After being promoted to the Premier League through a late win over Sheffield United in the Championship Play-Off final, Sunderland has lost some key players, but they've made up for it with a massive recruitment drive, spending over £100m on 12 new players.

This is a bold move, but it could be the key to their success. The team that started their season with a win over West Ham United had only three players from their winning team in the Play-Off final, and yet they managed to field a new goalkeeper, back four, midfield, and attack, and still emerged victorious.

The new signings, including Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Fee, and Granit Xhaka, have made an impressive start, and the team has shown a strong performance against West Ham, with Talbi and Alderete providing assists and Wilson Isidor scoring a goal.

The team's aggressive recruitment strategy is a risk, but it's also a sign of the club's commitment to success. Sunderland's owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfuss, deserves credit for trusting his manager and giving him the resources to compete with the big teams.

Consolidation and building on a first season in the Premier League is crucial for longevity, and Sunderland is taking a calculated risk to try and achieve this. With a mix of experienced players like Xhaka, Masuaku, and Reinildo, and emerging talent, they have a strong foundation to build on.

The team will face tougher tests in the coming weeks, including matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, but if they can hold their own, they could be a dark horse in the Premier League.

Sunderland's journey from League One to the Premier League is an inspiring one, and their owner's commitment to the team is a testament to his vision and leadership.