Sunderland have shown brilliant quality in one area of their play, with Regis Le Bris ultimately being the decisive man behind it.
With five games left of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, Sunderland are sat in 4th place, with the guarantee of playing in the play-offs at the very least.
Automatic promotion is merely a pipe dream, albeit not improbable, but it has been a spectacular season for Sunderland, with Regis Le Bris turning the tide of a team that finished 16th in 2023/24.
Sunderland have certainly improved on the defensive side, and whilst there have been some inconsistencies in regards to attacking output, there have also been changes in the final third.
When on top form, attacker pair Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor have shone, to the point where Sunderland lead the Championship in one area.
Sunderland lead the Championship in one attacking stat that shows effectiveness of Regis Le Bris style of play
Much of the reason behind Sunderland’s improved standing this season, which sees them comfortably in 4th position is their improvement up front.
Going from the likes of Mason Burstow, and Nazariy Rusyn, to two recognised Championship level forwards in Isidor and Mayenda has made a vast difference, but also, Le Bris’ set-up prioritising chances for either of the pair on the break.
In fact, Sunderland have been masters of this during the 2024/25 Championship campaign, as, per FBref, the Black Cats have the joint-most (four) defensive actions that led to goals, meaning that they have dispossed or tackled the opposition and broke into a scoring position that they converted.
This is a true testament to Le Bris’ system, which clearly prioritises this in regards to attacking output.
Regis Le Bris system could be a hint to what Kristjaan Speakman will target in the summer
The set-up that Le Bris utilises sees Sunderland make use of width and pace, due to the fact that this becomes a priority when looking to counter-attack.
It is known that Sunderland are lacking in regards to depth on the flanks, with Patrick Roberts being the only out-and-out right winger, and the left-side will be Tommy Watson-less next season because of his agreed move to Brighton ahead of 2025/26.
The wide players are key for Sunderland, and it would be no surprise to see this prioritised by Kristjaan Speakman next season, whether the Black Cats achieve promotion or not.