowed time at the club. Sloppy, silent and sorrowful.