I suppose it was inevitable that having supposedly trailed the Sunderland born winger’s signature in January that Adam Johnson would prove to be a thorn in the lad’s side on Sunday afternoon. The winger didn’t disappoint scoring in injury time to salvage a point for Manchester City after Sunderland had led for most of the game thanks to a Kenwyne Jones first half header.

Following Tuesday night’s win over Bolton Steve Bruce was forced into two changes both in the engine room due to Cattermole’s injury and Cana’s suspension. We lined up with Gordon in goal behind a back four of Hutton, Turner, Mensah and Ferdinand. On the wings Campbell and Malbranque started either side of Kieran Richardson and David Meyler. Up front Bent and Jones.

We started well and took the lead after ten minutes after a great bit of work from Steed Malbranque on the left wing. After a couple of step overs the winger found Kenwyne Jones who rose highest to nod past Shay Given. The lads didn’t let off with Hutton and Campbell both causing problems on the right whilst Meyler did well in the middle breaking up play and retaining possession though today it didn’t quite happen for Darren Bent who on a few occasions got into some good positions but seemed to have to many touches before getting a shot away. At the other end John Mensah marshalled Tevez with ease and the frustrated Argentinean lashed out with a late tackle on Turner earning himself a booking.

Just before half time there were big appeals for a penalty when Campbell was upended in the box but the ref was having none of it. The striker come winger did have a heavy touch but Kompany barged him to the floor getting nothing of the ball and it’ll be interesting to see the incident again.

After the break Jones went off, presumably injured, and was replaced by the returning Jordan Henderson. Though Campbell went alongside Bent he played a lot deeper and I think we were more 4-5-1 than 4-4-2 and this invited loads of pressure from City.

To be fair in the second half they battered us and had it not been for Craig Gordon they would have probably won the game as the Scot made four of five great saves to deny Tevez, Barry and Bellamy twice. Meyler who battled well in the midfield in the absence of Cana and Cattermole got into a bit of a scuffle with Gareth Barry and both midfielders were booked. Whilst with about fifteen minutes to go it was amusing when Steed Malbranque had a go at the ball boy for returning the ball too quickly to the visitors.

As the fourth official signalled four minutes injury time City forced a corner which led to the equalizer. The cross from the left missed everyone and ended up on the right wing with Johnson who cut inside and hit a cross/shot which curled passed everyone and nestled in the top corner, despite the best efforts of Jordan Henderson on the line. Johnson turned away to celebrate and seemed to raise an almost apologetic hand to the Sunderland crowd before smugly patting the crest of his sky blue jersey.

Before the game I would have taken a point and with the amount of chances City had second half it would be wrong to say they didn’t deserve to get anything from the game. Having said that it’s gutting to lose in injury time but there were some positives to take with good performances from the classy Mensah, the rejuvenated Malbranque and terrific Craig Gordon.

Final Score: Sunderland 1 Manchester City 1

ALS Man of the Match: Craig Gordon

Aidan Crowe

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