Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris was pleased with the composure and control shown by his side in their 3-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League.
Following the victory, Le Bris made clear that “in the Premier League, if you get complacent, you will get punished,” and praised the level of ambition shown by his players in the second half, after what had been a dominant first period.
Sunderland were two goals to the good by the half time interval, but Le Bris revealed how he had told his players during the break that the game was “not finished”, and that they had to win the second half.
Le Bris added that there had been two examples of Premier League sides going two goals up but failing to win during this matchweek, and that he was determined that Sunderland would not do the same. The full time score of 3-0 to Sunderland highlighted that Le Bris’ message had got through to his players.
The Black Cats were undoubtedly helped by the complete lack of potency and threat shown by visitors Burnley, but those in red and white stuck to their jobs to see out what was as comfortable a Premier League victory as they come.
However, such is Le Bris’ attention to detail, he also called on his players to “fix two or three problems” in the second half, even though his side had been commanding in the first period. That mindset shows just how Sunderland are the only side in the top flight who have not yet lost a game at home.
The Black Cats’ away record does leave more to be desired, but given that in their first season back in the Premier League since 2016/17, they sit on 36 points and in the top half, it is clear that Le Bris is demanding the highest of standards from his players to ensure their safety in the league and the possibility of a very positive finish to the campaign come May.
