Before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season, there's little doubt that most football watchers would have predicted that those clubs promoted from the Championship - Sunderland, Leeds United and Burnley - would be facing a long, hard struggle.
The gap between the English top-flight and second tier appears to be getting wider every year, and it's little wonder that promoted teams are, by and large, the ones to go straight back down.
Sunderland's aggressive recruitmentFinancial Fair Play has brought an alignment of sorts, though the Premier League's more marketable entities are able to spend far more than those who have often waltzed to the title in the division below, only to get a quick reality check.
Sunderland were promoted thanks to a late win over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off final, and despite losing Jobe Bellingham, Tom Watson and others during the summer, they've given themselves a real opportunity of success this season thanks to an aggressive recruitment programme, the likes of which have rarely been seen of late.
Sunderland's line-up for the match against West HamBetopickTo give some sort of context, the team that played in their epic opening day win over a pathetic West Ham United had just three players from their win over the Blades: Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda, scorers against the Hammers, and Trai Hume.
Incredibly, the Black Cats fielded a new goalkeeper, half a new back four and a brand new midfield and attack.
It shouldn't have worked, but it absolutely did.
£100m+ spent on 12 new players.
.
.
and there could be moreSo far, Regis Le Bris has spent well over £100m on Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Transfer cost, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete and Robin Roefs.
Sunderland have also added Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku and Marc Guiu as either free or loan transfers.
A total of 12 new faces.
It appears that their shopping spree is still not over, however, with reports suggesting that the club are targeting Bologna centre-back, Jhon Lucimi.
What is an incredibly high-risk strategy is also an extremely brave one, and for that club owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfuss, deserves a big pat on the back for not only trusting his manager but also giving him the tools to do the job.
For far too long now, promoted clubs think that by not spending a massive amount, they can cushion the expected blow of relegation some 12-24 months later.
That's not only a short-term outlook, it's hugely frustrating for supporters who are paying ever-increasing sums of money to see their heroes succeed.
Consolidation requiredConsolidating and building on a first season back in the big time is arguably the most important factor in top-tier longevity, and as Brentford, for example, have shown, with the right recruitment, management and belief amongst playing staff, anything can be achieved.
Sunderland may well be going out on a limb with regards to such a transfer policy, but they certainly can't be blamed for not trying to participate.
With the likes of Xhaka, Masuaku and Reinildo in situ too, they have the perfect blend of experience for their younger and emerging aces.
Watching the team against West Ham, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it was actually Graham Potter's side that had come up from the Championship, such was the gulf between the two teams, particularly in the second half.
Two of the new signings - Talbi and Alderete - provided assists in the game, whilst Wilson Isidor's goal was all his own work.
No yellow cards for the Black Cats in a physical encounter speaks volume,s too.
Tougher tests aheadOf course, there will be much tougher tests ahead and Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal all loom large in a five-game period during October and early November.
By the time Sunderland play Man City in the last game of the calendar year - having only travelled to the Etihad Stadium 24 days beforehand - everyone will have a much better idea as to whether this side are just pretenders or the real deal.
Sunderland vs West Ham: Match StatsOpta by Stats PerformFor the sake of football more generally, and to reward the fact that the Wearside giants were prepared to put their money where their mouths are, there has to be a hope that Sunderland will be just fine.
It's been eight long years since they've even had a sniff of making it to the Premier League, and it could be a lot longer if they were to drop down again.
Let it not be forgotten either that when Louis-Dreyfuss took over the club as a 24-year-old back in 2021, the club were languishing in League One - the third tier of English football.
As the youngest chairman in English football at that time, it wouldn't have been a surprise for him to be the target of ridicule.
And yet, he's the one who's laughing now.
.
.
Jason PettigroveBetopick
The Ultimate Guide to Winning Football Predictions with Betopick
Top 5 Best Football Prediction Sites for Winning
The Role of Data Analytics in Enhancing Football Betting Predictions
Three Things You Should Look Into Every Time You Place a Football Bet
Why 1win Stands Out as the Best Crypto Casino Right Now
FIFA president Infantino says Club World Cup is 'world's most successful competition'
Newcastle sign goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on season-long loan
LeagueLane Predictions – How Betopick Tips Compare