NOTTINGHAM, England :Sunderland are only six games into their first Premier League campaign for nearly a decade but after Saturday's 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest have almost half the total amount of points they managed when they were relegated in 2017.

Regis Le Bris's side were among the favourites for the drop after returning to the top flight following a playoff victory over Sheffield United in May.

But under the Frenchman's watchful eye, they have been the surprise package of the season so far, winning three and drawing two of their opening six games to move into the top four with 11 points. In 2016-17 they managed 24 and finished rock bottom.

"It was good to win because it wasn't an easy challenge," Le Bris said. "It was our first away win in the league, so I'm really proud of o

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