Johnson has ‘huge concern’ at Sunderland after what I saw from Burge – Phillips
Sunderland manager Lee Johnson will be ‘hugely concerned’ by the manner of the goals conceded against Lincoln City, according to Kevin Phillips.
The Stadium of Light legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, pointed the finger at goalkeeper Lee Burge after he made a “terrible error” to allow Brennan Johnson to score on Wednesday.
Burge gifted Lincoln a second goal at Sincil Bank, as the Black Cats lost 2-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final.
However, the English shot-stopper did produce a number of key saves prior to the mistake which leaves Sunderland’s promotion hopes hanging by a thread.
Phillips is adamant Burge is to blame for the second goal rather than Tom Flanagan.
“To concede the goals in the way that they did will be a huge concern for Lee Johnson,” he told Football Insider.
“For the second goal both players have to take the blame. Flanagan probably under-hit the pass but it would be harsh to point the finger at him too much.
“Burge has to get onto it quicker. He has to deal with that ball. He hesitates a little and it cost him. Johnson is quick and before you know it he is on top of you.
“Burge knows it’s a really bad error to make. You could see that in his reaction.
“It was a big mistake in a big game and it could cost them. He was fantastic before that. Unfortunately, that one mistake could be the difference.”
In other news, Kevin Phillips claims Sunderland have a ‘very good’ chance of signing Sanderson after what he’s heard.