The recent five games for Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland have shown a lot to unravel about their abilities.
Sunderland found themselves picking up a point in their Boxing day fixture as they drew 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers on their travels.
Goals came from Wilson Isidor and Chris Rigg to put the Black Cats into the lead, with Eliezer Mayenda having a golden opportunity to wrap up all three points, however, he squandered a one-on-one with Rovers shot-stopper Ainsley Pears.
Once again, the game saw Regis Le Bris’ side find themselves down by one-goal at the break, something which this current Sunderland side have come accustomed to in recent weeks. Looking into the stats, it shows just how often it has been happening recently, but it also uncovers one true strength that the French boss has instilled into his side.
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Sunderland half-time and full-time record in last five show clear strengths and weaknesses
The Black Cats have managed a five game unbeaten run in the Championship, winning three of the matches.
Sunderland have managed to pick up 11 points in their previous five as a result, something that is even more staggering considering the fact that the matches have seen Sunderland trailing in three of the games, while also drawing the other two.
A nine point overturn in the second halves of the previous five games is remarkable for Le Bris’ side, who have managed to show such strength in character to overturn losses and continue to get points on the board in their ongoing bid for promotion, however, there certainly need to be questions asked as to why Sunderland so consistently find themselves second best at the break so often.
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Regis Le Bris must replicate key change he made successfully to help first half hoodoo
Sunderland still certainly finds themselves in-and-around the automatic promotion spots, a remarkable feat considering the financial firepower of the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield United ahead of them, however, there is plenty left to ponder over where the Black Cats would be if they fixed their first half woes, particularly in the more recent matches.
Black Cats boss Le Bris has turned this side around exponentially so far during his short reign, managing to correct the mentality issue that was so prominent under Michael Beale and Mike Dodds, and it will bode incredibly well for Sunderland if the French coach is able to increase the mental strength of his side to start quick out of the blocks.