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“Sunderland Fans Beware: 7 Game-Changing Premier League Surprises You Didn’t See in the Championship
Seven New Realities Sunderland Will Face in Their Premier League Return
Sunderland are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17 — and a lot has changed in the top flight during their eight-year absence.
When the Black Cats were last in the division, Pep Guardiola had yet to lift a trophy with Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp was still chasing his first piece of silverware with Liverpool, and Newcastle United were in the Championship under Rafa Benitez.
Now, as Sunderland prepare for a fresh start among English football’s elite, they’ll encounter several new experiences — some exciting, some controversial, and some simply part of the modern game.
Here’s a look at seven key changes they’ll be dealing with next season:
1. Welcome to the World of VAR
Sunderland fans have already had a taste of VAR after the play-off final against Sheffield United.
A potential second goal from the Blades was overturned after a review, keeping the Black Cats in the match.
Now, VAR will be a regular feature — with all its drama and debate — in every Premier League game.
2. Semi-Automated Offside Technology
Another tech upgrade: semi-automated offside decisions. Introduced recently, this system uses advanced tracking to support VAR officials in making quicker and more accurate offside calls.
It’s designed to eliminate human error in tight calls — though football fans know that controversy is never far behind.
3. Financial Fair Play Tightens Up
The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) mean clubs can only lose up to £105 million over three years — or £35 million per season.
These financial limits are strictly monitored, with clubs already facing sanctions in recent seasons. For Sunderland, careful budgeting and smart investment will be vital.
4. Monday Night Football Spotlight
While Monday games aren’t new to Sunderland players, appearing on Sky Sports’ ‘Monday Night Football’ certainly is.
With fan-favorite David Jones hosting and pundits like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher dissecting performances, Sunderland will be under the national spotlight like never before.
5. A New Everton Stadium Awaits
Sunderland’s trips to Goodison Park are now a thing of the past. Everton are moving into their brand-new 53,000-seater Hill Dickinson Stadium next season — one of the league’s most anticipated new venues.
6. New Match Balls from Puma
After over two decades with Nike, the Premier League has partnered with Puma as its official ball supplier starting this season.
It’s a subtle change, but symbolic of the evolving nature of the league. Expect to see a brand-new ball design across every match from August.
7. The Tyne-Wear Derby Returns
For the first time since 2017, Sunderland and Newcastle will meet in a Premier League derby.
While Sunderland remain unbeaten in league derbies since 2011, Newcastle won the most recent clash — a 3-0 win in the FA Cup in January 2024.
With both teams back in the same division, anticipation for these high-stakes fixtures will be sky-high.
As Sunderland re-enter the Premier League, they’ll be stepping into a very different world — one filled with new rules, new rivalries, and new expectations.
But for the fans and players alike, it’s a challenge worth embracing.
