Sunderland may have made four deadline day signings but none of them featured as Regis Le Bris’s side maintained their 100 per cent winning start to their Championship campaign. And the Black Cats head coach praised his team’s adaptability in overcoming problems against Portsmouth in the 3-1 victory at Fratton Park.
Four wins from four is an impressive return for Le Bris going into the September break and his men sit top of the table. A fortuitous Zak Swanson own goal set the Lads on the road to victory in the opening period before second-half strikes from Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle sealed victory.
Luke O’Nien, unfortunately, turned the ball into his own net late on as Portsmouth grabbed a consolation, but the Black Cats held on to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. And all this without the four new weapons to Sunderland’s hierarchy. “I am happy because we enjoyed a great moment with our fans,” said Le Bris.
“It was a tough game because we needed to solve a problem with direct play mixed with short passes. In the first half, it wasn’t so clear but during the half-time break we solved some little details. During the second part of the game, it was better and we had the opportunity to score after a high breakaway.
“The game was open but one of the main points for our season is how we can play with 15, 16, 17 or 18 players, with the ability to maintain or raise the level.” He continued: “We can’t play like that with 11 players and that was the case today.
“For some of the players they changed their position on the pitch and Jobe, for example, played very, very well so I am happy with that performance.”
Meanwhile, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was pleased to secure the new signings. They concluded their business with signing Gent striker Ahmed Abdullahi after so many other names were mentioned as being targets. The 20-year-old Nigerian forward joined on on a four-year contract but with the club holding an option to extend for a further year.
