Sunderland must improve in attacking areas according to Head Coach Régis Le Bris, following a one-nil win for his side against Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the victory, the Black Cats lacked composure in the final third, with their goal coming thanks to a deflected effort from Nordi Mukiele. They dominated proceedings but only won thanks to a slice of fortune.
“It’s a question of execution”, Le Bris said, adding that “the last choice, the last pass, probably the presence in the box as well, we still have room for improvement”.
Only two sides have scored fewer goals in the Premier League than Sunderland this season, with the Black Cats level with relegation bound Burnley on 33.
This points to Sunderland’s defence having been strong enough to help them grind out results, which is true, but ultimately, struggling to score will be unsustainable.
The lack of goals is clearly an issue Le Bris recognised, as he made clear that “we are working hard behind the scenes. It’s about small adjustments, but small adjustments at that level make the difference.”
However, the Frenchman was also keen to point out that Sunderland “still have a young squad”.
“They are intense, strong energy”, he continued, backing his players for the performances they have put in throughout the season, including in the win against Spurs. Despite the winning goal being fortuitous, for Sunderland to outplay and defeat one of the so-called ‘big six’ as a newly promoted side is certainly impressive, regardless of Spurs’ current relegation fears.
It demonstrates again just how willing to fight Sunderland are, a trait which now sees them sitting in tenth place in the top flight table. There is no doubt that for a club who have returned to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs after eight seasons away, it has been a remarkable campaign.
Le Bris and the club also have an upcoming transfer window to bolster their firepower, which may ease concerns about Sunderland’s goal scoring going into next season. Le Bris though, being the critical thinker he has proven himself to be, will want to solve the issue before then with the players he currently has at his disposal.
If he is able to do that, then whatever attacking talent he adds to the squad will be better able to bed in to what will be a fluid and capable forward line.
Le Bris said last week that it was too early to be thinking about the summer transfer window, but preparations will undoubtedly be occurring. Therefore, Sunderland will hope that both their on and off-field activity provides a higher strike rate next season.
