Sunderland roundup: Chelsea win banked, Danso deal reported and Brentford next

Where Sunderland stand

According to the Premier League table, Sunderland sit 15th after one match played: one defeat, one goal scored, two conceded and a goal difference of -1. The result behind those numbers is a 2-1 defeat at Ipswich Town, recorded in FanTribe's results data and the only Sunderland match reflected in the standings so far. Ipswich, by contrast, are ninth on three points.

There is no cause for alarm yet, even if the table makes awkward reading. Manchester United, one place below in 16th, are also pointless, while Tottenham Hotspur prop up the division with two defeats from two games. Leeds United, tenth, have only three points, so a first league win would draw Sunderland level with them, according to the Premier League table.

Early results: draw, defeat, then a first win

FanTribe's results data shows three Sunderland matches this season: a goalless draw at home to Fulham, the 2-1 defeat at Ipswich and a 2-1 home victory over Chelsea. BBC Sport reported that an Isidor strike handed Sunderland their first win of the season, while their video coverage carried Le Bris speaking of "a new chapter to write" after the victory.

There was an officiating subplot, too: BBC Sport also reported that the referee in the Chelsea game was left without communications equipment because of technical trouble.

The transfer picture

Two BBC Sport reports dominate the headlines. On 31 August, the broadcaster reported that Sunderland had agreed a loan deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Danso — a move that remains unconfirmed, with neither club having announced it. A day later, BBC Sport reported that Sunderland are battling Crystal Palace for a £30m deal for Fofana. That, too, is firmly unconfirmed.

Whether or not either deal is completed in the coming days, the past week has at least given supporters plenty to discuss beyond the table.

What's next

The fixture list offers little breathing space:

• Brentford v Sunderland — 5 September, 14:00 UTC kick-off
• Sunderland v Arsenal — 12 September, 19:00 UTC kick-off

According to the odds listed in FanTribe's fixture data, Sunderland are outsiders in both games: 6.40 to win at Brentford, where the hosts are 1.64 and the draw is 4.10, and 7.80 at home to Arsenal, who are priced at 1.53 with the draw at 4.20. Odds are subject to change.

For a team still chasing a first league point, these are stern examinations. But the first win of the season is banked, Le Bris is talking of a new chapter, and reinforcement may be on the way. FanTribe's club tracker currently shows no registered fan count for Sunderland, so sentiment this week must be read from results and reports alone — and on that evidence, there are worse positions to be in.