Sunderland 1-2 Manchester City

Apr 13 2008

FURIOUS Sunderland boss Roy Keane blasted his players for taking their foot off the gas after seeing them slump to defeat in front of buoyed-up Black Cats fans.

Sunderland knew victory would mathematically ensure their place in next season's Premier League.

But Darius Vassell came off the bench to snatch a rare away victory for City in a dramatic finish.

And afterwards Keane said: "We all need to do better - it's as simple as that.

"It was a long afternoon.

I wouldn't say I enjoyed watching it and I'm sure the supporters didn't either.

"We need to do better - and that's including myself and the staff.We are all in it together."

A ordinary game exploded into life with 11 minutes remaining when City sub Daniel Sturridge went down under Nyron Nosworthy's challenge and referee Mike Riley pointed to the spot.

Elano converted the penalty but Black Cats skipper Dean Whitehead levelled within three minutes with a fine volley.

However, Vassell snatched victory with a scuffed 87th-minute effort.

Delighted City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted his side had ridden their luck and said: "The penalty was a little bit harsh. I couldn't see it from the bench but there was a little touch.

"Our winning goal was not one of the greatest strikes I have seen in my life but it went in and that's good."