Mike Dodds says Sunderland fans should be 'hugely encouraged' despite latest defeat
Mike Dodds has described Sunderland’s second-half performance in defeat to Leicester as ‘sensational’ and says it should be a ‘huge encouragement’ to fans.
The 1-0 defeat left Sunderland on a five-game losing streak, and there is an understandable feeling of doom and gloom around the fanbase as a result.
Dodds, though, says there are plenty of positives to pick out from the game, and that’s exactly what he will be doing.
"I think we were better than when we played them earlier in the season, I just couldn't see them scoring or getting out in the second half.
“I thought we looked more of a threat even though we have got to do more.
“You've got two scholars on the pitch who should be playing youth-team football, an average age of 21.6, so to go toe-to-toe with a Premier League side in waiting should be a huge encouragement for everyone."
Sunderland gave a very good account of themselves in general, but the only goal was conceded early on.
Had it not been for Anthony Patterson, it could have been two or three in that early stage of the game too.
Dodds admits that the start was a frustration, but he also wants to give Leicester credit for that.
"The frustrating bit is the first fifteen minutes and, listen, I have to give Leicester credit because I thought they moved the ball so quickly.
“I actually liked how we pressed at times but they just moved it so well. Once the game settled down I felt we started to get a level of control, and in the second half I thought we were sensational.
“I don't want to be the guy throwing stats at people because I know it can be irritating and that they can be manipulated, but one of the guys there has just said their XG in the second half was 0.01 - I don't think there'd be many games where the opposition gets so nullified, never mind the best team in the league.
“There's loads of positives, the group are in a good spot but were also really aware that we have to buck this trend. I do feel that one win is just going into two, three four.
“I'm very aware and conscious that we have lost three games since I took charge but I also feel we've got better and better, so I'm going to take those positives.”