![\"Sunderland\u2019s](\"https:\/\/platform.rokerreport.sbnation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/137\/2025\/11\/gettyimages-2247396081.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,2.259210908036,100,95.481578183928\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSunderland\u2019s Trai Hume during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. Picture date: Saturday November 22, 2025. (Photo by Bradley Collyer\/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Wing play not adding to our attacking threat<\/p>\n
The wing play remains a sticking point for Sunderland 12 games into the season. Despite the consistent lineup with Enzo Le Fee and Bertrand Traore flanking Isidor, there remains an overall lack of fluidity and effectiveness from the wings.<\/p>\n
Traor\u00e9 was perhaps our most promising attacking outlet today, but was ultimately fruitless in his endeavours. This is not entirely his fault, but eventually we\u2019ll have to get something out of the wide areas.<\/p>\n
I love Le Fee, even on the wing, and would have him in any starting XI but the right wing is still up for grabs in my opinion – interested to see if Talbi or Mundle can claim a spot.<\/p>\n
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Regis Le Bris, Manager of Sunderland, looks on during the Premier League match between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage on November 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Unusually quiet game for Granit Xhaka<\/p>\n Our captain, Granit Xhaka, had a particularly quiet game yesterday, especially for his own very high standards. There are mitigating circumstances, having just played a couple of internationals that were tought mentally as well as physically, and we missed the drive he usually provides. Admittedly, very few of the players imposed themselves fully on the game over the 90, but in games like this, we\u2019re used to some of the more experienced lads taking the game by the horns and dragging us through.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, Xhaka and the typical leadership team were uncharacteristically quiet today in that regard, and we seemed to coast through a game begging for someone to make a difference.<\/p>\n I also thought the lads looked unusually fatigued today, especially on the right flank with Mukiele and Hume at points. For me, it may point to a need for extra legs in midfield, and Diarra\u2019s return will be very welcomed.<\/p>\n Subs failed to make an impact for Sunderland<\/p>\n Throughout the season, we\u2019ve seen Regis Le Bris use his subs to great effect, and after a decent opening 15 minutes in the second half, the introduction of Brian Brobbey and Chemsdine Talbi gave hope we\u2019d see a strong final half hour. Neither were able to impact the game. Brobbey was often isolated, with the ball rarely reaching him, while Talbi \u2013 who\u2019s looked far better coming in off the left than on the right \u2013 struggled to retain possession and get into the game. It was symptomatic of the wider team performance, but disappointing all the same.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n