Diallo’s dialled in for play-offs with stunning solo goal
AMAD DIALLO lit up Sunderland’s play-off chances with a superb individual goal – and showed he is ready for the Premier League.
The Manchester United winger netted his 12th of the season after skinning three City defenders, and served notice he could have a chance at Old Trafford in pre-season.
Diallo, signed for £19million by United from Atalanta, is growing in confidence at the Stadium of Light and secured the win in the 75th minute – his fifth goal in the last seven games.
Jack Clarke switched play to Diallo on the right wing with a perfect 50-yard pass, and the Ivorian did the rest, ghosting past Jobe Bellingham and two City defenders then thundering a left-foot shot past John Ruddy.
Sunderland held out for the win despite Dennis Cirkin being sent off for two yellow cards, three minutes after the winner.
The Mackems are now a point adrift of sixth place.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said: “When you have players who can do what Amad did today you always have a chance.
“Class tells. We have players who can unlock the best defensive units.
“You can’t teach Diallo to skip inside and stick on in the corner. It could be an ............ 1 important win. We are already looking forward to Tuesday against Huddersfield to see if we can find three points.
“Play-offs? The gap could open. You just have to keep going.
“We are at the right end. I said to the players, make it exciting and go to Preston on the last day with something to play for. “The players have a talent, and the biggest crime is to waste it by not having a work ethic.”
City took the lead when Tahith Chong crossed for George Hall, 17, to guide home.
Sunderland levelled in first-half injury time when Patrick Roberts headed a cross back across goal for Trai Hume to score.
City coach John Eustace said: “We were excellent but sloppy to concede from the set piece.
“We didn’t deserve to lose.” SUNDERLAND: Patterson 7; Gooch 6 (O’nien (63) 6), Hume 7, Batth 7, Cirkin 6; Neil 6, Michut 6 (Gelhardt (63) 7), Roberts 6 (Anderson (80) 6); Diallo 7 (Ekwah (90) 6), Clarke 6, Pritchard 6 BIRMINGHAM: Ruddy 6; Colin 6, Long 6, Roberts 6, Trusty 6; Bielik 6 (James (77) 6), Bacuna 6; Chong 6, Khadra 6 (Mejbri (72) 6), Hall 6 (Bellingham (41) 6); Jutkiewicz 6 (Hogan (72) 6) STAR MAN: Amad Diallo – Had the decisive say with a superb solo goal. REF: Stephen Martin 7