Le Bris decision pays off for Sunderland after ‘Monstrous’ display v Coventry
Sunderland placed one foot in the playoff final with a 2-1 victory away to Coventry City on Friday night.
Sunderland secured a huge win against the Sky Blues in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals, ending their wretched 40-year winless record away from home against Coventry.
Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor were back among the goals, with formerly Sunderland-linked Jack Rudoni notching for the hosts in a game that sparked to life in the final 25 minutes.
However, it wasn’t those in attack that caught the eye, with Sky Sports pundit Dougie Critchley blown away by one Black Cats star in particular.
Dan Ballard shines for Sunderland v Coventry
Chris Mepham has been a stalwart at the back for Sunderland all season, but Le Bris opted to drop him in favour of Dan Ballard at the CBS Arena, in a decision that many on social media labelled as controversial.
However, those concerns were subdued in the first few minutes when Ballard rose highest to head away a dangerous cross from the hosts, starting what would go on to be a remarkable performance, described as “monstrous” by Critchley via X.
The Northern Ireland international made a remarkable 20 clearances in the clash [FotMob], 18 of which were with his head.
| Coventry v Sunderland | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Coventry | 1 | 14 | 1.70 | 74% |
| Sunderland | 2 | 10 | 1.46 | 26% |
Ballard won 100 per cent of his 10 aerial duels and both of his ground duels against Frank Lampard’s side, with twelve won in total.
The 25-year-old also made two crucial blocks in the game, with his defensive awareness preventing him from having to make any last-ditch tackles.
Sunderland need Ballard again on Tuesday night
Sunderland‘s 2-1 win is huge, but with 90 minutes or more still to be played, the tie is far from over, and everyone will be aware of that.
Tuesday’s game will be Coventry’s final chance to make anything out of the current season, and the Black Cats will need to nullify that attacking threat once again.
Ballard will be crucial to those attempts at the Stadium of Light in front of what looks as though will be a sellout crowd.