Le Bris hails Sunderland for overcoming physical Pompey test

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris praised his team for overcoming the physical challenge of Portsmouth as Sunday’s 1-0 victory took them closer to the Championship summit.

Wilson Isidor struck his eighth goal of the season seven minutes in, beating the offside trap from Eliezer Mayenda’s pass before finishing coolly.

Sunderland missed several chances to extend their lead in freezing conditions at the Stadium of Light, with Mayenda wasting the clearest of them just before half-time.

Their task was made easier when Portsmouth captain Marlon Pack was sent off for a late foul on Isidor, and Portsmouth only tallied six shots (one on target) totalling 0.36 expected goals (xG) throughout the contest.

Sunderland, meanwhile, attempted 24 shots worth 1.98 xG and had more than double Portsmouth’s amount of touches inside the area, recording 39 to the visitors’ 14.

A slick move to open the scoring! #EFL | @SunderlandAFC pic.twitter.com/8JGyaRlzd6

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) January 5, 2025

The victory took Sunderland to within three points of Championship leaders Leeds United and two behind second-placed Burnley and third-placed Sheffield United.

“It was important to win because it’s tough to get results in this league, especially during a demanding festive period like this, with five games in 15 days,” Le Bris told BBC Sport after the game.

“We struggled to deal with their direct style of play in the first half and didn’t win enough first contacts, but the second half was better.

“We created many chances and managed 24 shots on goal. We scored early, but unfortunately, the second goal didn’t come, which left us under pressure until the end.

“This league is tough, but we’ve been consistent, and that’s the key message today.”