THERE is a refreshing sense of calm around the Stadium of Light these days.
It does not seem too long ago when there would have been a major inquest had Sunderland conceded a late penalty, leading to an equalising goal that would have cost the team crucial points.
These days, while obviously frustrating, things are going smoothly. There is no sense of panic, after obvious progress under Tony Mowbray since returning to the Championship.
Sunderland might have let slip a leading position courtesy of Jack Clarke’s thunderous opener in the 59th minute, but Sunderland sit in a healthy position in the second tier, occupying a play-off place on 49 points after 32 matches, boasting a squad full of potential.
Sunderland have lost just one of their last ten, despite Nahki Wells’ late equaliser from the penalty spot – a first spot-kick for the Robins in 469 days dating back to November 6, 2021.
And all eyes turn to Rotherham tomorrow night, where a Sunderland victory will enhance the team’s play-off credentials ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Coventry City.
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard said: “It might be slightly more long ball and more of a battle at Rotherham. It’s how we’re going to go there and perform the way we do that matters.
“We want to pass the ball, cut teams open. We’ve got some really good technical players and want to play exciting football.
“The schedule can be tough. It showed a little bit in the first half on Saturday. It’s tough to get going again when bodies and minds are tired. But when you are on a good run like we are we want the games to come as fast as possible.
“We are enjoying every game. We’re just enjoying the run that we’re on and want the games to come. It does take a lot out of the body but I’m sure the lads would rather be playing games than training.”
The problem with a lack of training is that work can’t be done at the Academy of Light to really get the likes of striker Joe Gelhardt, who joined from Leeds before the deadline, to gel with the system. Even though he has shown some nice touches, he didn’t really look like scoring against Bristol City – highlighted when he turned and snatched at a left-foot first half chance that missed the target.
Sunderland were not at their best against the Robins, who are undefeated in 11 games, but still managed to stay level at the break courtesy of Anthony Patterson’s save from Anis Mehmeti, when he turned the effort on to the post in the first half.
That paved the way for Clarke to control Edouard Michut’s pass in the 59th minute, cut inside defender George Tanner and unleash a rocket of a right-foot shot inside Max O’Leary’s top-left corner.
Moments later, Patrick Roberts forced O’Leary into a save down to his left. Had that gone in, Sunderland would have been on track for three points and fourth spot.
Instead Clarke’s tenth of the season, following on from his double at QPR in midweek, was all Sunderland had to hold on to. Bristol City, who were full of intent, eventually got their rewards with Wells’ penalty when Trai Hume hauled down Jay DaSilva in the third minute of stoppage-time.
Ballard said: “I think it was a good game of football. I think we put in, on the whole, a good performance.
“In the first half we were quite slow and there weren't many chances. They hit the post. In the second half we definitely stepped up and I felt we created enough chances to win the game, and felt comfortable after we took the 1-0 lead.
“I felt like the only way they would score would be an incident like the one that happened."
Ballard had a first-half chance himself to put Sunderland ahead but he headed over. He has not scored since finding the net for Northern Ireland last June.
He added: “I don’t think we’ve scored all season (the centre-backs). Our timing is getting a lot better and I feel confident in the box attacking balls now. I think it’s only a matter of time.”
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