‘Maybe we became arrogant’ – Sunderland struggles continue

Sunderland’s poor start to the Premier League season continued with a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth, their fourth league loss in a row. Defender Nordi Mukiele suggested the team may have become “arrogant”, while head coach Regis le Bris said they were well below their standards; the result leaves Sunderland second bottom after seven matches.

Sunderland had 11 points and sat ninth at the same stage last season, but have four points this time, from one win, one draw and five defeats. Their European campaign has begun with two wins, though they have lost both league matches played immediately after Europa League fixtures. Former goalkeeper Shay Given said the added schedule may be testing the squad’s depth, despite the club spending about £60m on five players this summer and retaining key figures including captain Granit Xhaka; striker Brian Brobbey is injured.