Sunderland registered another win to keep up their winning start to 2025, and while Regis Le Bris is pleased with many of the promising signs he’s seen, there is one thing he’s unhappy about.
A Wilson Isidor goal in the seventh minute on Sunday afternoon was enough to seal all three points for Sunderland against Portsmouth.
That makes it two wins from two in the New Year, and allows Regis Le Bris’ side to close the gap at the top of the Championship while also maintaining their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light.
While Sunderland fans are surely delighted with the way the season is going, and Le Bris has plenty to cheer about, he does have one qualm.
Le Bris can feel connection in Sunderland squad, but they should have more points
Speaking to the official Sunderland social media account after the win over Portsmouth, Le Bris discussed the progress his team have made over the festive break, and while he is happy with the points they have taken, the Sunderland manager suggested they could and should have come away with more.
Le Bris said: “Ten points from 15 is good, because we could have maybe had two or three more, we deserved it, especially against Blackburn, but in the end the mindset is good.
“We can face different styles of play and it’s not easy, we can be disappointed, but when the next game is coming quick, the team spirit has been good and very positive.
“Even if the level of play is not the best, you can feel the connection, the way they defend together. The consistency is here. We want to build the game together.”
As things stand, Sunderland are now just three points away from Leeds United in the Championship table, and two points behind both Sheffield United and Burnley. The Black Cats have a nine-point lead over fifth-placed Middlesbrough.
Sunderland’s points tally is incredibly impressive already this season compared to last
Admittedly, the dropped points against Blackburn, and indeed that dismal run of draws back in November, will be something Sunderland may look back on come the end of the season with regret.
But, regardless of what happens, this has been an incredibly successful start to the season for Sunderland, and they are now just six points off last season’s points haul already.
| Season | Sunderland points tally |
|---|---|
| 2024/25 (after 26 games) | 50 |
| 2023/24 (46 games) | 56 |
| 2022/23 (46 games) | 69 |
Le Bris’ impact has been immense since taking over in the summer, and he’s improved the Sunderland squad no end; not only by signing new players but by developing existing talent.
Sunderland have been tipped for promotion this term, and it certainly looks like they’re on course for a special season with the way things are going now.