Régis Le Bris explains Sunderland's surprise formation change and drops big hint on what's next

Régis Le Bris was thrilled to see Sunderland's Plan B pay off against Sheffield United but has warned that it won't always be the right approach.

Amid a lengthy list of absentees Le Bris switched to a 4-4-2 on New Year's Day, with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor both producing exciting displays and getting on the scoresheet. While the move was partly to get the best out of the limited players Le Bris had available, he also felt it was a good strategy to pursue given how likely Sheffield United were to dominate possession in midfield.

“We were not sure whether to make the change before the game," Le Bris said.

"We spoke with the staff about many options. In the end, we thought that this shape was the better one because with the speed we had through the middle of the pitch, and with the ability we had to work hard as a unit out of possession, within the shape, we knew it could be effective. We especially thought it could work against that team [Sheff Utd] because they want to play in the middle a lot, they tend to pack out the central corridor. So, if we were able to recover the ball here, then with that speed in behind, we knew that it was a massive weapon. It was interesting to see the way it worked out.

“We did things slightly differently, and it shows that we can play on the counter-attack. We can have a very strong block to defend and recover the ball, and then we can threaten the space in behind. For us, it was a good new idea. It was like a 4-4-2 at the end, and it is a good improvement for the future because it shows we can play in a different way if we want to."

Le Bris has hinted that he may not even retain the formation for Portsmouth's visit on Sunday, arguing that it will be a very different game.

“Every game is always different," he said.

"There will be games where that might work, and then there will be other games where it is not really so suitable. There are always different scenarios, and we will be playing against a different opponent on Sunday. But it’s good to see that we can use that option. "I think we used it once before at the very end of a game at home, but it is not something we have usually done. We used the shape once before though, and I remember thinking at that moment, ‘It could be a good option for the future’. That was the case in the win over Sheffield United."

Le Bris also praised Isidor his superb finish that ultimately proved to the be the difference between the two teams.

“It was a brilliant goal (for Isidor)," Le Bris said.

"Football is like that. Wilson struggled to score goals for six or seven games, and there was probably a little doubt around him. But, for us, it was always clear that Wilson is able to score that kind of goal. It was just a question of consistency, but as a coach, and as a staff and a club, we have to keep believing in our players."