Sunderland 1-1 Coventry – Match Report

Report

The Black Cats’ start the new season with a well fought draw against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Over 40,000 people attended, hoping that the Black Cats’ could get another opening day victory.

Sunderland got off to a brilliant start as Lynden Gooch easily skinned his man and put in a delightful cross which was finished by Jack Clarke at the back post after 12 minutes.

Jack Clarke nearly made it 2-0, ten minutes later after he got on to the end of an Alex Pritchard cross, but he saw his volley easily saved by Coventry ‘keeper Simon Moore.

Sunderland remained comfortable throughout the first half, despite not having much possession.

The Black Cats’ almost gifted Coventry an equaliser early in the second half when Anthony Patterson tried to play out the back with a pass to Dan Neil on the edge of the area.

Neil was caught out and Coventry forward Matt Godden had a clear chance at goal but somehow missed the target altogether.

Despite all of Coventry’s possession, they were struggling to create any real chances.

It took until the 84th minute for the Sky Blues to really test Patterson, but it was a moment of magic when Victor Gyõkeres smashed the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards out to level the score.

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson 6/10

No chance for the goal, commanded his box well.

Lynden Gooch 7/10

Brilliant assist and battled well throughout. He was a little quiet in the second half however.

Danny Batth 6/10

Defended well throughout, but looked like he was panicking on the ball at times.

Dan Ballard 7/10

A decent debut, also defended well. Got turned a couple of time by Godden though.

Dennis Cirkin 6/10

Defended well but was quiet going forward.

Corry Evans 6/10

A few tidy touches and his passing at times was decent, however he was very sloppy at points in the game.

Dan Neil 6/10

Started the first half well with some nice link up play. Started to tire out as the game went on.

Elliot Embleton 7/10

Looked good going forward and linked up with Pritchard very nicely.

Alex Pritchard 7/10

Looked our most dangerous threat going forward, with some great passes and he was getting past his man very easily at times.

Jack Clarke 7/10

Took his goal well and looked dangerous throughout.

Ross Stewart 7/10

He never stopped closing down. His link up play at times was good, shame he couldn’t get on the score sheet.

Luke O’Nien 5/10

Came on for Embleton at the hour mark, but failed to make much of an impact.

Patrick Roberts 6/10

He was always trying to make things happen when he came on, unfortunately with little success.