Sunderland players have taken to social media to display a united front following a bruising 3-1 defeat to West Ham United. Despite a lackluster performance at the London Stadium, key figures Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée were quick to offer messages of resolve to a fanbase that traveled in high numbers to support the team.
Xhaka’s Leadership and Injury Status
The Black Cats’ captain, Granit Xhaka, was a major omission from the starting lineup due to an ankle injury. While he watched from the sidelines, his afternoon was not without drama, as he was involved in a brief verbal altercation with a West Ham fan behind the dugout. Stewards intervened, and though the incident was reviewed, no formal action was taken.
Key Statistics & Outlook:
- Season Impact: Xhaka has been a mainstay this term, starting 22 league matches prior to this injury.
- Recovery Timeline: The 33-year-old is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, undergoing rehabilitation at the Academy of Light.
- Social Media Message: Xhaka reassured fans on Instagram, writing: “Not on the pitch today, but always with the team. Trust the boys. I’ll be back soon.”
Le Bris Defends Tactical Choices
In the wake of a disastrous first half where West Ham secured a three-goal lead, head coach Régis Le Bris faced questions regarding his team selection and the vacuum left by Xhaka in midfield. Le Bris was candid about the team’s failings but refused to blame the loss solely on the absence of his captain.
Le Bris’ Tactical Breakdown:
- System Provenance: He pointed out that a similar, creative midfield setup held Manchester City to a draw on New Year’s Day.
- Performance Gap: Le Bris noted that West Ham dominated duels and composure, stating the team was “too far” from their usual standards.
- Individual Accountability: The coach argued that tactics were secondary to a general failure of individual levels during the opening 45 minutes.
Moving Forward
With Xhaka out for a month and a half, the burden of creativity and leadership falls heavily on Enzo Le Fée, who has become a pivotal figure in Le Bris’ system. Le Fée echoed the sentiment of the squad on social media, simply stating, “It was a difficult day. Back to work,” while thanking the fans for their continued loyalty.
Sunderland, currently navigating their return to the Premier League, must now prove they can maintain their momentum without their most experienced midfield general.
