Regis Le Bris lauded Sunderland's character after the Black Cats revived their hopes of a top-two finish in the Championship with a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Led by Eliezer Mayenda's brace, Sunderland responded from back-to-back defeats to Leeds United and Hull City to move within five points of Sheffield United in second place. 

Controversy surrounded Sunderland's opening goal, with Mayenda appearing to bring down Leo Hjelde's long ball with his arm before finishing past James Beadle. 

However, referee William Finnie waved away the Owls' appeals, but the hosts hit back two minutes after the restart through Callum Paterson's well-taken header.

Sunderland regained the lead in the 71st minute when Trai Hume's pinpoint delivery was headed home by Mayenda for his second brace against Wednesday this season.

The Black Cats were perhaps fortunate to walk away with the three points from Hillsborough, ending the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.05 to their opponents' 1.13.

But speaking after the game, Sunderland boss Le Bris suggested that his team's resilience was what helped them get over the line on Friday. 

"Important win after two defeats, on a difficult pitch, but that was the case for both teams," Le Bris said. 

"We started well and after that, the dynamic of the game was a little bit strange because it wasn't easy to keep the ball and impose our style of play.

"But at least we showed our character; especially after the equaliser at the beginning of the second half, it was important to react. It was a good win, a good three points.

"It's not always a question of football qualities, it's a question of character and I think the resilience of the team, the connection.

"With new starters, players who came in at the end of the game - we felt the energy and the willingness to win, even if it wasn't impressive from the quality of the football."

Danny Rohl, meanwhile, fumed at the decision to award Mayenda's opener, insisting that the goal was pivotal in deciding the outcome of the contest. 

Indeed, the defeat saw Wednesday lose three consecutive Championship games for the first time since August 2024, leaving them 13th in the Championship table. 

"I must say again, we played a fantastic game again against a strong side. We conceded two easy goals, and then you have a big decision go against you," Rohl said. 

"It's football at the moment. But the conceded goals are too easy and, for me, this is the main part. 

"When I saw the goal we conceded, it was handball. That's the reason why I have a clear mind about what we need to do in this situation.

"At the moment, it's the result - what should I do? For me, it's about what I can change as a manager of this group, and we have to work hard, do the basics right again and again.

"The ball possession and how we created chances was good to see; it was the dynamic, the front-foot defending; we were brave in a lot of moments, but it ended 2-1 against us.

"If we continue our performances like this, in the final 11 games we have a big, big opportunity to take something."