There was one clear stat that Sunderland were unable to capitalise on in the loss to Stoke City.
Sunderland have come away from their trip to Stoke City with a loss that will be tough to take for Regis Le Bris’ side.
The Black Cats were on top for large periods of the game, which saw the likes of Adil Aouchiche perform to the top of his abilities after he was surprisingly included in the starting 11.
The Frenchman was able to deliver a clear and potent threat down the left channel, and following his performance, it looks more likely that he will become a more integral part of Le Bris’ plans and could very much stay beyond the January transfer window.
Unfortunately for Sunderland, the bottom line was their inability to take their chances when it mattered, with Eliezer Mayenda notably not being able to find the back of the net from a cross that found him unmarked outside the six-yard-box.
The Spaniard’s miss is part of a huge problem that Sunderland were unable to capitalise on, and in turn led to the defeat against Stoke City.
Adil Aouchiche cross impact was wasted as Sunderland lost to Stoke City
From the off, Sunderland winger Aouchiche was at the front-and-centre of plenty of the Black Cats’ attacks, with the French 22-year-old often drifting wide, almost hugging the sidelines at time, and whipping in a cross.
In total, per SofaScore, Aouchiche actually managed a highly impressive 18 crosses attempted. The total goes beyond Luton Town’s Alfie Doughty’s average of 14 crosses per game, the current player with the highest number of crosses in the 2024/25 Championship season.
Ultimately, Aouchiche was able to set up several opportunities for Sunderland to find the back of the net, but they didn’t have the confidence and competence to make it count in the final third, something that must look to be resolved in the upcoming January transfer window.
Sunderland-linked attacker is the solution to key Regis Le Bris problem
Looking at the squad that Le Bris has available, there is no doubt that it is crying out for just one more consistent and dependable goalscorer, and that very person is already linked to Sunderland.
Stockport loanee Louie Barry, who is set to be recalled, is drumming up plenty of Championship interest, and one of the clubs looking to bring him on is Sunderland.
The Aston Villa youngster has bagged 15 goals in just 23 games in the 2024/25 League One season so far, so there is no doubt that this quality would translate into Championship football. With his speed, jumping height and willingness to latch onto crosses, he could certainly be the answer to Le Bris’ issues that were put on show in the defeat to Stoke City.