RLB POST BHA

In his post match interview Regis Le Bris was happy to take a point home away at the Amex. Sunderland played well for the most part of the game especially in defence as we limited Brighton to only a few chances, had we showed some more qualityin the final hrid we could have been walking away with all three points. This game also saw the return of Habib Diarra from injury as he came on in the second half off the bench. Following this game Habib will now meet up with the Senegal squad for the upcoming AFCON tournament.

GOOD POINT

"I thought we played well for 65–70 minutes and had opportunities to score. We didn’t today, but I think it is always important, when you go away from home against a strong side, to seize those opportunities. After that, Brighton pushed, which is normal, and we were a bit on the edge, but it is still a good point."

COLLECTIVE SPIRIT

“Their subs gave them an extra drive, so we had to defend. It is not easy for the new lads in the squad to step up, but they need time and experience to improve. Our centre-backs were very good, as usual, but the squad is always connected to defend together. It is not always a question of individual players or centre-backs; it is very much about the collective spirit.”

FAIR RESULT

“A draw was probably a fair result. The atmosphere in the dressing room was a bit disappointed [that we didn't win], which was a good sign for the future. We had two parts to the game. Until 65 or 70 minutes, we were dominant, especially for a team playing away from home. We showed good qualities, great character. We were controlling the ball, and we had opportunities to score during this period. But when you don’t score away when you have those opportunities, you can expect that the opponent will push until the end."

DEFENDED WELL

“They did well during the last 20 or 25 minutes. We stayed consistent with our deep block and kept this clean sheet. They crossed a lot, as expected, so we were prepared for that. We have players who are really determined to defend the box and the goal, and they did that. They defended well.”

DIARRA RETURN

“We were happy to go all the way through the rehab process with him. This was the conclusion of that, and now he is ready to play. So, he will go with his national team. It will be progressive with them as well, in order to make sure everything goes well, and then after AFCON, he will be 100 per cent with us and in a good shape.”