AliousSunderland manager **Regis Le Bris** once again left a key player in a difficult position, ignoring previous concerns that have now come back to haunt him.
The **Black Cats** managed only a **2-2 draw** at the Stadium of Light against Tom Cleverley’s Watford, narrowly avoiding defeat thanks to a late equalizer from **Dennis Cirkin**. Despite salvaging a point, Sunderland’s performance was lackluster, particularly in the attacking third—a worrying trend following their uninspired draw against **Plymouth Argyle**. The same tactical flaws from that game resurfaced, with one player feeling the effects more than anyone: **Wilson Isidor**.
### **Wilson Isidor Left Stranded—Again**
Isidor, usually a dynamic force up front, was largely ineffective against Watford, struggling to get involved due to a glaring tactical issue. His limited touches weren’t down to poor form but rather the system deployed by Le Bris, which left the striker isolated with little support.
After the Plymouth game, Isidor openly expressed his frustration about playing as a lone striker—a setup that excludes his preferred strike partner, **Eliezer Mayenda**. Speaking candidly, Isidor had said:
*”It’s true that sometimes when I play up front by myself, I can feel a little bit alone. When Eliezer is playing with me, it brings more defenders onto him and creates more space for me to run into. I like that.”*
Despite this clear feedback, Le Bris stuck with the same formation against Watford, once again leaving Isidor to fend for himself in attack. The result? Another two dropped points at home against a beatable opponent.
### **Le Bris’ Tactical Stubbornness Costing Sunderland**
The similarities between the draws against Plymouth and Watford are striking. In both matches, Sunderland’s attack lacked cohesion, creativity, and, crucially, support for their top scorer. Isidor was left stranded, unable to influence the game as he’s done so effectively when paired with Mayenda.
This tactical rigidity raises questions about Le Bris’ decision-making. Isidor has proven that he thrives in a system where he isn’t the sole focal point. Yet, Le Bris continues to deploy a formation that isolates his most reliable goal threat.
To get the best out of Isidor, Sunderland’s boss must adapt. Implementing a **front three** or at least pairing him with Mayenda could unlock the consistency the Black Cats desperately need in the final third—especially against struggling teams like Watford and Plymouth, where Sunderland should be dominating.
If Le Bris fails to adjust, Sunderland’s promotion hopes could be jeopardized, with their most potent attacker left on the fringes due to tactical stubbornness.
Alious
