Sunderland 1 – 1 Man City

First and foremost the atmosphere today was absolutely immense and for everyone who was at the Stadium please pat yourself on the backs as we were outstanding all game. The Sky cameras would not know what hit them when Jones scored in the 8th minute, and if we can continue to support the lads like that until the end of the season we will be fine.

Sunderland were unlucky to not make it two wins in a row, the first time since 2008 in the top flight. Craig Gordon was amazing and really kept Sunderland in the game with four top-class saves to keep out City. Sadly, the goal that did beat the Scotland shot stopper was classed as ‘sublime’ by Andy Gray but I have a strong feeling he did not mean that to go straight in.

Sunderland started with two changes, Richardson replaced the suspended Cana and Meyler replaced the injured Cattermole in midfield.

Sunderland started the way the ended against Bolton with confidence in their step and players making an effort to try and beat the mega rich outfit of Man City. Sunderland got off to a flying start as the in form Steed Malbranque dazzled on the left and whipped in a cross for Jones to head past Shay Given. Jones was brilliant again in the first half but the game all changed as soon as he was replaced at half-time with a groin injury.

Sunderland came out looking a little shell shocked by Jones departure and this gave City the slight edge on the game. Luckily, Craig Gordon played out of his skin to save chances from Bellamy, Tevez and Vieira.

John Mensah and Turner were again brilliant in defence and if we can keep these fit for the rest of the season we will be fine. Mensah marked Tevez out of the game and Turner won every ball in the box.

However, the introduction of Sunderland born Adam Johnson changed the game entirely as he done more in 5 minutes that Shaun Wright did in 85. City won a corner in the 92nd minute that was failed to be cleared and blocked by Bardsley and Johnson found the net with a cross.

It was tough on the Sunderland players but if anyone had said before the game we would have drawn with City I would have snapped their hand off.

Sunderland continue their unbeaten run in the league and it appears the slump is officially over. Sunderland sit 7 points clear of the drop with a massive goal difference.

I cannot see Hull, Wolves, Burnley winning three more games than Sunderland in nine games remaining. Sunderland face Birmingham next Saturday and if we can keep this level of performance up we should be able to beat Alex McLeish’s men.