The Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley has praised Alex Pritchard for his performance in their Championship match at home to Coventry City at Sunday lunchtime, their first at this level since 2018.

The Lowdown: All square

In the end, Alex Neil's side had to grind out a 1-1 draw against Coventry after Jack Clarke had given them an early lead in the first half with a header after goalkeeper Simon Moore came off of his line too quickly.

However, Viktor Gyokeres equalised late in the match with a fabulous strike into the bottom corner, as the hosts were put under much more pressure in the second half.

The Latest: Pritchard was 'fantastic'

Taking to Twitter during the game, Copley was full of praise for the 'fantastic' Pritchard and was especially impressed by the 'energy' that the Sunderland midfielder showed to get around the pitch.

The reporter tweeted: "When he first came to the club, I didn't have Pritchard pegged as a grafter, but his energy has no bounds. Been fantastic today. Has so much quality but is also extremely combative."

The Verdict: Pritchard did his bit

There is no doubt that Sunderland struggled at times at the Stadium of Light upon their Championship return, but Pritchard certainly did his bit to earn them a point in the end.

The 29-year-old was vital in stopping Coventry equalising earlier in the game, with Copley noting his 'outstanding' challenge to nick the ball off Matt Godden in the penalty box.

Pritchard recorded a team-high three key passes and three crosses, while he also won four of his duels and made two tackles, having 47 touches of the ball in total (SofaScore).

Just five minutes after he was substituted for Patrick Roberts, the Black Cats conceded the equaliser, highlighting how important the ex-Tottenham midfielder was to the team today.