Regis Le Bris secured his fourth victory as Sunderland manager against Wolves, with Nordi Mukiele and a late own goal sealing a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
Despite the win opening up a 12-point gap to bottom-of-the-table Wolves and placing Sunderland nine points clear of relegation, Le Bris may rue his decision to start a particular player in the match.
Chris Rigg, considered a standout talent, was chosen to feature in the starting lineup, aiming to impress after losing his place in the team. However, Rigg’s performance turned out below expectations, barely influencing the game and completing only 14 passes in 76 minutes – fewer than the goalkeeper.
Although Sunderland secured the victory, Rigg’s lackluster display may leave Le Bris with concerns about the team’s overall balance. The decision to bench Simon Adingra, who performed well during the international break, for Rigg fortunately did not backfire, but it highlights the challenge Rigg faces to regain a regular starting spot.
Rigg’s underwhelming performance not only impacted the team’s midfield dynamics but also forced Enzo Le Fee out of his favored attacking midfield position to make room for Rigg’s inclusion on the left flank. This move seemed to hinder Le Fee’s effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the team’s structure.
With survival on the line, Le Bris cannot afford to take such significant risks in team selection moving forward. Though the win against Wolves was a positive result, it’s clear that maintaining the right balance in the squad will be crucial in the upcoming matches.
