Eliezer Mayenda started for Sunderland for the first time since August on Thursday night

Régis Le Bris praised Eliezer Mayenda for taking his chance to impress on his first start since August for Sunderland.

Mayenda was key to Le Bris’s hybrid formation as Sunderland earned an excellent 0-0 draw with Manchester City, with the youngster playing as a second striker while at times offering extra defensive cover on the right. It was another positive night for the head coach as players continue to take their chance while key senior players are at AFCON, with Dennis Cirkin also impressing at left back.

Le bris said he told his players afterwards that it showed why they have to keep working behind the scenes even if at times opportunities seem sparse.

“I'm really happy for Eli, for example, because he started the season, then struggled a bit for different reasons, and he stayed connected with the squad,” Le Bris said.

“I told the lads in the dressing room that even if you don't play, it shows that when you have your opportunity, if you train properly, if you stay positive, you will have this opportunity and it will be good when you start.

“He showed today that he can be at the level in another position. It was totally different from the start of the season when he played as a striker. Here he played in a hybrid role with important defensive tasks in the deep block, for example. I'm really confident with him because he has great quality and he's still really young. He's learning from different experiences and he's probably a bit more versatile as well, which is really important for a manager.”

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Régis Le Bris delivers verdict on Sunderland’s performance against Man City

“One more good point against one of the best teams in Europe,” Le Bris said.

“With many threats, they can score from everywhere, from different phases. I think we defended well. We were bold to press high, a bit more consistent in the midblock, I think. In the defensive third, we were consistent.

“It was like a hybrid system. we used this system at Liverpool once. I thought it was a good option today, because if you drop too early in your back five, you can't face, over the full game, their ability to manage the ball and create chances. I think it went well. With the ball, I think we showed many good things as well.

“We struggled when we played away against City to escape their counter-press, they were impressive. They were good again today, but I think we were better this time.I think this point helped us to manage the ball and to breathe, because it's important to have the ball. We created chances as well. Our low build-up was good, especially during the first half.”

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