It’s been well over a week since Sunderland secured their place back in the Premier League after an eight year absence, and work is already underway to help them in their fight for survival in 2025/26.
Tommy Watson’s hero status was secured after he found the back of the net in the 95th minute at Wembley against Sheffield United, with the midfielder now at Brighton & Hove Albion after agreeing a move to the south coast back in April.
The challenge that awaits the Black Cats next season is monumental, with the last six sides promoted to the Premier League all finding themselves relegated after just 12 months.
With Jobe Bellingham looking likely to leave for Borussia Dortmund, Regis Le Bris has a huge task on his hands to get his squad ready for the top flight, and a defender is already being targeted. However, Anthony Patterson believes one strength of this team will see them to safety.
Anthony Patterson claims why Sunderland can avoid relegation
After a shaky few months, Sunderland’s shot-stopper Patterson ended the campaign strongly. His save inside the first two minutes to deny Kieffer Moore the opener is a standout moment from the Championship play-off final, although it did coincide with Luke O’Nien’s game-ending injury.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Nevertheless, he will now get his first taste of Premier League football after coming through the Black Cats’ academy, something that he is very excited for.
He said (via: The Northern Echo): “It’s going to be an incredible season. We’re going to be coming up against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Man City, and it’s just going to be surreal, but it’s a challenge all the lads are looking forward to.
“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet but it will as we reflect over the summer.”
However, it will be a tough test to survive in the Premier League, and when asked if Sunderland can stay up, Patterson replied: “Definitely, I think we’ve got the quality, you’ve seen that. I think we’ve got unreal amounts of quality, so let’s see what we can do in the Premier League next season.
“Yeah, I think so. I think the togetherness we’ve got as a group is incredible. I’ve never seen a group like it and it got us over the line – it’s been incredible.”
Anthony Patterson has watched this Black Cats team grow
Despite being just 25, Patterson feels like a senior player in this young Sunderland squad, and he has seen it all over the years, with this promotion his second at the club.
However, the Black Cats’ star players are quickly being targeted, and keeping hold of them will be crucial to their success in the Premier League. Dan Neil is another who is of interest to a European club, and Le Bris can ill-afford to lose too many of his starting XI this quickly.
It is imperative that the core of the team that won the play-off final against Sheffield United are kept together. Sunderland need evolution this summer, not revolution, and only time will tell as to which path they will take.