Sunderland’s win vs Chelsea just answered the biggest question mark over the Black Cats this season

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The Sunderland hype train rolls on with another huge win this weekend, but the victory over Chelsea does more than just put three points on the board.

Despite an incredible start to the season for Sunderland, you’d be hard pressed to find many neutrals giving them a chance of beating a strong Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge.

However, Sunderland extended their unbeaten run in London which now stands at 14 league games without defeat in the capital.

The Black Cats bounced back from Alejandro Garnacho’s early goal for Chelsea, with goals from Wilson Isidor and a late strike Chemsdine Talbi securing a crucial win on the road.

• READ MORE: Chelsea star ‘bullied’ as Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland earn huge win at Stamford Bridge

Sunderland have proven they can beat the big teams

Before yesterday, we had seen Sunderland brush aside the likes of Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and West Ham. While those wins were important and highly positive, there was always the caveat that the Black Cats were beating relatively weak teams.

We had also seen Regis Le Bris’ side lose to Manchester United and Burnley. The defeat at Burnley, it would seem, was an anomaly. But, the loss at Old Trafford did raise an interesting question: can Sunderland cope against the so-called big teams in the Premier League?

After the win at Stamford Bridge, the answer to that is a resounding yes. The Mackems showed their trademark resilience and determination in coming from behind, fighting to the final whistle, and shell shocking their opponents.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	ArsenalArsenal	8	6	1	1	15	3	12	19
2	SunderlandSunderland	9	5	2	2	11	7	4	17
3	Manchester CityManchester City	8	5	1	2	17	6	11	16
4	Manchester UnitedManchester United	9	5	1	3	15	14	1	16
5	BournemouthBournemouth	8	4	3	1	14	11	3	15
6	LiverpoolLiverpool	9	5	0	4	16	14	2	15

Admittedly, Sunderland were outplayed by Chelsea on the day. They had far less possession (68% for Chelsea to 32% for the away side) and more than double the amount of passes for Chelsea (629 to 293).

But, Sunderland did come away with the higher xG 0.90 to 1.31. Obviously, xG doesn’t always tell the full picture, but it does show us that Sunderland created enough chances to deserve their win.

Regis Le Bris spoke of his desire to emulate Chelsea one day, in terms of competing on all fronts. For now, at least, the Frenchman has been able to outdo the Premier League giants, and silenced more of Sunderland’s doubters at this early stage of the season.

Surviving in the Premier League is often about ensuring you get results against the weaker teams. If Sunderland can match the big boys in this division, they’ll not only survive; they’ll thrive.

• READ MORE: Enzo Le Fee names who he thinks has been the most impactful summer signing at Sunderland

Late goals continue to be key asset for Sunderland

Chemsdine Talbi’s late goal was yet another signal of what Sunderland are all about. Last season, the Black Cats scored in the dying moments, time and time again, including Dan Ballard’s towering header in the Championship play-off semi-final and Tommy Watson’s famous winner at Wembley.

Sunderland have now scored four goals in the 90th minute or later this season in the top flight, including winners against Brentford and Chelsea, and doubling their lead at Wolves.

Premier League managers have praised Le Bris and his tactical approach, but few of them will be thanking him if he keeps stealing points with last-gasp goals.

It’s just another incredible weapon Sunderland have in their arsenal. They simply do not know when they are beaten, and it’s so refreshing to see a newly-promoted team come up to the Premier League and fight for every point with such verve, vigour, and relentlessness.