The Black Cats Are Back — Sunderland’s Incredible Return To The Premier League
After eight long years away from the top flight, Sunderland have made their return to the Premier League — and what a statement they have made.
Back Where They Belong
The 2025–26 Premier League season marks Sunderland’s return to the top flight after an eight-year absence, following their promotion via the Championship play-offs. Crucially, this is also the first season to feature the Tyne–Wear derby in the Premier League since 2015–16 — one of English football’s most ferocious rivalries, finally restored to its rightful stage.
A Statement Opening
Sunderland announced their return in emphatic fashion with a decisive 3-0 victory against West Ham at the Stadium of Light, sending a clear message that they were no pushovers. The Black Cats set the tone early and never looked back, quickly earning respect across the division.
The Stunning Chelsea Win
Perhaps the highlight of the season came in October. Sunderland shot up to second in the Premier League with a sensational last-minute win at Chelsea, with Chemsdine Talbi scoring in the third minute of stoppage time. It was the kind of result that made the whole country sit up and take notice — and it had pundits losing their minds.
Fortress Stadium of Light
Sunderland extended their unbeaten Premier League home record to 10 games after holding Manchester City to a goalless draw on New Year’s Day — an entertaining clash at the Stadium of Light in which both sides had chances throughout. At home, they were genuinely formidable.
A Mid-Season Wobble
Sunderland’s promising first season back in the Premier League began to peter out as the campaign wore on, with a draw at rock-bottom Wolves leaving them 12th in the table and winless in three games. A heavy 5-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest further dented momentum, leaving them sitting 12th with 46 points from 34 matches.
Survival Secured
Despite the dip in form, the most important job was done. Following a draw against already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland were mathematically safe from relegation — making them the first promoted club to avoid the drop since Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest in the 2022–23 season.
Today’s Result — A Winning Finish
On the final day of the season today, Sunderland rounded off their campaign with a 3-1 win away at Everton — a fitting end to a debut season full of heart, grit and moments of genuine brilliance.
The Verdict
The 2025–26 season is the 147th in the history of Sunderland AFC, and their first back in the Premier League since the 2016–17 campaign. They survived, they competed, they stunned the big clubs on their day, and they restored pride to the red-and-white stripes. The Black Cats are firmly back — and the Premier League is better for it.