When your lucks in, your lucks in. And Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris certainly thought that he got away with a bit of a tactical mishap as the Black Cats claimed a bizarre draw with Leeds United on Friday night.
The coach had a very familiar face to thank as Sunderland’s unbeaten home record remained intact.
The Wearsiders might have lost their 100 per cent start at the Stadium of Light but, as the manager’s former FC Lorient reserve Illan Meslier made a blunder that would make even Massimo Taibi wince, Sunderland at least kept Leeds United at arms’ length as they maintained the three-point gap between the two promotion chasers.
Meslier’s horror mistake – with 97 minutes on the clock – must be seen to be believed. Words do not do it justice and, in truth, nor do the pictures.
It is almost impossible, even after various repeats, to work out what on earth happened. Or, what Meslier was attempting to do in the first place.
And Regis Le Bris found himself indebted not only to his one-time shot-stopper, but also the tactical intelligence of a Sunderland squad who recovered impressively after a period in which Leeds looked likely to make their superiority count.
Regis Le Bris says he made a mistake in Sunderland vs Leeds United clash
“We started very well and in possession. We were able to create many imbalances (for Leeds) and many chances to score. Then, after, I think we struggled out of possession,” Le Bris told reporters at full-time.
“We decided to play with a 5-4-1 shape and I think this was the wrong choice. It was difficult to defend our box and apply pressure.”
Sunderland’s midfield was described as ‘amazing’ after Jobe Bellingham’s stunner set the Black Cats on their way against Derby County in midweek.
The baby-faced trio of Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham struggled to get into the game after Joel Piroe had cancelled out Rigg’s early opener, however. That was until Le Bris shifted towards a 4-4-2 formation, the manager hailing his players for being able to carry out those in-game changes.
“After the first goal we decided to play with a 4-4-2 shape,” adds Le Bris. “And I think it was better. Most of the time we dominated the possession.
“[But] we didn’t create many chances. I think fatigue was a factor in the second part of the game. We wanted to play but it was difficult for us to find a solution.”
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has mixed feelings after Black Cats match
Leeds boss Daniel Farke was full of praise for Sunderland pre-match.
And while the German was obviously disappointed by the manner in which the hosts scrambled a point at the death, a draw away to the Championship table toppers has it’s merits. Especially given that Leeds have had their own midfield issues with both Ethan Ampadu and Ilya Gruev injured.
“Every other opponent has lost here. Today, we had a different centre of our game. It was difficult for our lads,” Farke said, introducing Ao Takana and Joe Rothwell as a new-look midfield partnership.
“We always had Ampadu and Gruev as defensive midfielders in there at winning the ball back. We played with two ballers there today. Two of the best midfielders in the league with passing.
“Against the ball it can be challenging with them. We could not go for quick transitions because we don’t have the defensive machines to win the ball back.”