We played very well yesterday and can feel very unlucky that we only took a point. Sunderland couldn't handle our pace and movement in the first 15-20 mins, and we were excellent value for our lead. The red card was a definite sending off. It was very cynical and dangerous. They were also lucky to still have 10 on the pitch at half time. Can the Sunderland fans on here take the time to explain how Maguire was still on the pitch? He was hauled off at half time because surely he was one foul away from seeing red too.
The only disappointment from the match was that we didn't make the most of having the extra man. I think we had to adjust our game plan a little, and obviously Sunderland just kept all of their men behind the ball from the red card onwards, which made it difficult to break them down.
The second half could have seen them have another man sent off. Oviedo fouled persistently and made a horrendous challenge on Whyte. Several Sunderland players on yellow cards persistently fouled, and were very lucky to escape second yellows. The same can be said for Baptiste, but given the leniency that the ref had shown to a number of Sunderland players, it would've been very unfair to not do the same to our man.
Most players had good games yesterday. Holmes was almost unplayable in the first half. Mousinho and Nelson were very commanding and seem to have formed a very good partnership. Mackie looks much better down the middle. He brings the three behind him into play much better than Smith and Obika have done so far this season. Best player on the pitch, however, was Baptiste. Unbelievably calm on the ball for such a young man and drove forward well with the ball. A couple of naive moments here and there, but they can be excused because of his inexperience.
Overall, an enjoyable day out. Would have taken a draw before the match, but given how it played out, I think we can think ourselves unlucky to not have 3 points.
COYY
