Sunderland's victory over Chelsea has sparked debate about who should play in Regis le Bris' midfield going forward, says Black Cats fan Eleanor McCabe.
'The kind of player I would want in my team' - pundits heap praise on Brobbeypublished at 08:20 GMT
08:20 GMT
BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club have been heaping praise on Brian Brobbey.
The Sunderland striker has three goals in eight Premier League games this season and impressed again when the Black Cats landed a significant win over Chelsea on Sunday.
"A strong number nine is one of my favourite team-mates," said ex-Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart.
"I think there's nothing better than seeing them come up against a good centre-back, a battle.
"I think Sunderland know when they have Brobbey on the pitch, they are a match for anyone. And that raises the standards of everyone else.
"I think when he catches fire, other players know they will get chances than they may not necessarily get.
"He is the kind of player I would want in my team and the kind of player if I lined up against, I would be so aware of."
'Defenders cannot handle Brobbey' - Bennettpublished at 16:14 GMT 9 November
16:14 GMT 9 November
Media caption,
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey will cause problems against any Premier League team this season, believes former Black Cats defender Gary Bennett.
The Dutch forward won Sunderland's penalty against Chelsea on Sunday that secured all three points for Regis le Bris' side after Enzo le Fee converted from the spot.
"You look at Brobbey, if you get him to play, you play to his strengths and he's going to cause any team in the Premier League problems," Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle at full-time at the Stadium of Light.
"Defenders cannot handle him - the two centre-backs [of Chelsea] didn't know how to handle him. They would know that they've been in a game.
"But the shape of Sunderland, you look at that and at the way that they've performed - that's what they were like last season.
"All round credit to Regis le Bris, he got it spot on."
Listen to Bennett's full post-match analysis by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here
Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:46 GMT 9 November
12:46 GMT 9 November
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Sunderland and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Sunderland fans
Rusty: That's more like the Sunderland of last season, playing for each other and battling until the end. Granit Xhaka starting despite really bad form isn't right and the injury turned out to be fortuitous. He can now rest and recover. That effort has to be applied to every game going forward. It can't be a flash in the pan. We earned our place last season this way, it was no fluke.
Simon: Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor are so important, but neither are prolific, and it is the lack of goals that keeps setting us back, as well as uncharacteristically poor defending. We need a goal machine and a left-sided centre-back as good as Nordi Mukiele and Dan Ballard.
Keith: At last, the real Sunderland turned up. Really solid in defence, with great concentration. Brobbey was unplayable against a ragged Chelsea. We played with energy and worked tirelessly for each other. An enthralling game to watch.
Jeff: One of the best 90-minute performances from Sunderland in the Le Bris tenure. From kick-off to the final whistle, we were closing down opponents, chasing and winning second balls and creating chances.
Chelsea fans
Russell: Chelsea were bullied off the ball, with Sunderland showing that they weren't going to sit back and defend. Chelsea at the back were playing balls across the area and, instead of relieving the pressure, they made things worse.
Allan: Formation changes are not a good sign. Danny Welbeck might not be the quickest, but he is a number nine and should be playing in the absence of Joao Pedro. When you're 11 points behind the leaders after only 10 games, it's really not good enough.
Julian: Yet another spineless performance from the players and poor management from Xabi Alonso. We've all seen this film before under Clearlake and know how it ends.
Steve: This is the kind of spineless display against a bottom team that we have seen all too often over the last few years. There are too few leaders of men and too many little boys.
'Brobbey is exactly what Sunderland need' - Dublinpublished at 09:23 GMT 9 November
09:23 GMT 9 November
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Match of the Day's Dion Dublin says he's "not surprised" that Chelsea struggled to deal with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey on Sunday as he "bullies" the opposition.
Breaking down the physical performance of the striker, Dublin said: "He is raw, bullies defenders and gets himself into good goalscoring positions.
"He did a proper centre forward's job and the defenders hated playing against him.
Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea: Big boost for Le Brispublished at 18:16 GMT 8 November
18:16 GMT 8 November
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland had been booed off by their own supporters at full-time in their last fixture - a 2-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
Last week, with pressure mounting, club sources told BBC Sport Frenchman Regis Le Bris would be given more time to turn around his side's form - having led Sunderland to an impressive seventh-placed finish last season.
And the Black Cats produced a fine performance on Sunday, recording their first league win since beating Fulham 1-0 at home in the second game of the season.
That said, Le Bris will be concerned about two of his star players - Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey - hobbling off with muscle injuries.
Brobbey put in a particularly impressive performance against Chelsea and almost scored early on when he headed Chemsdine Talbi's cross narrowly wide.
After Brobbey's substitution in the 77th minute Sunderland switched to a defensive-first approach but were rarely threatened by their opponents.
The win meant they climbed from 20th to 18th in the table, one point off safety.
Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea: What Le Bris saidpublished at 16:50 GMT 8 November
16:50 GMT 8 November
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Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was important before the international break to win again so three points are crucial in the league but also the re-connection with our identity and our fans.
"The more we play this style of play the more the fans supporters. It is like a circle that helps the energy grow inside the stadium.
"Today was really good.
"Happy for the three points but still a long way to go."
On Xhaka going off: "The depth of the squad is important and the Europa League and League Cup helped for young players to get experiences. Jules Ahoka was impressive."
Did you know?
Sunderland have taken the lead in just two Premier League games this season – the fewest times of any side – but have gone on to win both matches 1-0 (also at home v Fulham).
Sunderland 1-0 Chelsea: How the players ratedpublished at 16:39 GMT 8 November
16:39 GMT 8 November
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Sunderland starting XI:
Robin Roefs: The Dutch goalkeeper was rarely tested but dealt comfortably with the attempts that came his way. 7
Thomas Meunier: A solid and disciplined display at full-back while marking danger man Morgan Rogers. The Belgian also produced a superb tackle in the box midway through the second half. 8
Nordi Mukiele: The returning defender was a huge presence at the back, combining physicality with composure. 7
Luke O'Nien: The defender was fortunate not to concede a penalty after making contact with Cole Palmer but VAR judged it to be just outside the box. He also tested the Chelsea goal early in the second half. 6
Reinildo Mandava: It was a busy afternoon for the full-back, who was heavily tested down his flank by different big-name attackers. 7
Trai Hume: Hume saw a well-struck left-footed volley blocked in the opening moments of the game, while his defensive work was typically diligent throughout. 7
Noah Sadiki: Produced a disciplined display, filling gaps in midfield and frustrating Chelsea's attackers. 7
Granit Xhaka: The Sunderland captain went off injured after less than three minutes. N/A
Enzo Le Fee: The Frenchman's penalty sent Mike Penders the wrong way and proved the difference. 7
Chemsdine Talbi: Produced a wonderful cross in the 15th minute to create a chance for Brian Brobbey and played an important role linking defence and attack on the counter. 7
Brian Brobbey: A powerful presence up front. An early effort was scuffed wide, but he grew into the game and dominated Levi Colwill in several aerial duels. He came close to a brilliant solo goal before winning the penalty. 8
Sunderland substitutes:
Jules Ahoka (on 3, Xhaka): Booked shortly after coming on but played well despite being on a yellow card and was key in winning the ball in midfield. 7
Wilson Isador (on 67, Brobbey): A tough ask following Brobbey and missed a big chance late on but showed his energy to help his team over the line. 6
Subs not used: Ellborg, Danso, Methalie, Rigg, Tutierov, Fofana, Angulo.
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Sutton's predictions: Sunderland v Chelseapublished at 11:10 GMT 8 November
11:10 GMT 8 November
I keep hearing how Sunderland boss Regis le Bris is under pressure. Really? After finishing seventh and getting a promoted side into Europe last season, it seems crazy that his job is at risk now.
