Cats defence the foundation of strong start

Régis Le Bris believes Sunderland's defensive strength has given them the platform to succeed at Premier League level.

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The Black Cats have made a strong start to the campaign, sitting fourth with 19 points from their first 11 games.

Key to their success has been that only three teams in the entire division have conceded fewer goals, and only four teams have conceded a lower XG across the opening months of the campaign.

The Sunderland head coach admits his team is still very much a work in progress across a number of areas, but believes the togetherness of the group and the sacrifices his forward players are making to support the defence is key to the strong form.