Andy Reid in awe of change Regis Le Bris made earlier this season after Sunderland win vs Chelsea
Sunderland utilised one of their key strengths against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
An away trip to Stamford Bridge is difficult for any team, but Regis Le Bris side gave more than an impressive account of themselves.
Sunderland secured a groundbreaking 2-1 victory against Chelsea, which is no mean feat, especially for a side in Sunderland’s position.
While there were an incredible number of positives to take from their performance, Andy Reid was quick to heap praise on one aspect of their game, and it is something he wants to see more of.
Nordi Mukiele’s long throws prove effective again
Not only has Nordi Mukiele been incredible for Sunderland this season, but has has also brought something to Wearside that hasn’t been seen for years.
After just one training session, Regis Le Bris insisted that Mukiele took long throws for Sunderland, and not once have they looked back since.
They’ve caused issues for defences every single week, and Wilson Isidor‘s goal at Stamford Bridge arrived as a result of one of them.
The ball fell to Bertrand Traore after Chelsea won the initial header, with it eventually dropping to Isidor just a yard away from goal, and Reid was a fan of the set-up.
Via Premier Sports, the former Black Cats midfielder said: “I’m a fan of long throws,I really am, even if you don’t win the first contact.
“If the defenders win the first contact, because they’re quite loopy, it’s difficult to get any distance on them, so they’re dropping down in and around the box.
“If you’re alive and get the second balls, you get opportunities like this.“
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Sunderland need to make more of set pieces
With Nordi Mukiele and Dan Ballard especially, Sunderland pose an immense amount of threat from set pieces.
As alluded to by Reid, even if the Black Cats fail to win the first ball, their physical presence can often lead to chances, as it did at Stamford Bridge.
Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee and Trai Hume can all deliver an excellent ball, whether it’s from a set piece or from open play, and it simply is something they need to utilise more often.
Only a handful of Sunderland’s goals this season have arrived from those scenarios, which is something they need to work on moving forward.
With that said, the Black Cats are second in the Premier League; there is nothing to be worried about this season.
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