It’s been one of the most popular angles of the season so far as opposition supporters have sought to dampen both Sunderland’s superb start to the 2025/2026 campaign and the optimism generated along the way
by caveating almost every positive result we’ve achieved — no matter how it came about.
“Yeah, but they’ve had an easy start to the season. They haven’t played anyone in form. Wait until they play some proper sides and we’ll see where they are”.
Well, what of those same observers now?
They’re silent, I would imagine, or at least reassessing their views on all things red and white, because after Sunderland rallied from 0-1 down to record a sensational victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, more proof of our intent — as if any were actually needed for those of us who know what these lads are about — was delivered.
As unpleasant as it may be, the doubters need to start taking notice of the fact that we’re clearly not here to make up the numbers or to pocket the TV money and surrender meekly. Instead, we’re evidently here to compete, to make our mark and to show that something special is happening on Wearside.
Simply put, this was one of the most thrilling, logic-defying wins we’ve enjoyed for some time, and that we were able to storm the Bridge and leave with three points having rallied from a goal behind made it all the more impressive as we racked up a victory that surely ranks as one of the finest of Régis Le Bris tenure’ and will give the Lads another colossal shot of confidence,
This might not be the ferocious, all-conquering version of the Blues that we saw under Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti or Antonio Conte (on a side note, memories of that gutless display of 2017 were laid to rest on Saturday), but they’re still a heck of a side; the reigning Club World Cup champions, and this should rightly be chalked up as a memorable day for all concerned.
Despite the pre-match worries about the hosts’ quality and how we’d cope without the towering presence of Omar Alderete, there was never any danger of Sunderland taking a backwards step, of viewing this game as a “free hit” and surrendering meekly, because the standards implemented by Le Bris, driven by Granit Xhaka and bought into by every player are simply too high.
Why would Xhaka leave the Bundesliga, sign for the Lads and lead his men out at places like Stamford Bridge if he didn’t believe they could win? Why would the returning Reinildo opt to leave Madrid for Wearside if he wasn’t intent on bringing a winning mentality? These are all important points and it’s on days like this that your big-name signings can really come to the fore — which is exactly what happened.
Conceding a sloppy early goal to Enzo Maresca’s side might well have knocked the players out of their stride but at no stage did we look panicked or liable to collapse. Le Bris is a boss whose philosophy is based on substance over the usual coaching manual buzzwords, and his players clearly understand what’s required of them.
After falling behind, the battling qualities of the Lads came to the fore and after more long throw mayhem from Nordi Mukiele, Wilson Isidor’s finish (a positively scrappy effort by his own mercurial standards) got us back into the game, another hallmark of the remarkable resilience that runs through this team from Robin Roefs to the brilliant striker.
The winning moment on Saturday — a combination of impressive hold-up play from Brian Brobbey and a calm, composed finish from Chemsdine Talbi — was one of the greatest of recent years.
As the Sunderland bench emptied and Talbi took in the acclaim of the fans who were housed in a section of the Bridge bearing the proclamation “WORLD CHAMPIONS”, it made those long years in the wilderness seem like a distant memory. From hell to heaven, thanks to a lot of hard work, higher standards and a changed mentality on all levels.
Victories like this may have a positive impact on your perception of what might be possible for Sunderland this season. Of course, survival remains the primary target but it’s clear that the players, the coaches and the higher-ups are thinking bigger, and we need to embrace that mindset, too.
The importance of momentum might’ve been pored over and analysed from every angle during the final months of 2024/2025, but after beating the Blues in their own backyard, we’re being propelled by one hell of a good feeling — a combination of optimism, excitement and an incredible sense of pride.
Long may it continue!
