Sunderland must avoid play-off deja vu after what happened two years ago
Sunderland hold a 2-1 advantage over Coventry City in the play-offs, but they have been in this position before.
Courtesy of goals from Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda, Sunderland have a 2-1 lead at the halfway mark in their playoff semi-final with Coventry City.
However, Sunderland fans will be well aware that the job is far from done yet ahead of the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, and will specifically look back to an encounter from 2023 as the reason behind that.
Luton Town encounter must serve as reminder for Sunderland
Having a lead to take into the second leg is far better than not, but it is the same scenario in which Sunderland found themselves last time they were competing in the play-offs.
An Amad Diallo screamer was the most memorable moment from a 2-1 victory against Luton back in 2023, in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals.
| Coventry v Sunderland | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Coventry | 1 | 14 | 1.70 | 74% |
| Sunderland | 2 | 10 | 1.46 | 26% |
However, the Black Cats made the trip to Kenilworth Road for the reverse fixture, going on to lose 2-0 and ending their promotion hopes.
Of course, Sunderland had an injury crisis that season, but a lack of game management was present, which ultimately ended up costing the Wearsiders.
Several years in this Sunderland side will still hold the scars from that defeat, and they will want to avoid a similar fate this time around.
Regis Le Bris must set his side up to win
Sunderland could sit in two banks of four against Coventry in an attempt to defend their one-goal lead, but it would be the wrong decision to make.
Regis Le Bris needs to ensure that his side enter the clash with the mentality that the game is level and that they need to win.
Coventry showcased their vulnerability on several occasions at the CBS Arena, and Sunderland need to take advantage of them from the first minute on Tuesday night.