What Sunderland fans are saying about refereeing decisions, Coventry City defeat and striker situation

Despite a bright start, the Black Cats fell behind midway through the first half when Jamie Allen converted Viktor Gyokeres’ cutback.

Gyokeres eventually got on the scoresheet in the closing stages when he beat goalkeeper Anthony Patterson with a close-range finish, before Amad netted a late consolation goal in stoppage-time.

Mowbray’s side will now prepare for next weekend’s home game against Stoke.

Here’s how some fans reacted:

@StephenStubbs5: Not signing an out-and-out striker was always going to haunt us somewhere along the line. Mowbray has to find a way to use Gelhardt and not just throw him up top on his own. Lads have to dig in now to try and save these play-off hopes

@Adamdoran97: We were poor but once again the officials were shocking. Don't agree with taking Gelhardt off when you're bringing Pritchard on. Not many positives from that other than Bennette looking decent. Just move on to next week. Free week so players should be somewhat refreshed

@exiledmackem7: Absolutely awful. Had 77% possession and did nothing with it. Why? No proper striker! It's obvious.

@Jcsimpson_X: Not good enough over the 90 minutes, often bullied off the ball. No real focal point up front. Really need to take our chances! #SAFC

@bamgboyeolu: Not getting a number nine is going to cost us but Diallo’s goal is a good strike. #SAFC

@Ian_Crow3: Diallo at least got us a positive, great goal, can get confidence, but credit Bennette build up. Two soft goals, we overplayed and didn't take chances. Next week will be vital as our players need it ahead of Stoke at the SOL, tired both mentally and physically

@dazvickerson: Not sorting the striker situation in both windows is criminal. They have happily written off the season in January, simple as that!

@joseph00stuart: Frustrating and wasteful in the final third again. The referee was appalling but we still had our chances especially in the first half.

@NightwingSAFC: How many more games are we gonna get bullied in before a team gets selected to deal with the physical challenge. We are brilliant to watch but we are so easy to play against.