Regis Le Bris’ six candidates to take next Sunderland penalty after Millwall drama, including surprise defender option

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Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Millwall on Saturday was not without some controversy from the penalty-spot.

Le Bris’ side were good value for their win over Alex Neil’s Lions. Patrick Roberts was “outstanding” for Sunderland throughout the afternoon and his deft corner-kick routine was met at the back-post area by a Trai Hume volley with 20 minutes on the clock. 

After the opener, Millwall never looked like threatening Anthony Patterson’s goal as Sunderland saw out a comfortable 1-0 win. 

With minutes to spare, Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle sold Japhet Tanganga inside the box and was brought down, with referee Robert Madley awarding the Black Cats a penalty-kick. 

Mundle was aggrieved not to take the penalty he won and was visibly angry as centre-back Luke O’Nien surprisingly stepped up to take the spot-kick.

O’Nien’s feeble effort from 12 yards was saved by Lukas Jensen, but ultimately it didn’t come back to haunt Sunderland as they held on to secure the three points. 

Le Bris must act swiftly to decide Sunderland’s future designated penalty-taker, and the Black Cats boss has a few standout candidates who will be staking their claim to be granted penalty duty. Sunderland’s season could depend on it.

• READ MORE: Regis Le Bris confirms his ‘main goal’ for Sunderland’s season

Regis Le Bris’ six candidates for next Sunderland penalty

Trai Hume

Starting from the back, one surprising option for Le Bris to summon to the penalty spot is full-back Hume. Fulham and Crystal Palace have been tracking Hume, and it is clear to see why after his stellar display against the Lions in an unfamiliar left-back role.

Hume has notched two goals and eight assists after featuring in all but one of Sunderland’s Championship fixtures this season. His technique on the ball matched with his winning mentality would make him a sensible option from the penalty-spot.

Hume’s penalties on show in a football challenge with Roberts for the League of 72 add further credence as to his spot-kick merit.

Luke O’Nien

O’Nien never looked like scoring from 12 yards on Saturday. His run-up was short, awkward and didn’t instill the 40,000 Sunderland supporters with any confidence.

Despite this, O’Nien has taken six penalties in cup competitions and scored all six, showing that there was merit behind his allocation against Millwall.

O’Nien has been heralded for his long-passing ability and if he can translate that into better technique from the penalty-spot then he could return to duties. Although, he’s not the most inspiring possibility for a potentially season-defining penalty after his Millwall effort. 

Jobe Bellingham

Jobe Bellingham has notched four times in 35 starts this season for Sunderland and his shooting ability bodes well for penalty duties. 

Bellingham has been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, but shows maturity beyond years to tackle the task at hand on Wearside admirably regardless of those distractions.

Despite being only 19-years-old, Bellingham acts like a seasoned professional. Combining that mentality with his goalscoring prowess could create a prolific penalty-taker.

Enzo Le Fee

Roma loanee Enzo Le Fee is expected to return to Sunderland contention this weekend following his injury lay-off and could stake a claim for spot-kicks.

Frenchman Le Fee will become a Sunderland player permanently if they earn promotion, and he could help secure that by showcasing his talent from 12 yards. Le Bris is elated to have Le Fee’s “quality” back on the training field at the Academy of Light and would have ample confidence in the midfield maestro to convert from the spot.

The former Lorient starlet has yet to take a penalty so far in his 195-game senior club career. Still, given the enthralling displays Sunderland fans have witnessed from Le Fee, it is likely that he would be able to convert that ability into penalty prowess.

Romaine Mundle

Whether Mundle is granted the chance to take the next Sunderland spot-kick after his antics against Millwall remains to be seen. Le Bris described Mundle’s reaction as ‘emotional’, although the former Spurs youngster did have a fair case to make for penalty duties.

Mundle has found the net five times this season despite only starting 16 games given injury. His ball-striking ability has been a persistent threat throughout the season and he evidently has the self-belief to score after Saturday’s reaction.

Mundle is one of the most prolific forwards Sunderland possesses but whether Le Bris rewards his Millwall meltdown with the next penalty remains to be seen.

Wilson Isidor

Wilson Isidor has been in fine goalscoring form in his first full season at Sunderland since joining permanently from Zenit St Petersburg midway through his initial loan stint.

Isidor missed two penalties in the closing stages against Burnley earlier in the season, for which Isidor apologised to Sunderland supporters after the eventual 0-0 draw.

The Frenchman has been in poor form of late with Isidor slammed by Sunderland fans for his display against Millwall. 

Isidor needs to get the penalty monkey off his back before the inevitable play-offs, which would hopefully reinstall some confidence to the 24-year-old, so he can finally get back to his prolific best. Only if he adamantly stakes his claim in training this week.

Romaine Mundle should be put on Sunderland penalties

Despite Mundle’s reaction against Millwall, the winger has the strongest Sunderland claim for Le Bris to put him on penalty duties moving forward.

Isidor would’ve been the likely candidate but the fact he didn’t make the ball his on Saturday suggests those demons from the infamous double miss at Turf Moor are still lingering for the striker.

Five goals in 16 starts is an impressive return for a wide-forward and Mundle clearly feels capable of taking up the mantle. Whether Le Bris goes for Hume, O’Nien, Bellingham, Isidor, or Mundle, one thing is for certain; the Sunderland head coach must decide swiftly ahead of the trip to Tony Mowbray’s West Brom on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland have held “strong discussions” this season to try and remedy their less-than-impressive 20% conversion rate from the penalty-spot.

Sunderland’s season seems destined to be defined in the play-offs. With the potential for a Wembley shoot-out on the cards, Le Bris must choose to stick or twist with his penalty-kick taker.