Hull City boss Liam Rosenior admits his side's 1-1 draw against ten-man Sunderland felt like two points dropped - even though the Tigers had to come from behind to take anything from the game. The Black Cats looked to be heading for victory after Ross Stewart came off the bench in the second half at the MKM Stadium to fire his side in front 15 minutes from time as he made his return after three-and-a-half months out with a thigh injury.
But struggling Hull will feel they should have offered more, given they had a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot just after half-time only for Oscar Estupinan to fire wide, and then they played the final half-hour with a man advantage after Sunderland's Elliot Embleton was sent off. As it was, Hull managed only two shots on target all match, the first of which came in the 82nd minute and brought the equaliser for sub Ozan Tufan.
Rosenior said: "It's frustrating - not in a negative way. Sunderland are a good side, they've got one of the best records away from home and we've limited them to very little - I don't remember Matty [Ingram, the Hull goalkeeper] having to make a save all game.
READ MORE: Ross Stewart reminds Sunderland what they've missed, as ten men Black Cats earn a point at Hull City
"The most disappointing aspect is we talk about a lot about not conceding in transition but we switched off and when you give a player of Ross Stewart's quality an opportunity, he's going to take it. What I was delighted with was the response to come back into the game.
"It is two points dropped but mainly because we were the better team. I think the first half was pretty edgy, 50-50, second half we came out of the traps, won the penalty, we were on top but didn't take the opportunity.
"Overall it's two points dropped, mainly because we just played at a good level."
Embleton was sent off for a high challenge on Ryan Woods, although Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray felt it was a poor decision from referee Gavin Ward. And to make matters worse, Embleton landed awkwardly after the challenge and departed on a stretcher with what looked like a serious injury.
"Embleton's gone for the challenge but I can understand why the ref's given a red," said Rosenior. "He's gone for the ball and I just really hope he gets better because it looks like a bad injury.
"I know Ryan Woods feels exactly the same way. Then I was worried because when you play against a team who are going to sit back with ten men, if you're not switched on to transition, which we weren't for the goal, you can open yourselves up.
"Sometimes when you're so dominant and playing in their half, they can create a moment with just one long kick up the pitch, which they did. We bounced back again and scored a really good goal.
"I was just waiting for us to score the second. "It didn't happen but you can see I threw the kitchen sink at it.
"I'm trying to win games. Overall I was pleased with many aspects."
The point meant Sunderland stayed 12th, three points outside the play-off places, while Hull remain fourth-bottom, and are now two points above the relegation zone.
READ NEXT:
- Tony Mowbray hints at when Ross Stewart could return to Sunderland's starting XI
- Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray fears Elliot Embleton has suffered a serious injury in draw at Hull
- Hull City 1-1 Sunderland player ratings as Stewart returns with a goal but Embleton sees red
- Sunderland talisman Ross Stewart returns with a goal as ten-man Black Cats earn 1-1 draw at Hull
- Tony Mowbray makes big Edouard Michut prediction as Sunderland prepare for Hull City test
