#premier-league-start

#premier-league-start

"It's been a long few months and quite a frustrating period with a couple of setbacks along the way, so to finally get back on the pitch and play proper minutes feels like a big step forward. I've been back training with the lads for a little while now and that's been brilliant, but there's nothing quite like playing a match. The medical team and staff have been fantastic with me, managing the recovery carefully and getting me to this point."

Six games into the season and Sunderland are flying high in the Premier League. After eight years away, the Black Cats are enjoying being back in the big time, with victory at Nottingham Forest lifting them into the Champions League places. Few would expect them still to be there come May, but with three wins under their belt already, Regis le Bris' side have every reason to be optimistic.

This season is only five games old, but it is already clear something is not quite right. Villa, who beat both Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last season, are yet to click, yet to win and desperately struggling for goals. "They look clunky, they don't look fluid, and they are not the same team they were last year," former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland.