Sunderland’s 24/25 season – A review
Following a season of managerial turmoil and a poor 16th place finish, the Black Cats have managed to find their feet and look towards the top of the table.
Sunderland are currently fourth in the Sky Bet Championship, eight points off the automatic spots with six games to play. The Black Cats will feel they are picking up momentum at the right time, with two wins in a row against Millwall, who are managed by former head coach Alex Neil and fellow play-off challengers West Bromwich Albion, who are managed by former Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray.
Regis Le Bris took over in June, before pre-season kicked off. After Le Bris’ first few games in charge, it was clear to see the Frenchman was implementing a completely new 4-3-3 system, which transitioned into a 4-4-2 off the ball. Le Bris settled on a midfield trio of Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham and 17-year-old Chris Rigg, who have started the majority of games together.
Sunderland started the season in blistering form with four straight wins, including an emphatic 4-0 battering of Sheffield Wednesday. A poor defeat against Plymouth Argyle followed before an impressive backheel goal from wonderkid Chris Rigg downed North East neighbours Middlesbrough. The Wearsiders continued to pick up points, going into the first international break of the season at the top of the league.
Sunderland’s first real run of poor form struck in November, following Bellingham’s red card in a 0-0 draw against QPR. Sunderland drew the next four games, before eventually coming unstuck against promotion rivals Sheffield United in an explosive game which saw a red card for both sides. Results picked up again, starting with a 2-1 win over Stoke City with local lad Tommy Watson scoring his first goals for the club. Le Bris’ side went on to pull off a stunning comeback win in South Wales, beating Swansea City 3-2 despite being 2-0 down in 17 minutes.
The January transfer window came round which saw Enzo Le Fee join on loan from Roma, linking up with his former boss Le Bris. The transfer was seen as a real statement of intent by Sunderland, being described as one of the best Championship signings of all time alongside Ruben Neves. Le Fee came in and made an instant impact with his impressive performances, especially away against Middlesbrough. The Mackems won 3-2 at the Riverside, recording their first league win at the stadium in 20 years, with Le Fee playing a vital role. The Frenchman set up fellow countryman Wilson Isidor with a threaded pass. Le Fee went on to force the winner with a cross which bounced off of Boro defender Ryan Giles, much to the delight of the travelling fans. However, just four games later Le Fee suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 home loss to Hull City, a first league defeat of the season at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have continued to pick up points, despite the occasional poor result, leaving them in a strong position going into the final six games of the season. Le Fee made his return from injury in the 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, alongside defender Leo Hjelde. Romaine Mundle did suffer a repeat of his hamstring injury which forced him to miss three months of action, which could see the winger miss out on the playoffs.
With it looking increasingly likely Sunderland will be in the Championship playoffs for the second time in three years, the question is can they win it? Burnley fan and youtuber, Jacob Horsfall thinks so. “Yeah, I think if Burnley aren’t in the playoffs, because they’re the perfect team for it, then I think Sunderland go up to be honest.” Jacob spoke about how well Le Bris has set his side up defensively over the season and how important that could be when the playoffs come around, “I think Regis Le Bris has set up really nicely defensively. They will probably sit a little bit deeper against Sheffield United who struggle to really score too many and I think they’ll go through.”
I also spoke to Sunderland fan John, who agrees with Jacob. “I think the side we have is more than good enough to win the playoffs, especially with Le Fee coming back from injury.” Le Fee made his return from injury in Sunderland’s 1-0 away win over West Bromwich Albion. John added, “the injuries (Dennis Cirkin and Romaine Mundle) have come at a bad time but I think we have enough to pull through and get promoted.”
Wembley Stadium (photo by Tom Nichols)
To conclude, Sunderland have had a brilliant season. Regis Le Bris has his side comfortably in the playoffs with six games left after challenging the top two for the vast majority of the season. With a defensively solid side in good form, can Sunderland win promotion under the Wembley arch?
