Le Bris salutes battling qualities as Wearsiders make point

SUNDERLAND head coach Regis Le Bris hailed a “good point” after his ten-man side fought back to earn a draw against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

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The Black Cats were in control before Reinildo Mandava’s sending-off after half an hour changed the game.

The left-back was given his marching orders for kicking out at Aston Villa defender Matty Cash, showing his frustration at a challenge despite having won a free-kick.

With Sunderland down to ten men, the dynamic of the game would change and create an avenue for Unai Emery's side to get back into the match.

“It's a good point, with two different scenarios,” Le Bris said in his post-match press conference. “I think we started well, we managed the first part of the game properly according to our game plan, and this red card changed the whole dynamic.

“It wasn't obvious to react properly, but we kept the score until the halftime, and we had the opportunity to change this game plan.