The early Sunderland team news ahead of Newcastle United clash
Sunderland fell to a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
Noah Sadiki said Sunderland showed Man City too much respect as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
The Black Cats fell 2-0 behind in the first half after goals from Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol and though they rallied well in the second half, Phil Foden's header settled the contest. Sadiki said the Black Cats were disappointed in their first-half performance and were punished ruthlessly by a top opponent.
The youngster said it was a valuable lesson to take forward into the rest of the game.
"It was a big challenge, I think its one of the best teams in the league right now. It's really disappointing to lose like this because I don't think we played our game, we respected them a little too much," Sadiki said.
"It's a good lesson for us to take into our next games. I don't think we can came into the game with any fear but if you can't play your game against a team like this, you're never going to win. Even if it's not going well, you just have to keep trying and trying again. I think in the second half we reacted much better than in the first. I think we had some chances at 2-0, but the big teams punish you and that's what happened to us today."
Sadiki came off alongside Granit Xhaka shortly after the third goal, ensuring that he would be available for next weekend's derby against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
The midfielder made clear that was the decision of the head coach Régis Le Bris.
Sadiki said: "I wanted to finish the game but it is the coach's decision. I was thinking about the suspension, I've just been playing my game and if it comes, it comes."
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Régis Le Bris delivers verdict on Sunderland defeat at Man City
"Yeah, probably the difficulty to repeat performances at the high level [was the reason for the result]," Le Bris said.
"Three days ago we were in Liverpool and I think we showed a really strong version of Sunderland, but today maybe a lack of intensity, it wasn't enough to be competitive. We defended well, we tried to build up under pressure, but it wasn't enough to be competitive.
For many reasons, today we were not the best version of Sunderland, but it's still interesting to live and to experience those kind of situations. We played against probably one of the best teams in Europe, they were for me fresh and really competitive.
"We tried, I don't think the derby was in our mind because I think the players tried to give their best, but it wasn't enough. I think it was a good week for us, four points. It's not unusual to lose and concede situations against Man City, I think we won't be the only team this season to struggle here.
"We'll learn from different experiences and we'll be ready for the derby."
Continue Reading