Sunderland

Sunderland manager Regis le Bris has been speaking to Sky Sports following the defeat at Etihad Stadium: "It's tough to repeat performances at this level. After Bournemouth and Liverpool, we are probably a bit tired. Manchester City's quality is relentless so, if you're not at your best, it's difficult to manage their threat.

"They deserved to win. They have built this team over many seasons, but for us it is still the beginning of the journey. This defeat is fair. We have to learn from negative experiences and this one was difficult. We are still feeling really positive."

On having midfielders on four yellow cards and trying to avoid suspensions: "It was part of the problem. We played with two midfielders at 60% to 70% intensity which was not useful, but after a week like this it was important to have in mind that we have an important derby at home next week."

On Luke O'Nien's red card: "It's a shame to receive a red card at the end of the game, but if the referee thought it was red card then that's fine. When you're not at your best, you have to accept this."

Did you know?

• Sunderland suffered their heaviest Premier League defeat of the season and their heaviest top-flight defeat since losing 5-1 at Chelsea on the final day in 2016-17.

Listen to Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City make one change from their incredible 5-4 win at Fulham on Tuesday.

Rayan Cherki returns to the side in place of Tijjani Reijnders, who drops to the bench.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Silva, Foden, Doku, Cherki, Haaland

Sunderland make three changes following their credible draw at champions Liverpool during the week.

Lutsharel Geertruida, Bertrand Traore and Wilson Isidor come into the side, with Reinildo, Brian Brobbey and Anfield goalscorer Chemsdine Talbi dropping out.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Geertruida, Hume, Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Le Fee, Isidor

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Arsenal (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Chelsea - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Nottingham Forest

• Manchester City v Sunderland

• Newcastle v Burnley

• Tottenham v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Leeds v Liverpool (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Liverpool", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I've seen a lot of Manchester City recently - I was at their win over Leeds and also against Fulham - so I've seen a lot of goals at both ends in the past few days.

Usually I'd be pretty confident they would win this one at home, but not so much now.

I could not believe how passive Pep Guardiola's side were in the second half at Craven Cottage when Fulham were fighting back against them. When it went from 5-1 to 5-3, I thought City would assert themselves again, but it just did not happen.

Fulham did not lie down, the same way Leeds did not lie down when they came back from 2-0 to 2-2 at Etihad Stadium last weekend, and we know Sunderland will throw lots at City too.

Sunderland are not just about fight and desire, either. As we saw when they played Liverpool on Wednesday, they are about organisation and carrying a goal threat too.

The Black Cats players were probably sitting in the Anfield dressing room at full-time feeling disappointed, so they will not be approaching this game with any fear whatsoever.

I am still going to go with City here because they usually win at home and Phil Foden appears to be back at his very best, I've really enjoyed what I've seen from him.

But, even if they go 2-0 up, we know the game won't be over. City don't seem capable of killing a game anymore.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sunderland have enjoyed a superb start to the life back in the top flight, but face a huge test as they take on a Manchester City side who came through a 5-4 goalfest against Fulham on Tuesday.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of Saturday's meeting at the Etihad Stadium (15:00 GMT).

City's defensive record concerning

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his side's second-half performance in their crazy 5-4 win over Fulham aged him considerably.

"Did you enjoy it? I lost my hair!" he jokingly bemoaned to reporters afterwards. "It was impossible for me to enjoy."

Having raced into a 5-1 lead with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland to the fore, City were cruising only to concede three times in 21 minutes. A nervy finish almost ended in only the second 5-5 draw in Premier League history, but Josko Gvardiol's 98th minute clearance off the line secured three valuable points.

Question marks, though, were understandably raised over their defending as they conceded two goals for a fourth straight game in all competitions.

The 16 goals they have let in across their 14 league matches does not compare favourably with the seven title rivals Arsenal have conceded from the same amount of matches.

Before the madness at Craven Cottage began, Haaland became not only the 35th player to score 100 Premier League goals, but the fastest.

He achieved the feat in just 111 games, beating Alan Shearer's previous mark by 13 matches. Fascinatingly, he also did it in the same number of games as Watford managed as a team and seven fewer than it took West Brom's players to cumulatively reach a century.

