Arrogant Sunderland struggling in the Premier League: What is wrong with the Black Cats?

A sharp change from last season

Sunderland qualified for the Europa League last season, their first time doing so after eight years away from the top flight. After seven league games then, they had 11 points and sat ninth, with three wins, two draws and two defeats.

This season has opened very differently. The defeat at Bournemouth was their fourth consecutive league loss, and they now sit second bottom.

Players voice their concern

Defender Mukiele was blunt after Sunday’s match, telling Sky Sports, “We are not good enough.” He said the performance reflected how the team had looked since the start of the season. Le Bris also voiced disappointment, saying it was painful because Sunderland had not played like themselves. He said their position was not good, while adding that the team would not make excuses and wanted to meet a busy schedule head-on.

Errors prove costly at Bournemouth

Bournemouth had been without a league win before Sunday and had also played in Europe on Thursday. Sunderland nevertheless fell behind in the sixth minute, after Kevin Danso was beaten by Evanilson in the build-up to Marcus Tavernier’s goal.

After the break, Omar Alderete’s weak backpass to goalkeeper Robin Roefs gave Evanilson the chance to make it 2-0. Alderete became the third player this season to make multiple errors leading to goals, alongside team-mate Danso and Hull’s Konstantinos Tzolakis.

Goals and squad depth in focus

The club spent £161m on 15 new players after promotion in the summer of 2025. Mukiele questioned whether the squad was ready for challenges on all fronts, saying that competing would require a bigger, deeper group. Sunderland have lost both matches immediately after Europa League outings, including an eight-goal game against unbeaten league leaders Manchester City.