Regis Le Bris Praises What Was 'Perfect' From Sunderland In Crucial Chelsea Win

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris showered his Black Cats squad with praise, and rightly so, following their 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Pressure was mounting on Le Bris in the build-up to the fixture, with Sunderland losing their unbeaten Europa League start against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, and remaining rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table before the weekend's fixtures.

However, Sunderland beat Xabi Alonso's Chelsea 1-0 courtesy of an Enzo Le Fée penalty, in a performance that exhibited the trademark traits of Le Bris' side that the Stadium of Light faithful have been longing for since the season started.

Additionally, Sunderland's win over Chelsea sent a timely reminder regarding Le Bris, showcasing that his squad remain fully behind the Black Cats boss despite their substandard start to the top flight campaign.

Sunderland played their collective hearts out for Le Bris against the Blues, and the Frenchman was understandably delighted to see the crucial "connection" that was the pillar for their remarkable success last season make a timely return.

Sunderland not only earned a deserved three points to move off rock-bottom, but more importantly, enjoyed a performance that epitomised the hard work, grit and effectiveness of Le Bris' side when they are at their best.

In defence, Sunderland were resolute in their structure and collectively put their bodies on the line to secure the three points, against a technically dangerous and overtly aggressive Chelsea side, who have now failed to beat Le Bris' Black Cats in three attempts since their promotion back to the Premier League.

Substitute Jules Ahoka, who replaced Granit Xhaka in the opening minute, ran the midfield battle against £115m man Moises Caicedo, with his teammate and compatriot Noah Sadiki equally outstanding.

In the final third, Le Fee and Brobbey were back to their best and gave the Blues defence a torrid afternoon, to inspire a victory which Le Bris praised for highlighting the 'perfect connection' within his Sunderland side that has finally returned at long last.

Following the Chelsea win, Le Bris told Sunderland's media: “The aggression was there, the intensity was there, the energy was there. Three points at the end of it all.

“It was important before the international break, at the end of this nine-game block.

"The three points are crucial in the league, but also the reconnection with our identity and our fans.

However, the always erudite Frenchman remained level-headed, admitting that he hopes the win will be a "turning point" for his Sunderland side, but admitting that there is a still a long season ahead as the Black Cats look to continue their improvement following the two-week international break.

Le Bris added: "It’s a good turning point. I would like to say it’s going to be consistent, but we have to stay alert.

“I’m happy to reconnect and happy for the three points, but there’s still a long way to go.”

On November 21, Sunderland travel to Villa Park for an inevitably challenging test against Unai Emery's side, but the Black Cats will be justifiably buoyed by their resurgent performance against the Blues and can hopefully continue their upturn in form following the international break.