26 Oct 2025 11:19:43
Fair play to Sunderland rode their luck but definitely deserved their win against a strangely inept Chelsea. Looking at both teams and coaches, there’s really very little between us and Sunderland.
Agree with OP it’s going to be very interesting to assess both teams when we play them, but I still expect us to win. The only difference I can see is goals and more obviously likelihood of scoring, when comparing Wilson Isador and DCL for example.
I get that’s a no **** Sherlock statement, but I also believe de Bris has been braver at Sunderland and he has clearly said to his side let’s not stop trying to win a game as opposed to let’s try and nick a point, and to date, fortune has rewarded his bravery. I do believe DF has not been great tactically or in his use of substitutes to date, but I also accept injuries have probably hampered plans.
However poor substitutions (Fulham away, Spurs home) or playing players out of form Struick and yes BA, have cost us vital Points, I believe. Pleased for BA on Friday but think his only true attribute is his ability to run all day, be a nuisance and therefore, if he has to play him. Play him in the pocket behind DCL as the majority of DCL headers and knockdowns invariably fall to the opposition as we are set up in two rigid banks of four. (There’s a lack of bravery to commit runners into the box)
In summary, that was a massive win on Friday, but I fear we may struggle to collect many more points in the next five games unless DF doesn’t look to change and adapt based on the opposition. Season to date we’ve been offered a gift with so many fancied teams underperforming Forest, Villa, etc and we haven’t monopolised on that opportunity.
I believe through a lack of bravery and belief which has to come first and foremost from the coach. Extremely fine margins, of course but we need Daniel at his absolute best if we are to survive, we need wins as we are not capable of securing enough draws to stay up.
I fear us all commenting after the next few games, oh we were really unlucky in those games, and it was only by one goal again.
26 Oct 2025 13:20:09
De Bris is actually a far better coach than DF.
26 Oct 2025 13:28:03
Agree Alf.
And how can you mention out of form ba who scored playing out of position and note dcrapl 1 in 9 as doing his job but didn’t score playing in position class? Baffled.
26 Oct 2025 13:39:55
Think so Alf?
I’m not disputing your point, I suppose I naturally thought DF had the more successful CV.
And given our performances last season against them, but then we had a far superior team and budget, and the PSR irony of that came home to roost.
26 Oct 2025 16:46:30
Understand your points of view Class, but the Premiership takes no prisoners and although it looks very cavalier like performances from Sunderland I think over the entire season it will go against them at some point.
Farke’s more pragmatic style may come across as a bit limp but again, over the entire season, his more pragmatic style will more likely ensure survival in the end in my opinion.
As iv’e said before, for this particular season I don’t care how we do it just so we achieve our objective and stay in this league.
This season also looks a good one for the promoted teams as there are two or possibly three teams really performing badly, that may not continue through the whole season, but it certainly helps our cause.
26 Oct 2025 17:01:41
Good points OP and I accept the rationale behind them, just prefer a front footed approach from a coach, but of course I would be delighted if his pragmatism does pay off come the end of season.
26 Oct 2025 18:14:55
Le bris can be fearless because he has nothing to fear. He could lose the rest of the games in the prem and the Sunderland fans (the ones I know at least) would be happy that he got them in the prem against all odds.
Farke has his job, career and reputation to lose, combined with his natural, risk averse personality, creates the divide between the two managers.
It should be fairly obvious which tactic works the best.
27 Oct 2025 09:53:50
LeBris is a decent manager but it’s definitely debatable to say he is a better manager than Farke. Let’s reserve that argument till the end of the season and see where both clubs stand.