If any Sunderland player felt he had a point to prove, as Regis Le Bris’ team threatened to slip further away from the Championship’s chasing pack, then prove it he most certainly has.
As Sunderland suffered their first defeat in 11 games at Bramall Lane at the end of November – Tom Davies firing home a winner for Sheffield United with 83 minutes on the clock – much of the post-match discussion on Wearside centred around Patrick Roberts’ vital penalty miss earlier on in the Steel City.
But, as they say, diamonds are born in pressure.
And Roberts, instead of letting his head drop, kept his gaze high and his shoulders square, even after a moment which could have derailed the confidence of lesser men.
In the words of one EFL expert, Patrick Roberts was almost Lionel Messi-esque as a Tommy Watson-inspired Sunderland fought back to beat Stoke City on Saturday. All dancing feet and swaying hips, the former Manchester City youngster assisted Watson’s late winner.
As Sunderland once again showcased their powers of recovery against Bristol City three days later, Roberts moved from sidekick to superhero. After some outstanding work from the seldom-seen Adil Aouchiche, Roberts lashed into the roof of The Robins’ net with 93 minutes on the clock.
And Regis Le Bris, speaking as Sunderland kept the gap between themselves and table-topping Leeds United to four points, argues that way in which Roberts has responded to that Bramall Lane heartbreak is an example for each and every player to take inspiration from in a gruelling promotion challenge that will bring it’s fair share of setbacks.
Regis Le Bris lauds Patrick Roberts after Sunderland heroics
“[Roberts] gave the cut-back against Stoke and, here, it was an equaliser. So its good for him and good for the team,” Le Bris said during his post-match press conference. “[Roberts] is a good example because of this character.
“Then, [if it is not Roberts stepping up], it will be Wilson [Isidor], then it will be Jobe [Bellingham], then it will be Riggy [Chris Rigg] or Elizier [Mayenda], I don’t know.”
Regis Le Bris wants more from Sunderland after Bristol City draw
Le Bris accepts however that, on a night in which Sunderland were largely restricted to hopeful pot-shots from distance before Roberts found a pocket of space to thrust in his stoppage-time dagger, the Black Cats need a bit more speed and decisiveness; Not only in their legs but in their minds, too.
“It is a question now of real ambition,” Le Bris adds. “You have to have the desire to break a defence, to give something more creative, more intense, to give the right impetus into the game.
“And, probably, we have to add this part of the character to our team.”
Sunderland travel to Swansea City this weekend looking to cut the gap between themselves and the three teams ahead of them – Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United – in a typically packed Championship table.
Scott Parker’s Burnley were held to a frustrating home draw themselves on Tuesday night. Derby County’s disciplined rearguard effort ensured a midweek stalemate at Turf Moor.
Leeds, however, extended their advantage over fourth-place Sunderland with a 3-1 victory over Michael Carrick’s in-form Middlesbrough.