The Black Cats dominated the first half against the Premier League’s bottom side, pinning their opponents back for long spells and deservedly claiming the lead through Nordi Mukiele’s 17th-minute strike.
The second half proved to be a different story, though, with Wolves dominating possession and Sunderland having to display a high level of defensive organisation and resilience in order to keep their opponents at bay before Ladislav Krejci’s stoppage-time own goal made their win safe.
“I’m really pleased with the first half,” said Le Bris, whose side climbed to seventh in the table thanks to their win. “It was like we expected. We had our game plan, the way to manage their press. We created chances and generated a strong momentum.
“We scored once, which was positive, but my regret is that we didn't score the second goal. And I think it's normal to expect after this first half a reaction from our opponent.
“They did well during the second half, so it was totally different. But we defended together and showed this togetherness again, this ability to suffer together, and get this clean sheet, which is positive.
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“As a coach, we would like to play the first half a bit longer, like that, to dominate, to be a bit more controlled. But it's obvious that in this league, probably the second half will repeat again [in future]. And you have to be strong on this side. The versatility in different phases, we need this. It's important.”
Sunderland carried out Le Bris’ game plan to the letter, but their opening goal came from a piece of off-the-cuff attacking creativity from their two full-backs.
Nordi Mukiele, who was excellent after being switched to right-back, played a slick one-two with Trai Hume, before sliding an excellent finish through the legs of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
“You can't write that in the game plan,” said Le Bris. “I think it's part of our ideas - we have a game plan, a game model, and we want to execute it with clarity. But on the other side, we have to trust our players to manage the game in real time.
“I think these two sides of the performance are really important because football belongs to the players, and they did well today.
“Nordi is a really good player for the squad. He played as a centre-back before, as a right-back today. He's very offensive, very incisive, and he was dangerous for the opponent. So, he's important, versatile, and a good player.”