Signed for just 12m in the summer, the former RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen defender was given his chance when Dan Ballard picked up an injury in the second game of the season. The 27-year-old has embraced the challenge, producing a series of standout displays. In his four games, Sunderland have picked up eight points and conceded just two goals. His physicality and athleticism have been central to the team's fast start.
Sunderland's summer transfer activity was the talk of the town during the recent window - and for good reason. The Black Cats added an entirely new starting XI to the squad which secured a return to the top flight via the Championship play-offs last season and have hit the ground running after their nine-year Premier League hiatus. Sunderland beat rivals to a number of signings, including the 30 million capture of Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, who was high on Leeds United's list of midfield targets.
Six games into the season and Sunderland are flying high in the Premier League. After eight years away, the Black Cats are enjoying being back in the big time, with victory at Nottingham Forest lifting them into the Champions League places. Few would expect them still to be there come May, but with three wins under their belt already, Regis le Bris' side have every reason to be optimistic.
After receiving their finishers' merchandise, runners noticed that the river on their T-shirts and medals matched the shape of the north-east's other famous river and not Newcastle's Tyne. While the map on the medal has been printed with the words Newcastle, Gateshead, and South Shields, they appear to have been overlaid on to a map of Sunderland's streets, shown either side of the River Wear.
Sunderland feel that the 21-year-old Nigerian striker is unlikely to receive regular Premier League minutes this season. His talent was evident during pre-season, and Sunderland are keen for him to gain valuable playing time elsewhere. Ahmed Abdullahi needs to leave Sitting on the bench at the Premier League club will not benefit him. Going out on loan could be ideal for the young attacker.
Sadly, two care home residents a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s passed away yesterday. The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.