'I genuinely think Anthony Patterson will save penalties' - Tony Mowbray

Sunderland were once again indebted to goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and Tony Mowbray says he deserves 'huge credit.'

Tony Mowbray hailed Anthony Patterson as Sunderland’s matchwinner at QPR, but he said his heroics should have surprised no one.

Patterson had little to do at Loftus Road, but he produced the pivotal moment of the game when he somehow saved a penalty from Ilias Chair.

At the time Sunderland had a one-goal lead, and a QPR equaliser could have been a major-momentum changer. However, Patterson somehow managed to turn the spot-kick away with his legs.

Sunderland went on to win the game 3-0 thanks to goals from Luke O’Nien and a brace from Jack Clarke.

However, Mowbray was in no doubt about who the Black Cats’ matchwinner was.

“It shouldn't surprise anyone, he has been amazing all season,” Mowbray said after the game.

“I genuinely think now when they get a penalty that he is probably going to save it. I'm not stood there thinking, 'oh god, it's 1-1'.

“That was an amazing save - he filled the goal with his body and kicked it away.

“It's not just that, look at how well he deals with those long, high balls into the box. He's doing fantastically well and he deserves huge credit for helping the team get the result tonight.”

---

Read more Sunderland news

• Ten players you probably forgot played for Sunderland in League One
• Former Sunderland defender earns fresh start at Wycombe Wanderers
• Charlie Methven Charlton takeover off with former Sunderland owner blasted over his conduct
• Tony Mowbray: 'I don’t want to keep repeating this but the Sunderland fans are amazing'
• FEATURE: 15 random former Sunderland players you probably didn't know still work in football
• Former fan favourite back at Sunderland to help develop new hero
• Best Sunderland defensive partnerships: How do Dan Ballard and Danny Batth compare?