Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris paid tribute to Sunderland’s character and ambition following their hard-earned draw against Manchester City.
The Black Cats secured a share of the win in their opening match of 2026, despite spending much of the game in the background at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland were comfortably defeated 3-0 in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium last month.
However, Le Bris was delighted with the progress his players have made since that match as they held on for a deserved point.
“It was a good match against a very strong opponent, one of the best in Europe,” he said. “[It was] important to defend well. We showed we can defend high, when they came up a bit with their quality we had to control the ball in the final third.
“They created a lot of chances, but the character was good. Even when we were on the edge, we had one foot, one head, something to protect the ball.”
“It was important to escape their counter-pressure. They were excellent at the Etihad a few weeks ago, and it was impossible to escape their counter-pressure. We did that well today. We are growing and learning from different experiences.”
“It’s a matter of experience, the bar is high for our team. They want to get better. If you stay at the same level, the competition goes so fast that you’re done. They are still ambitious.”
Another BIG point on the boardpic.twitter.com/hlAe7DFB4Y
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 1, 2026
Sunderland remain seventh in the Premier League at the turn of the year and have now taken points from each of the division’s top five teams since their return to the top flight.
The Black Cats are also only the second promoted team to remain unbeaten in their first ten home games in a Premier League campaign, after Ipswich Town in 1992-93 (first eleven).
“I think every time we play at our house the fans are incredible,” added defender Trai Hume. “They are our 12th man and I think you can see that in our performances and what our home record is this season.
“They always push us. We make it difficult for opponents who come here, so we have to keep it that way.”
“We wanted to be bold. When we went to their house, we went there with a little bit of naivety and a little bit of respect, which they totally deserve, but coming here was a different plan.
“We wanted to get after them and apply pressure, and I think we did that. Sometimes we won the ball back, created chances ourselves.”
“It’s just the energy, our dressing room is so positive,” continued skipper Granit Xhaka. “We have so much good energy with the staff, with the players.
“In the end, the results speak for ourselves, because we put a lot of effort day after day, week after week. I think we can be very happy at the moment.”
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