Sunderland fans still have some questions for Regis Le Bris despite a 3-2 comeback win at Swansea City on Saturday. Pundit Gary Bennett does too.
After 20 minutes of the game against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, Sunderland looked down and out, and fans were pointing the finger at Regis Le Bris amid what’s been a tough few weeks in the Championship.
Then before the second half comeback got underway, fans were wondering why Le Bris wasn’t making any changes to the side.
Sunderland fans have criticised Le Bris’ substitutes in the past. But he stuck to his guns at Swansea and watched his side claimed a very impressive 3-2 win in the end.
The likes of Jobe Bellingham has been praised for Sunderland after his goal against Swansea sealed the win, whilst fans on social media have also reserved praise for Dan Neil and Chris Rigg in the midfield.
Gary Bennett puzzled by Luke O’Nien substitution vs Swansea City
Le Bris didn’t make a change until the 70th minute against Swansea, bringing on Luke O’Nien for Dennis Cirkin and putting O’Nien straight in at left-back.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Bennett said: “You know what you’re going to get out of Luke O’Nien… I thought that he might have been coming on further up the field, maybe in midfield.
“I didn’t expect him to come on as a left-back. That was the last place I thought he would come on.”
Chris Mepham and Dan Ballard have started the last two for Sunderland in the middle of defence. O’Nien has been a standout player this season but Le Bris just can’t fit him into the XI right now.
Bennett continued: “Luke O’Nien is a good player, bringing the ball out of defence. Dan Ballard did it two or three times today, Chris Mepham does it as well.
“But again, it’s trying to find a place for Luke O’Nien. Where do you play him? That’s the biggest problem he’s [Le Bris] got at the present moment.”
One game may have cost Luke O’Nien his starting spot
Bennett makes a very valid point about O’Nien. But for the 30-year-old; dropping out of the XI after previously being so impressive could be pinpointed to the Sheffield United game a few weeks ago.
O’Nien admitted he made a mistake against Sheffield United, losing the ball which lead to Chris Mepham being sent off.
O’Nien said: “But hey, these mistakes will make me a better player and these losses will make the team a better team as well.”
Albeit, the long-serving Sunderland man was ill against Bristol City in midweek. But Le Bris’ defensive selection at Swansea could be a sign of things to come for O’Nien.