Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits they still have some way to go before challenging for European places.
After defeat to Birmingham City, Bruce says for the moment, it's about establishing Sunderland simply as a Premiership club.
"Sunderland are very similar [to Birmingham]," he said. "It's been up and down too many times. The most important thing is to establish yourself as a Premier League outfit. When you look at the big boys, they've got history and tradition," he said.
"You've got your big four, then Everton, Man City and Villa, and it takes a huge investment and more than that, it takes time. That's the big thing."