A lot of credit has to go to the performances of the Sunderland players in the 2-1 win over Sheffield United on New Year’s Day, but Regis Le Bris should be praised, too.
Few would have expected Sunderland to get all three points against a Sheffield United side who appear destined to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
But, thanks to goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, the Black Cats grabbed a vital win in their hunt for promotion on Wednesday night.
The result keeps Sunderland’s unbeaten home record in tact, and sets them up for a potentially very special 2025.
Sunderland switched to a 4-4-2 vs Sheffield United, and it worked wonders
While Mayenda had his ‘best game’ for Sunderland, and Isidor delivered the match-winning goal, both James Copley and Michael Graham have taken to Twitter/X to praise Regis Le Bris for a tactical tweak that made all the difference at the Stadium of Light.
Le Bris opted to keep Mayenda in the starting lineup, despite a wave of criticism for the young winger of late, and ended up pushing the 19-year-old into more of a striker role alongside Isidor.
Copley wrote: “Absolutely made up for Mayenda. Credit to Le Bris for sticking with him, and that 4-4-2 was a masterstroke.”
Graham cut to the core as to why the switch to 4-4-2 may have worked for Sunderland on the day, posting: “Thing with 4-4-2 is you’re never going to control a game with the ball, but it’s very good for controlling a game without the ball, and that’s what Sunderland did tonight I think.”
Indeed, Sunderland were absolutely dominated in terms of possession, chances created, and passing on the night, but they were able to hold firm and frustrate the Blades in a goalless second half that sealed the win for the home side.
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Tactical versatility could be key for Sunderland moving forward
For much of the season, Sunderland have stuck with a 5-4-1 formation, utilising wing-backs and wide wingers, but the shape against Sheffield United was very different, and very effective.
Le Bris must surely now be confident that he can carry that approach into other games when necessary, and he now knows that his young Sunderland squad is capable of adapting to different circumstances.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen Sunderland rise to various challenges — be it coming back from behind, overcoming criticism, or adjusting to new tactics mid-game.
It’s these achievements and this progress that has Sunderland on track for promotion, and that kind of versatility could just take them all the way this year.