Sunderland

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We asked you to rate Sunderland's start to the season and tell us what Regis le Bris should be focusing on during this extended international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Not too worried about points tally as our performances have been great and we are obviously competitive against the top teams. Concerns, as we all have, about goals, but hopefully Brobbey's hat-trick was the start of a 20 league goals season for him.

Stuart: Superb start. Took a few games but the defence is starting to look like the incredibly tight ship we're getting used to. Consistency is what impressed last season, and first few weeks' results won't define the season.

Andrew: It's been a tough start but we have equipped ourselves well against the top teams. With European football, I can see a mid-table finish. Some very important extended contracts signed.

Michael: I'd be hard-pressed to say too much negative about us at this point in the season. It'd be good to have a few more points on the board, but we've clearly shown we're not afraid of the bigger games, and we're finally showing some of the clinical finishing we've needed for so long. If we can tidy up the defensive lines and be stronger when we're against the counter-attack, I'd be thrilled. Brighton will be a good first test of this. All in all, solid performances in need of a few more results, but we're always a work in progress.

Mark: It's a decent start I'd imagine most Sunderland fans would struggle to find much, if anything, to moan about.

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Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has been replaced by Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in the Netherlands' squad for the remainder of the international break.

Brobbey, who has been named in Regis le Bris' starting XI for every Premier League fixture so far this season, was forced off with an apparent muscle injury in the first half of the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Germany on Thursday.

The 24-year-old will return to Sunderland for treatment.

Brobbey went into the three-week break off the back of a hat-trick in Sunderland's 5-3 defeat by Manchester City.

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says Enzo le Fee "is a huge asset" to the Black Cats after the attacking midfielder signed a new deal until 2031.

Le Fee, who joined permanently from Roma following promotion to the Premier League, has scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 64 appearances for the club.

"It's good news because there has been a lot of anxiety around Brian Brobbey and Le Fee's recent performances, with people asking whether Sunderland can keep hold of them," said Gabbiadini on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"He's one of those players that is just a fans' favourite because of the quality that he brings and the character he shows on the field.

"He's quite a calm person, but when he gets on the field he wants to express himself and be on the ball to play those killer passes that quite often slice open defences.

"He's a huge asset to Sunderland and him signing was a real turning point in the club's progress.

"Is he going to be here for the next four years? I really hope so, but if he carries on the trajectory he's on at the moment then it would mean the club would have to constantly be in European spots.

"Players are ambitious and they want to play at the highest level. They want to test themselves against the best. But that's the more cold-hearted view on it and we just need to see what happens."

Hit play below to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

As we enter the season's first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games in the Premier League.

Regis le Bris' side have lost three of their first five games - winning just once - but those include spirited performances in defeat against Manchester City and Arsenal.

They sit 14th going into the extended break and the Black Cats also won their Europa League opener to make a victorious start to their first European campaign for 53 years.

How do you rate the Black Cats' start to the season and why? And what should Le Bris be focusing on during the extended break?

Get in touch with your views here

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We asked for your views on the importance for Sunderland to tie Enzo le Fee down to a new contract and how you would rate his time at the club so far.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave: He's our most creative player. He could play for any of the top clubs in the Premier League, he's that good! And we are very lucky he's signed a new long-term deal. The club are really doing everything to progress our club and we as supporters should continue to support and believe in what they are doing.

Andrew: Great news for both club and player. More wages and bonuses for the player and a longer contract, so clubs have to pay more to buy him.

Jura: Enzo is a massively talented player who is consistent and continuously improving. He has superb close control, he can receive the ball under high pressure and spin away on a dime, then thread defence-splitting through-balls, and that's without mentioning his dribbling and dead-ball skills. He's a massive asset to our club.

Ged: He just gets better and better! Nobody is going to move him out of his current position. Can you think of a better Sunderland player in that position ever??

Josh: Huge part of our squad, these contract deals are as important as transfers.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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The penalty awarded to Sunderland against Arsenal earlier this month should not have been given, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has ruled.

However, the KMI panel also felt the error did not reach the threshold for a video assistant referee intervention.

Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot in the 54th minute for a holding offence by Ezri Konsa on Dan Ballard, but Gunners goalkeeper David Raya then saved Enzo le Fee's spot-kick.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious after the match, even though his side went on to win the game 2-0, saying the match "was unprotected".

"It's a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri [Konsa] does nothing. Just watch it," Arteta told BBC Match of the Day.

"We have a lot of cameras and VAR, we have to take responsibility to protect the game.

"Today the game was unprotected and it could have cost us the game and the momentum which is a really, really serious thing."

The five members of the KMI panel unanimously voted that the spot-kick should not have been given, with a split 3:2 vote in support of no VAR review.

"Although it was a very untidy challenge in which Konsa initially had arms around Ballard, Ballard engages in a holding action which pulls Konsa onto him so they both fall to the floor," the KMI panel noted.

"The non-VAR intervention was supported, with the majority considering that the on-field decision was not a clear and obvious error, given the combined actions from both players."

It is possible for the KMI panel to reach what would appear to be contradictory judgements.

The vote on the on-field call assesses what the best outcome should be.

But the VAR vote considers whether the on-field call can be justified, taking into account what the referee has seen and the available replays.

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Sunderland's Enzo le Fee says "this is just the beginning" of his journey with the club after signing a new deal until 2031.

Le Fee joined the Black Cats initially on loan from Roma in January 2025, making the move permanent in the summer after Regis le Bris' side achieved promotion to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 64 appearances for the club, including the Sunderland's first European goal in 53 years in their Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar earlier in September.

"I'm really happy to have signed a new contract with Sunderland," said Le Fee.

"From the moment I arrived, I've felt the passion of the supporters and the ambition of everyone at the club - I've loved my time here.

"We've achieved something special together over the past couple of seasons, but I believe this is just the beginning. I feel very settled here and I'm excited to continue developing, competing at the highest level and helping the club move forward.

"I'm very proud to wear the Sunderland shirt and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together in the years ahead."

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi added: "Enzo is a very important player for us, but also an important person within our group.

"He has quality, intelligence and personality, but what we value just as much is his humility and the way he represents Sunderland every day."

Sunderland fans, how important was securing Le Fee's future at the club? Does it show the ambition of the hierarchy? And how would you rate his time on Wearside so far?

Get in touch with your views here

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini is confident that, with confidence, forward Brian Brobbey will continue to score goals.

The 24-year-old bagged a hat-trick against Manchester City for the Black Cats on Sunday, but was still on the losing side.

Brobbey, who was at the World Cup with the Netherlands in the summer, scored seven Premier League goals last season, but had failed to find the net in the first four games of this campaign.

"They were not spectacular goals - it was good finishing and being in the right place," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It was a good performance, as there has been a lot of talk about his goals output. He's the type of player who has scored goals in the past.

"His ratio would be one in two, one in three, in his best spells. It can happen and he just needs a bit of confidence.

"He may need to score the odd spectacular goal and trust his shooting more - those goals that come from nothing."

Hit play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

Although Sunderland's players trudged off the Etihad Stadium pitch with zero points to add to their league total, they had arguably helped produce the game of the season so far.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes said: "We witnessed a classic. Breathtaking. Breathless. You couldn't take your eye off this game."

Meanwhile, former Black Cats defender Gary Bennett described Manchester City's 5-3 victory as "a great advert for the Premier League" and "two teams going at it with quality football".

He added: "We know where we have gone wrong. Mistakes were punished - simple as that. Going forward, we have caused them problems and that's the encouraging thing.

"Last week, we gave Arsenal a game and we gave Manchester City a game. If we perform like this and cut the mistakes out, we won't be far wrong. We have come away with a lot of positives."

One of those positives was Brian Brobbey's hat-trick, which moved him into joint third on the Premier League's top-scorers list.

Only City's Erling Haaland (five) and Liverpool's Alexander Isak (four) have scored more in the top flight this season.

Hit play above to hear more post-match analysis or listen on BBC Sounds here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Sunderland

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Youssef: We fought, we battled, we won. What a perfect performance by the lads and what a magnificent way to capitalise on Arsenal's loss yesterday and secure ourselves at the top of the table.

Owain: Brilliant going forward but suspect at the back. Sunderland were a credit and gave us a real test. Brian Brobbey will be a very good player in the near future. Thought we were pressurised and our passes went astray too often. We now have three good wide options. I like Enzo Fernandez, and I hope the Semenyo-distracted will leave him alone. Looked very impressive and deserved his player of the match.

Robert: Absolute credit to Sunderland who came to the Etihad to play football and not put 10-men behind the ball. They made this game what it was, very entertaining and worth watching.

Phil: Didn't want to sign Enzo, but what a player. Him and Elliott Anderson were outstanding.

Sunderland fans

Stuart: Although our defending was poor, the way we went toe-to-toe with City and caused them so many problems makes me proud. I think a lot of neutrals will enjoy watching Sunderland this season.

Mason: A swashbuckling approach that took City by surprise. Individual defensive errors cost Sunderland but overall it was a performance which showed they could go toe-to-toe with the best. Cut out those mistakes and it will soon click.

Mark: Another incredibly spirited display - my goodness, this team has character. The results will come.

David: Can't believe Sunderland have only four points - not many teams will come to the Etihad and score three! They have got the verve, commitment and fire-power to have a really good season. Keep trying, Mackems!

