'Why did the football have to come back?' Fans react as Sunderland drop points at home and midfielder faces ban

Chris Maguire's superb late strike secured a point for Phil Parkinson’s side, who had George Dobson sent off in the 96th minute, the midfielder facing a ban after a straight red.

Follow all the post-match reaction here:

Here’s the best of the social media reaction.

Ian Crow tweeted: “Lack creativity and miles of pre-season. Not good enough especially off back of 8-1 win. But Pompey and Donny drew and Peterborough, Oxford and Blackpool all lost, so hopefully this is opening day blip (I know clutching at straws). On to Oxford expecting better. #SAFC #HawayTheLads”

ViewFromTheDene tweeted: “Same as last season, nowhere near good enough. Obvious issues not addressed and we’re told maybe needs one more signing! Striker with pace/ creative midfielder needed minimum. #safc”

KiranSavage tweeted: “Dear #SAFC fans. It’s the first game of the season! Calm down!”

Daniel Fox posted: “We’ve gotta start finishing our chances or we’re never gonna win games. Need one of the strikers to find some goal scoring form and surely Flanagan and Dobson need to be dropped #safc”

Tom Moore added: “Playing one upfront with players that run like slugs! we will never get out of league one. We need pace! #SunderlandAFC #SAFC”

John Boddy tweeted: “Funny how 4-4-2 seemed to work #bizzare however much more pace and creativity needed #Safc. Never a red card but Dobson is awful and Flanagan shouldn’t be any near this side. Unreal how slow they all are”

Parker tweeted: “Overall not near good enough. Needed to win with much tougher opponents coming up. Impact of switch to 442 should give Parky food for thought #safc”

Kieron Weatherall tweeted: “Why did the football have to come back? #SAFC”

Leigh Collings added: “Pretty poor stuff. Delighted that I won't have to watch Dobson pass back to the centre-halfs every five seconds next game though.”

Sunderland are next in action away to Oxford United next Saturday in League One, though they will be without Dobson unless an appeal is launched.

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