Sunderland are now the only team in the Championship to have a 100% record so far this season.
Sunderland go into this month’s international break in 1st place of the Championship table following their 3-1 win vs Portsmouth last time out.
Regis Le Bris has enjoyed a perfect start to life on Wearside, with fans quickly starting to think of a promotion push in this 2024/25 season.
Despite a fairly quiet summer transfer window, up until Sunderland signed four players on deadline day, and despite having just one pre-season with his new players, Le Bris has completely transformed the style of play.
He’s made the Black Cats much more positive in their play. His side are also resolute at the back, having conceded just once in their opening four league games.
The Sunderland owners and indeed Kristjaan Speakman have been dreaming of a side that played this way for a long time now.
And there’s one statistic in particular that showcases the newfound style of play at Sunderland.
- READ MORE: Sunderland gem proves why Kristjaan Speakman was right to keep him, now it’s down to Regis Le Bris
Sunderland rank 22nd for average possession in the Championship this season
Despite being the only team to have won all their games so far, and despite being the league’s joint-top scorers with 10 goals, Sunderland rank in 22nd for average possession.
On average, Sunderland have had just 42.9% possession in their opening four games.
And despite the opposition having so much of the ball, Sunderland have only faced 7.8 shots-per-game, which is also the third-lowest in the Championship.
What this says about Regis Le Bris’ style of play at Sunderland
In a time where almost every manager and coach is focussing on keeping the ball, and building out from the back, Le Bris and Sunderland are having more success without the ball.
Sunderland are quite happy to soak up pressure and then burst through the midfield line, into attack, and score goals.
The likes of Chris Rigg are proving to be crucial in that transition, which he showed on multiple occasions vs Portsmouth with some neat turns and passes in his own half, which set up attacks.
Before Sunderland appointed Le Bris, the Frenchman spoke about giving Sunderland their own unique style of play, rather than one which most managers try and follow.
And he’s done just that; Sunderland are clinical, and winning games, with barely any of the ball.
The Black Cats return to action vs Plymouth Argyle later this month.