Régis Le Bris issues blunt VAR disallowed goal verdict but hails Sunderland’s attacking display against Brentford
Régis Le Bris questioned the lengthy VAR review but praised Sunderland’s attacking display during their draw at Brentford
Régis Le Bris questioned the length of the VAR review which denied Sunderland an opening goal during their 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Dan Ballard produced a superb left-footed finish during an excellent opening half-hour from the Black Cats, but the goal was eventually ruled out after referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor. Kevin Danso was in an offside position and deemed to have interfered with Caoimhín Kelleher’s view of Ballard’s strike.
The review lasted more than four minutes, with Le Bris suggesting the length of the delay showed how difficult the decision had been. “It’s a shame because if you need four and a half minutes to make your decision, it means that you are hesitating,” Le Bris said. “So it wasn’t a decision for us. It is what it is.”
Sunderland also struck the post through Enzo Le Fée and created several other promising openings before half-time, with Thomas Meunier and Sadiki both seeing efforts blocked. Keith Andrews responded by making three Brentford substitutions at the interval, and the changes helped the hosts gain control. Vitaly Janelt opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed strike in the 57th minute, but Sunderland recovered to claim a point through Le Fée’s late penalty after Wilson Isidor was fouled.
Despite his frustration over the disallowed goal, Le Bris was encouraged by Sunderland’s attacking performance and felt his side had been dominant during the opening stages. “First half, I think we were dominant and created four big chances in the first 30 minutes. We managed this part of the game really well,” he said.
“We didn’t score, which I think is always a shame when you are away at a tough place like Brentford. They changed three players at the beginning of the second half and switched the momentum a bit. It’s not unusual, and I think we were ready for that.
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“They scored with this clearance just at the edge of the box and a beautiful strike into the top corner. But I think the lads were still in the game because we know that we are good when we are behind, and we are still able to change the dynamic. The substitutes helped. Wilson, for example. Malick as well. Trai was good as well. It was really interesting on the right side, and we created enough chances to score, even with less, probably. So it’s a good point.”
Isidor made a significant impact after replacing Nilson Angulo in the 64th minute. The forward tested Kelleher with a powerful free-kick before winning the penalty, which allowed Le Fée to equalise. Malick Fofana was also handed his Sunderland debut from the bench, while Trai Hume replaced Meunier as Le Bris changed his attacking set-up.
Isidor finished the game alongside Brian Brobbey and their partnership gave Brentford a different problem during the closing stages. Le Bris confirmed it is an option Sunderland could use again, particularly when chasing a game. “Yes, especially away. It’s a good set-up as well,” Le Bris said when asked whether it had been Sunderland’s best attacking performance of the season.
“We thought that it could be a good idea when we have to chase, even before. We’ll see. They can work together. It’s a bit different in midfield because you need one winger inside to help and create at least an overload, or the same number, for the balance. It was a good period.”