Sunderland AFC will have new play-off fear after recent Regis Le Bris comments | OneFootball

Luke O'Nien's penalty miss means Sunderland have now missed four from five spot kicks this season.

Sunderland's penalty woes continued on Saturday afternoon as Luke O'Nien missed from the spot against Millwall.

Luckily for the Black Cats' former captain, the miss was not costly, with Regis Le Bris' side running out 1-0 winners against the Lions.

However, O'Nien's miss means that the Wearsiders have now missed four out of five penalties and have gone through three different takers throughout the season.

After the game, Le Bris was asked who would be taking the next spot kick should his team receive one and his answer will not fill Sunderland supporters with much optimism.

Regis Le Bris unsure of future penalty takers

When asked who would be taking the Black Cats' next penalty, the Frenchman said “I don't know, what can I answer?”.

Le Bris now has a challenge on his hands to fix this issue as Sunderland look destined to finish in the play-offs where a penalty shoot-out could be on the cards.

So far this season, Patrick Roberts, Wilson Isidor and O'Nien have all missed penalties, meaning Le Bris must now decide whether to give them another chance or try a new name.

Romaine Mundle was visibly angry after O'Nien's miss and stormed down the tunnel after having the ball taken away from him by his superior. However, Le Bris highlighted that a decision had been made prior to kick off.

He said: "It was decided before the game (that O'Nien would take it) but yes, he (Mundle) was a bit emotional but it's not a problem, we'll talk about it a bit later."

One would expect that Mundle would be next in line to take a spot kick should the Wearsiders win one, and he definitely has the technique to slot one home.

Sunderland could pay the penalty in the play-offs

Sunderland occupy fourth position in the Championship table and are nine points off second and 15 points ahead of seventh, meaning that they are extremely likely to finish in the play-off places.

Of course, a lot could change between now and the end of the season, but as it stands, the North East side would be joined by Burnley, Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.

The Black Cats are due to play the Baggies again this weekend, but have drawn three out of five meetings against the Championship trio.

Given that their results have been so close, a penalty shoot-out does not feel unfathomable, but Sunderland have time to turn their fortunes around.

So, what should Le Bris do? While he might not have the answer yet, a dive into the statistics should help him decide.

Roberts has scored half of his penalties this season, having scored against Plymouth Argyle and missed against Sheffield United. Isidor missed two against Burnley, but the 24-year-old scored his previous six at club level.

As for O'Nien, he missed his only penalty kick against Millwall, although the centre-back has scored all five of his penalties taken in shoot-outs.

Alan Browne is the only other player to have significant experience from 12 yards, having scored five from six, and he has the aura of a man who could handle the pressure.

Statistics suggest that Sunderland's manager should hand Isidor another opportunity, while Browne provides an appealing option, given his previous success.

However, if the Black Cats were to face a shoot-out, then some of their less experienced players would have to step up in what would be a high-pressure situation.