James Copley: Régis Le Bris showcases tactical intelligence as Sunderland reveal new weapons against Brentford
Régis Le Bris displayed his tactical intelligence at Brentford as several exciting new Sunderland weapons emerged.
Sunderland’s draw at Brentford was their best attacking performance of the season and, on the balance of the chances, they could have won the game.
Enzo Le Fée hit the post, Dan Ballard had an excellent goal ruled out following a lengthy VAR review and both Thomas Meunier and Noah Sadiki saw dangerous efforts blocked. Sunderland created enough to have been ahead before Brentford improved after half-time.
A point at the Gtech Community Stadium is an excellent result. Brentford are a strong side and Sunderland lost 3-0 in the same fixture last season. This time, they matched them and were disappointed not to take more.
Sunderland produce their best display of the season
Sunderland took three points from their opening two games, but they were stodgy at Ipswich Town and for much of the win over Fulham. They lost at Portman Road and needed Régis Le Bris’ substitutions to overcome Fulham. Wilson Isidor scored the winner but admitted afterwards that Sunderland had not played particularly well.
The difference at Brentford was clear. Sunderland passed the ball quicker, moved with greater confidence and repeatedly found space in wide areas during an excellent opening half-hour. Nilson Angulo produced possibly his best half since joining the club. Sadiki covered huge amounts of ground and drove Sunderland forward, while Le Fée found space around the penalty area.
The only frustration was the scoreline. Sunderland had several chances to take the lead but failed to convert their strong start into a goal. That allowed Brentford to regroup and change the direction of the contest. Still, this was much closer to the level Sunderland reached during their strongest periods last season.
Meunier role catches Brentford out
Danso replaced Trai Hume in Sunderland’s only change, and the initial expectation was that Le Bris had selected a back five. Instead, Meunier started on the right of the attack with Nordi Mukiele at right-back. They sometimes switched during the game, with Mukiele pushing forward and Meunier dropping back to cover.
It was an interesting new wrinkle from Le Bris. Meunier provided height, defensive discipline and a target for Robin Roefs’ longer passes. Mukiele could then use his athleticism to move into advanced positions from deeper. The plan caused Brentford problems throughout the first half and restricted their usual threat down the flanks. Keith Andrews responded by making three substitutions at the interval, introducing Aaron Hickey, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Jaidon Anthony.
The changes worked. Brentford played with greater intensity, and Sunderland found it much harder to control possession. Vitaly Janelt then put the hosts ahead with a superb strike from outside the box. That did not mean Le Bris had got his initial selection wrong. His plan gave Sunderland control of the first half before Andrews found an answer.
Danso adds size and a long-throw threat
Danso looked comfortable on his Sunderland debut despite having only joined his new teammates earlier in the week. His arrival has added more height and strength to a squad which has become increasingly physical.
Danso’s long throw could become a useful weapon. Sunderland now have several players who can attack the ball, making it an option they should be able to use regularly. Xhaka recognised that five minutes into the second half. Le Fée considered taking a quick, short throw, but the captain told him to wait and allow Danso to launch the ball into Brentford’s penalty area.
Isidor and Brobbey offer another option
Le Bris responded to Brentford’s goal by introducing Isidor and moving to two strikers. Isidor joined Brobbey through the middle and gave Sunderland greater pace and directness around the penalty area. Brobbey had competed well on his own but looked more comfortable when he had another forward alongside him.
Isidor again made a major impact from the bench. He forced Caoimhín Kelleher into a save from a powerful free-kick before winning the penalty which Le Fée converted. The partnership is now a serious option for Le Bris. It will not suit every game and requires an adjustment behind them to ensure Sunderland retain enough numbers in midfield, but it gives the head coach a different way to attack. Brobbey can hold the ball up and occupy centre-backs, while Isidor looks to attack space and run directly at defenders. Their qualities worked well together at Brentford.
A proper tactical battle
The contest became a fascinating battle between two excellent managers. Le Bris’ starting plan gave Sunderland control of the first half and limited what Brentford normally do well. Andrews changed three players at the break, and the hosts took charge early in the second half.
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Le Bris responded with Isidor, Hume and Malick Fofana. His changes helped Sunderland find a way back into the game and gave them enough attacking threat to push for a winner. On another day, Sunderland take all three points. Le Fée’s effort could have gone in rather than striking the post, Ballard’s goal might have survived the VAR review or one of their other first-half chances could have been converted.
Four points from three games is a solid start. More encouraging was the quality of this performance after two difficult opening games. Sunderland were sharper on the ball, stronger physically and more flexible tactically. They left Brentford with an excellent point and proof that their expanding squad gives Le Bris several different ways to hurt Premier League opponents.