After a once-in-a-generation campaign in 2025/26, it’s safe to say Sunderland have been brought crashing back to earth over the last couple of months.
The Black Cats’ efforts in Europe have seen struggles carry over to the Premier League, with Regis Le Bris’ men now sitting bottom of the table after the first nine games of the campaign.
Only one win during such a period has ramped up the pressure on the 50-year-old, and could see a change being made in the dugout in the coming weeks.
The next week could be vital for the Frenchman, with a European and league game to contend with, but back-to-back losses could bring his time at the Stadium of Light to an abrupt end.
The stats that prove why Le Bris could be sacked
Sitting bottom of the table after nine matches is a pretty damning outlook as it is, but a whole host of Sunderland’s underlying figures only compound their current misery.
Le Bris’ side have seen a huge decline in attacking quality since the start of the 2026/27 campaign, as seen by their measly tally of just seven goals in their opening nine matches.
Only Nottingham Forest have registered fewer strikes to date, which highlights the lack of attacking quality currently available within the Frenchman’s senior ranks.
Their tally of 17 goals conceded within the first nine outings is also the third-highest of any side in the division, which highlights the opposition are finding it too easy to break the Black Cats down.
Such struggles in the defensive third have been further evident by their tally of 15.7 xG conceded in the top-flight, with only two other sides conceding more chances this campaign.
Le Bris’ men have also struggled with their disciplinary record, with the Black Cats already picking up three red cards – an average of one every three matches.
There’s no denying his players have been a shadow of their former selves – especially compared to last season – which could be down to the manager’s own personal tactics.
How Sunderland can appoint a boss to get Xhaka firing
One of the underperformers compared to last season is current captain Granit Xhaka, who played an instrumental role in leading Sunderland back into Europe last term.
The Swiss international only missed four league games for the Black Cats last term, ending the year as the club’s joint-highest assist provider in all competitions.
However, it’s been a different story for the 34-year-old this campaign, with supporters now voicing their frustration with the lack of quality he’s providing on the pitch.
A change in manager could be needed to allow the big-money talent to get back to his best, with Vitor Pereira the man who could once again unlock the midfielder’s full potential.
The former Nottingham Forest boss has been mentioned as a possible replacement should Le Bris be sacked, but no talks have yet taken place between the two parties.
He will no doubt be a name high up on the hierarchy’s shortlist, and for good reason with his experience of pulling sides clear of any looming relegation threat.
Known for a 3-4-2-1 formation, the 58-year-old led Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers to survival in years gone by, even claiming a 5-0 win over the Black Cats with the former last season.
During his time at the City Ground, Pereira transformed the fortunes of Morgan Gibbs-White, which no doubt played a huge role in their survival efforts.
The Englishman registered 14 goal contributions in 18 matches under the Portuguese boss’ guidance, with such a figure the most of any player in the division during the same period.
Speaking about Pereira last season, Gibbs-White said: “I felt like we had real identity out there today. I think we defended incredibly. With the ball as well, we created so many chances.
“I feel like him and his staff have brought real positive energy into the group and we’ve all bought into what he wants straight away.”
|
Vitor Pereira’s Forest stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistic |
Total |
|
Matches managed |
20 |
|
Wins |
8 |
|
Draws |
6 |
|
Losses |
6 |
|
Win percentage |
40% |
|
Goals scored |
32 |
|
Goals conceded |
22 |
|
Goal difference |
+10 |
|
Goals scored per game |
1.60 |
|
Goals conceded per game |
1.10 |
|
Points per game |
1.50 |
Such praise could have the same effect on Xhaka, with the midfielder a player who needs to have faith in the manager above him to deliver his best performances.
Pereira, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Ben Jacobs, has experience of allowing players to reach their full potential, which could be perfect for the Swiss international if the club are to beat the drop.
His man management skills would allow him to work closely with the 34-year-old, and hopefully right the wrongs of the early season struggles endured under Le Bris.
