Two Sunderland players put on pedestal with Erling Haaland as Premier League make official announcement

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Regis Le Bris has seen two of his Sunderland players recognised for their performances in the Premier League.

Although no newly promoted side in the last three seasons has been able to retain their top-flight status, the Black Cats have emerged as dark horses after an incredible start.

The 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest last time out, courtesy of Omar Alderete’s 38th-minute match-winning goal, has propelled the side into fifth place in the league table.

It has been a near-perfect start for Le Bris, who suffered a 2-0 loss against fellow promoted side Burnley, but the Frenchman has remained undefeated in his other five Premier League outings.

And with Sunderland now seven points clear of the relegation zone and flying high, two key starters have been thrust into the limelight.

Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs are nominees for award

The Premier League’s official X account revealed the nominees for the September Player of the Month award, with Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs featured on the list.

Sunderland fans compared Xhaka to Kevin De Bruyne after the midfielder claimed his third assist of the season in six outings at the City Ground last time out.

His impact at the Stadium of Light since returning to English football, particularly replacing former starlet Jobe Bellingham in the engine room, has not gone unnoticed.

With the atmosphere on Wearside brimming with confidence following the unexpected start, Xhaka has been named as crucial to Sunderland’s survival as the former Arsenal man has taken the Premier League by storm.

Furthermore, Xhaka’s fellow summer arrival, Roefs, has also hit the ground running in the North East after replacing Anthony Patterson between the sticks.

Roefs has been “outstanding” for the Black Cats, keeping two clean sheets in his three appearances throughout September.

Erling Haaland will be the front runner for the award

Although the Sunderland duo stand little chance of claiming the POTM award ahead of Manchester City star Erling Haaland, it is still a worthy commendation of their efforts at the Stadium of Light.

Haaland has scored five goals and added one assist in September, scoring crucial goals against Manchester United and Arsenal in the process.

Therefore, among the other nominees, such as Daichi Kamada, Yankuba Minteh, Martin Zubimendi, and of course, the two from Wearside, it is extremely likely the Norwegian will win his fourth award.

However, the voting is left entirely to the supporters, meaning Xhaka and Roefs stand a slim chance of being named the POTM for September – but regardless, the pair can be proud of their efforts in the Premier League thus far.