Jamie: depth matters
ASSISTANT manager Jamie McAllister believes Sunderland’s strength in depth could be key in the promotion race. First-half headers from Dion Sanderson (below) and Charlie Wyke settled the contest to keep Sunderland in touch with the top two.
Victory came despite boss Lee Johnson again having to shuffle his pack due to injury, with defender Ollie Younger making his full league debut.
McAllister said: “Our strength in depth is showing now with the injuries. Most teams have them when games come thick and fast, the lads coming in have been excellent. Luke O’Nien, Dan Neil, Ollie – they have all come in of late and done well.”
He added: “It was a difficult game, the lads gave us a chance with a clean sheet, a platform to build on.
“You always have a chance when you do well in both boxes. That is down to the team doing well collectively.”
Defeat dropped Rochdale to the foot of the table, but boss Brian Barry-Murphy focused on the positives.
He said: “Our lads put everything into the game. We have played well against one of the best teams in the division. It is about fine margins. I am excited for the rest of the season and it is important we bounce back quickly.”
GRANT McCANN insists there is more to come from Hull after they went top.
Two goals from Gavin Whyte earned the hosts a deserved third win on the bounce which leaves Rovers in the relegation zone.
McCann said: “I thought we were controlled and that the performance was good.
“We limited them to few clear-cut chances at our goal.
“We scored another two goals and I’m really pleased.
“We can always improve – we want to keep getting better – but this was a professional, composed and calm performance.
“We’ve got 12 games left. There are going to be ups and downs – that’s just the way the league is.
Hull were the better team from the outset and opened the scoring after 32 minutes when Rovers left-back Cian Harries allowed Mallik Wilks to gain possession on the right touchline.
Wilks’ smart cross found Whyte, whose volley – though lacking power – had enough direction to find the right corner.
The on-loan Cardiff forward added a second his side warranted when he enterprisingly stabbed home George Honeyman’s cross on the hour.
Hull next play second-placed Peterborough, about which McCann added: “It’s a tough game, but it’s another game that we’ll try and get three points from – it’s going to be a challenge.”
Of Whyte’s contribution, the Hull boss said: “Gavin’s missed three or four weeks with an injury and it takes a bit of time to get back where you can be.
“He’s a top player. It’s about getting him in better positions and his performance has proved that.”
Rovers manager Joey Barton blamed individual errors for the defeat. He said: “There are a lot of things we can take forward, but you can’t shoot yourself in the foot at key moments.
“We found ourselves a goal down, without feeling any pressure, and the second goal is an encapsulation of the season.
“If people keep making mistakes, you have to give the lads who haven’t started the chance to show what they can do. If we show that sort of endeavour, that will get us a long way.”
European Round-Up
ALVARO MORATA’S double kept JUVENTUS in contention for the Serie A title last night with a 3-1 victory over LAZIO.
The former Chelsea striker stepped up with star man Cristiano Ronaldo rested and left on the bench until his late introduction.
By that time Juventus had seized control as they look to make inroads on leaders Inter Milan.
Joaquin Correa fired Lazio ahead before Adrien Rabiot hauled the hosts level in Turin.
Morota was on target in the 57th minute with a stunning finish beyond former Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. And he beat Reina from the penalty spot moments later after ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was tripped by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Third-placed Juve remain seven points behind Inter, who play tomorrow night, and are now just one point behind AC Milan.
Jordi Alba and Ilaix Moriba struck as BARCELONA beat OSASUNA 2-0 to keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid last night. Barca moved to two points of the La Liga leaders but have played two games more.
Stones’ excellence in this City campaign can be credited to his own determination and drive to work harder.