We head to Sunderland for the first time in eight years on Saturday (5.30pm), looking to increase our lead at the top of the Premier League table and create more history in the process.

Should our 13-game unbeaten run continue with another victory coupled with a clean sheet, we would become the first English top-flight side ever to win nine consecutive matches in all competitions without conceding, while a ninth-straight shutout would set a new club record.

The omens look good as we are unbeaten in our last 12 games against the Black Cats in all competitions, but Regis Le Bris' current crop will pose a very different test. Their excellent start sees them begin the weekend in fourth place, and no team has yet left the Stadium of Light with three points since they returned to the top table of English football.

Surprise package

After winning the Championship play-off final in dramatic circumstances to end an eight-year wait for a top-flight return, few would have predicted that the Black Cats would make such an impression in the season’s first few months.

18 points have already been claimed, the most a promoted side has won...