Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris' Wilson Isidor decision has backfired in a frustrating way | OneFootball

Since being dropped by Regis Le Bris, Wilson Isidor has failed to score and looks devoid of confidence.

Wilson Isidor enjoyed a phenomenal start to his Sunderland career, with his Wearside journey studded with iconic solo goals.

The 24-year-old was rewarded for his fine form by turning his season-long deal into a permanent one after scoring nine goals and leading the club's scoring charts.

However, the Frenchman has cut a solemn figure in recent weeks and is without a goal in eight appearances, which coincides with Regis Le Bris' defining decision.

Regis Le Bris' Wilson Isidor decision

Isidor was on a hot streak. With four goals in five and a dazzling display against league leaders Leeds United, the striker was well and truly on top of his game.

Such was the level of his performances that Tottenham Hotspur were said to have been impressed by the forward when they sent scouts to Elland Road.

However, after a disappointing showing against Hull City, just five days later, Isidor was dropped by the Black Cats' boss and replaced by Eliezer Mayenda.

In fairness to the Spaniard, he rewarded his manager with an instant brace against Sheffield Wednesday before scoring in the following match against Cardiff City.

While Isidor returned against Preston North End, he was unable to make an impact and was subsequently dropped again for Sunderland's 3-0 defeat to Coventry City.

Since being dropped by his manager, Isidor has looked devoid of any confidence and Le Bris' words post Coventry suggest the situation has got to him.

He said: “He's very emotional, so it helps him to reach a certain level, but at the same time, it could be a problem, so I think he's doing very well, and he's learning from these different experiences.”

Le Bris' decision to rotate his front line was not necessarily the wrong one, but it certainly seems to have affected his leading scorer in a concerning way.

In his last seven appearances, Isidor has managed 10 shots, with four of those on target, but it is the manner of his efforts which is bothersome.

In his last seven games, the Frenchman's expected goals (xG) averages at 0.24. Of those seven, he has started three, with his average expected goals (xG) at 0.45. Against West Bromwich Albion, his expected goals (xG) was 0.08.

Of course, it must be noted that the Wearsiders have been on the back foot for substantial periods in the last few weeks, meaning service has been limited. However, when Isidor had got a shot off, his efforts were tame and void of any conviction.

Although the Black Cats have won two of their last three, they are finding goals a problem and have only scored three in their last five.

Sunderland have a problem with Isidor, and it is one they must fix if they are to have any chance of winning the play-offs come the end of the season.