Régis Le Bris sends Sunderland 40-point warning despite Chelsea victory

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has warned his players that their 1-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea represents only the beginning of their recovery, insisting the club remains focused on reaching 40 points.

Enzo Le Fée's first-half penalty secured Sunderland's first league win since August at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 8 November.

The result lifted the Black Cats off the bottom of the table and provided a much-needed boost after a difficult start to the season.

However, Le Bris stressed that his players cannot afford to become complacent as they attempt to secure their Premier League status.

Le Bris explained why his team must continue adapting to the demands of the campaign.

"The journey is so demanding. We have to adapt," he told Sunderland's official media.

The French manager believes his players recognised the seriousness of their situation following a disappointing sequence of results.

"Second, I think the lads felt the danger as well," he said.

"It's important to take this into account. It's important to do it now. If it's later, it's too late."

Le Bris then reiterated the target he has set for his squad.

"I've told them the target is 40 points, so long way to go."

The 40-point benchmark is traditionally associated with Premier League survival, although the total required varies between seasons.

Le Bris was encouraged by the team's response against Chelsea but emphasised that the work is far from complete.

"The reaction and what we showed as a group and in individual performances as well, really important," he added.

Sunderland's victory was built on a disciplined performance against Xabi Alonso's Chelsea.

Brian Brobbey won the decisive penalty after a challenge from Levi Colwill, allowing Le Fée to score in the 36th minute.

The hosts defended their advantage and restricted Chelsea's attacking opportunities.

However, the result came at a cost, with captain Granit Xhaka forced off early after suffering a suspected calf injury.

Le Bris confirmed that the midfielder felt the problem during the warm-up but could not provide a recovery timetable.

Sunderland now face another demanding test against Aston Villa after the international break.

For Le Bris, the challenge is to reproduce the determination shown against Chelsea and turn one encouraging result into sustained improvement.

Sunderland travel to Aston Villa on Saturday, 21 November, hoping to build on their victory over Chelsea while assessing Xhaka's fitness.