The phrase ‘game of two halves’ is the first one that comes to mind as Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland threw away a two-goal lead against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.
But the Sunderland boss does not see things in such black-and-white terms. It was not, he said, simply a case of ‘first-half perfect, second-half problematic’.
Regis Le Bris admits that the Wearsiders had difficulties with Coventry’s set-up even before Haji Wright’s 62nd minute strike sparked a comeback that would have had the recently-dismissed Robins legend Mark Robins watching on with pride.
Still, the fact that two genuinely high-quality finishes would be cancelled out largely due to Sunderland’s own failings will remain a source of frustration.
Wilson Isidor netted a stunning volley against Oxford United a fortnight ago and this was arguably even more impressive. As Isidor added another Goal of the Season contender to his collection, the Frenchman adjusted brilliantly to guide Romaine Mundle’s fizzing cross into the far corner.
And as a rampaging Dennis Cirkin doubled Sunderland’s lead after 35 minutes, there were no fewer than six Coventry players surrounding him as the left-back lashed a thumping strike into the net from outside of the penalty area.
Sunderland boss hails Wilson Isidor and Dennis Cirkin finishes
“It was a good first half,” Le Bris tells reporters at full-time. “We started well with our strength and our qualities at home. In possession, I think our game was very interesting.
“We created many opportunities to score and scored two fantastic goals.”
“[But] I felt, out of possession, in the first-half we weren’t quite as well adjusted. We struggled to press their back three. During the half-time, we tried to solve this problem but the second was completely different because we were not able to keep the ball under pressure.
“So, they could exploit their strengths against our weaknesses. This second-half I’m disappointed with and the players [are] too. At the same time, we have to build on our strengths.
“It was a balanced game but we are disappointed by the result.”
Regis Le Bris will be desperate to have Jobe Bellingham back
Coventry halved the deficit as Alan Browne – starting again in place of the suspended Jobe Bellingham – inadvertently diverted the ball into Wright’s path.
Jack Rudoni’s late equaliser, arriving at the back post to power home, came shortly after substitute Aaron Connolly had seen an excellent chance to secure the three points palmed away.
Le Bris spoke glowingly about Bellingham’s importance pre-match, meanwhile, and the good news is that his three-game suspension is now 66 per cent of the way through. Sunderland lacked physicality and muscle in Bellingham’s absence against Coventry.
“I liked the first-half, and I think we are able to play like that,” Le Bris adds. “I want to repeat that we have strengths and, to be competitive across the whole season, we have to build on that.
“The second-half was not good and we know exactly what we have to develop. So, now it is about accountability and commitment. The players have to understand what they have to do on the pitch when they struggle. Coventry are a good team with many good players.
“We will have tough games. At the minute, I think when it is on the edge, it is still difficult to change the dynamic and this is our next challenge.”