North East | A Sunderland season ticket holder examines an amazing few months

It has been a wonderful return to the Premier League for Sunderland.

Stadium of Light season ticket holder Lewis Whatley answers some key questions from Super Local Sports News.

They return to Premier League action after the international break in fourth place, with fans perhaps dreaming of qualifying for Europe. 

Which player is flying this season?

Dan Ballard has adapted to the Premier League with striking assurance, demonstrating why traditional defensive grit and courage still have a place at the highest level. He has been influential at both ends of the pitch and has unsettled some of the division’s most accomplished forwards.

Have any players been struggling?

Sunderland have been impressing across the squad, and there is not a single player who stands out as struggling, which says much about their strong start.

What do you think about the tactics?

Tactically, I think we are excellent. Sunderland have been playing with a complexity that feels almost like 3D chess, with constant adjustments and intelligent movement throughout the match. Regis Le Bris is emerging as one of the most shrewd tacticians in the league and his players are fully attuned to his demands.

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I want my manager to give me more of the same. If Sunderland maintain this trajectory, they are on course for a remarkable season and a push for European football, something not seen in a generation. Whatever Le Bris is doing, the message is simple: keep going.

What are fans obsessed with?

They still seem obsessed with staying up. There is still talk of relegation battles, celebrations when struggling sides drop points, and reminders of how far clear Sunderland are. It feels misplaced, as there is little indication they will be drawn into trouble.

But they should be thinking about qualifying for Europe. The focus should be upwards. With sustained form and a productive January window, a top-eight finish is not beyond reach.

What were your expectations at the start of the season?

My expectations for the season were centred on survival but have shifted towards securing the highest finish possible. Few could have predicted such a strong opening, yet the tone changed quickly after the emphatic win over West Ham on the opening day. The moment true belief set in was the victory at Chelsea, a match many anticipated they would lose.

Give the season so far, a rating out of 10?

Score out of 10 for the season so far... 10 out of 10. It is hard to find fault in anything that has happened to this point.

One more sentence to sum up how you’re feeling now?

I’m on top of the world and in no rush to come down.