John Eustace & Tony Mowbray post-match verdicts as ‘exhausted’ Birmingham lose to Sunderland

Birmingham City manager John Eustace has praised his substitutes but admits there were a few errors as his side lost 2-1 to Sunderland on Friday evening. The Black Cats ended Blues’ unbeaten run courtesy of goals from Ellis Simms and Amad Diallo.

The hosts dominated possession for the majority of the encounter and created plenty of opportunities, especially in the second period, but Tony Mowbray’s men were clinical on the counter attack. Simms netted early on with a low driven finish and Diallo added a second after the break with a delightful curled effort from 25 yards.

“It was always going to be difficult at the end of a tough schedule,” Eustace told Sky Sports post-match. “Two really sloppy moments didn’t help us. The subs made a big impact but we gave ourselves too much to do. I don’t think we deserved to lose but credit to Sunderland.

“We lost too many duels and were ultimately out of position for the first - a good goal though. The second was very good. The lads have worked their socks off and are absolutely exhausted after a tough run of games. They’re in for a good rest now.”

The Black Cats move to within just one point of Birmingham after picking up all three points on the night - much to the delight of their travelling support. It’s only their first season back in the Championship after promotion and they are exceeding all expectations.

Head coach Mowbray was ecstatic with the result. “I’m delighted for the team and the fans,” the 58-year-old said. “This season we’ve scored some amazing goals and dominated games - we haven’t got rewards when we’ve deserved them, but today was the other side of the coin.

“Birmingham are a tough side. They get the ball in your half and ask questions. Jutkiewicz came on and with Deeney they were a real problem for us. We were hanging on a bit but the fact we dug in and collectively showed spirit helped our support go back home happy.”

Both sides will now have a long break as the globe’s best international teams prepare for the World Cup, which starts on Sunday, November 20. Blues’ next scheduled fixture is away at Blackpool on December 10.