The Norwegian has scored against all 23 of the Premier League teams he has faced so far, can he make Sunderland number 24?

Will Le Bris get the perfect birthday present?

Sunderland's point at Liverpool on Wednesday took them to 23 points from 14 matches, just one fewer than they managed across the whole of their previous Premier League campaign in 2016-17.

Regis Le Bris's side came mightily close to what would have been a first win at Anfield since 1983. After conceding a late deflected equaliser, they were then left to rue Wilson Isidor spurning a one-on-one at the death.

But their draw added to a victory earlier in the season at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, showing that they are not fazed by a trip to the big sides.

And there's certainly been nothing lucky about the Black Cats' start to life back in the top flight. Just two defeats in 12 (W5, D5) means they sit in the lofty heights of sixth, a position their fans could have only dreamt about at the start of the season.

This fixture falls on the day of Le Bris's 50th birthday and it is fair to say their head coach wouldn't be short of people offering to buy him a drink if he headed into Sunderland to celebrate.

However, if they win their next fixture, which is arguably their biggest of the season as Newcastle come to town next Sunday, then he will never have to buy a drink ever again.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris says Saturday's opponents Manchester City are one of the best teams in the league on the ball, but their last game against Fulham showed their weaknesses.

Pep Guardiola's side went 5-1 up against the Whites on Tuesday, but almost blew their lead in a game that ended 5-4 at Craven Cottage.

"We are building our confidence through different experiences like our collective knowledge, which is positive," Le Bris said.

"Manchester City is probably one of the best teams in this league with the ball so we know that the pitch is big and that we'll face one of the toughest challenges this season.

"It [their match against Fulham] showed that they can concede goals and they have their own weaknesses - so it's like that, trying to manage their strengths and trying to open the opportunities to score.

"Let's see if we can get the balance."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips says says he enjoyed the experience of being among the away fans in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

Phillips scored 118 goals in 223 games for the Black Cats, winning the Premier League Golden Goot in the 1999–2000 season.

"It was an experience let's put it that way!" Phillips told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It was a good day. We got to Anfield early to do a bit of filming.

"To be honest I was glad I was right at the very front. I think if I had been right in the middle of the fans it might have been a little bit different, but it was an experience!

"We went into Liverpool during the day and met up with the fans. It's interesting from a player's point of view - you don't really see what the fans do on matchdays.

"It was good to be amongst them and it was a good watch. At the minute Sunderland are riding high so to be right in there, watch it myself, and see the team perform how they did at a very difficult place was great.

"When you are at pitch level, which I was, you can see the intensity and the pace and you forget we used to do it.

"It was an awesome performance from Sunderland."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee believes their performance at Anfield showed exactly why they belong in the Premier League.

The Black Cats pushed Liverpool all the way in a 1–1 draw that they might easily have turned into a famous win at the death.

Regis Le Bris and his players have a growing reputation as one of the Premier League's most awkward visitors after winning at Stamford Bridge and securing a draw at both Selhurst Park and now Anfield.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Le Fee reflected on the team's mentality, their ability to rise to big occasions and the belief that is quietly building inside the camp.

Asked how close Sunderland were to winning at Anfield, Le Fee said: "It could be another night, but this is football, you have to be proud of us because we did well. We defend really good against a strong opponent. We know Liverpool at home is different, so I think we have to be proud.

"When you play against strong teams, you don't have to give 100%. You have to be at 150% and I think everyone in the dressing room understands this and that's why we have got some good results away against strong teams. We are ready to fight until the end. I think we built a family and that's why we win some points at the end of games.

"If we want to stay in this league, we have to (give 100%). I think we work really well to prepare for the game, to prepare for every game. But everyone understands that we have to work again and improve again and not be passive. We improve every day."

Listen to Lee Fee speaking on BBC Sounds

We asked for your views on Wednesday's Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Kev: Passive at times, frantic at times and never in control. The only player who deserves a pat is Dominik Szoboszlai. I can't remember the last time Salah got the better of his opposite number and he looks lost, predictable and poor. I think his sell-by date is here. Sunderland were the better side.

