Amad Dialo’s response is nothing short of brilliance as his response speaks volumes after Sunderland win over Coventry City
Manchester United star Amad has responded to Sunderland’s pivotal Championship semi-final first leg win at Coventry City. Regis Le Bris’ side produced a defensive masterclass to run out 2-1 winners at the CBS Arena on Friday night.
Lining up in a rigid 4-4-2 formation, Sunderland defended deep with two banks of four and looked to invite Coventry to come forward and catch them on the counter-attack.
It was a game plan that worked to perfection, as Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda both scored in the second half to ensure the Black Cats have a lead to defend ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg decider at the Stadium of Light.
After the full-time whistle, Sunderland posted a graphic on Instagram with the score and the caption: “We take a one-goal advantage back to the Stadium of Light!” alongside an oncoming fist emoji. “#TilTheEnd.”
Among those to like the post was former Sunderland loanee Amad. The Manchester United forward spent the 2022/23 season on loan on Wearside, scoring 14 goals and adding four assists in 42 matches. His form had helped fire the Black Cats to a top-six place, though they lost in the play-off semi-final to Luton.
Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham – the brother of Sunderland ace Jobe – also liked the post.
Next up for Sunderland is the second leg on Tuesday, May 13. They boast a one-goal lead heading into the game, but Le Bris believes his side will not fall into the trap of thinking the hard work is done.
“We’ll have another tough game at home, so it’s not done,” Le Bris told BBC Newcastle.
“It’s really clear the mindset in the dressing room. No complacency. We know we’ll have another tough game, another scenario, difficult opponent, so let’s reset.
“It was a tough game, Coventry played really good football. We decided to play with two forwards, so we accepted their domination in midfield. We felt early in the second half they played different kinds of balls and it was now possible to escape the pressure and create the link with our strikers and it worked well.”
Coventry head coach Frank Lampard, meanwhile, warned Sunderland that his side have every chance of coming back and winning the tie. “It will be different in the second leg,” Lampard said in his post-match press conference.
“We donāt know how they’re going to play. Will they want to play so low at home, or will the fans want to drag them forward? They know they’re holding the lead, so it’s up to them what their strategy is, and we’ll have to be adaptable on the day to try to find a way, whatever they do.
“If they come out more, they’ll be a different type of threat, playing between the lines, probably with the two number eights, which is how they often play.
“They didnāt do that here, they sat back and waited to counter-attack. They sucked it up, and now theyāve got something to hold onto, but I’ve got no idea how they will approach the next game.”
