Sunderland are currently the only team in the Championship with a perfect record this season.
Heading into the international break, Sunderland tops the Championship table after their 3-1 victory over Portsmouth. Regis Le Bris has made an impressive start at Wearside, prompting fans to consider a promotion push for the 2024/25 season.
Despite a relatively quiet summer transfer window until the deadline day signings and only one pre-season with his new squad, Le Bris has dramatically changed Sunderland’s style of play. The team has become more attacking and solid defensively, conceding just once in their first four league matches.
Sunderland’s owners and Kristjaan Speakman have long envisioned a team with this playing style. Notably, Sunderland ranks 22nd in the Championship for average possession this season, with only 42.9% possession in their opening four games. Despite leading the league in goals scored with ten and winning every match so far, they have faced an average of just 7.8 shots per game, the third-lowest in the league.
This statistic highlights Le Bris’ distinctive approach: while many managers focus on maintaining possession and building from the back, Le Bris and Sunderland are finding success with a more counter-attacking style. The team is adept at absorbing pressure and then launching quick attacks, with players like Chris Rigg playing a crucial role in transitioning from defense to offense, as seen in their match against Portsmouth.
Before joining Sunderland, Le Bris emphasized the importance of developing a unique style of play, rather than following conventional methods. He has achieved this, with Sunderland winning games efficiently while having limited possession.
Sunderland will resume their campaign against Plymouth Argyle later this month.
