Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris made one wrong call as they drew 2-2 against Leeds United.
Sunderland managed an incredible late draw against promotion hopefuls Leeds United at the Stadium of Light.
Whilst it looked as if Regis Le Bris’ side was on track to record their first home defeat of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, a late calamity moment from Leeds United goalkeeper Ilian Meslier turned the game on its head in the 97th minute as he let the ball somehow slip through his fingers.
Black Cats signing Alan Browne managed to get his first goal in red & white in dramatic, albeit also fortunate fashion, alongside fellow midfielder Chris Rigg, who was in the right place at the right time to poke home a finish early in the first half to give his side the lead.
Browne certainly made a difference when he entered the pitch, and as a result it has highlighted a rarely-made poor decision by Le Bris, which in hindsight could have potentially swayed the result in Sunderland’s favour if made differently.
- READ MORE: Why ‘magnificent’ Sunderland signing can be Regis Le Bris secret weapon in promotion race
Regis Le Bris made wrong call over Dan Neil selection for Sunderland
Last weekend saw Sunderland team captain Dan Neil at the centre of the defeat away at Watford after a fairly lacklustre performance in the centre-of-the-park, which was topped off by him clumsily giving away a penalty that saw the Black Cats as a result lose a second successive away game.
It would have proven to have been a brilliant opportunity to rest the midfielder as he has been off the pace for the last couple of weeks, and Browne’s timely return from his absence made that possible to do.
It is clear that Browne’s Championship experience counts for a lot, especially when they are either up against the cosh away from home or chasing down a result in the dying minutes at home, and that alongside his brilliant playmaking talents should without a doubt earn himself a spot in the side next time out.
- READ MORE: Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris admits he made a mistake vs Leeds as Black Cats ‘struggled’
Can Dan Neil be dropped as Sunderland captain
There is a notable hesitance delivered by Le Bris surrounding his team selection in regards to the midfield, and the start of the season saw it involve Rigg and a surprise lack of minutes before he announced himself with style, earning himself a regular starting spot in the team.
In this situation, it is clear that Le Bris may not be rushing to drop his club captain, and whilst it makes sense to keep a leader in the side, he will be replaced by one with much more tangible experience in the second-tier.
As well as this, Luke O’Nien has also tied down a spot and he easily fulfils the role of captain in Neil’s absence, as he did so last season.
It would be a bold move for Le Bris to drop Neil, but it is one that could easily pay dividends for his side as they look to continue their fine form this season.