SHEARER SNIFFS AT SAFC SUCCESS

Speaking on his podcast with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, Alan Shearer discussed Sunderland's start to the season and also reluctantly praised Regis Le Bris.

MUST HAVE BEEN ON DRUGS...

" I mean, if you had said before a ball was kicked [this season], that Sunderland and Bournemouth were going to be in the top three or four [after nine games], then people would have looked at you as if you'd been sniffing drugs or something hadn't they? Honestly, it would have been. Well done to those two!"

LINEKER CHIMED IN

"You can say that on a podcast! I don't think he's actually saying anyone has. Alan have you been sniffing drugs again? Will you please stop sniffing drugs all the time?"

RLB

"We must mention, I mean you said there Sunderland. It must be quite painful for you at the moment, Alan, but what a performance. The coach has done such a brilliant job hasn't he, Regis Le bris. His track record is not sensational before Sunderland. He was at Lorient and he actually got them relegated and he lost his job there before Sunderland appointed him. But what an appointment it seemed to be, he's done so well."

RECRUITMENT

"We talk about recruitment and the money spending from clubs and what have you, and Sunderland have brought a lot of players in. For them to get the balance right as they have done and for some of their performances."

CHELSEA WIN

"Again, we always said about their home form, even their own fans would think 'we're not really expecting to get the win.' They go there in hope, they go there because they support their team. But I don't think many of them would have thought they were going to go there and win the game and get the three points in the way they did. They've had a brilliant start. As much as it pains me and hurts me to say it, you have to say it, well done to them."

BIAS/IMPARTIAL

"I have to be impartial on Match of The Day, but I can say what I want on the podcast Micah. So as much as it hurts me and pains me to say it about Sunderland, you have to say well done to them. They've had an unbelievable start, brilliant results, some great performances. I know their fans are pretty much enjoying it. Yeah, well done Sunderland you have been superb."