Coventry v Sunderland
Play By Play
The full-time whistle sounds at the Coventry Building Society Arena as Coventry City brush side Sunderland 3-1, heaping further pressure on Le Bris! Coventry took the lead in the 17th minute after Sakamoto curled past Roefs before Awoniyi doubled the advantage, slotting past Roefs before the half-time break. It got worse for Sunderland as Rudoni scored a third, minutes into the second half, before Le Fee pulled one back from the penalty spot after VAR adjudged Pinnock had handled O’Nien’s strike inside the box. Despite Coventry's clinical finishing, the hosts recorded an xG of just 0.71, compared to Sunderland's 1.65, highlighting the visitors' lack of cutting edge in front of goal. It's a massive result for Lampard's side, who climb out of the Premier League relegation zone, while Sunderland remain rooted to the bottom of the table. That concludes our live commentary of this entertaining contest. We hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and take care!
FULL-TIME: COVENTRY CITY 3-1 SUNDERLAND
RED CARD! It goes from bad to worse for Sunderland as Alderete picks up a second yellow card and is sent off! The defender was already walking a tightrope after his earlier booking, and he's now been given his marching orders after bringing down Rudoni.
SAVE! Isidor gets his head to the ball and flicks an effort towards goal, but Rushworth takes no chances and tips it over the bar. That should just about be that for Sunderland.
SAVE! Rudoni tries to catch Roefs out with a clever free-kick underneath the wall, but the ball takes a deflection and heads away from goal. Despite that, the Sunderland goalkeeper isn't taking any chances and pushes it behind for a corner.
YELLOW! Alderete goes into the referee's book for a late challenge as the clock continues to tick down.
Sunderland continue to push forward in search of a way back into the game, but they simply cannot find a way through this resolute Coventry defence.
We're into nine minutes of added time here, so there's still plenty of football to be played!
CHANCE! Coventry work the ball to Yirenkyi on the edge of the penalty area, and he doesn't hesitate to try his luck. He gets a decent strike away, but his effort flies just over the crossbar.
This could be a huge result for Coventry in the battle for Premier League survival. As things stand, victory will lift the Sky Blues out of the relegation zone, while Sunderland will remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Sunderland are throwing bodies forward in search of another goal, but nothing is quite coming off for them. Coventry are looking comfortable as we head towards the closing stages.
The lively Torp is replaced by Grimes for the final few minutes.
Coventry are happy to sit back and soak up the Sunderland pressure as we approach the final 10 minutes. The visitors are seeing more of the ball now, but the Sky Blues still carry a real threat on the counter-attack.
Sunderland look a completely different side since scoring that penalty! The visitors are now first to everything, playing with far more urgency and confidence. They'll feel that if they can grab a second goal in the next five minutes, it's well and truly game on.
WHAT A STUNNING BLOCK! Incredible defending from Mfuni to deny Sunderland! Coventry fail to clear their lines and the ball drops to O'Nien once again. He catches it beautifully on the volley, unleashing a fierce effort that looks destined for the top corner. But Mfuni comes flying across from nowhere, throwing himself at the ball to produce a brilliant diving header and keep it out.
Sadiki is also replaced by Fofana as Regis Le Bris looks to mount a stunning comeback.
Sunderland make another double substitution. The first change sees Hume depart for Meunier.
Sunderland certainly haven't been short of attempts today, but they've lacked that cutting edge in front of goal. The Black Cats have registered 13 shots, already surpassing their Premier League average of 12 per game this season.
The second change sees Gboho depart for Thomas-Asante.
Coventry make a double change as Frank Lampard looks to inject some fresh legs into his side for the closing stages. Goalscorer Awoniyi is replaced by Cherif for the final 20 minutes.
OVER! More Sunderland pressure. Xhaka delivers a dangerous cross from a central position and picks out Brobbey in the penalty area, but the striker can't keep his header down.
The last thing Coventry need to do now is panic. They've been in control for much of this game and still have a comfortable lead as we approach the final 20 minutes.
Coventry have now conceded two penalties in the Premier League this season, with no side giving away more. At the other end of the scale, Sunderland have been awarded three spot-kicks, more than any other team in the division.
GOAALL!!!!! SUNDERLAND PULL A GOAL BACK!!!! Le Fee makes absolutely no mistake from the spot, smashing his penalty home as Rushworth dives the wrong way. It's a confident finish from the French midfielder, and Sunderland finally have something to celebrate. Could this be the start of an unlikely comeback? 3-1!
PENALTY TO SUNDERLAND! Simon Hooper has made his decision after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, pointing to the spot for Pinnock's handball. Sunderland have been handed a lifeline here. Can they make it count?
