Gordon hails Sunderland rock Mensah
Craig Gordon hailed John Mensah as the key man in Sunderland's mini-revival.
The Black Cats failed to hold on for a second win inside a week as Manchester City claimed an injury-time equaliser yesterday.
But Steve Bruce's men have now lost only one of their last seven games, with Ghana captain Mensah – nicknamed the Rock of Gibraltar – showing why Lyon paid 8million for his services.
Mensah has not been able to train fully after being troubled by injuries since arriving on loan from France, but has started the last four games and was in-form Gordon's closest rival for man-of-the-match yesterday.
The goalkeeper said: "John's been unlucky with his injuries, but I think we're seeing the best of him now.
"He's put together a run of games and does not need to do a great deal in training because he's a naturally very fit lad.
"He must be very fit to just come out and play games – he's our Ledley King.
"The management have been very careful with the work he does between games and it's paying off because he's been a great influence."
Mensah had a terrific personal duel with Carlos Tevez yesterday in a Sunderland defence that went so close to a third consecutive clean sheet and a first win over City since 2000.
The visitors were chasing their tenth successive win against Sunderland, but were frustrated by a string of superb reaction saves from Gordon.
The Scotland international believes everyone is benefiting from the fact boss Bruce has named the same back four of Alan Hutton, Michael Turner, Mensah and Anton Ferdinand's for the last three games.
"I don't think it is any secret that if you get the same back four and goalkeeper playing together week in, week out, you get a much better understanding together," Gordon said.
"City had us under pressure for pretty much all of the second half and I had to make a few saves, but that's what I'm there for.
"We've not been allowing too many chances against us of late and I think that's down to the back four knowing each other better from playing alongside each other."
Easington speed merchant Adam Johnson finally breached Sunderland's determined rearguard a couple of minutes into added time with a curling shot that found the top corner.
Gordon said: "I think it tells you a lot about the improvement we've made that we're disappointed to have only taken a point from a team like Man City.
"We would have accepted a point before the game and, with the chances they created in the second half, you would not begrudge City the point.
"But it is disappointing again to go so close to a win and drop points very late in the game.
"Overall, I think we are playing a lot better and can feel reasonably confident for the home game against Birmingham on Saturday."
Yesterday's was the fourth injury-time equaliser conceded by Sunderland this season, the others coming at Manchester United and home and away to Portsmouth. They dropped another two points at home to Everton on Boxing Day when Marouane Fellaini levelled after 85 minutes.
Those ten extra points would have put the Black Cats tenth in the league.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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