Sunderland’s Habit of Throwing Away Leads Raises Serious Questions About Regis Le Bris’ Tactics

**Sunderland’s Habit of Throwing Away Leads Raises Serious Questions About Regis Le Bris’ Tactics** 

Sunderland’s frustrating tendency to squander leads has become an all-too-familiar storyline this season, and the finger of blame is increasingly pointing toward head coach Regis Le Bris. 

In their latest Championship clash against Watford, the Black Cats seized an early advantage thanks to a stunning diving header from Luke O’Nien. But, as has happened far too often this campaign, Sunderland couldn’t hold onto their lead. A clumsy challenge from Dennis Cirkin gifted Watford a penalty before halftime, allowing the visitors to equalize. Then, almost immediately after the second-half restart, Watford took the lead—capitalizing on Sunderland’s defensive frailties. 

To his credit, Cirkin redeemed himself with a late goal to rescue a point, but the match still felt like another missed opportunity. Dropping points at home to a mid-table Watford side is the kind of result that could haunt Sunderland’s promotion ambitions when the season wraps up. 

**The Root of Sunderland’s Problem Under Le Bris** 

Sunderland’s squad is brimming with talent, arguably boasting more “match-winners” than most of their promotion rivals. Players like Wilson Isidor, Jobe Bellingham, and Chris Rigg are capable of turning games on their own. The fact that Sunderland managed to take the lead against Watford despite an underwhelming performance highlights the raw quality they possess. 

However, the recurring issue isn’t taking the lead—it’s what happens afterward. Time and time again, Sunderland fall into the same trap: retreating into a defensive shell as soon as they’re ahead. This overly cautious approach invites pressure, and opposition teams are more than happy to capitalize. 

It’s not just an isolated problem either. Recent draws against Plymouth Argyle, Blackburn Rovers, and now Watford all followed the same script—Sunderland take the lead, sit back, and ultimately concede. That’s **six points dropped** from winning positions in just a few weeks. To put that into perspective, those extra points would have the Black Cats sitting comfortably in **second place**, breathing down Leeds United’s neck at the top of the table. 

**Did Sunderland Get It Right in the January Transfer Window?** 

When results start slipping, it’s only natural for fans and pundits to scrutinize the January transfer window. Marco Gabbiadini recently weighed in, admitting he wasn’t overly thrilled with Sunderland’s business. While he praised the signing of Enzo Le Fée, he also suggested the window lacked a strong finish. 

There’s an argument to be made that Sunderland missed an opportunity to bring in more experienced, leadership-driven players—those capable of managing games when the team is under pressure. While the squad is undeniably talented, there’s a noticeable absence of seasoned heads who can help close out matches when the going gets tough. 

**Is Le Bris the Problem—or the Solution?** 

At the heart of Sunderland’s struggles is Le Bris’ tactical philosophy. His conservative approach after taking the lead is clearly not working, and if he doesn’t adjust quickly, it could cost Sunderland dearly in the promotion race. 

This isn’t just a blip; it’s a pattern. The question now is whether Le Bris will recognize the issue and make the necessary changes—or stubbornly stick to a system that continues to undermine his team’s potential. 

For Sunderland, the clock is ticking. The talent is there, but without a tactical shift and perhaps some overdue leadership on the pitch, their promotion hopes could slip away just as easily as their leads.