Sunderland Fans Criticise ‘Useless’ Ace After Brentford Display as Calls for Him to Be Dropped Grow

The Black Cats may have snatched a dramatic late point at Brentford, but one player’s performance has left supporters absolutely fuming — with many calling for him to be dropped immediately.

The Performance That Has Fans Furious

Sunderland’s 1-1 draw at Brentford on Saturday was a game of two halves . The Black Cats dominated the first half, had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR, hit the post, and looked the better side. But after Brentford scored in the 57th minute through Vitaly Janelt, Sunderland had to rely on a late Enzo Le Fée penalty to rescue a point .

But despite the dramatic comeback, one player’s performance has left fans absolutely furious. Chris Rigg — the highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder — has been torn apart by supporters after being deployed out of position on the right wing once again.

Rigg started the game on the right side of Sunderland’s attack, but his lack of pace and physicality was brutally exposed . He failed to complete a single cross, dribble, or register a shot during his time on the pitch . He lost his only two duels in the game and offered absolutely nothing going forward .

One fan wrote: “Rigg is awful out wide. He’s a midfielder, not a winger. Le Bris is ruining him.”

Another added: “I’ve seen enough. Rigg offers nothing on the right. Drop him or play him in his natural position.”

A third posted: “How many more games does Le Bris need to see before he realises Rigg can’t play on the wing? It’s embarrassing.”

The Chris Rigg Experiment That’s Failing

The experiment of playing Chris Rigg out wide has been a recurring theme this season, and it’s not working . Le Bris has insisted on playing the 19-year-old as a right-winger, even though he’s a natural central midfielder. His lack of physicality and pace is blindingly obvious, and it makes for fairly painful viewing when watching him come up against Premier League-quality full-backs .

The Black Cats may be short of options on the right flank, but fans are increasingly frustrated that Le Bris hasn’t adjusted his approach . One supporter posted on X: “Rigg 100 per cent needs a loan” , while another claimed that the teenager is “awful” .

However, when played out of position, there is little judgment that can really be passed on Rigg, and should instead be focused on the decision to play him there .

It took Le Bris just six minutes into the second half to make the change that everyone saw was needed, with Eliezer Mayenda replacing Rigg . Based on the lack of influence he had in the game, it was certainly warranted .

The Stats That Tell the Story

Rigg’s statistics from the Brentford match paint a damning picture:

· 0 crosses completed
· 0 dribbles completed
· 0 shots registered
· 0 duels won (lost his only two)
· Substituted after just 6 minutes of the second half

One football analyst told GiveMeSport: “Rigg is a hugely talented player, but playing him out of position is doing him no favours. He needs to play in his natural central midfield role where his passing range and technical ability can be utilised. On the wing, his lack of pace is exposed and he becomes a liability.”

What Le Bris Should Do

Sunderland fans are calling for Le Bris to make a simple change: either drop Rigg or play him in his natural position in central midfield.

Option 1: Drop Rigg and play a natural winger like Malick Fofana or Nilson Angulo on the right flank. Both players have pace and directness that Rigg lacks.

Option 2: Move Rigg into central midfield alongside Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, where his technical ability can be utilised.

Option 3: Send Rigg on loan to a Championship club where he can get regular game time in his natural position and develop his game.

One fan wrote: “Rigg is a central midfielder. Play him there or don’t play him at all. This experiment is over.”

Another added: “Le Bris is ruining Rigg’s development by playing him out of position. He’s not a winger. Everyone can see it.”

The Verdict

Sunderland fans have lost all patience with Chris Rigg after his ‘useless’ display against Brentford — and they want him dropped.

The teenager was deployed out of position on the right wing once again and failed to complete a single cross, dribble, or register a shot. He was substituted just six minutes into the second half.

Fans are calling for Le Bris to either drop Rigg or play him in his natural central midfield position.

One thing is certain: Sunderland fans have seen enough