Overview

• Sunderland lead the promoted pack with eight points from five matches, sit seventh, and have conceded only four goals.
• All eight previous promoted teams to reach eight points after five games avoided relegation, offering a positive but not definitive indicator for Sunderland.
• The three clubs have combined for 19 points across five fixtures, the strongest promoted-group opening since the 2017–18 season.
• Compared with last year’s promoted sides at the same stage, the trio have conceded six fewer goals and allowed 31 fewer chances.
• Recruitment strategies diverged, with Leeds spending about £99m, Burnley roughly £112m, and Sunderland among the league’s bigger spenders with additions such as Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey.