One Sunderland star has been on the receiving end of one stubborn decision by Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats have managed to continue their promotion push in the 2024/25 Championship campaign after their recent win against Luton Town.
Sunderland’s 2-0 victory at the Stadium of Light showcased Enzo Le Fee’s brilliant talents after bagging a sensational goal from outside the box, whilst fellow Frenchman Wilson Isidor also added to his tally.
On the attacking front, the win against the Hatters epitomised Regis Le Bris’ side at their very best, when limited to just one striker up top, which has previously not worked quite as effectively.
The decision, whilst it paid off against a toothless Luton Town side, didn’t quite work against the likes of Plymouth Argyle and Watford, which has seen one player dropped as a result.
Sunderland star Eliezer Mayenda deemed ‘unlucky’ to be dropped in recent games
The Luton Town win once again saw Spaniard Eliezer Mayenda sit on the bench, up until the 76th minute when he was called upon.
It was the fourth successive game that the 19-year-old was excluded from the starting 11, despite being one of Sunderland’s main goal outputs this season, and the Black Cats man has been regarded as ‘unlucky’ by Gary Bennett.
Via BBC Radio Newcastle, Bennett said: “There’s going to be a point where you’ve got to gamble. You’ve got to trust the players, you’ve got to say, ‘Right, let’s have a go’.
“Mayenda, you’ve got to say he’s been unlucky not to be in the starting XI because when he has been involved or when he has come in, I think he’s done really well, and I think sometimes [Wilson] Isidor needs that support.”
Luton Town victory should not take away from uncertainties surrounding Regis Le Bris decision
Sunderland’s win at home to Luton Town was crucial, but it was nonetheless expected for Le Bris’ side to come away with the victory. Because of this, the success against the Hatters in regards to the formation should be hailed, but it shouldn’t take away the fact that it has failed previously against Watford and Plymouth Argyle.
Isidor himself has already shown his disdain towards the one-striker formation he has been deployed in, suggesting that it makes him feel ‘alone’, and it is clear that he thrives alongside Mayenda.
Crucial points have been dropped because Le Bris occasionally opts for an overly defensive shape, and they do end up missing out on the goal threat that Mayenda carries, and the Spaniard should be handed more chances because of what he offers.