Paul: Don't be fooled by the win against West Ham. Slot has ripped the heart and soul from this team and last night was proof that, we were running around like headless chickens. There is no leadership on and off the field and the team spirit of Jurgen Klopp's era has been fully extinguished.

Luke: The performance was as flat as the atmosphere at Anfield. The quietest I have experienced in nearly 50 years. Well done to the Sunderland fans who sang throughout. Passes and crosses in the last third were terrible, and for the majority of the game, Liverpool were statues, very little movement. Florian Wirtz's goal a moment of genius that will hopefully be the start of many.

Floyd: Poor tactically. We're playing as individuals and not as a team. How Sunderland played is how we should play. We lack energy and dynamism. The days of controlling the match by sideways passing is akin to Brendan Rodgers' style. At this rate, we are headed for mid-table obscurity.

Sunderland fans

Dave: It's refreshing to see us go away against the champions and stick to our plan. We look like we enjoy defending and treat it as a challenge rather than a necessity. We're a constant threat on the attack too.

Lee: Great start and we took the game to Liverpool early. Respected them but kind of didn't. Getting something from the game was definitely the brief, and we hit that. On reflection, it was a shame that an own goal brought them back into things. We could have won it late on but we have to enjoy the rest which we passed very, very well.

David: Another proud night at Anfield as the magic carpet ride continues. Perhaps the football world will begin to accept that we're here to stay. It's not all about the 'big' clubs. Defended well with Omar Alderete and Reinildo superb, and Bryan Brobbey continues to improve. If only Wilson Isidor had stuck that one away at the end. Next stop Etihad Satdium.

Harry: Ridiculous to say but that was two points dropped, albeit we would have taken that result before the match started. We were the better team and we do need to see games out but, all in all, we were brilliant.

Pundits Danny Murphy and Shay Given join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez could leave AC Milan in January with Sunderland and West Ham interested in the 24-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Regis Le Bris spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Sunderland's draw against Liverpool: "We are playing our game and we believe it is possible to win anywhere. We showed the character in the squad. Liverpool have the ability to create chances. We had our opportunity to win but it wasn't enough today to get that three points. They pushed us. It's good for our fans as well because they pushed a lot and they were very noisy in the stadium today. In three days we will have a really tough game."

On turning 50 on Saturday when they face Man City away: "I don't think he [Pep Guardiola] will give me a gift! We will see but it is important to play the game with our qualities."

Listen to Le Bris' chat with BBC Radio Newcastle here

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Liverpool's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Liverpool make just the one change from the side who beat West Ham 2-0, with Andy Robertson replacing Milos Kerkez at left-back.

That means Mohamed Salah remains benched.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak.

Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Kerkez, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, Ekitike, Nyoni, Ngumoha.

Sunderland make two changes from their win over Bournemouth. Trai Hume and Brian Brobbey replace Bertrand Traore and Wilson Isidor.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Talbi, Brobbey.

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Geertruida, Mayenda, O'Nien, Mundle, Isidor, Adingra, Traore.

There are six games in the Premier League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Brentford

• Brighton v Aston Villa

• Burnley v Crystal Palace

• Wolves v Nottingham Forest

• Leeds v Chelsea (20:15)

• Liverpool v Sunderland (20:15)

Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Reigning champions Liverpool host a promoted Sunderland side one point above them in the table on Wednesday night. BBC Sport provides some of the talking points before their meeting.

Encouragement for Liverpool?

Liverpool ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions with a routine 2-0 win over West Ham at the weekend. They are now vying to win back-to-back league games for the first time since starting the season with five successive victories.

The Reds can be encouraged by their home record in this fixture – they are unbeaten in 18 league matches against Sunderland at Anfield since a 1-0 defeat in October 1983, when Gary Rowell's penalty proved decisive.

It is Sunderland's joint-longest ongoing winless run away to an opponent in the top flight.

Liverpool's return to winning ways at the weekend was notable for Alexander Isak's first Premier League goal for the club and the fact Mohamed Salah was left on the bench, ending his run of 53 successive league starts.

The Reds' starting XI against West Ham had a combined 152 Premier League goals, 38 fewer than Salah's tally of 190, but manager Arne Slot suggested the team's congested run of fixtures led to his decision to leave out the Egypt forward and praised his reaction to being left out.