Former Sunderland and current Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after Sunday's 5-3 win over the Black Cats: "We knew if we controlled them as much as we can we could get the three points.

"It wasn't easy. They made it very, very tough for us.

"We're building a culture and still adjusting, but we're all happy. It's togetherness and sticking together.

"The message from the manager is to win and be at the top of the table by the end of the game."

On netting twice against his former side, he added: "It's crazy. It's so long since I played for them, but happy to win."

Hit play above to hear more from Semenyo or listen on BBC Sounds here

Sunderland starting XI:

Robin Roefs: Will be disappointed for the first goal. Tried to anticipate Enzo Fernandez sending in a cross but instead found himself being beaten at his near post. 4

Nordi Mukiele: A tough game up against Antoine Semenyo, who scored twice. 5

Kevin Danso: Poor clearance contributed to Manchester City winning the ball back high up the pitch for Cherki's goal. 5

Dan Ballard: Part of a backline that conceded three goals in the opening 45 minutes. 5

Dayann Methalie: Booked inside 10 minutes of his Premier League debut and given a difficult game by Iliman Ndiaye. 5

Granit Xhaka: The skipper helped his side get back on level terms twice in the game, but ultimately went home with nothing. 6

Noah Sadiki: Eyes opened up when he found space to shoot after darting forward, but blazed his effort high and wide. 6

Thomas Meunier: The former Belgium international could have had a shot for the second goal but instead laid it on a plate for Brian Brobbey to finish. 7

Enzo le Fee: The French passmaster fizzed a lovely ball into the feet of Brobbey for Sunderland's equaliser and his cleverly disguised pass led to his side's second. 8

Nilson Angulo: Could have made a name for himself but scuffed a golden chance wide in the opening five minutes. Provided the assist for Brobbey's third goal. 6

Brian Brobbey: The hat-trick hero. Three finishes from close range but the Dutchman will be gutted at leaving with the match ball but no points. 10

Sunderland substitutes:

Malick Fofana (on 60, Angulo): Unable to showcase his talent in the half an hour he was on the field. 6

Wilson Isidor (on 68, Sadiki): Regis Le Bris went for it with two up top but the Haitian could not find a goal. 6

Trai Hume (on 79, Meunier) 6

Subs not used:

Elborg, Talbi, Ridd, O'Nien, Alderete, Ahoka

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Sunderland boss, Regis le Bris speaking to Sky Sports: "No compromise with our identity. I think we are really proud to play our football. We went toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in Europe today.

"We created many chances and any small error or mistake gets punished at this level. This is the reality of the Premier League and we have to learn.

"The team is really resilient and the belief is high about our qualities and the way we can hurt the opponents. We are a bit frustrated because we came here with the belief to win.

"We are happy with the squad, with the mentality and with the way we're playing. Obviously we knew it was a tough start against many strong teams so it's not a surprise to have four points after five games."

On Brian Brobbey's hat-trick: "It's really positive for a striker, when you don't score it's still possible to tell the story differently but for us it is really clear that he is a good striker and he's getting better game after game. It's just a question of time."

On Elliot Anderson's potential handball in the penalty area: "It was hard to see that as not a handball. It is what it is and we have to accept the decision. It's hard to comment."

Listen to Le Bris speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle here

Did you know?

• Sunderland's Brian Brobbey is just the fourth player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick against the side starting the day top of the table, after Robbie Fowler v Aston Villa in November 1998, Dirk Kuyt v Manchester United in March 2011, and Romelu Lukaku v Manchester United in May 2013.

• Brobbey for Sunderland today was the sixth instance of a player scoring a Premier League hat-trick but ending the match on the losing side, and the first since Roque Santa Cruz for Blackburn Rovers against Wigan Athletic in December 2007.

• Sunderland have now scored in each of their last nine Premier League away matches, their longest run of scoring on the road in the competition.

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

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It has been quite the week for Sunderland - a victory on their return to European competition on Wednesday bookended by games against the Premier League's top two.

Given the way in which they have acquitted themselves, the Black Cats can rightly feel aggrieved not to have taken even a solitary point from those two league fixtures.

At the Etihad, they started well and Nilson Angulo had a good chance to put them in front before Enzo Fernandez ensured Manchester City's first attack brought a goal.

Rather that feeling sorry for themselves, Sunderland - in what became a theme of the game - rallied immediately and took the game to their hosts.

Time and again they took blows and came back fighting. Even after going 5-3 down late on, Regis le Bris' men would not give in and had either Dan Ballard or Malick Fofana converted clear chances, things could have become very nervy for City in the closing moments.

The nature of the goals conceded will frustrate the Sunderland boss but the performance provides plenty of reason for optimism - maintain this level and the points will surely come.

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

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

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

• Bournemouth v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leeds United v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Manchester City v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Manchester United (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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