Alious
Sunderland stumbled to a disappointing 1-0 home loss against Swansea City on Saturday in a match that laid bare several ongoing concerns for Regis Le Bris’ squad ahead of their Championship play-off campaign.
With their top-six spot already secured following a midweek draw against Norwich, the Black Cats looked uninspired and off the pace, prompting Le Bris to make a few changes—some of which backfired. Wilson Isidor, Harrison Jones, and Patrick Roberts returned to the XI, while Eliezer Mayenda, Leo Hjelde, and Milan Aleksic dropped to the bench.
Here’s what stood out from a frustrating afternoon at the Stadium of Light:
—
1. Tommy Watson’s Dip in Form Raises Eyebrows
With Romaine Mundle sidelined, 18-year-old Tommy Watson was handed back-to-back starts. But the Brighton-bound winger failed to impress yet again. Despite the hype surrounding his upcoming £10 million move, Watson struggled to impact the game—failing to beat his man, misplacing passes, and managing just one accurate cross.
His performance left many fans questioning Brighton’s hefty investment, with some supporters calling the deal a masterstroke for Sunderland given his underwhelming recent form.
—
2. Wilson Isidor’s Return Falls Flat
After being dropped for the Norwich game, Wilson Isidor was given another chance to lead the line. However, the French forward had a shocker—being caught offside four times in the first half alone, including one incident that ruled out a potential Sunderland opener.
His 16 touches were the lowest among all outfield players, reflecting just how isolated and ineffective he was. Given his current form, Eliezer Mayenda now appears the logical choice to start the next match against Bristol City.
—
3. Enzo Le Fee Brings a Glimmer of Hope
One of the few positives on the day was Enzo Le Fee, who came off the bench after an hour and instantly brought creativity and energy to the pitch. The French loanee, just returning from injury, completed 91% of his passes, played three balls into the final third, and created Sunderland’s only real chance of the game.
Le Bris has managed his return cautiously, but with Sunderland lacking spark in his absence, it may be time to give Le Fee more minutes—especially with the play-offs looming.
—
4. Sunderland Look Stuck in Limbo
Two flat performances in one week—first against Norwich and now against Swansea—highlight a team seemingly going through the motions. With a play-off spot secure and little else to play for in the league, Sunderland’s recent outings have lacked energy and urgency.
Journalist James Copley summed it up on social media: “A team very much going through the motions before the play-offs. They will need to improve.” Without a serious shift in intensity, Sunderland risk stumbling into the post-season rather than storming into it.
5. Jobe Bellingham’s Presence Sorely Missed
Jobe Bellingham’s injury absence has been keenly felt in both recent games. A consistent performer throughout the season, the young midfielder offers drive, creativity, and stability across the pitch—qualities sorely lacking against the Swans.
Linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has seven goal contributions in 36 league appearances this season. His return for Friday’s trip to Bristol City could not be more crucial as Le Bris looks to restore sharpness ahead of the play-offs.
—
Final Thoughts
The 1-0 defeat to Swansea was more than just a scoreline—it was a warning sign. With lacklustre displays from key figures like Isidor and Watson and overreliance on impact subs like Le Fee, Sunderland must sharpen up fast. Otherwise, their play-off dream could dissolve before they even step onto the Wembley pitch.
Alious
