Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, speaking to Match of the Day: “Disappointed because we had the opportunity to win the game, just with this one-v-one with Habib [Diarra]. But the opposite way, we conceded the late goal.
"We showed good character and resilience, some good quality at times, but we felt the strength of Aston Villa and they created many chances. A bit too much to be competitive at the end of this game."
On starting the first and second half poorly: “”We didn’t start well, first or second half. When you concede a goal straight after half-time it’s always difficult. At 3-1, with only one goal, you can change the dynamic and know it’s possible. Our team won’t give up.”
On Diarra's chance: “It’s a one-v-one. I’m not sure it’s the best decision, but it is what it is. You need to accept the output of the action because the goalkeeper was good as well.”
"We are learning, we are still a newly promoted side and going away to Villa is a tough place. Ups and downs. We played with our identity until the end, took risks."
Did you know?
- Sunderland only conceded 3+ goals in a match in one of their first 20 games of this Premier League season (0-3 v Man City), but have since conceded 3+ times in five of their last 13 matches.
- Chris Rigg (18y 305d) became the third youngest player to score for Sunderland in the Premier League, after Michael Bridges (18y 117d in November 1996) and Connor Wickham (18y 212d in October 2011). He also equalled Michael Bridges in 1996-97 for the most Premier League starts for Sunderland while aged 18 or younger in a single campaign (10 each).
