Sunderland minutes leaders after ruthless Regis Le Bris decision | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris’ ruthless selection calls were vindicated as Luke O’Nien starred in Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, nudging him up the club’s season minutes chart.

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunday was only O’Nien’s ninth Premier League appearance and third start this season, with three of those starts in the last four games. He has also featured in each of the last five matches in all competitions.

O’Nien delivered six clearances, an interception and won two of four duels, while completing 90% of his passes and all his dribbles, underpinning a clean sheet. Le Bris kept faith with him, saying he had not been certain O’Nien could be competitive at this level but praised his work, leadership and influence on the group.

O’Nien now sits on 317 Premier League minutes, having moved past Dennis Cirkin, Melker Ellborg and Nilson Angulo. He could overtake the injured Romaine Mundle with a start at Aston Villa. He remains well behind the most-used players, led by Robin Roefs on 2,610 minutes, then Trai Hume on 2,593, Omar Alderete on 2,446 and Enzo Le Fée on 2,396.

Le Bris also left the door open for Hume and Chemsdine Talbi to return after both were left out despite strong derby displays against Newcastle United. He stressed the importance of connection across a core group of 14 or 15 players and noted the starting eleven could change if that collective mindset is maintained.

Source: Sunderland Echo