Sunderland throw away points again. It’s becoming quite a common theme this season, and Regis Le Bris might be to blame.
Sunderland took a first half lead against Watford on Saturday afternoon, with Luke O’Nien scoring with a memorable diving header. But as they so often do, Sunderland threw away the lead.
Fans were unimpressed with Dennis Cirkin after it was he who gave away the penalty for Watford’s equaliser before the break. Then straight after the restart, the Hornets had the lead.
Cirkin silenced a few of his critics by salvaging a late point for the Black Cats, but once again it feels like points dropped for Regis Le Bris and his players, and in a home game against a very beatable Watford side.
Where the issue lies for Regis Le Bris at Sunderland
It’s undeniable that Sunderland have a good team. The Black Cats have been told they have more ‘match-winners’ than any of their promotion rivals, and that may be the case.
Names like Wilson Isidor, Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and several others can turn a game around. Taking the lead against Watford, despite not playing that well, proves the Black Cats have what it takes to overpower team. But it’s what so often happens after taking the lead that is killing the Black Cats.
Le Bris seemingly tells his side to step back after taking the lead. Far too often, Sunderland go on the defensive after taking the lead and opposition teams just pounce on them.
We’ve seen it against Watford, against Plymouth Argyle, and against Blackburn Rovers in the last several weeks: three draws in games that Sunderland were leading, meaning six points dropped.
Those six extra points on the board would have the Black Cats in 2nd place of the Championship table right now, and only a point behind Leeds United in 1st.
Did Sunderland really have a good January transfer window?
As soon as January is over, any defeat or poor performance will call into question the window, as the draw against Watford may well do.
Marco Gabbiadini gave his verdict on January recently. He said that he’s not overly-excited by the window, albeit hailing the signing of Enzo Le Fee, but stating that the window almost climaxed too soon.
All season long, when Sunderland have been throwing away points, it may suggest a lack of proper leadership or experience in the side. Whilst Sunderland have more of that this season than last, it may not be enough to earn promotion.
Not adding more experience and leadership to the side in January could come back to haunt Sunderland. Likewise could Le Bris’ tactics.
Regis Le Bris will cost Sunderland promotion if he doesn’t fix issue that was so obvious vs Watford
