Fuelled by commentators who casually insinuate that the top clubs in Europe compete in inferior domestic leagues, claiming Spain has only two strong clubs and Germany has just one, the Premier League often exudes self-assuredness. It frequently touts itself as the best in everything.
Many TV and radio pundits assert that the Premier League is the most competitive league by a wide margin. They often mention that any team can defeat any other, emphasizing the absence of easy matches. However, such claims were proven false in the last two seasons, specifically 2023/24 and 24/25.
During the 2023/24 season, matches against teams like Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United were considered easy, regardless of whether played at home or away. These three teams collectively competed in 114 Premier League matches but only managed to win 14 of them.
Similarly, in the 2024/25 season, encounters with Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton were also deemed as straightforward fixtures. Despite playing 114 matches combined, these teams could only secure 12 victories.
In total, these six teams managed to win only 26 out of 228 Premier League games across two seasons. Notably, nine of their wins were against each other. Their combined win percentage was a mere 11.4%, with a staggering aggregate goal difference of -294, averaging at -1.3 per game, reflecting their poor performance.
In contrast, the three promoted teams in the current 2025/26 season have displayed a significantly improved performance. Together, they have won 11 out of 27 Premier League matches, boasting a combined win percentage of 40.7% and a much better aggregate goal difference of -6, equivalent to -0.02 per game, showcasing a commendable achievement.
While Leeds United and Burnley have accumulated 11 and 10 points respectively, Sunderland and their coach, Régis Le Bris, stand out as the leaders among the newly promoted teams. Their positive start highlights the effectiveness of their strategies and decisions, garnering praise from fans and observers alike.
Le Bris’s appointment has proven to be a strategic move by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, bringing a fresh perspective and successful outcomes to Sunderland. The team’s recruitment efforts, including the addition of experienced player Granit Xhaka and promising young talents like Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Chemsdine Talbi, have been well-received, setting a promising trajectory for the club.
Sunderland’s strong fanbase has played a significant role in supporting the team under Le Bris’s leadership, fostering optimism and belief in the club’s potential for success. Despite setting a target of reaching 40 points, a common goal for newly promoted teams, Le Bris’s positive impact on Sunderland and the broader football community is evident, reflecting a bright future ahead.