Sunderland’s 10 Best Premier League Games Since They Won Promotion

Sunderland have been far from entertaining in recent years. Their measured, tentative, and frankly boring approach to games has seen them labelled ‘Sundrawland’ by many fans, fed up of having to endure the Black Cat’s fixtures. 

They’re often last on Match of the Day for a reason.

Nonetheless, their current run of eight seasons in the Premier League haven’t always been as bad as many think. In fact, they've produced some truly stunning results from time to time. Their five derby victories in a row will live long in the memory on Wearside, whilst Sunderland have also occasionally given some of the big boys a good beating.

It hasn't always been plain sailing along the way as Sunderland haven’t managed to emphatically avenge any of their hammerings; such as the 7-1 loss to Everton, or 8-0 loss to Southampton. It must be noted however, that several of the side’s fixtures over the years have featured magnificent atmospheres, occasionally topped by decent football.

Honourable mentions not on the following list should go to the 0-1 derby victory this season, along with Sunderland’s 2-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge last. The fact that those games haven’t made it into the hall of fame perhaps indicates that Sunderland’s latest stint in the Premier League hasn't been quite as painful as many perceive.

The following top 10 games aren't judged solely on results, but also the atmosphere generated, matched with the significance of the result.

Here goes...

First up is a good hammering. 

This was the only occasion in Sunderland’s latest spell in the Premier League where they’ve managed to score five goals, hence why it makes this list.

After Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones each scored a penalty, Sunderland typically slipped up.

The performance itself wasn’t as convincing as the scoreline suggests, with the Sunderland defenders typically shooting themselves in the foot to let Wolves back in the game. A short five minute spell saw Wolves score two goals, but this did little to stop a rampant Sunderland strike force.

Kenwyne Jones added his second of the game, before a Michael Turner header and Michael Mancienne own goal sealed the emphatic victory.