North East | Sunderland's fine start to the season continues

Sunderland 2 - 0 Wolves

Sunderland continued their impressive start to the Premier League season with a composed victory over struggling Wolves, who slipped to a sixth defeat in eight matches.

Author | Lewis Whatley 

Stadium | Stadium of Light

Nordi Mukiele opened the scoring midway through the first half, finishing smartly after a well-worked exchange with Trai Hume. A late own goal from Ladislav Krejci sealed the win, giving Regis Le Bris’ side a third home victory of the campaign.

The result lifts Sunderland to seventh in the table and marks the first time since 1968-69 that the Black Cats have taken 10 points from their opening four home games of a top-flight season, when adjusted for three points per win. Wolves, meanwhile, remain winless and bottom of the league.

READ MORE | Visit the Midlands section of the site for some more Wolves news and analysis to this defeat

Wilson Isidor thought he had given the hosts an early lead when he rifled a powerful effort into the top corner, only for the flag to rule him marginally offside. Sunderland remained in control and soon made the breakthrough as Mukiele combined neatly with Hume before slotting past Sam Johnstone.

Hume went close to doubling the advantage, heading against the post after Dan Ballard flicked on Mukiele’s long throw.

Pre-match atmosphere

Wolves improved after the break and spent long spells camped in Sunderland’s half, but they struggled to find a cutting edge against a disciplined home defence. Jackson Tchatchoua squandered their best opportunity, scuffing wide from close range, before Krejci inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net to compound a frustrating afternoon. 

Granit Xhaka and other summer recruits leading Sunderland's charge

While the season is still in its early stages, Sunderland have already silenced doubts about their ability to compete after eight years away from the Premier League.

Their strong start is all the more striking given that half of that period was spent in League One, but the club’s ambitious summer overhaul, which brought in 14 new signings, is clearly paying off.

Among them, Nordi Mukiele, a £12 million arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, has quickly established himself as a key figure, impressing once again with his defensive assurance and attacking intent. DR Congo international Noah Sadiki also stood out for his tireless work in midfield.

Captain Granit Xhaka embodied Sunderland’s intensity, covering more ground than any of his teammates and providing a calm and authoritative presence at the base of midfield, particularly in the first half.