It took another impressive comeback for Sunderland to get a win this weekend, and the result proved that the Black Cats are deserving of their seat at the top table in the Championship this season.
Sunderland remain in contention for the title thanks to a 2-1 win over Norwich City on Saturday afternoon, with an important three points and the continuation of the unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris’ side had to come from a goal down once again, but goals from Dan Ballard and Jobe Bellingham won the day for the Black Cats in the end.
It’s a victory that keeps Sunderland on track for promotion this season, and will have the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield United looking nervously over their shoulders.
Regis Le Bris’ side are now winning games Sunderland used to lose
Speaking on the Wise Men Say podcast, Jimmy Reay discussed the manner of the win over Norwich, and insisted that this result and performance proves Sunderland should now be considered in the same bracket as the top teams in the Championship.
Reay said: “That second half is just what good teams do. Neither team deserved to be ahead at half time… we probably had the slightly better half but neither team was particularly good. Second half we turned it on and got the win. It would be nice if we didn’t have to go behind to look good.
“But honestly I’m really pleased. Previous versions of Sunderland don’t win that. But Leeds do, Sheffield United do, Burnley win that, and now we have. It would have been very easy not to win it…. they all won this weekend and we had to do the same.”
Interestingly, this is actually not a result that Leeds United nor Sheffield United have managed this season. Both sides were behind to Norwich in their respective meetings, but could only manage 1-1 draws (albeit away from home).
- READ MORE: Dan Ballard issues 12-word message to Sunderland fans about the performance, he’s not entirely happy
Sunderland will need to be relentless to match Leeds and Sheffield United all season
This is shaping up to be a thrilling promotion race, with just five points separating Sheffield United at the top of the Championship table with Sunderland down in fourth place.
The impressive way Sunderland have been overcoming deficits recently speaks volumes for how far they have come mentally under Le Bris, and it’s the kind of spirit and attitude that will keep them in this race long-term.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 22 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 32 | 11 | 21 | 48 |
| 2 |  LeedsLeeds | 22 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 41 | 15 | 26 | 45 |
| 3 |  BurnleyBurnley | 22 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 28 | 9 | 19 | 44 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 22 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 34 | 18 | 16 | 43 |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 21 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 25 | 18 | 7 | 37 |
| 6 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 38 | 28 | 10 | 35 |
However, both Leeds and the Blades have that pedigree to go all the way in these battles, having done so in recent years, and that experience will be hard to match.
Le Bris’ young Sunderland squad will have nothing to fear, though, and with each win they gain more and more confidence.