'Not too much': Régis Le Bris delivers verdict on Sunderland's attacking struggles and Wilson Isidor form

Régis Le Bris says he is confident that Sunderland's attacking play will improve in the coming weeks after an underwhelming performance against Swansea City.

The Black Cats lost 1-0 after Ben Cabango's second-half goal and have now scored just two goals in the four games since the international break, both of which came from set-piece situations. While the Sunderland head coach admitted he was a 'little' worried he insists that there will be improvements when he names a more familiar side. Le Bris is currently rotating significantly from game to game in a bid to protect players from injury and give minutes to those short of match fitness.

"I'm a little bit concerned, but not too much to be fair," he said.

"It's a question of references. Trai played off the left so this disturbed the triangle we have built on this side of the pitch, for example. That triangle has worked really well this season. Chris today played as the eight on the left side, which is unusual... these are two examples that show how we do not have the same references. We are trying to create some other ones to have more flexibility and when we are able to reset our references, I think we will be fine.

“I think the control, the first part of the build-up is not efficient at the minute so it's always difficult to go through and go around the block with speed and space. It's a point we have to improve right now. I'm not worried about the level of the team. We showed before in many games, home and away, at Sheffield United and Burnley and at home against the strongest teams. We now have more experience. We have 76 points, we are fourth in the table. It's just a question about freshness and availability. The main goal now is really clear, the 47th and 48th game of the season.

“I'm not too worried by this situation."

Sunderland head coach delivers striker verdict as Wilson Isidor drought continues

Perhaps unsurprisingly given Sunderland's creative struggles, Wilson Isidor has now gone nine appearances without a goal. Le Bris though insists he isn't worried and strongly hinted that he remains his first-choice striker for the run in and the play-offs.

"Wilson was well connected with the game and I appreciated this," Le Bris said.

"When a striker doesn't score he can be really frustrated and disconnected with the game, I don't think Wilson was. He was connected, he tried to run in behind... it's just a question of giving him time. Sometimes with a striker all it needs is one event, it can change the dynamic. I'm really confident for the future.

"Wilson fits well with the game model because he's always in behind and is a good finisher," Le Bris said.

"Eli improved massively this season. He's more versatile so it gives us more opportunities to play with him as a striker, a 10, as a winger left or right. We need everyone fit and ready for the final stage."

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