Given the turbulence at the club over the last decade, Sunderland fans could be forgiven for feeling apprehensive about their return to the Premier League.
Their road back to the top flight has been a long one, with the Black Cats experiencing consecutive relegations and spending four years in League One.
Even last season’s rise was spectacular.
Having finished 16th the previous season, Sunderland overcame the odds by beating Sheffield United in the play-off final with a last-gasp injury-time winner at Wembley.
But there has been more than just good luck to Sunderland’s resurgence.
After the Black Cats made 14 first-team signings this summer, there were fears that Le Bris’ side could lose the togetherness that helped them gain promotion.
But the Black Cats have more than maintained momentum so far this season.
With 14 points from eight games, Sunderland have equaled their best start to a Premier League campaign.
It’s not that coach Le Bris takes anything for granted.
“For me it’s just a matter of the next game,” he told BBC Sport.
“It’s a long and difficult journey. If we can win points early, it will be good for confidence.”
The Black Cats’ strong start was built on their home form, with 10 of their 14 points coming at the Stadium of Light; only leaders Arsenal have so many.
Perhaps the most impressive element of Sunderland’s form is that they have bucked the trend of promoted teams of late.
Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, who were relegated last season after winning promotion the previous season, managed just 14 points between them after eight games last season. Sunderland have already equaled that figure on their own.
In fact, Sunderland’s points tally is the best by a promoted team since Wolves in the 2018-19 campaign.
If 40 points is the benchmark for survival, then Sunderland are already on the road to safety.