Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris deployed a tactic against Hull City that left one man isolated.
Sunderland suffered a defeat to Hull City this weekend, a first defeat at the Stadium of Light for Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats went behind courtesy of a mistake from Anthony Patterson, who bundled the ball into his net, a moment that has been slated by Black Cats fans.
Notably, Le Bris has shown concerns over Sunderland players being jaded, something that has been recognised by fans in recent weeks, with many suggesting that Chris Rigg needs a rest.
Rigg was replaced in the 60th minute after not quite being on top form, and whilst Le Bris’ decision to overplay him certainly will have impacted his abilities on this occasion, one other factor left him isolated in the centre of the park, one that Sunderland’s French boss must take ownership of.
Sunderland tactic was outsmarted by Hull City as Chris Rigg left outnumbered in midfield
Black Cats boss Le Bris deployed a formation utilising three midfielders, with Rigg sitting further forward than fellow players Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, but the 17-year-old’s threat seemed fairly limited, certainly in comparison to Romaine Mundle, who was brought on at half-time in place of Enzo Le Fee.
Whilst many would point fingers towards Rigg’s limited amount of rest time, it is also worth noting that he was significantly outnumbered in midfield by Hull City’s formation, with both Eliot Matazo and Steven Alzate often closing down the Sunderland youngster.
Because of Rigg’s limited support in midfield and being constantly targeted by Hull’s defensive midfielders, per SofaScore, he lost possession on 13 separate occasions, spectacularly notching the same amount of passes.
The fact that the majority of Sunderland’s play came down the left flank also meant that Rigg was often evaded as Le Bris’ side attacked, making the Black Cats youngster almost invisible as they went forward.
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Regis Le Bris has two options to help Chris Rigg return to form
In the past few weeks, it is clear that Rigg hasn’t quite been his usual self, often looking more passive in transition and rather jaded, two characteristics that certainly aren’t common by his lofty standards.
Because of this, Le Bris has two options that he must undertake, either drop him to give him a necessary rest or utilise a formation that will see him thrive once again.
Having to assist defensively, whilst also providing an attacking threat alongside Wilson Isidor is a huge task for a player still in the early stages of his career, and whilst there are no doubts of Rigg’s ability at this level, Le Bris needs to ensure that he doesn’t simply overplay the young midfielder.