Regis Le Bris was delighted with Sunderland's character and performance against West Ham United.
AFC Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris.
AFC Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris says it was really important that his squad showed they could step up to the challenge of the Premier League following an impressive 3-0 win over West Ham United.
It was a tale of two halves as the Black Cats blew the Hammers away, in the second 45 minutes, with a display of clinical finishing after a cagey first half. Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor were the goal-scorers as the Wearsiders marked their return to English football's top table with an impressive three points.
Speaking post match, Le Bris said: "I'm happy for the fans, the players and the club. We had diffferent stages during pre-season, we spoke a lot about the different layers we have to add to our game model with new players.
"It was obvious that it starts from the foundations. We showed today that the team worked well and it was hard to beat with a mid-low block. It was a bit more difficult in the first half.
"During the second half, we felt it was possible to get opportunities through regains - in the middle - and we could score through counter- attacks."
West Ham looked liked the side with more control in the first half, but one or two tactical tweaks and words in the dressing room eventually swung the balance of the tie in Sunderland's favour.
Eliezer Mayenda was impressive for Sunderland on their return to the top-flight.
Eliezer Mayenda was impressive for Sunderland on their return to the top-flight.
"Not many important things, we spoke a bit about their goal-kick restarts or the high press we had. We went man for man and they found two or three opportunities through long balls, it was really important to be strong in duels.
"We changed just two or three decisions like that and it can make the difference."
Sunderland have invested heavily into the squad in the transfer window, but all three goal-scorers were mainstays in their team that won promotion last season. Mayenda - who signed a new long-term deal with the club last week - did not score in pre-season, but was quick out the blocks with a goal on his first Premier League appearance.
"It's really important for two reasons," Le Bris said. "They showed they can step up, today - we'll see later but today that was the case.
"They keep the identity of the club and the way we worked last season. We built this strength about togetherness, about the way we can work as a team. I think we showed it today and these players are important for that."
There was one minor setback with Jenson Seelt forced to leave the field with an injury - after appearing to hurt his back when challenging for a header - with Le Bris offering an update on his condition post match.
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"I don't think it's really serious," the Sunderland boss said. "He played well in the first part of the game. After that Omar came in and he showed that now we have a bit more depth with our four centre-backs. It's positive."
Despite all the emotion after the game, Le Bris offered an insight into the dressing room and the key role Granit Xhaka will play this season. "Enjoy now first of all," Le Bris went on.
"Second point, Granit spoke about this togetherness, this way of suffering together because it will be key for the season. Stay humble and reset."