Wolves’ stalemate hands initiative to Cardiff
LONDON: Wolverhampton Wanderers could see their lead in The Championship reduced to two points if Malaysian-owned Cardiff beat Reading today after they were held 0-0 by 10-man Sunderland on Saturday.
Wolves dominated the game with 24 shots against second from bottom Sunderland who showed a resilient side to their character lacking in the first part of the season especially after Lee Cattermole was sent off in the 62nd minute.
Wolves’ Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo was disappointed that for all their efforts they had only got a point from the game.
“It is disappointing because it is not the result we wanted but frustration, no, it is part of football,” said Nuno.
“Victories are hard to achieve and we work hard to achieve that. The boys did everything. They kept trying. There was only one team looking for the three points.
“But I am not not frustrated and I’m conscious games like this will happen again and we have to find solutions.”
Sunderland boss Chris Coleman was impressed with the manner in which his players kept their nerve under a relentless flood of attacks.
“I told the players there were two things they could do, duck it or face it,” said Coleman.
“I wouldn’t advise ducking it because, even if you don’t get what you want, at least you have a bit of peace of mind if you face the challenge,” added the former Wales head coach.
The leaders hold an eight-point advantage over third-placed Bristol City, who scored a late winner on Friday to beat Sheffield United 2-1.
The Blades loss proved costly as they slipped to sixth with both Derby County and Aston Villa moving above them after the former beat Barnsley 3-0 and the latter drew 0-0 with Millwall. AFP