Sunderland fans experienced a roller-coaster of emotions during the 3-2 defeat vs Plymouth Argyle.
Sunderland were back on the road once again on Saturday, and it was another long-haul trip for Regis Le Bris’ side.
The Black Cats headed down to Plymouth Argyle to face Wayne Rooney’s Green Army who’ve struggled in the opening stages of the 2024/25 season.
Plymouth started the day in 22nd place of the Championship table with just two points on the board, compared to Sunderland who started in 1st, with maximum points after four games.
And the Black Cats went into half-time with the lead, courtesy of a Patrick Roberts penalty.
Sunderland then fell 2-1 behind but found a late equaliser through the in-form Romaine Mundle, though Joe Edwards would score a late winner for the home side, and bring an end to Sunderland’s perfect start to the season.
What we learned about Sunderland after Plymouth Argyle display
Sunderland played two halves vs Plymouth; the first half good, the second half bad.
The Black Cats never really got going in the second 45 and they paid the price, with Plymouth deserving of their two goals.
One positive on the day, once again, was Chris Rigg; it’s clear that with the right development and with enough patience, Real Madrid-linked Rigg going to become a top player.
Meanwhile, we learned that Sunderland still has a resolute back-line, despite conceding twice.
The first goal for Plymouth was an unfortunate own goal from Dan Ballard and the second was a penalty, whilst the third was from open play; the first Sunderland have conceded from open play this season that wasn’t an own goal.
But there was one overriding message from the Plymouth game.
Patience needed with Regis Le Bris at Sunderland
Although the Plymouth performance was by far the worst we’ve seen from Le Bris at Sunderland, the club still remains in 1st place of the table.
Sunderland are still the standout team this season and that might be easy to fort after the Plymouth game.
The Sunderland owners certainly look as though they’ll give Le Bris ample time and the fans will surely do the same, after what’s still been very strong start.
But fans must also remember that Le Bris’ appointment marks the next chapter of Sunderland’s rebuilding process.
The process itself can take years. At such an early stage of the season, it’s hard to decipher what the campaign as a whole might have in store for Sunderland.
Expectations must be managed. But that said, a win next time out will put the wind back in Sunderland sails.