From flying saves to the red card that wasn't: The key moments that defined Sunderland's frustrating draw with Bristol Rovers
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As it was, Sunderland played out a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers on their return to League One action.
But there were no shortage of flashpoints; moments where things could have progressed in an alternative way and perhaps played into the hands of the hosts.
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Hide AdHere, we look at the five key moments that defined the stalemate – and the lessons the Black Cats must take from them:
THE PENALTY
If there were any early season nerves, this wasn’t the way to settle them.
What should have been a fairly routine set-piece for Sunderland turned into something much more.
As the delivery wasn’t convincingly dealt with, Lee Burge rushed off his line and wrapped an arm around the leg of Jayden Mitchell-Lawson in an attempt to win the ball. It was rash, unnecessary and - as far as referee Anthony Backhouse was concerned - an easy decision.
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Hide AdIt’s been spoken about enough times before that teams can’t be allowed to take a lead at the Stadium of Light and then have a lead to cling on to - for the vast majority of teams will simply sit back, soak up the pressure and try and protect their advantage.
Frustration was the name of the game for the visitors and Sunderland simply weren’t good enough at picking apart a stubborn backline.
Burge can take little responsibility for that, but his early moment of madness immediately placed his side on the back foot and led to the events of what became a largely frustrating afternoon.
Others around him must take some responsibility for not clearing the initial ball, but Burge will likely reflect on that moment with a sense of regret.
THE RED CARD THAT WASN’T
Reports were already being tweaked and tweets written.
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Hide AdAs Bailey Wright brought down Brandon Hanlan just moments after the second half began, he looked set for an early dismissal.
Having already received a booking for a challenge on the same player in the first half, it looks for all intents and purposes as if the summer signing would walk.
Backhouse had even reached for his back pocket and had a card in hand, before a brief discussion with Wright saw him handed a reprieve.
Phil Parkinson admitted post-match that Wright’s fate could have been different on another day, and his dismissal could well have turned the tide early on in a half in which the Black Cats were completely dominant.
THE UNCONVINCING HEADERS
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Hide AdFollowing the game, Parkinson bemoaned a lack of a cutting edge in the final third.
For all Sunderland enjoyed plenty of possession, their final balls or efforts on goal were ultimately disappointing.
But when crosses did come into dangerous areas, they were met unconvincingly by tame headers - Aiden O’Brien twice sending headers trickling wide when he ought to have hit the target.
Both were good opportunities and came at moments in the game where Sunderland were building up a strong head of steam.
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Hide AdThese missed chances only serve to emphasise a problem that has plagued the Black Cats for large spells of their time in League One.
They struggle to find a way through resolute defences and, when they do their finishing is usually rushed and erratic.
A little bit more composure in front of goal - and indeed, in a wider sense - is required.
In the first-half, Sunderland player at breakneck speed and with the intensity of a side who were chasing a goal in the final minutes of a game.
In reality, at that point, they had well over an hour left.
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Hide AdBut as they poured forward passes were rushed, misplaced or ill-chosen. Simply put, they needed to calm down.
And in front of goal that is especially key. Sunderland can’t keep snatching at chances - or some of League One’s better sides will make them pay.
THE FLYING FINN
There were doubts over whether Annsi Jaakkola would feature for Bristol Rovers given his international exploits with Finland in the week, but the Gas will be glad he was available for selection.
He twice made fine saves to deny Sunderland - first parrying a George Dobson header away before later getting a fingertip to Max Power’s long-range strike and sending it onto the bar.
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Hide AdAgainst a different goalkeeper, there may have been a different end product.
The save from Power, in particular, proved key given it came so late on and any goal at that point would have made it extremely difficult for the visitors to find their way back into the game.
THE RED CARD THAT WAS
This wasn’t George Dobson’s finest afternoon in a Sunderland shirt.
His inclusion was one scrutinised by supporters given the showing of Josh Scowen in midweek, and Dobson’s display did little to stop the growing calls for the former QPR man to be trusted in the midfield berth.
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Hide AdThe midfielder’s late red card came after a heated spell in which Sunderland, irked by Bristol Rovers’ persistent time wasting, saw penalty appeals for a pull on Charlie Wyke waved away.
Ultimately, Dobson’s dismissal quelled any hopes of a late winner as the final moments played out with little event.
There is little to suggest that the Black Cats would have found a winner if their number eight had remained on the pitch - but it may have made the last couple of minutes a far more intriguing and competitive affair.