THE campaign might only be a matter of weeks old and Tony Mowbray will have absolutely no interest whatsoever in paying any attention to the table, but one Sunderland conclusion can already be drawn: last season was no fluke.

Not that anybody on Wearside thought that was the case but the Black Cats were something of a surprise package in the second tier last term and after Amad's return to Manchester United and the exit of Ross Stewart, building on last season's success looked a big ask.

And yet it's already crystal clear that Sunderland look a good bet to be in the promotion shake-up again this season.

And it's hard to argue with the confident claim from boss Mowbray, who said on Wednesday night: "I think the team are better than last season.

"I know we had Amad who is an amazing individual footballer who could damage teams, but I feel the positional play of the team is better this year."

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It's credit to Mowbray for the manner of which his side have coped with the exit of Amad in particular, so influential last season. And it's also credit to the players who have stepped up. Jack Clarke was one of the Championship's stand-out stars last term, topping the assists chart, but rather than sulk after Premier League offers were rebuffed in the summer, he's soared to a new level. His class and calm for the third goal at Ewood Park on Wednesday told you everything about the current confidence levels of the former Leeds and Tottenham youngster. He's playing with a strut.

As is Pierre Ekwah in the middle of the park. And Jobe Bellingham, wherever he's asked to play. What a talent.

There's the feel of a better balance to Sunderland this year. Last term they did rely heavily on Amad but this season the responsibility is more equally shared.

Of course, as is the case with the vast majority of teams in the Championship, Sunderland will need to be fortunate with injuries. Mowbray told on Wednesday night of his fear at losing Dan Ballard for a stretch of time and the same can be said for the likes of Ekwah, Neil and Clarke. But Mowbray has quality in depth. Their last three wins have come without Patrick Roberts in the starting XI.

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There's a maturity that belies the age and experience of Mowbray's side. In the eye of the storm at Ewood Park and facing an onslaught from buoyant Blackburn in the early stages on Wednesday night, Sunderland managed to stay calm. Yes, they rode their luck at times but the Black Cats settled , grew into the game and clinically took their chances.

And as was the case with Amad last year, when Clarke is in this form, Sunderland are always a threat and always have a chance. He's already scored almost half as many goals as he managed in the entirety of last season.

And there's even more reason for encouragement. Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow will improve as he better gets to grips with what Mowbray wants from him. And Nazariy Rusyn is still to come in and further bolster the attacking ranks.

Mowbray laughed and put his head in his hands when the league table was mentioned to him in his press conference this week. He's been around long enough to know the standings are of no significance at this stage. But come the end of the season, when the table does matter, Sunderland have the look of a team that will be right there in the mix.