Sunderland boss delivers verdict on Bristol City draw and the key player in the game

Mike Dodds was pleased his Sunderland side showed a positive reaction to their dismal defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon, but said he told the players afterwards that was the minimum expectation moving forward.

Dodds praised Bristol City Max O’Leary for his performance as Sunderland were held to a 0-0 draw despite dominating the first half in particular and creating a number of chances.

"Anyone that was in the stadium will have seen... I think Bristol City counterattacked well at times and we contributed to that with some sloppy play, but the guys were just saying to me down there that I think we had 20 shots on goal,” Dodds said.

“If their goalkeeping isn't man of the match I'll be amazed. It was a positive reaction to the previous game which psychologically is big for the players, the last performance was completely unacceptable. I'm disappointed we haven't won because that should have been three points, and I think their goalkeeper has earned a point for them today.”

Dodds praised the Sunderland fans for sticking with the team and said his players have to produce that level of endeavour and intent every game.

"I haven't got a bad word to say about the fans, I've said it before that I think they're absolutely incredible, it's an amazing club and part of the world,” Dodds said.

“Any disappointment over the course of my tenure has been justly deserved. I always say to the players that you have to give the fans the chance to buy into what we're trying to do, so when you pass forward quicker and run forward quicker, they will back you 100%. I've only been here a couple of years but if the fans see an individual or a team leaving everything out on the pitch, they won't ask for much more. I'm disappointed for the fans because I think it was a game we deserved to win and might have done if not for some excellent saves from their goalkeeper.

“It's the first time since I've taken charge that I had an element of anxiety coming into the game,” he added.

“Thinking over the course of the games I've taken, I've held my hands up in terms of the first half against Swansea because I asked too much of them, too quickly. In all of the other games, they'd done what we asked and I felt there pockets of positives in each one. Monday I didn't see coming which frustrated and angered me, so I was hoping to see a significant reaction from the players. I thought we got that and it could have been out of sight in the first half, it should have been a lot more comfortable. That's not a pop at the players, I just thought their goalkeeper was unbelievable at times. But I've just said to them downstairs, they're not getting a well done or a pat on the back for that - that's the minimum expectation. We'll go into Tuesday with the same level of preparation and focus, so it's not a case of well done."

Sunderland face Leeds United at Elland Road on Tuesday night.