Sunderland were dealt a hammer blow on Saturday, losing 3-2 vs Plymouth Argyle.
Sunderland went into the game at Home Park unbeaten in the Championship, and in 1st place of the table.
Plymouth Argyle were in 22nd ahead of the game and very few gave Wayne Rooney’s side a prayer going up against the Black Cats.
But Plymouth eventually won the game 3-2. The defeat has opened up some issues for Regis Le Bris at Sunderland, with one being a potential injury to Dan Ballard.
Sunderland fans must have patience with Le Bris, who has still guided the Black Cats to a strong start and who still has his side in 1st place of the table.
But the defeat vs Plymouth has certainly aired a sense of managing expectations going further into this season.
The defeat has also highlighted some defensive issues that weren’t prevalent before the game, with some of the goals conceded vs Plymouth either unfortunate or poor to concede.
Michael Graham verdict on Plymouth Argyle 3-2 Sunderland
Sunderland fans appear to be unsure where to lay the blame for the defeat vs Plymouth.
But journalist Michael Graham believes that fans should ‘take the positives’ from the game.
One positive was Real Madrid-linked Chris Rigg who shone once again, whilst Romaine Mundle continued his scoring form with his third goal in as many games.
Despite that, the poor second half display and the manner of the goals conceded remains frustrating.
Graham though believes that they were simply ‘bad goals’, and that there was no sense of complacency among the side.
Graham posted on X:
Regis Le Bris now facing his toughest Sunderland task yet
Coming out of the international break with a perfect record was going to prove tough for Le Bris.
His side set the bar for themselves and Plymouth went into the game as complete underdogs, which clearly played into their favour.
Now for Le Bris, there’s an even bigger task; the task of getting back to winning ways after a defeat, and proving that his side can bounce back from these kinds of set-backs.
Sunderland next host Middlesbrough in the Championship next weekend, in a midday kick-off.
Boro have had some mixed results so far this season. They currently sit in 10th place of the table after 1-1 draw vs Preston on Saturday, and Sunderland will hope that being at the Stadium of Light can help them get through.
Either way like Graham says, Sunderland fans and Le Bris must keep on taking the positives, win or lose.