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Noah Sadiki is walking a disciplinary tightrope after collecting his fourth yellow card of the season in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Everton at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki is just one caution away from a one-match suspension following his booking in Monday night’s Premier League clash against Everton.
The Belgian youngster, who has been a standout performer in Régis Le Bris’ energetic midfield, picked up his fourth yellow card of the campaign during the first half at the Stadium of Light. Under Premier League regulations, any player who accumulates five yellow cards in their club’s first 19 league fixtures is handed an automatic one-game ban.
With nine matches still to navigate before that threshold resets, Sadiki will need to tread carefully as Sunderland prepares for key upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka – who captained the Black Cats once again in the 1-1 draw with Everton – remains on three yellow cards so far this season.
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The suspension rule applies only to Premier League matches, meaning yellow cards collected in other competitions, such as the FA Cup or Carabao Cup, do not count towards the total. After a team’s 19th league game, the slate is wiped clean – though further sanctions are introduced later in the campaign.
Here’s how the disciplinary system currently stands under Premier League rules:
Five yellow cards: One-match ban if received within the first 19 league games.
Ten yellow cards: Two-match ban if received within the first 32 league games.
Fifteen yellow cards: Three-match ban if received before the end of the season.
Both Sadiki and Xhaka have been ever-present figures in Sunderland’s midfield, offering a balance of bite, control and tactical awareness that has been key to the club’s impressive return to the top flight. With Habib Diarra sidelined through injury, Le Bris will be eager to keep his midfield options intact.
Xhaka was particularly influential once again against Everton, scoring, dictating play and driving the team on as Sunderland extended their unbeaten home run. The Swiss international’s leadership has been central to the club’s transformation – and his partnership with Sadiki has underpinned much of Sunderland’s early-season success. With discipline now crucial heading into a challenging winter run, Le Bris will hope both players can maintain their aggression and intensity without crossing the line.
What did Régis Le Bris say after Sunderland vs Everton?
Omar Alderete remains a doubt for Sunderland’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal this weekend. The Paraguayan defender has missed the Black Cats’ last two fixtures after sustaining a concussion in the 2–0 victory over Wolves. Head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed following Monday’s 1–1 draw with Everton that Alderete is still experiencing minor symptoms, with the club adopting a cautious approach to his recovery.
Sunderland had initially hoped the 27-year-old would complete his return-to-play protocols in time to feature against Everton, but he was ruled out after not fully clearing the final medical checks. His availability for Saturday’s clash with Mikel Arteta’s side remains uncertain.
Le Bris explained: “We don't know yet [whether he’ll be fit to face Arsenal], he had a residual symptom, so we have to assess his health.”
Alderete has been a consistent presence in Sunderland’s back line this season, and his absence would represent a significant blow as the club prepares to face the league leaders.
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