Head coach Regis Le Bris praised Sunderland’s “character” to find a late equaliser and draw 1-1 with Bristol City in the Championship.
Patrick Roberts struck in the third minute of stoppage-time to cancel out Luke McNally’s second-half strike and maintain the Black Cats’ unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light this season.
The late goal came following a frustrating game for the hosts, who retained possession well in the first half, but were unable to trouble the visitors.
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Asked if the point was deserved, Le Bris said: “I think so because we dominated the game, started well with good tempo. The way we wanted to play with many switches, played into the triangles, created chances. Probably we had a lack of players or bodies in the box to receive the crosses.
“I think the first half was positive and the second half was a little bit different because they changed their shape and defended in a different way.
“We expected before the game it could be an option for them, but still we struggled a little bit for 15 or 20 minutes.
“We were less dominant, they obtained some situations, not very dangerous, but they were close to our box and finally on a set play they found the solution. We had the character to score at the end, the equaliser I think was deserved.
“Overall, the game I think we would be frustrated because we were dominant and against this low block we struggled to find the right solution.”
Roberts was brought on as a substitute in the 26th minute after Tommy Watson was forced off the pitch with a knock. His goal comes after providing an assist against Stoke at the weekend and the Sunderland boss believes Roberts provides an example for his team-mates.
“He made the comeback against Stoke for the victory and today was a late equaliser,” Le Bris added. “It’s a good example of character. If our most experienced player can show that this is the right direction to be ambitious and to achieve our goal in that league, it’s good for the team.”
City looked to be sharper after the break and McNally found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute after Sunderland failed to clear their lines.The visitors defended well before Roberts struck and goalkeeper Max O’Leary made a great save to deny Dan Ballard in the final minutes.
City’s draw came in the aftermath of a 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth at the weekend and head coach Liam Manning believed his team provided a response, despite the “disappointing” result.
“I was looking for a response from the weekend, I was quite honest with everybody, it wasn’t good enough,” he said.
“It was hugely disappointing to concede so late, but ultimately, I think the lads gave it absolutely everything which, like I say, I was quite critical of at the weekend.
“They left everything out there, the blocks, people putting their bodies on the line, Rob Dickie on his knees heading things clear from the box.
“The lads gave absolutely everything. As disappointing as it is, it’s not the worst point.”
