Sunderland 0 Swansea 0: We were really disappointing, admits O’Neill

Martin O’Neill criticised Sunderland for a “really disappointing” performance after the Black Cats were held to a stalemate by Swansea City at the Stadium of Light.

In what would have been a twist of fate, Sunderland target Danny Graham was prevented from scoring a late winner by Titus Bramble’s brave block in added time, denying Swansea three points.

Meanwhile, Sunderland struggled to test Swansea keeper Michel Vorm, with top scorer Steven Fletcher and Stephane Sessegnon failing to register a single shot on target.

“It was really disappointing,” O’Neill told BBC Sport.

“We didn’t create enough, we didn’t exert enough pressure and we allowed them to dictate the pattern of the game. We’re the home side and should do better.

“They came here with confidence after reaching the Capital One Cup final. That said, we won the last couple of games and played well last time we were here.

“We should do better, we should create more.”

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup praised his side for a solid performance after a dramatic week which saw the Welsh outfit beat Chelsea to reach the Capital One Cup final.

“After all that happened against Chelsea, going to the final, everyone in Swansea is talking about that going to that final,” said Laudrup.

“No-one had spoken about Sunderland. It was very important for me to see how they reacted to that and I’m very pleased.

“First half we completely dominated, in an away game, against a good side. Clean sheet, a very good performance – that’s great for me to say.”