Mike Dodds refuses to put blame for Sunderland defeat on 'really good goalie' Anthony Patterson

Sunderland stopper made costly error at Bristol City, but Mike Dodds says no one should be blaming him.

Mike Dodds has revealed Anthony Patterson apologised to his Sunderland teammates after the defeat at Bristol City, but he won't be putting the blame on his goalkeeper.

Patterson played a poor pass out from the back to Dan Neil, who was immediately closed down and lost the ball. From the resulting situation, Patterson brought down Taylor Gardner-Hickman to concede the penalty.

It turned out to be the only goal in game, thanks largely to some heroics of Patterson’s opposite number Max O’Leary.

Dodds, almost certainly residing over his last Sunderland game as interim head coach, said Patterson was quick to offer his apologies and own the mistake, although he doesn’t really think it’s necessary.

“He apologised to the group, but I told him he didn’t need to say sorry because the reality is that since I’ve been at the club, he’s earned us lots of points,” Dodds said after the game.

“For example, last season he saved a penalty at QPR when the game was in the balance and we went on and won 3-0.

“Goalies won’t get recognition for those moments, but I appreciate that’s a reflection of the industry we’re in.

“There’s no blame that can be laid at his feet whatsoever for the penalty because there were three or four other incidents in the build-up to that moment that went unpunished, but unfortunately for him he was punished.

“But he’s a really good young goalie and he’s learning all the time, and we’re fully behind him and he doesn’t need to say sorry.”

Michael Beale is expected to be appointed as the new Sunderland head coach in the next 48 hours meaning he will take charge for the first time at home to Coventry City on Saturday.

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