There was no beating around the bush from former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer who heaped praise on Sunderland following their incredible start to the season.

The Black Cats' 2-1 win over Chelsea saw them move up to second in the Premier League table prior to Sunday's fixtures, with Tottenham and Bournemouth triumphs knocking them down to fourth place.

As much as it pained the former Magpies to praise their arch enemy, Shearer acknowledged the Wearsiders had enjoyed an unbelievable start to the season.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said:" I mean, if you had said before a ball was kicked [this season], that Sunderland and Bournemouth were going to be in the top three or four [after nine games], then people would have looked at you as if you'd been sniffing drugs or something hadn't they?

"Honestly, it would have been. Well done to those two!"

"You can't say that," fellow pundit, Micah Richards laughed in response.

"You can say that on a podcast," Gary Lineker laughed along. "I don't think he's actually saying anyone has."

Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland celebrates...