Kevin Phillips has lauded Sunderland for putting themselves in an advantageous position to secure Premier League safety following their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The win saw Omar Alderete’s first-half goal secure three crucial points for the Black Cats, who currently sit third in the league standings.
Speaking as a pundit on the Sky Sports coverage of the match, Phillips commended Régis Le Bris for swiftly unifying the squad after a significant summer overhaul. He particularly highlighted the impact of Granit Xhaka, labeling him as an inspirational signing for the club.
Phillips praised Sunderland’s display against Forest, emphasizing their desire, resilience, and ability to capitalize on opportunities. He credited Le Bris for identifying player positions and qualities needed for the team and successfully implementing his philosophy. The former Sunderland striker expressed confidence in Sunderland’s ability to compete in the Premier League, crediting Le Bris and his staff for their achievements thus far.
Regarding the match itself, ex-players Phillips and Andy Reid noted Forest’s disappointment at the outcome, with both agreeing that referee decisions, such as Nicolas Dominguez’s booking, influenced the result. Reid believed that Forest had dominating spells in the game and deserved more than what the final scoreline suggested.
Le Bris, Sunderland’s manager, explained his tactical decision to start Arthur Masuaku at left-back instead of recalling Dan Ballard. Le Bris praised Masuaku’s performance and highlighted the importance of analyzing previous games to maintain consistency and momentum within the team. Despite challenges, Le Bris believed the decision paid off, contributing to Sunderland’s success against Forest.
