Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We played an opponent that played very well with direct play and counter-pressing after the first contact. "It's very difficult against this kind of team to play under pressure and to escape the press. But in that kind of scenario, we know they are on the edge so if they make a mistake, we would have a huge space. "We had two opportunities early in the game, we didn't score, but we felt it was possible. We changed two or three details to adjust our pressing, and when we had the opportunities to score, we did it." [On being three points clear at the top] "I don't care about the table at the moment, the season is so long. I'm just focused on the improvement of the team."
Reggie man...love him! I know, given the start we've had, it's hard to commit or believe what's going on, we've seen it go wrong too many times. But for me, he's just perfect for us right now. He's exactly what we need. I'd go so far as to say that even if it goes tits up this season (it's not going to, we're 100% waltzing the league), he's just the right man, give him as long as he needs.
How buzzing will Connolly be? Free agent with the season started, struggling with personal issues SAFC come calling… He must be ecstatic right now.
Some of the older lads on here might remember a couple of players we thought we couldn't survive without. The whole team seemed to be built around them and many an anxious post was about how long we could hang onto them. Prophets of doom posted regularly about how we'd sell them and tumble back down to the league below ... ... my memory isn't as sharp as it was but the names Stewart and Clarke ring a bell. No idea what happened to them, I expect they're flying in the PL and the Champions League by now.
Second game in a row he's came on and won some crucial free kicks and helped to close the game out. Would've been a perfect start if he'd taken the shot quicker tonight but I can't complain
Saturday will be deemed as a ‘home banker’ Oxford have only lost 1 of their last 8 games It won’t be easy.
"Just protecting our players" https://www.si.com/soccer/sunderlan...LMmA_aem_0kVHdj0oiZDjc6L-woinUA&sfnsn=scwspmo
It looks like the start Isidor bring Connolly on later template is going to work great. He's got that game management trait built in. Some of his play in terms of holding onto the ball was top drawer and he will pick up late goals. Seems to be another very savvy signing.
Think I need to go to bed more often. Anyway up now, quick bite to eat then off to the pool in an hour or so. Absolutely astonishing win. HTL.