"He wasn't the only who wasn't happy he wasn't starting - he handled himself really well," Slot said. "A top professional."

A 'privilege' for high-flying Sunderland

Meanwhile, Sunderland head coach Regis le Bris was excited about his side's visit to the Premier League champions.

"We worked hard to have the privilege to play this kind of game," he said. "It's a great honour to be in that position, especially in this positive dynamic."

On Saturday, the Black Cats came from two goals down to win a Premier League match for the first time. That victory over Bournemouth means Le Bris has overseen the best start by a promoted side to a Premier League season for 20 years.

Sunderland are only the eighth promoted team to reach 20 points or more after 13 matches – five of the previous seven went on to finish in the top half of the table, while none were relegated.

I got Liverpool wrong at the weekend because I thought they would lose at West Ham.

Instead of Mo Salah, it was a case of 'No Salah' after he was left out for their 2-0 win. I didn't mind seeing that, because Salah is no different from any other player - if he is not performing, you drop him.

I was wrong about Sunderland too, but that won't surprise anyone.

We are at the stage where I am thinking should I do Black Cats fans a favour by tipping them to lose again here, because we know what happens when I do that - they win.

I actually think they will give a good account of themselves at Anfield and it would not surprise me at all to see them going there and winning - I really mean that, too, because we've all seen how capable Regis le Bris' side are.

I am still going to go with Liverpool though. I don't think they can be as bad as they were in their previous two home games against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off 20:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On being set to lose Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Reinildo, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki when Afcon gets under way: "We have a strong group because we don't have any injuries. The players who hadn't played much before will have opportunities to contribute."

• He added: "I trust the quality of this group. The dynamic is really positive. I think they can show that they can contribute, so I'm not too concerned."

• On Brian Brobbey: "He needed time to connect with the squad and culture, but he is in a good position now. His improvements are clear to see. It is great news for us to have these forward options."

• On the form of reigning champions Liverpool, who are a point and two places below Sunderland in the table after a six defeats in their past eight Premier League games: "Every team can struggle - this league is tough. They play in the Champions League as well. They were strong against West Ham, they were dominant as expected. We will have to show the best version of Sunderland to be competitive."

• On going to Anfield: "We worked hard to have the privilege to play this kind of game. It's a great honour to be in that position, especially in this positive dynamic. A challenging situation and a tough game - but we have to live these experiences. It's another game in a special place."

Hear more from Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Sunderland want to sign Lazio and France midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with the 26-year-old former Arsenal man keen to explore a move to the Black Cats. (i Paper - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

"It shows once again that this team has strong character... they are never beaten. They want to fight."

The words of Regis le Bris to Match of the Day on Saturday and I could not have agreed more. This is the most remarkable Sunderland team of my lifetime - their desire when going behind in games is truly inspirational.

There are many reasons why our side has so much character but I can't look beyond our captain Granit Xhaka and his track record.

You only have to glance at the Leverkusen side he was part of as an example. They went an entire season unbeaten, clawing back from losing positions on countless occasions. That has clearly taught him a lot of lessons, which he is now sharing with his team-mates.

Bournemouth are an incredible side so to be able to fight back from going 2-0 down so early in the game was remarkable.

With the rain lashing down and the wind howling, I was confident the team would find a way to get back into the game. Why wouldn't I? They have picked up more points than any other team from losing positions this season. It does not matter who the opponent is; we do not fear anyone and we are willing to work harder than our opponents to get the desired outcome.

First came the penalty, a result of our players scrapping for multiple loose balls before Reinildo was fouled. Enzo le Fee scored it and he was the most outstanding player on the field.

Then, almost immediately after half-time, the equaliser game, showing how fired up we must have been to come straight out and get level.

After that, it felt like there was only going to be one winner, and a brilliantly worked corner routine resulted in Brian Brobbey nodding us ahead.

The way we managed the game from there was fantastic.

We can go to Liverpool on Wednesday convinced we are more than capable of getting something if we work as hard as we know we can.

I cannot believe that I am even writing that... that Sunderland might go to Anfield and get a result!

These truly are halcyon days.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external