‘Regis Le Bris suddenly has some major questions to answer’ – Bromley’s Blog
Everything has been hunky-dory in Sunderland-land this season, with the Black Cats flying in the Premier League and setting their course firmly toward survival.
Just three defeats and a remarkable 19 points from 12 games, a total no newly promoted team has come close to in recent seasons, mean Regis Le Bris’ side head into the festive period with very little pressure on their shoulders.
However, Sunderland’s defeat at Fulham this past weekend, and the manner of it, has raised concerns within the fanbase that there are issues in need of attention before they become genuine problems.
The first of these is the formation. Sunderland have played with a back four for most of Le Bris’ tenure since his arrival in the summer of 2024, but he has recently pivoted to a back-five system.
While there are merits to this approach when Sunderland face stronger Premier League sides, see their win at Chelsea or the draw against Arsenal, there is a strong argument that the draw at home to Everton and the defeat to Fulham were made worse by this more conservative setup.
Trai Hume might not be the answer to ‘major concern’
The five-at-the-back shape isn’t inherently a problem, but the lack of creativity it leaves in midfield is a major concern. Their paltry four shots against Fulham demonstrated that this is a system best reserved for matches against elite opposition, not teams lower down the table.
Although the back five becomes a four in possession, the extra midfielder is effectively replaced by an inverted right-back in Trai Hume. He is a fine player, no doubt, but not exactly a creative spark likely to unlock defences.
And that is the fundamental issue with this system. Sunderland don’t create a huge number of chances as it is, and removing a midfielder in favour of an additional defender only compounds that weakness.
There is then the matter of the forward positions, which will need addressing if Sunderland hope to maintain their strong start.
Le Bris has played Enzo Le Fee off the left for most of the season, which is fine in isolation. But doing so has meant Chemsdine Talbi has either been benched or shifted to the right wing, a role that doesn’t suit him particularly well.
How to solve Sunderland’s problem
Le Fee could also help solve the formation problem. Moving him centrally would allow Talbi to play in his preferred position on the left and give Sunderland far more creativity through the middle, something they sorely lacked at Craven Cottage.
The right wing remains an issue, too. Bertrand Traore has been solid but unspectacular so far, and Sunderland may need to address this position in January if they aim to finish in the top half.
Through the middle, Wilson Isidor has rightfully made the No. 9 spot his own, but there’s an argument that Brian Brobbey or Eliezer Mayenda deserve opportunities during a busy festive period.
In reality, when you glance down the table and see both Leeds and Burnley struggling, these tactical concerns feel like first-world problems. Yet Sunderland should have ambitions beyond mere survival, which is why they would be wise to avoid deploying a conservative 5-4-1 against teams they could genuinely beat by sticking with their more familiar setup.
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