The classic footballing learning curve
Yesterday at 01:00 AM
Sunderland hadn't lost or even looked flat until Saturday's defeat down in Devon — now we may just see just how talented Regis Le Bris is.
They say that in sport you learn more from your defeats than your victories. It's been rare we've seen this with Sunderland when games do end in defeat, with mistakes often repeated on several occasions.
Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Plymouth was a sickener in more ways than just losing in the 93rd minute. What was perhaps most annoying is we seemed to beat ourselves, we failed to build on a good first half and it was our own mistakes rather than being outplayed that cost us points in Devon.
Regis Le Bris has been keen to keep players and fans grounded after each of the four wins so far this season, and each has followed with words from the new boss on how we can improve. The defeat was his first as Sunderland Head Coach and the post-match comments were another example of the Frenchman understanding what he wants from his team, and being clear in knowing when this doesn't happen.
RLB has changed the way Sunderland play in just a matter of months, and there has been lots of success through this. Some interesting points from the Plymouth debrief included the boss believing the wingers gave us a lot of problems and that we were too open. This is the gamble of playing a high press, on some occasions, it won't be successful.
It's clear that RLB has so far shown how to change the way we approach games, and he has installed into the side a style of play that is getting results. If Plymouth had completely outplayed us and our manager came out and said there was nothing to worry about, then any worries would have been justified for me.
There were positives and plenty of them. Romaine Mundle continued his fantastic start to the season, as did Eliezer Mayenda. The pair have a lot of pressure on their shoulders this season, but they are so far stepping up to the task. Add into this Patrick Roberts surpassing his G/A tally for last season down at Plymouth and there's plenty to keep spirits high.
The sign of a good team is being able to bounce back from defeat, and learning lessons in the process. RLB has made it clear that he knows we've got plenty of these to learn, and that's fine- a good football coach knows that you can never stop learning in this sport and this is even more applicable to a team with a core of young talent.
Saturday was an off day, and a rare one at that under the regime of RLB. We've barely put a foot wrong in four and a half matches this season, which shows there is no reason to be worried. It's very Sunderland to lose to a side without a win this season just weeks after beating promotion favourites Burnley — but this happens.
The visit of Middlesbrough will be a feisty affair as usually is when they come to town. The team owes us fans and the club a good performance against Boro given that we always seem to struggle against them. With 41 games remaining, there will be ups and downs but there has been a constant urge from the club to trust the process and it's so far so good under RLB - the rollercoaster is only just beginning.
