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“I’ve never seen”- Anthony Patterson reveals why Sunderland can stay in the Premier League
Sunderland Begin Premier League Preparations as Patterson Backs Squad to Beat Drop
More than a week has passed since Sunderland sealed their return to the Premier League after eight long years, and planning is already in full swing to prepare for the massive challenge ahead in the 2025/26 season.
Tommy Watson etched his name into club folklore with a dramatic 95th-minute winner at Wembley against Sheffield United, securing promotion. However, Watson won’t be part of the top-flight journey—his move to Brighton & Hove Albion was agreed back in April.
The road ahead for Sunderland is daunting. Each of the last six teams promoted to the Premier League have suffered relegation after just one season, a trend the Black Cats will be determined to break.
With rising star Jobe Bellingham strongly linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, head coach Regis Le Bris has a major rebuilding job on his hands. Defensive reinforcements are already being pursued, but goalkeeper Anthony Patterson believes the squad’s unity could be their secret weapon for survival.
Patterson Confident of Premier League Survival
Patterson, who came through Sunderland’s academy, ended the Championship campaign in strong form. His early save against Kieffer Moore in the play-off final was crucial in setting the tone—though it came at the cost of Luke O’Nien’s injury.
Now, with his first Premier League campaign on the horizon, Patterson shared his excitement with The Northern Echo:
“It’s going to be an incredible season. We’ll be facing teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City—it’s surreal. But it’s a challenge everyone is ready for. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet, but it will as we look back over the summer.”
When asked whether Sunderland can avoid relegation, the 25-year-old was optimistic:
“Definitely. I think we’ve got unreal amounts of quality, and the togetherness in this group is like nothing I’ve seen before. That unity got us over the line—it’s been incredible.”
A Young Leader in a Rapidly Changing Squad
Despite his age, Patterson now feels like one of the senior figures in a youthful Sunderland side. This is his second promotion with the club, giving him a valuable perspective on their growth and evolution.
However, keeping the team’s key players will be vital to surviving in the top flight. Alongside Bellingham, midfielder Dan Neil is reportedly drawing attention from European clubs—highlighting the growing pressure on Sunderland to retain their core talent.
Le Bris must now strike the right balance: reinforcing the squad without dismantling what made it successful. Continuity could be just as crucial as new signings in ensuring Sunderland adapt quickly to the Premier League.
The next few weeks will reveal whether the club opts for steady evolution or a more radical overhaul.
