Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka was at the heart of his team's 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, earning high praise from head coach Regis Le Bris.
Saturday's Premier League action saw Manchester United continue their good form as both Chelsea and Liverpool suffered damaging defeats.
Sunderland will have to make do without Habib Diarra until December as the midfielder undergoes rehabilitation from surgery.
Sunderland extended their unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light with a gritty 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Aston Villa's wait for a first Premier League victory of the season continued on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland AFC have announced the signing of French international defender Nordi Mukiele on a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light, subject to international clearance.