Sunderland’s impressive 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Stadium of Light has caught national attention — and even earned praise from Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary O’Neil, who included four Black Cats stars in their Team of the Week.
Carragher and O’Neil’s XI featured Nordi Mukiele, Trai Hume, Omar Alderete, and Noah Sadiki, recognising Sunderland’s dominant home performance that extended their unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light. Mukiele was rewarded for his early goal, while Hume and Alderete were part of the resolute backline that secured another clean sheet. Sadiki’s inclusion came after another polished midfield display alongside Granit Xhaka.
Their selection stood in sharp contrast to BBC Sport’s Team of the Week, chosen by Troy Deeney, which surprisingly overlooked any Sunderland players despite their strong performance. Deeney instead opted for names such as Harry Maguire, Axel Tuanzebe, Danny Welbeck, and Erling Haaland — a choice that left many Sunderland fans baffled given their side’s current form.
Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats are proving to be one of the Premier League’s most disciplined and entertaining teams. Le Bris made two changes for the Wolves clash, recalling Dan Ballard and Chris Rigg to the starting lineup. Sunderland took the lead in the 16th minute when Hume set up Mukiele to fire home, before a late own goal from Ladislav Krejčí sealed all three points.
The Sky Sports feature highlighting Mukiele, Alderete, Hume, and Sadiki reflected the growing respect Sunderland are earning across the league. The newly promoted side have collected 14 points from their first eight matches, including victories over Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and Wolves — a remarkable start to life back in the top flight.
While Deeney’s lineup may have overlooked their efforts, Carragher and O’Neil’s recognition reaffirmed Sunderland’s emergence as a well-organised and ambitious Premier League outfit.
Promising talent handed Sunderland trial
Away from first-team matters, Sunderland also made headlines off the pitch after offering a trial to Lincoln Brook, a highly rated youngster from non-league side Newcastle Blue Star.
Blue Star confirmed on social media that their under-15s standout has earned an eight-week trial with the Black Cats after impressing coaches with his versatility and consistency.
In their statement, the club wrote:
“A huge congratulations to Lincoln Brook, who has been offered an eight-week trial with Sunderland AFC. Lincoln made an instant impact after joining Blue Star, playing a key role in our treble-winning season and scoring crucial goals. He’s a brilliant young lad on and off the pitch, capable of playing centre-half, midfield, or even centre-forward. This opportunity is fully deserved — and in the nicest way possible, we hope he doesn’t come back!”
The move continues Sunderland’s renewed emphasis on developing North East talent through their Academy of Light, which has already produced first-team regulars such as Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, and Anthony Patterson.
Brook’s trial will give Sunderland’s academy staff a closer look at his potential within a professional environment, as the club — under Le Bris and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman — continues to invest in the region’s most promising young players.