Pompey win highlights Regis Le Bris change that has sparked Sunderland promotion push
THERE are several factors that have been key to Sunderland’s success under Regis Le Bris in his first season on Wearside.
The solid defensive foundations, the instant and hugely impressive implementation of his tactics, the in-game management and willingness to be flexible, the faith he has shown in his forward players.
Right at the top of the list, however, has been the manner in which he has made the Stadium of Light the heartbeat of Sunderland’s hopes once more. In the miserable months of the second half of last season, the Black Cats failed to win any of their final seven games on home turf.
Roll forward to the current campaign and Sunderland extended their unbeaten stretch on Wearside to 13 games with their 1-0 win over Portsmouth on Sunday. Only leaders Leeds United have a better home record this season. And the leaders are only three points ahead of the Black Cats after their second successive home success.
This was by no means as impressive as the Sheffield United victory and was a frustrating afternoon at times for Sunderland, despite the fact they led from as early as the seventh minute when Wilson Isidor scored his third goal in four games. But it’s not always going to be pretty, especially in conditions as brutal as they were on Sunday.
Portsmouth made life uncomfortable for Sunderland in the final stages, despite the fact they played the final quarter of the game with 10 men after captain Marlon Pack was sent off. But the Black Cats got over the line and took full advantage of Leeds dropping points at Hull 24 hours earlier.
Le Bris unsurprisingly stuck with the same side that beat Sheffield United and it took just seven minutes for his decision to again pair Isidor and Mayenda to pay off.
Mayenda looks so much more comfortable in a central position than he does when he’s filling in on the flanks. He charged at the terrified and backtracking Portsmouth defence, before picking out Isidor with a defence splitting pass and his strike partner’s finish was calm and confident.
Portsmouth looked vulnerable and Sunderland could have had breathing space when Adil Aouchiche’s cross looked certain to be tapped in by Roberts at the back post, but his volley was wayward and the relieved visitors hacked clear.
Whether Portsmouth settled or Sunderland took their foot off the gas, a scrappy period followed, though Aouchiche came close to doubling the home side’s lead just after the hour mark when he cut in from the left and forced a good save from Nicolas Schmid.
Having made the ideal start, Le Bris will have been frustrated at the manner in which the first half descended into something of a scruffy affair. And while Portsmouth didn’t have a shot on target, they did go close five minutes before the break when Josh Murphy, the twin brother of Newcastle winger Jacob, curled over from the edge of the box. It was a warning that Sunderland’s job wasn’t done. It very well might have been had Isidor not been denied a second goal by the offside flag right before half-time. Or if Mayenda had opted to square for Aouchiche for a tap-in instead of going for a goal from a tight angle in stoppage time.
Sunderland were almost made to pay for that decision when Anthony Patterson’s loose pass gifted Portsmouth an opening at the start of the second half, but Colby Bishop’s unconvincing header bounced wide.
Le Bris had made a change at left-back at the break, bringing on Dennis Cirkin for Aji Alese and the substitute instantly looked more of a threat going forward. There was a driving run that was cut-out right on the edge of the box, a fine delivery for Isidor that the striker should have done better with and a cross that was well intercepted at the front post.
Sunderland were pushing and Portsmouth surviving. Isidor was inches away from a second when his fierce strike from the edge of the area flashed just wide. The desperate Pack then dragged back the striker as he raced in on goal. It was an easy decision for the referee.
Sunderland couldn’t take advantage and score a second but one was enough for another home win.