Still, Le Bris has plenty of problems to solve, while his squad is being stretched by the Europa League.
The Black Cats won this fixture on the final day of the last campaign, but their home record is nothing like as strong this time around.
They are also conceding an average of almost two goals a game in the Premier League, compared with 2025-26 when only three teams had a better defensive record.
Add that to their problems scoring - Nottingham Forest are the only team with fewer goals so far - and you can see why they are bottom of the table.
I am still not sure how to judge Chelsea yet - yes, they beat Manchester United last week, but everyone beats Manchester United. However, I just don't see the Black Cats keeping them out.
Sunderland v Chelsea: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:38 GMT 7 November
13:38 GMT 7 November
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 GMT), with bottom side Sunderland hosting in-form Chelsea.
Black Cats in the firing line
Sunday marks 168 days since Sunderland beat Chelsea on the final day of the season, securing European qualification for the first time in 53 years, but the Wearsiders' fortunes have declined dramatically since then.
Le Bris' side spectacularly exceeded expectations by finishing seventh last term but this season have been profligate in attack and vulnerable at the back.
While Sunderland rank 10th for expected goals, they have underperformed their xG by six, making them the Premier League's second most wasteful finishers.
At the other end, they have gone from allowing the second-lowest xG per shot last season to the second highest in the current campaign. They are not conceding notably more attempts, but opponents are being afforded the time and space to shoot from more dangerous positions.
That helps explain why Robin Roefs has saved fewer than half of the 33 shots on target he has faced in the Premier League this season - the lowest rate of any goalkeeper to have played more than once.
Blues duo in perfect harmony
Chelsea's defeat at the Stadium of Light in May ended their hopes of qualifying for Europe, but the Blues look well set to return to continental competition after an encouraging start under Xabi Alonso. The west London side have won three of their past four Premier League games - as many victories as in their previous 14 matches combined.
Alonso's side rode their luck at times during the first half against Manchester United last weekend, but took control after the break through goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.
Rogers has scored six goals since joining from Aston Villa this summer, one more than Palmer. The two players became friends during their time together in Manchester City's academy and have taken little time to rekindle their on-pitch chemistry.
The pair have created 14 chances for each other in the Premier League this season, with Rogers providing 10 shooting opportunities for Palmer, who has returned the favour on four occasions. No other pairing combined for more than nine shots going into this set of fixtures.
Le Bris on Mukiele, being 'ready for next fight' and importance of home crowdpublished at 14:35 GMT 6 November
14:35 GMT 6 November
Grace Wheeler BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Defender Nordi Mukiele "should be" available for Sunday after missing the past two games.
On Sunderland's form - they have suffered back-to-back defeats and not won in the Premier League since 30 August - Le Bris said: "It is part of the journey. Often, when we get successes, we think about the last part of the journey but we forget about how tough it was before. Last year, we weren't expected to end seventh in the league. It wasn't a comfortable experience and we don't like it, but we have to show the way and keep the energy high. When I wake up in the morning, I have this energy and I like it, and I have to give it to the players."
He added: "This morning was painful [after the Europa League loss to Dinamo Zagreb] but they are ready for the next fight. We need more clarity as a team because at the minute we are a bit too exposed. It is part of the journey and a strong reminder to our players how we want to achieve our goals."
On how to turn form around: "The experience is always fun. I think we get better through difficult experiences and you remind yourself what could have been better and you try to avoid your mistakes. It is a new chapter to write. The pillars are always the same. We need to be pragmatic first because it is clear if you concede goals it is more difficult to win the game. But, at the same time, we need to keep the creativity and the bravery."
He added: "We knew Dan Ballard was important last year. You have ups and downs and when things are a bit harder you have to protect them. In two or three weeks, when we are more confident and in a better shape, we can afford to play like we used to play."
On how his team can win against Chelsea, who they beat at home on the final day of last season to seal their European qualification: "We have done it before with more or less the same squad, so it is possible. We have had many conversations with our leadership group. They are important because they will show the way."
