Sunderland have made the best start by a promoted side in the Premier League for 17 years. So what are the secrets to their success?

The Black Cats stunned Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to briefly go second in the standings - an incredible storyline, given they were expected to be relegated straight back to the Championship.

Their supporters celebrated jubilantly in west London but there were plenty of signs in Sunderland's performance to suggest they can build on this fast start and steer well clear of the scrap at the bottom of the table. This was a win which summed up what has been so good about Regis Le Bris' team this season...

Sunderland's fast start

Sunderland's 17 points from their opening nine Premier League games is the best return by a promoted club at this stage since Hull City in 2008/09 (20).

Defensive solidity provides platform for results

"Ballard! Ballard! Ballard!" That chant from the away section reverberated around Stamford Bridge as Sunderland repelled repeated Chelsea attacks, with their big No 5 making a game-high seven clearances.

Image: Chelsea's Marc Guiu struggled up against Sunderland's...