0 shots, 60% duels lost: Le Bris got it wrong with £50m Sunderland star

Sunderland suffered their first home defeat of the season on Wednesday night as Premier League champions Liverpool edged out a narrow 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

Despite enduring an inconsistent campaign, Arne Slot’s side proved a step too far for the Black Cats.

Even so, Sunderland remain well placed in their return to the top flight, sitting 12 points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United and still on course for a comfortable finish.

While defeats are inevitable over the course of a season, Régis Le Bris will be frustrated by his team’s lack of fluency — a quality that has largely defined Sunderland’s performances this year. On this occasion, however, the French coach’s tactical approach failed to deliver.

Where it went wrong against Liverpool

A key battle unfolded in Liverpool’s defensive third, where Ibrahima Konaté went head-to-head with Brian Brobbey. The French centre-back largely came out on top, using his physicality to blunt Sunderland’s main attacking threat.

Brobbey had opportunities to score but was unable to convert, and his struggles in the air — losing nine of his ten contested duels — underlined how effectively Liverpool neutralised Le Bris’ game plan.

In truth, it felt like one of those nights. Liverpool, who have often looked vulnerable defensively this season, were far more secure on Wearside. Still, there were areas Sunderland failed to control when they had the chance.

The statistics told a concerning story. Liverpool won 57% of their duels and completed 83% of their tackles, while Sunderland managed to win just 21% of theirs — a clear indication of defensive shortcomings that ultimately proved decisive.

Le Bris will be keen to ensure this display is remembered as an anomaly. To do so, he may need to abandon an experiment that offered little return against the Merseyside visitors.

Sadiki struggles in unfamiliar role

Noah Sadiki has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers this season. Signed last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise at just 20 years old, the midfielder has thrived in the heart of the Black Cats’ engine room.

Now 21, Sadiki has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the country, with Manchester United reportedly monitoring the £50m-rated prospect prior to Christmas.

His importance has been obvious throughout the campaign. Sunderland’s five-game winless run during his AFCON absence was no coincidence.

However, with Granit Xhaka still some weeks away from returning from injury, Wednesday’s defeat highlighted why Sadiki should not continue in the number six role.

Against Liverpool, he struggled to impose himself, failing with his only attempted dribble, losing 60% of his ground duels, and contributing to a midfield battle Sunderland ultimately lost.

Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith noted that while it was far from a disastrous showing, Sadiki’s deeper role restricted the athletic, high-energy qualities that have earned him widespread praise this season. The DR Congo international was handed a 5/10 rating.

This is no criticism of the player himself. Sadiki’s greatest strengths lie in his intensity, movement, and ability to disrupt opponents — attributes that are blunted when he is anchored too deep.

Until Xhaka is fit again, Le Bris may be better served deploying Lutsharel Geertruida at the base of midfield. Sunderland sorely missed Sadiki’s dynamism against Liverpool, and if he is on the pitch, allowing him to operate in his natural role appears the clearest solution moving forward.