Yeah! “I’ll start him on the right wing” Regis Le Bris makes huge changes to Sunderland’s XI ahead of Arsenal clash
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been defined by careful squad building and a clear tactical identity under Régis Le Bris. The Black Cats have shown organisation and resilience in the early weeks of the campaign, balancing domestic duties with a return to European competition.
Facing Arsenal at the Stadium of Light represents one of the toughest tests of their progress so far, a clash that will measure how far the squad has come since promotion.
Arsenal arrive as one of the division’s strongest sides, carrying high expectations and a proven ability to control matches through possession and intensity. For Sunderland the fixture is both a challenge and an opportunity — a chance to test themselves against elite opposition while continuing to develop the attacking options Le Bris has at his disposal.
Le Bris has confirmed a significant change to his starting eleven for the Arsenal game, revealing that Chemsdine Talbi will start on the right wing following his eye-catching display against Hull City.
The Morocco international produced the decisive moment in the Carabao Cup third-round victory, scoring a composed chip that secured a 1-0 win and a place in the next round. That performance has clearly left a strong impression on the head coach.
“Yeah, I’ll start him on the right wing,” Le Bris said when asked about Talbi’s involvement against Arsenal. “What he showed against Hull was exactly the kind of quality and confidence we need. He was direct, he was clinical when the chance came, and he linked well with the players around him. That performance has earned him the opportunity.”
The decision marks a notable shift in Le Bris’s selection thinking. Talbi has previously been used in different attacking roles, but the right-wing berth for such a high-profile fixture underlines the manager’s belief that the player can handle the responsibility against top-level opposition.
Those inside the club have noted the timing of the call. With several new signings still adapting and the squad managing a busy schedule, Le Bris is prepared to reward recent form rather than stick rigidly to previous combinations.
“Chemsdine has the attributes to hurt teams from that side,” the head coach continued. “He can go outside, he can come inside, and he has the end product. Against Hull he showed composure under pressure and the ability to finish a difficult chance. That is what we need against Arsenal — players who can make something happen when the spaces are tight.”
Supporters have reacted positively to the news. Many felt Talbi’s goal against Hull deserved greater recognition, and the confirmation that he will start against Arsenal has been welcomed as a clear reward for performance.
One fan account captured the mood: “Talbi earned this. That chip was quality and Le Bris has backed him. Excited to see him given a proper run on the right against Arsenal.”
Another added: “This is the kind of decision that builds belief in the squad. Play well and you get your chance, even in the biggest games.”
The change also reflects Le Bris’s wider approach this season. He has spoken consistently about the need for competition across the attacking positions and the importance of players earning their place through consistent displays. Talbi’s cup contribution has provided the clearest recent evidence of that principle in action.
Arsenal will present a very different challenge to Hull. The visitors are expected to dominate possession and force Sunderland into long periods without the ball. Le Bris will need his wide players to be disciplined defensively while remaining a threat on the counter. Starting Talbi on the right is a statement that the manager trusts the player to handle both sides of the game.
For Talbi himself the opportunity is significant. After a period of transfer speculation earlier in the window and limited minutes at times, a start against Arsenal offers the platform to stake a stronger claim for regular involvement.
Le Bris was careful not to place excessive pressure on the individual selection.
“It is one decision among several,” he explained. “The whole team has to be ready. But Chemsdine has given us a clear reason to put him in from the start. Now it is about the collective performance.”
As Sunderland prepare for the visit of Arsenal, the focus remains on organisation, intensity and taking the chances that come. The decision to start Chemsdine Talbi on the right wing after his sensational contribution against Hull has given the build-up an extra edge and offered supporters a clear indication of the standards Le Bris is setting.
Form is being rewarded. Opportunity is being given. And the Black Cats will head into one of their biggest fixtures of the early season with a refreshed attacking shape and a player who has just reminded everyone of his quality.
