Sunderland's powers have waned over the past few months, but Regis Le Bris has still created a considerable Premier League outfit who are likely to avoid relegation.
In fact, the recent bad patch has clouded over the fact that Sunderland have hit the precious 40-point mark with eight matches to spare, and eight more points would prove enough to make it their highest top-flight haul since the turn of the millenium.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris applauds fans after the match
The Black Cats spent after promotion to the Premier League last season, and they spent a lot. This has strengthened a well-oiled machine, but there's still something missing, and it might be at the front of the park.
Sunderland's forwards are letting them down
There is no question that Sunderland have been "sensational" in the Premier League this season, as commentator Don Goodman put it, but they also haven't been the sharpest attacking unit on the block.
Brian Brobbey is a force of a forward, and no mistake, but he hasn't been a prolific outlet, five goals from 23 league outings. And Wilson Isidor, conversely, has fallen down the pecking order since helping Sunderland into the Premier League, scorer of four goals but leaving so much to be desired through his all-round play.
Easier said than done, but the Stadium of Light needs someone like Jermain Defoe to spearhead the attack next season, with the retired Three Lions striker posting 37 goals and four assists across 100 matches for Sunderland.
fabio-borini-sunderland-defoe
We're probably being a bit harsh, picking holes in a team who are surpassing expectations and have done all that the fanbase could have hoped for and more.
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But Sunderland could certainly do with a Defoe-esque striker to lead them forward over the next few years. Though, that said, they do already have one further down the field.
Le Bris has already found the new Defoe
Sunderland's attacking deficiencies are brought into focus by a lack of creativity. More effective playmaking has to be a priority for Le Bris as he crafts a plan for the 2026/27 season.
Lowest xG Totals in the Premier League (25/26)
Club
Nott'm Forest
Tottenham
Sunderland
Burnley
Wolves
The wingers and midfielders need to do more - Granit Xhaka notwithstanding. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal rising to £17m last summer, the Swiss skipper has been exceptional all year, the difference-maker for a newly-promoted club breaking the mould in the Premier League.
A first-class leader with a wealth of experience at the highest level, the 33-year-old, who played 297 times for Arsenal, has been as good as any midfielder in the Premier League this season. In fact, pundit Wayne Rooney said he has been "the signing of the season" in English football.
As they say, game recognises game, and Defoe can see that Xhaka is a truly special player, adding a dimension that no other Wearside player can provide.
Xhaka, after all, has created five assists and seven big chances in the league, winning 61% of his duels and averaging 4.7 ball recoveries per game.
For a player who has done it all and entered the later stage of his career, such quality almost beggars belief, but Xhaka is a cut above the rest and the difference-maker for a newly-promoted team who have staved off the threat of relegation with ease, now focusing their sights on a strong end to the campaign ahead of a new season that promises so much.
Xhaka, who in some ways is Defoe 2.0, will be front and centre once again.
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