One Sunderland journalist has pointed towards one key Regis Le Bris error in the defeat to Stoke City.
The Black Cats fell to a 1-0 defeat to Stoke City on the road that saw Tom Cannon bag the sole goal of the game for the Potters.
In what was a very disappointing display by the Black Cats, who were unable to capitalise on a catalogue of chances, Sunderland have now fallen further away from the current Championship front three.
Sunderland’s Adil Aouchiche was a shining light in the game, but there was plenty of criticism directed towards Eliezer Mayenda for his missed chance that saw him unable to capitalise on a free header just six-yards-out from Viktor Johansson’s goal.
Following the 1-0 loss, Sunderland’s defeat has been put down to a key Le Bris error that has affected the Black Cats more than once this season.
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Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris questioned for substitutions error in defeat to Stoke City
The Black Cats were without a doubt disappointing in the loss, and it wasn’t the first time that Sunderland have fell to a late goal, such as the costly finish conceded away to Millwall.
There was a sense of deja vu with the Stoke City goal, and that has been put down to the ‘lack of subs’ by journalist Michael Graham, who said, per X: “An incredibly frustrating one, but can’t complain. Miss your chances, don’t moan when you lose.
“We need to have a look at the correlation between lack of subs and the number of late goals. Always a lot of tired legs out there. Know number of injuries don’t help either.”
Le Bris had the options of Leo Hjelde, alongside youngsters Harrison Jones and Trey Ogunsuyi available on the bench, who weren’t utilised throughout the game.
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Regis Le Bris naivety has cost his side, he must learn from mistakes
There is no doubting that Sunderland under Le Bris have been much improved in comparison to the 2023/24 Championship campaign, which saw the Black Cats spiral down the table to a 16th place finish.
However, it has become abruptly clear what Le Bris’ achilles heel appears to be that season, and as Graham says, it certainly involves not making full use of his squad and the players available.
In fairness to Le Bris, his side’s squad depth at this moment in time isn’t at its best, but January onwards, once Sunderland have hopefully brought in extra recruits to plug the gaps, the Black Cats boss should have no excuses to not make more use of his bench as it undoubtedly hindered them against Stoke City.