Gary Neville has lauded Sunderland for their physicality, tactical courage, and resurgence under the management of Régis Le Bris in the Premier League. Following their impressive 2-1 triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Neville hailed the Black Cats’ performance as a “brilliant result” that signifies the return of renowned northern clubs to the forefront of English football.

While dissecting the weekend’s outcomes, Neville expressed admiration for Sunderland’s approach and impact on the top-flight league. He pointed out Chelsea’s inconsistency but lauded Sunderland’s character and style of play. Neville emphasized the significance of consistency and reliability in high-performance environments and highlighted the need for top clubs to display these qualities consistently.

Neville also touched on the perceived decline in elite managers in the Premier League and its potential impact on the performance of top clubs. He attributed part of Chelsea’s struggles to the managerial situation in the league and stressed the importance of having top-class managers to elevate the level of football played in the Premier League.

Returning to the topic of Sunderland, Neville applauded their impressive start to the season, citing their physicality, attacking speed, and aggressive approach as refreshing traits in the league. He commended Sunderland for respecting the physical demands of the Premier League and matching up physically against every opponent, which he believes is essential for success in the league.

Furthermore, Neville expressed his excitement at the resurgence of clubs like Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, and Middlesbrough from the northern regions of England in top-flight football. He viewed Sunderland’s success as a positive development for the Premier League and English football, emphasizing the importance of traditional clubs thriving and contributing to the competitive landscape of the league.