Ross Stewart's goal on the stroke of half-time changed the 'whole psychology' of the second half at the bet365 Stadium, according to Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill. Stewart fired Sunderland ahead against Potters two minutes into injury-time at the end of the first period with a goal that came completely against the run of play after the hosts had dominated the opening 45 minutes.
But with the Black Cats able to readjust at half-time, and with a lead to protect, the second half was a different matter as Sunderland were able to restrict Stoke to a bare minimum of chances and instead carry a greater threat themselves. O'Neill was unhappy with the goal from his side's point of view, saying they should have dealt with one-time Stoke loanee Jack Clarke's pass to release Stewart, and then goalkeeper Joe Bursik should have been able to stop the striker's shot.
"We lose the ball in their left-back area and then Jack Clarke comes in and plays a long ball, which we should be able to deal with and then it's not a strike that should end in the back of the net," said O'Neill. "It changes the whole psychology of the second half and everything.
