Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris lauded his team's resilience following a remarkable comeback victory against Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Black Cats, who found themselves trailing by two goals within the first 15 minutes, rallied to secure a 3-2 win, propelling them back into the Premier League's top four.
Le Bris had emphasized the importance of resilience in his pre-match notes, a message that clearly resonated with his players. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the game, stating, "It's crucial because in this league especially, you can't control everything". He further added that a team's character and connection are vital to overcome adversity.
Bournemouth made a strong start, with Amine Adli scoring in the 7th minute and Tyler Adams doubling the lead with a spectacular 45-yard strike just eight minutes later. However, Sunderland displayed their fighting spirit, refusing to succumb to the early setback. Enzo Le Fee converted a penalty before halftime, reducing the deficit.
The momentum shifted further when Bertrand Traore equalized shortly after the restart, assisted by Granit Xhaka. Substitute Brian Brobbey then completed the turnaround, scoring the decisive goal in the 69th minute, assisted by Le Fee, just moments after entering the match.
The victory was hard-earned, with Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier hitting the crossbar late in the game. Adding to the drama, Lewis Cook of Bournemouth was shown a red card for violent conduct during stoppage time. Despite the late pressure, Sunderland managed to hold on to their lead and secure the three points.
This win takes Sunderland to 22 points from their first 13 games, placing them in fourth position in the league standings, although this is a temporary position pending other match results. The result also extends Sunderland's unbeaten home record. Meanwhile, Bournemouth's winless run stretches to four games, leaving them in ninth place.
Le Bris may consider rotating the squad to keep things fresh, with Wilson Isidor's form being a potential concern. Eliezer Mayenda and Brian Brobbey are also options for a starting position. Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle and Leo Hjelde have recently returned from the Under-21s and are available for selection. Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki are also one booking away from suspension.
