Sunderland will take a 2-1 lead to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night after winning at the CBS Arena on Friday night.
Coventry City dominated possession throughout the game but Sunderland by and large kept them at arm’s length, taking a lead in the second half against the run of play through Wilson Isidor. Jack Rudoni replied almost immediately and though the hosts pushed hard for a winner, Eliezer Mayenda capitalised on a poor backpass to seal the win late on. Here’s how we rated the Black Cats...
5. Dennis Cirkin
Looked like it could be a long night when he was booked for a challenge on Sakamoto but improved and got through a lot of defensive work. 6 | Phil Smith
6. Dan Neil
Such a tenacious performance in the middle of the park. Won a lot of duels and was sensible on the ball. Can’t remember a mistake. 8 | Phil Smith
7. Jobe Bellingham
Little chance to break forward but protected the back four well and produced a battling performance. What the team needed. 7 | Phil Smith
8. Enzo Le Fee
Didn’t see much of the ball but did what he was in the team to do - seizing the moment to play an inch-perfect pass for Isidor. Couldn’t stop van Ewijk’s cross for Coventry’s equaliser but put a real shift in. Played a part in the second goal as well by applying pressure on van Ewijk. 7 | Phil Smith