Sunderland came from behind to win 3-1 at Everton on Sunday afternoon, and it was a tale of two halves in regards to their attacking output.
Regis Le Bris was elated with his Sunderland side following Sunday’s comeback win at Everton on their final away day of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Sunderland beat Everton 3-1 despite going one goal behind just before the end of the first-half, with Toffees midfielder Merlin Rohl breaking the deadlock, after his low shot deflected off Black Cats captain Granit Xhaka to beat Robin Roefs.
With a finish in the European places in the crosshairs, Le Bris’ side began the second 45’ with some much-needed and improved attacking impetus, leading to Brian Brobbey bringing the game back on level terms after a deft through ball from the inventive Enzo Le Fee.
Le Fee, at his best again in the number ten role, put Sunderland ahead after firing a low shot past the palms of Jordan Pickford, rounding off some exceptional work from the substitute trio of Habib Diarra, Wilson Isidor and Chris Rigg.
Isidor’s injury-time strike saw Sunderland run out 3-1 victors, leaving his compatriot head coach understandably delighted, especially with their improvement in the second 45’.
Regis Le Bris explains Sunderland change in Everton comeback
Sunderland enjoyed 61 percent possession throughout the first-half, but failed to convert their ball dominance into clear-cut chances, failing to register a shot on target in the first half.
However, Le Bris’ side turned their fortunes around after the interval, calling former Sunderland starlet Pickford into action far more, and converting their three big chances to secure the victory.
At full-time, the Black Cats boss admitted that his side did not threaten the Everton defence enough, but his half-time team talk which instructed his team to “take more risks” paid dividends.
Le Bris told the Sunderland Echo: 'I'm happy, against a tough opponent in a tough place the result went well.
"It wasn't easy. The first half we had control without the ability to threaten the opponent box really. We conceded a goal from the second phase of a set piece, it's a bit unlucky but we knew they were strong at this phase.
"During half-time we agreed it was important to take more risks, even if the game became a bit more unbalanced with transitions. It went well.
"It's really important to mention the subs, they gave extra energy, more pressing and a bit more composure as well with the end product."
Attacking-minded substitutions were of great importance to the result, and the Sunderland faithful will be desperate to see the Black Cats remain hungry for goals when Chelsea - who recently announced Xabi Alonso's appointment as manager for next season - travel to Wearside next Sunday on final day.
Sunderland must continue goalscoring form against Chelsea
Prior to the Everton clash, Le Bris explained that Sunderland’s next step is to improve their attacking output, given their defensive solidity seen throughout the campaign and since the former Lorient coach arrived on Wearside almost two years ago.
That was evident on Sunday, as Sunderland moved through the phases of play with much more direction and pace in the second half.
Despite Everton still posing a threat on the counter, their risk was rewarded with three points.
As Le Bris alluded to, the introduction of substitutes Rigg, Diarra and Isidor was imperative to the result, highlighting that when the attacking handbrake is disengaged by Sunderland, increased chance creation and goals often follow.
The comeback win at Everton showcased that Sunderland do have the ability to impose their attacking identity, and given that a victory is paramount against Chelsea next weekend, what better way to cement their European contention than taking the games to the visiting Blues in the Stadium of Light showpiece.