Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Sunderland
Ten-man Sunderland puffed their chests out and showed they are up for the fight at Molineux as Sky Bet Championship leaders Wolves were forced to settle for a point.
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FIVE AT THE BACK
Bryan Oviedo’s absence gave Chris Coleman a decision to make ahead of the game and the Welshman opted for youth, as Donald Love was named at right-back and Adam Matthews moved to left-back. The Black Cats started with five at the back to match their counterparts as Marc Wilson joined Ty Browning and John O’Shea in the centre of defence, as Lynden Gooch came in for Aiden McGeady who dropped to the bench. Wolves made one change, recalled Ruben Neves who missed Monday’s win over Birmingham City due to suspension.
ON THE BALL
Wolves bossed the early exchanges and had all the possession, but they didn’t do an awful lot with it as Sunderland stuck to their task and kept their shape. Ruben Neves has made a big impression at Molineux following a £16m move from FC Porto and he was the clear orchestrator from the off, with the Portuguese international tasked with unlocking the Black Cats’ backline. But it didn’t quite click for the home side in opening half-hour, as Coleman’s side allowed them to have the ball before thwarting them whenever they approached the final third.
HOLD YOUR NERVE
Clear-cut chances were few and far between but Wolves have shown this season they only need an inch, so Nuno Espiriyo Santo will have been frustrated as he saw Diogo Jota spoon a good chance well wide after an excellent ball over the top by Willy Boly. Top scorer Leo Bonatini then saw an effort manfully blocked as Sunderland put their bodies on the line, but the Black Cats also started to foray forward as the interval approached with Gooch and Honeyman typically tenacious as Lewis Grabban held up the ball well.
EYE OF THE STORM
After a goalless opening period, Wolves stepped it up a gear as play resumed and Sunderland found themselves with their backs to the wall. Grabban became increasingly isolated as time wore on with the Black Cats camped in their defensive third as they attempted to weather the storm, but the home simply kept on coming. To their credit, Coleman’s side continued to execute their game plan and frustration crept into Wolves’ play as they failed create in the final third, but as they began to tire and dive in there was a sense that something had to give.
RED MIST DECENDS
Sunderland were comfortable against Reading until McManaman saw red and although Wolves were the better side a draw was firmly on the cards heading into the final half-hour. But, just like one week ago, they needlessly found themselves down to ten men with 28 minutes remaining as Cattermole was dismissed. The midfielder picked up two yellow cards within 60 seconds – the first for a foul on Romain Saiss – with the costly second arriving after he dived in on Jota following a heavy touch.
STARS AND STRIPES
Wave after wave of attack continued to crash against Sunderland’s backline as the home side threw the kitchen sink, the fridge and anything else they could find at Robbin Ruiter. Browning and O’Shea leaped in front of shots as they peppered against the last line of defence, with Robbin Ruiter called into action on 87 minutes as Jota’s fierce effort tested the Dutchman. Ivan Cavaleiro was also denied as Gooch led by example with a gritty and tenacious performance leading the way as he left nothing in the tank. And Elliot Embleton came on for his debut in added time as Coleman’s men showed what they’re made of to claim a point.
Wolves: Ruddy, Doherty, Douglas Costa 75), Bennett, Cavaleiro, Neves, Boly, Coady, Diogo Jota, Saiss (N’Diaye 68), Bonatini.
Subs not used: Norris, Batth, Price, Enobakhare, Vinagre.
Sunderland: Ruiter, Wilson, Browning, O’Shea, Love (Galloway 80), Matthews, Gibson, Cattermole, Honeyman, Gooch (Embelton 90), Grabban (Vaughan 84).
Subs not used: Steele, Asoro, Beadling, McGeady.