Tony Mowbray believes Sunderland showed another side of the coin after their spirited win over Birmingham City. The head coach was quick to praise his team's spirit and last ditch defending after weathering a storm in the last twenty minutes at St. Andrews'.
The Black Cats took a first-half lead through Ellis Simms after some brilliant work on the edge of the box from Amad Diallo - taking five players out of the game with some neat footwork and strength before rolling it to the Sunderland frontman on the edge of the box. The Everton loanee made no mistake finding the bottom corner after taking a touch to set himself.
Manchester United loanee, Diallo, then turned from provider into goalscorer, with a brilliant goal to double the Wearsider's lead. The 20-year-old raced onto Dan Neil's through ball, jinked inside from the right-hand flank and curled one straight into the top corner of John Ruddy's net.
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The Wearsiders had to survive a late second-half onslaught after Lukas Jutkiewicz reduced the deficit with 12 minutes left on the clock, but Sunderland defended valiantly and came away with all three points. Speaking to Sky Sports, Mowbray said: "I think this season we've scored some amazing goals and played some lovely football and dominated possession of a football match.
"Generally we haven't got the rewards that we feel that we deserved. Possibly because we were without strikers, but today was an other side of the coin having to dig in particularly late on there.
"We know how - not direct they are - they're 23rd for possession I think you said before the game, that they're not really bothered about possession. They get the ball in your half and ask questions of you.
"I know Juktk [Lukas Jutkiewicz] I signed him lots of years ago for Middlesbrough. He came on with Deeney out there and Hogan, it was a real problem for us. I feel bar the two centre-halves and when Ellis is on, we seem to be five foot six all over the pitch.
"We were hanging on a little bit but brilliant that people were putting their bodies on the lines. Goalie is an amazing goalkeeper for such a young boy - he is brilliant, brilliant temperament.
"The fact that they dug in and collectively, together they showed what spirit they've got. I have to mention the fans.
"Isn't it amazing that we've been in football such a long time and how many people travel and watch this football team? It's just great when you can give them something to cheer about and be happy on their journey home. Delighted for the football, team the fans and the club."
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