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Young Sunderland star inspires win over Middlesbrough
Sunderland's Chris Rigg scores their side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, September 21, 2024

Sunderland 1-0 Middlesbrough
by Roger Domeneghetti
at Stadium of Light

IS IT TOO early to read the runes after just six games, to determine narratives for the season, to book the open top bus?

Probably. Yet, Sunderland, tactically astute, disciplined in defence, vibrant in attack, already look like a team who will be knocking on the door of the Premier League come May.

Last weekend’s defeat to Plymouth (or “Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth” as the south-coast club seem to have been rechristened) appears to have been a blip. An aberration already filed in the memory hole.

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