Finally, Le Bris spoke about how the Stadium of Light atmosphere can help his team: "The crowd is a key part of Sunday. It is the connection with the squad. Also, they need to back us when it's harder and they have this power and passion to do that."
Edward: Having travelled up from the Midlands to watch this match, I was hoping there would be an improvement after the Coventry performance, but no such joy. Same old story. We were a yard slower than the opposition, we did nothing creative and we never looked like scoring. On top of that, it could have been worse as we had to clear a certain goal off the line.
Jura: We haven't completely lost our way. There's something still there that just needs to click back into place.
Geoff: The manager has to go. After the jubilation of last season, this is becoming embarrassing. Regis le Bris doesn't seem to know how to rectify the woeful defending, and you have to feel that there is something else going on here. The players have lost faith in, or are not playing for, the manager. Either way, he has to go.
James: Are the happy clappers still keen on Le Bris? At what point do we cut our losses and recognise he is out of his depth. In his first season, he relied on the buzz of being promoted. There has been no similar buzz this season and it shows in the players' horrendous performances. Get Thomas Frank in.
Johnny: The worst Sunderland performance I've ever witnessed. Midway through the second half, Kevin Danso flubbed a ball over to a bunch of air particles; this summed it all up. Despite hitting the post twice and the bar, along with a disallowed goal, we lacked confidence, grit and footballing ability. An honourable mention to Granit Xhaka, who needs to be replaced in midfield by Jules Ahoka. It will be the end of Le Bris' borrowed time at the club. Sloppy, silent and sorrowful.
Are the players still playing for Le Bris?published at 09:45 GMT 6 November
09:45 GMT 6 November
Image source, Getty Images
Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett says Regis le Bris' side must "cut out the mistakes and defend better" if they want to turn their form around this season.
The Black Cats were jeered by the Stadium of Light crowd after their 2-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle about the performance, Bennett said: "The questions are: where is it going wrong and what has happened?
"You could question whether Sunderland were focused on the game or whether it was a case of them thinking they could just turn up and win.
"Dinamo Zagreb wanted to create things and were willing to run, while our players were scratching their heads and wondering what to do next. That was the difference.
"When you look at Brighton and Bournemouth, they are at it every game and we are not. We keep talking about mistakes week in week out and game after game - and you get punished for them at this level.
"It was a fantastic opportunity to pick up three points, but if you don't start a game right it's always going to be difficult. They just wanted it more than us.
"I do think the players are still playing for Regis le Bris, though. You have to question whether changing the head coach will actually change anything, because it is still going to be the same players. It is as simple as that."
BBC Sport's Sunderland fan Ella McCabe added: "I think I've just watched Regis le Bris' last European game in charge of Sunderland.
"I'm feeling quite dejected right now. I've just seen players not put any effort in for the majority of the 90 minutes. They don't have the spark or the drive, they just don't have the want anymore.
"A widespread mentality issue like that has to come down to the manager for me. There has to be a wholesale reason behind the players not playing for the badge anymore.
"I don't want him to go, I'll be gutted when he leaves, but ultimately we cannot keep playing like that."
'Every game becomes bigger' - Sadikipublished at 09:07 GMT 6 November
09:07 GMT 6 November
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Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki says they need to "react as a team" and "stick together" after losing 2-0 to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I think it's a moment where we need to stick together. It's a little bit more difficult, things are not going our way like it went last season. It's now when you need to have your leaders, the character to step up and we have a game before the break to react.
"Every time you lose, every game becomes bigger and bigger so Chelsea is a big game. We have two or three days to reflect on what we did [against Dinamo Zagreb], we need to give our best to the game."
On whether it's the toughest point in his Sunderland career: "Obviously yes. I don't think I've lost that many times in a row since I [have been] here. It's a difficult moment for now.
"We need to react as a team. Talking is good, me coming here in front of you guys to explain is alright but if the action doesn't follow there is no point."
Image source, Getty Images
