#4 Sunderland’s lapse of concentration may haunt them
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In the 57th minute, Sunderland fans must have felt a sense of injustice as Anthony Taylor waved away a contentious penalty call. As Januzaj found some space on the wing, he looked to cross the ball. The ball was somehow diverted by an Emre Can elbow, and the Stadium of Light roared for a penalty. The Black Cats did have the right to feel aggrieved at the time but subsequent replays confirmed that the referee was right not to award a penalty.
Soon after, they were further aggrieved when Mane was on hand to convert from a few yards out. Mane was in an offside position but as the ball came off a Sunderland defender, the goal was given. Once again, they were undone, more by their lapse in concentration than the endeavour of their opponents.
For most parts of the second half, Liverpool dominated the possession but they were unable to find their way through. Nevertheless, patience was the key and it was only a matter of time before the goal came.
Moyes’s arrival at the Stadium of Light has thrown up some inspired collective performances from this Sunderland side. But the alarming regularity with which individual defensive mistakes are committed must be increasing the white hair on the Scotsman’s head. Although the Black Cats continue to remain in the bottom three, Moyes will be encouraged with the point as Sunderland look to avoid relegation once again.
As Moyes stated at the end, “I thought we did quite well, matched Liverpool's energy for long periods of the game and deserved a draw. We had big chances as well. I never thought we were out of it. The important thing was to not concede a third goal. In the end, we got a deserved penalty.”
