Sunderland under-23s produced a good account of themselves but tasted defeat as Manchester City left Wearside with all three points on Friday evening.
First-half goals from Rabbi Matondo and Ian Carlo Poveda saw the Citizens get over the line in the Premier League 2 to leave the Black Cats one place off the foot of the table.
Here's what was said post-match by Elliott Dickman...
On the performance...
I thought we were poor. I didn't think we got anywhere near them in the first half and that meant we couldn't really deal with the way they were playing. In the second 45 we got closer to them and made the match more competitive. We created some good chances but unfortunately we just couldn't take one of them because it might have changed the course of the game. That said, it was always going to be difficult to come back from being 2-0 down at the break.
Player pathways...
We had a 16-year-old make his debut for the under-23s and that's fantastic. From our point of view that's fantastic and hopefully as individuals they will feel the benefits from that. Of course, as a team we want to win but it is important we progress these players and look to challenge them. While we haven't got any points off City, the young lads have done quite well and that's pleasing.
JOSH ROBSON
City are a good team and they move the ball well. We didn't really deal with them in the first half and probably let them play too much. We were better after the break and we had good chances to get ourselves back in the game. Things are getting better for us, the lads are working hard on and off the pitch but we need to produce whole performances. Not just one good half and one bad half. Once we get that, the points are going to come.
NEXT UP...
Sunderland udner-23s are next in action on Friday 23 February when they host Hull City in the Premier League Cup at Eppleton Colliery Welfare.
Kick-off for the tie is at 7pm. Entry is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, available via cash sales on the day of the game.