The Black Cats have turned heads with their strong displays in the 2025–26 Premier League season, marking a remarkable resurgence after eight years outside the top flight.
Under manager Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have collected four wins and two draws from their first eight matches - matching their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign - and currently sit seventh in the table with 14 points.
Their unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light remains intact, with a 2-0 victory over Wolves in their latest outing, thanks to Nordi Mukiele’s goal and a Ladislav Krejci own goal.
Defoe, who enjoyed two spells with Sunderland before retiring in 2022, expressed his delight at seeing his former club thriving once again.
"Oh yeah, amazing. I think it's been a really good start. It's a new team, a very young team, but I think the start that they've made is (good)," Defoe told Flashscore in a no-holds-barred interview.
"Yeah, if you had said that at the beginning of the season (that Sunderland would make this bright start), I think everyone would have been happy."
When asked whether the two-time English FA Cup champions can finish in the top five this season, the former England international, who netted 162 Premier League goals during his illustrious career, said, "I think they just need to take each game as it comes.
"I think there's no (...) I don't think there's (... ) I think just take each game as it comes.
"But yeah, the team's been amazing. A lot of energy. And for this club to be back in the Premier League where it belongs is amazing for the fans also."
Sunderland's resurgence: Defore credits Le Bris and Xhaka
Many criticised the appointment of Frenchman Le Bris as the club’s permanent manager in July 2024, months after Michael Beale’s dismissal due to poor results.
However, the 49-year-old tactician has earned widespread praise for orchestrating their promotion from the Championship last season and for driving Sunderland’s impressive form this campaign.
"The manager's calm. I think if you look at the manager, his whole demeanour, he never looks like he's worried," he continued.
“His whole demeanour is always calm, regardless of the results. So far, it's been really good.”
Similarly, Switzerland international Granit Xhaka has been a key figure for the Black Cats since his move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Defoe emphasised that the former Arsenal star’s influence on the squad, particularly on the development of young players, has been immense and cannot be overstated, highlighting his leadership and experience as vital to the team’s success.
"I think his influence has been amazing for these young players.
"I think the young players are blessed to have someone like that who's been there and he's done it at the top level, played for big clubs.
"One trophy, he is the captain, he leads by example. And you can see by his performances, these young players can learn so much from him."
Sunderland will be aiming to extend their impressive league form when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats remain unbeaten in their last 13 league trips to London, recording four wins and nine draws since a 2-1 defeat at Fulham in April 2018 - marking their longest-ever unbeaten run in the capital.
Defore weighs in on Frank's Spurs
Before joining Sunderland, Defoe had three spells at Tottenham Hotspur, forming formidable partnerships with Peter Crouch, Robbie Keane, and Dimitar Berbatov.
He also shared his thoughts on Spurs’ Champions League prospects under Thomas Frank and highlighted the player in the squad who has impressed him the most, reflecting on both his past experiences and current observations of the London side.
"(Tottenham) is a club that needs to be in the Champions League. I think Thomas Frank is someone who, again, another good start for him,” said Defoe.
"I think the team look really fit and I think he understands his role. Defensively, I think they've been good because I think last season, Tottenham, well, last two seasons, they've always been one of the most exciting teams to watch.
"I think now, we've seen the difference straight away and the recruitment's been good.
"(Mohamed) Kudus for me was probably the main one. I wanted him to come to Tottenham. Obviously, when they got the deal done, it's amazing and he's been one of the top players in the Premier League this year."
Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 0-0 draw at Monaco on Wednesday.
Next, they face David Moyes’ Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Sunday’s Premier League clash. Spurs have been particularly strong on the road this season, securing 10 of their points away from home - 71% of their total haul.
Historically, they have only once won 13 or more points from their first five away league games, achieving that feat in the 2020-21 season, highlighting their continued effectiveness away from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.