Six points from three games and new signings that have made an immediate impact - could this be the season that Sunderland realize their potential and not just break into the top ten but make an assault on European qualification?

Maybe I'm being far too optimistic - it is only three games after all. Sunderland fans generally fall into the 'glass half empty' category when it comes to following their club after years of being starved of success, myself included.

But, with Steve Bruce strengthening throughout the squad, especially in central midfield, and a league containing a dozen teams that would quite happily accept still being in the Premier League at the end of season, there's no reason why Sunderland can't challenge for Europe.