Kevin Phillips has this message for Sunderland and Phil Parkinson after Coventry City defeat

Defeat against the Sky Blues saw Sunderland slip to six points away from the top two, with Phil Parkinson’s side undone by Matty Godden’s striker after 95 seconds.

But club legend Phillips has advised the side not to take the defeat too heavily, having admitted he felt that the Black Cats were worthy of at least a point at St Andrew’s.

Phillips was speaking on Sky Sports, where he formed part of the panel of pundits watching the clash - which was a pivotal game in the promotion race.

And during his appearance, the former striker also revealed that he felt Sunderland should have had a penalty after a foul on Luke O’Nien, with the wing-back felled in the opposition box in the first half.

“I think a draw would have been a fair result,” Phillips said, speaking to Sky Sports.

“Coventry defended really well, and Sunderland were caught cold in the first minute and a half.

“From then on it was fairly even, but Sunderland just couldn’t break Coventry down.

“They had chances and a possible penalty thrown in there, which I think was a penalty. Then the disallowed goal, it is how they bounce back now.

“They can’t let this derail their season. They have got a home game next and hopefully they will put it right.”