New Headline: Sunderland Triumphs as Brighton's Error Slams Roast Squad

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler (L) greets Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stadium of Light on March 14, 2026 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) | Sunderland AFC via Getty Images Sunderland returned to the Stadium of Light to resume League action after a three-game stint on the road to face a Brighton side who were looking to draw level on points with the hosts. With a fresh raft of injury concerns announced just before kick-off, Sunderland were left down to the bare bones and Brighton were able to claim all three points, so where did it go wrong for Le Bris?

Sunderland Line-Up With fresh news that both Enzo Le Fée and Nilson Angulo were out of this one following training injuries and the latter being ruled out for an extended period, Le Bris was forced into making several changes from the side that crashed out of the FA Cup last weekend. With Robin Roefs sidelined for at least another week, Melker Ellborg made his home debut, Luke O’Nien dropped out of the defence for the returning Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki replaced Le Fée following his cup suspension. In the forward areas Brian Brobbey returned to replace Eliezer Mayenda whilst the injured Angulo was replaced by Granit Xhaka pushing Chris Rigg wide onto the right wing for this one.

With Sunderland currently only having one fit winger from their selection of six it was a case of square pegs in round holes for the first time this season. Despite the absences out wide, Le Bris opted to retain his usual formation due to the return of Xhaka and his ability to anchor the midfield and allow both Sadiki and Diarra to advance forward and support either flank in the attack. Sadiki was able to link up well with Chemsdine Talbi down the left flank by creating overloads and encouraging 1v1 isolations for the Moroccan however Diarra and Rigg were slightly less successful down the opposite side.

With Xhaka’s return to the base of the midfield, Sunderland moved away from their double pivot and instead inverted back to the system they started the season with by having two more advanced midfielders ahead of Xhaka. Whilst this does aid our wide areas and helps to present them with more opportunities, the runner in behind Brobbey is removed and leaves the striker much more isolated in possession. Opposition Line-Up Fabian Hürzeler has had a mixed reception during his first season at the Amex Stadium.