Sunderland supporters rejoiced as the full-time whistle blew at Wembley Stadium on May 21. The 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers secured their return to the second tier of English football after a four-year hiatus.
The Black Cats were one step closer to the promised land of the Premier League, but a return to the Championship would bring new kinds of obstacles. So far, Sunderland have overcome the majority and they don't look like a side that's spent such a long time away from the division.
The Wearsiders have competed well in every fixture so far this season and are within touching distance of the play-offs, despite having a budget way smaller than the recently relegated Premier League sides. A summer of good recruitment has once again freshened up an aging squad from League One.
