MIKE DODDS felt his Sunderland side produced a “positive reaction” to their Bank Holiday battering at the hands of Blackburn as they played out a goalless draw with Bristol City.
The Black Cats were the better side at the Stadium of Light, but were thwarted by the goalkeeping heroics of Max O’Leary.
The Bristol City shot-stopper made a series of superb first-half saves, the pick of which saw him produce two double-saves in the space of three minutes to frustrate his opponents.
Adil Aouchiche and Bradley Dack both struck the crossbar, so while Dodds was frustrated at his side’s failure to take all three points, he was nevertheless delighted with the response to Monday’s humiliation, which had seen him question his players’ attitude and commitment.
“I think we had 20 shots on goal,” said Dodds. “If their goalkeeper isn't Man of the Match, I'll be amazed. It was a positive reaction to the previous game, which psychologically is big for the players.
“The last performance was completely unacceptable. I'm disappointed we haven't won because that should have been three points, and I think their goalkeeper has earned a point for them.
“I was hoping to see a significant reaction from the players. I thought we got that, and could have been out of sight in the first half, it should have been a lot more comfortable. That's not a pop at the players, I just thought their goalkeeper was unbelievable at times.”
Having pulled no punches in criticising the performance levels that contributed to Monday’s thrashing, Dodds was much happier with his players’ approach against Bristol City.
There was a much greater intensity to Sunderland’s play, although the interim head coach regards the improvement as a base level for what he will be demanding in the remaining five games of the season.
“I always say to the players that you have to give the fans the chance to buy into what we're trying to do, so when you pass forward quicker and run forward quicker, they will back you 100 per cent,” said Dodds. “I've only been here a couple of years, but if the fans see an individual or a team leaving everything out on the pitch, they won't ask for much more.
“But I've just said to them downstairs, they're not getting a well done or a pat on the back for that - that's the minimum expectation. We'll go into Tuesday (against Leeds) with the same level of preparation and focus, so it's not a case of well done.”
Read the rules here