Sunderland make their mark at Villa Park

Mar 25 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

STEVE Bruce saw his Sunderland side claim a hard-earned point at Villa Park last night, then challenged his players to show just as much spirit at some of English football’s less glamorous grounds.

Either side could have won a stirring contest but the honours were shared after Ashley Young cancelled out Fraizer Campbell’s third goal in four games.

The Black Cats have saved their best performances this season for the top sides, although almost all have come at English football’s most glamorous grounds.

“The manner in which we played was terrific for the team and you could see the confidence oozing back in,” said Bruce, who takes his team to Anfield on Sunday.

“We’re delighted to come here and play so well. We had some wonderful chances and arguably the best chance and on another day we could have nicked it and it wouldn’t have been unjust.

“We seem to produce our best against the big teams which suggests it is down to mentality. Again we’ve produced a really good performance against a really good team and I’m pleased we got something from it.

“It was the manner of the performance which pleased me most. We kept the ball and caused them problems. We wanted to take part in the game and it was a great night for it on a good pitch, with a good atmosphere. We could have won the match. In the last minute we could have lost it too. They had a few chances and I was thinking, ‘Where have we gone?’