COLEMAN IS OFF THE MARK!
CHRIS Coleman wasted little time making his mark as Sunderland manager as two inspired substitutions helped the Black Cats snatch a late win at Burton.
One of those substitutes, James Vaughan, headed the Black Cats in front before another, Joel Asoro, set up George Honeyman to seal victory.
The result – and first clean sheet of the season – moves Sunderland off the foot of the table, and above the Brewers on goal difference.
And the Welshman, having claimed his first points as Sunderland manager following the midweek defeat to Aston Villa in his first game, urged his players to savour the victory.
“It feels good, really good,” exWales boss Coleman said. “It was never going to be easy, and conditions weren’t great, but in the position we’re in you don’t care where the wins come from.
“It’s a good start, it’s a good base for us. And, like I’ve said to the players, enjoy it – milk it a little bit for 24 hours because we’re used to walking out of a dressing room feeling depressed.
“Over the 90 minutes we created the better chances, and I felt we were the team that deserved to get the three points.
“The three players who came on were outstanding and I’m really pleased for them. If we are going to win this battle and get away from where we’re are, it’s about all the players.
“It’s about them staying fit, staying focused and, when they’re called upon, they have to make an impact and the three boys certainly did that.”
It was far from plain sailing for Sunderland, though they did create the best of the early chances – top-scorer Lewis Grabban’s low effort across goal saved by Stephen Bywater on 21 minutes. As Sunderland struggled to retain possession, however, Burton grew into the game and Joe Sbarra arrived late to meet Sean Scannell’s cross on 44 minutes only to volley over.
A minute later, Marvin Sordell received the ball with his back to goal but found room to turn and fired just wide from 30 yards out.
Sunderland stepped it up after the break though, and Bryan