'An excellent performance - so many positives to take'

1 week ago 2

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett says Regis Le Bris's plans worked perfectly for his side in Thursday's impressive draw against Manchester City.

"It could have gone either way," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "There were opportunities for both teams.

"What an excellent performance from Sunderland and you have to say Regis Le Bris has got it spot on.

"Everyone put a shift in.

"You look at [Erling] Haaland, especially in that second half, and you think 'what did you do?'.

"What a result that is. There's so many positives to take; clean sheet, we had opportunities to win it, when we had to defend we defended well.

"When you look back at the 90; Trai Hume had opportunities, [Brian] Brobbey had an opportunity, [Eliezer] Mayenda had a chance.

"Yes we had to ride our luck at times, but we knew we would have to from before a ball was kicked.

"We knew the everyone had to play well as a team and a unit, and we did.

"It's all about organisation. They kept their shape and just frustrated Manchester City. It's hard work to do what they did, to keep their positions, close people down, and make it difficult for a team like City.

"They had a lot of the ball, but when we got the ball we caused them problems."

When asked if the point against City is a better result than November's 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Bennett said "yes".

"You look at the Arsenal game and how we have developed from there," he added.

"I think we're a better unit now. You look at the second goal we conceded from Trossard and think 'could we have got out and closed that down?'. Against City we did that."

Hear more post-match reaction on BBC Sounds

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