Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been praised by one journalist for a decision he made in the win vs West Brom.
Sunderland saw off West Brom this Saturday, as Trai Hume bagged a second successive goal to hand the Black Cats a 1-0 victory.
In a game that didn’t mean too much in regards to getting points on the board, Sunderland showed immense character to turn over a side gunning for play-offs, and much of this came down to Hume, as well as Dan Neil’s brilliant performance in the centre of the park.
Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray hailed the Black Cats’ defence for holding up strong against his Baggies side, a true reflection of how resolute they were.
There was also another development at the game that may have been missed, but it has been praised for showing the bold approaching to Regis Le Bris’ decision making.
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Sunderland journalist Michael Graham hails Regis Le Bris handling of Tommy Watson situation
Sunderland winger Tommy Watson signed a deal to join Brighton in the summer, with the Black Cats man moving to the Seagulls following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season for a £10million fee.
Due to the confirmation that he was to move on, Sunderland fans were debating what sort of part Watson would play in the side, and whether he would still be utilised by Le Bris.
It was clear, based on the game against West Brom, which saw Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle go off with an injury, Eliezer Mayenda was brought in to replace the winger, with Watson left watching on the bench.
This move was praised by Michael Graham, via X, who said: “Three left wingers used by Sunderland today while Watson sat on his a**e watching. I like it, Reggie.”
Other players who can also play on the left, Enzo Le Fee and Milan Aleksic, also notched game time ahead of Watson.
Regis Le Bris has priorities sorted with Tommy Watson decision
There is no doubting that Watson has immense potential to go and be a brilliant player, but at this stage, if Sunderland have already guaranteed a fee for the youngster, there is very little need to still cater to his development in terms of game time, especially with other youngsters vying for a spot in the side.
For example, Aleksic is the perfect player who should now be ahead of Watson in the pecking order, and Le Bris made the bold choice to utilise the Serbian from off the bench.
It shows that the French boss’s priorities are aligned with the club as they look to bolster the development of players set to be around in the long run, and that is shown within his decision-making on Saturday.