SAFC boss Martin O’Neill feared Manchester City comeback

Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner scores his sides second goal during the Barclays Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday March 31, 2012. See PA story SOCCER Man City Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as 'live'. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio, video, data, fixtures or club/league logos.

Published on 02/04/2012 12:05

MARTIN O’Neill was disappointed but not surprised by the fact Manchester City got something out of the game with Sunderland thanks to two late, late goals.

The Wearsiders looked to be favourites to take all three points with a 3-1 lead heading into the last five minutes of Saturday’s match – thanks to two goals from Sebastian Larsson and a fine header from Nicklas Bendtner.

But Mario Balotelli’s second goal of the afternoon and a powerful Aleksandar Kolarov strike inside the final few minutes at the Etihad Stadium earned City a draw.

O’Neill said: “I knew they were always capable of that sort of comeback – they did it only recently against Chelsea.

“That’s the sort of resilience you get when you have won 15 consecutive games here on your ground.

“They’re also second in the league so they are a very, very good team and they were never out of the match because they have so many match-winners.

“I think we got a little bit tired with the exertions of Tuesday night and also maybe the disappointment of Tuesday night – although we did seem to put that to one side and performed excellently.

“It was a combination of Manchester City fighting back and us getting a little bit tired.”

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SAFC boss Martin O’Neill feared Manchester City comeback

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