Sunderland

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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

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Liverpool" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Sunderland match", for example.

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Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

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Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

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Sunderland are a really good team and, on their day, they are more than a match for anyone.

The Black Cats are strong and robust, and when they get after teams and press you then they are phenomenal.

All of that makes me think this is a really hard game for Manchester City.

Their derby victory was a brilliant win, and Enzo Maresca's biggest result as their manager so far with the way they did it.

Iliman Ndiaye showed what a good signing he is when he came on for Rayan Cherki in the second half at Old Trafford, in terms of offering a different profile.

Cherki's more of an inside forward, as a number 10 or playing narrow, and he's a guy you think you couldn't get the ball off in a telephone box.

Ndiaye, though, will do more work going back and is also more of a ball carrier, so he was exactly what City needed when they went a man down.

Manchester United can feel hard done by because City's winner should have been disallowed, but the visitors were the better team with 10 men.

This will be a very different task for Maresca's men, with the emphasis on them breaking down the Black Cats, but I don't feel it will just be one-way traffic.

I still think City will find a way, though, and they need to for the sake of the title race. They already seem to be the only team capable of keeping pace with Arsenal.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City will look to maintain their 100% league record under Enzo Maresca when they welcome Sunderland to Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Maresca's tenure got off to a wobbly start with the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal, but his troops have rallied to ensure they are level on points with the table-topping Gunners at this early stage, trailing only on goal difference.

In fact, the Italian is aiming to become just the sixth manager to win his first five Premier League games in charge of a club.

The Blues, last season's runners-up, are on a mightily impressive run of league form, having lost just two of their past 30 matches, winning 20 and drawing eight.

Their record at home to the Black Cats is also enviable. City are unbeaten in all 14 of their Premier League home games against Sunday's opposition, winning 12 of those encounters. Sunderland's last league win in this fixture came at Maine Road in the second tier in January 1998.

Sterling Erling

Erling Haaland, Golden Boot winner in three of his four campaigns in England, is already the pace-setter for this season's prize with four goals. Sunderland, however, are the only top-flight team he has faced without scoring.

The Norwegian has scored in eight of his past nine league appearances, netting nine goals. In two games against the Black Cats, he had had three shots with an xG of 0.75 without finding the net. Don't bet against him breaking his duck on Sunday.

Stadium of delight

Juggling Sunderland's European commitments with their domestic schedule was always going to be one of the biggest tasks facing Regis le Bris this season.

Having got their Europa League campaign off to a winning start against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday – the club's first game in continental competition since 1973 – the Black Cats must focus on climbing the Premier League table after an unconvincing start.

Four points from four games has them sitting 14th, and history suggests this won't be the fixture to propel them up the table. The Black Cats haven't won any of their past 17 top-flight games against teams starting the day in the top two, losing 13 and drawing four.

Couple that with the fact they are winless in nine league games against Manchester City – since a 1-0 home victory under Gus Poyet in November 2013 – and it looks like a tall order for Le Bris' side to head back to Wearside with all three points.

Something for Sunderland to cling to, however, is the fact they have scored in each of their past eight league away games, their best run of scoring on the road in this competition since another run of eight in 2015-16.

The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light against AZ was electric and Le Bris is keen for that feelgood factor to continue. It is a demanding schedule for his squad, though they will have an extra day's rest over City, who battered Norwich 5-0 in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

"It is a tough week but it is exactly what we want to do," the Frenchman said.

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Sunday will be Le Bris' 100th game in charge of the Black Cats. On reaching the milestone, he said: "It feels like a sprint! It has been a fantastic journey.". On the club's progress in such a short space of time: "I don't set a limit before. We are working hard as much as we can and with the quality of the connection, the lads, the fans and we created something impressive. It's just the beginning, I hope, and we are still in this process."

• On team news, the Sunderland boss said: "Reinildo is suspended [following his red card against Arsenal last weekend], so we will have to see who comes in at left-back. Dayann Methalie is one of the options, but let's see." It is thought that Romaine Mundle (knee) and Habib Diarra (hamstring) are still unavailable, although there will be another training session before the game.

• On his squad, Le Bris added: "We made four changes for our fixture against AZ Alkmaar and we have the option to make three, four or five changes to start with against Manchester City. We will also need to call on some substitutes throughout the game as well to finish things off. It is the reality of the level we're at now."

• The Sunderland boss said he "won't complain" about their busy schedule and added: "We earned it and it's challenging going from Arsenal to AZ Alkmaar and now Manchester City. This is exactly what we want to play so we need to embrace once again the challenge. We are getting better game after game and now it's time to show up once again to win."

• Le Bris was asked about Trai Hume and said "he's a good symbol of the journey starting from League One to the Premier League to European games now". He also praised Hume and his consistency.

• He said it's "just a question of time" before Sunderland start converting more of their chances and added: "It's a process. We are still really efficient defensively, which gives us a strong platform to be competitive and we are creating more chances than ever so it's really positive."

• Le Bris wants his side to focus on themselves this weekend: "Manchester City have players everywhere! So if we start looking at their strength, we can't play. It's better to focus on us, how can we manage their threat and how we can create threat as well? I think we are getting better in this area."

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

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We asked for your views after Sunderland beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the Europa League.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Delighted for the lads but got to say the obvious, we desperately need goalscorers. We put in the effort but not getting the end result of a few goals. But hey, who would have thought we would be here just a few seasons ago?

Ian: What a night for the team, the fans and the city! AZ are top of their division for a reason but Sunderland deserved the win.

Wilf: What a night and what a match. The atmosphere lived up to the pre-match hype with the crowd continuously pushing the team. Sunderland dominated the first half and really should have been out of sight. AZ showed their class after half-time and played some tidy football. It could have ended up 6-3. A great game of football fitting of such an historic occasion.

Denise: As nerve-wracking as it is, I'd settle for a 1-0 win all campaign.

Jura: For once we had the rub of the green with a few let-offs, but we still deserved to win this game and the crowd played a massive part of this win. No one can say we don't produce an exciting game.

Gary: I am a Sunderland fan, a win is a win, personally I thought we were poor at times but AZ average three goals per game this season, so probably a good result.