THERE is no doubt that Jack Payne's 'goal' that wasn't given was the main talking point of City's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

T&A chief sports writer Simon Parker argues that it is time for video technology to be used in the lower leagues and reflects on some other key points to come out from the game.

TIME FOR VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

If that shot from Jack Payne had been in a Premier League game, City would have been celebrating a goal.

Surely it is time for goal-line technology to be rolled out across all four divisions rather than just limiting it to the elite.

An arena like the Stadium of Light, clearly designed for a higher level, should have VAR.

Having said that, it looked pretty clear from the naked eye that Jon McLaughlin had fumbled the ball over the line anyway.

McGOWAN LOOKING SHARPER

Ryan McGowan has had a mixed season since recovering from the long-term knee injury that stopped him short so soon after joining City.

But the Australian has looked fitter and sharper in the last two games.

Preferred to Anthony O’Connor at the Stadium of Light, McGowan justified his selection with some well-timed blocks and important headers to keep Sunderland’s opportunities to a minimum.

STICK WITH THAT SYSTEM

David Hopkin made a brave call to send City out with the same attacking formation that had undone Stuart McCall’s Scunthorpe four days earlier.

Rather than sitting back to try to frustrate Sunderland, he stuck with the five forward-thinking players and they always looked a threat on the counter.

It would have worked a treat if the referee had given either Payne’s effort or the strong penalty shout when David Ball was knocked over.

LEFT BACK DILEMMA

Adam Chicksen has nailed down a regular spot in City’s back four in recent weeks.

But he can look unconvincing and there were one or two moments again when he got caught out and Sunderland took advantage down the left-hand side.

On the plus side, Chicksen did pull off one very good moment of defending to deal with Lynden Gooch’s cross when it looked like Lee Cattermole was there for a tap-in.

KEEP THE LOAN PLAYERS

It’s going to be a constant theme in January as to whether City can hold on to their current loan players.

David Ball and George Miller seem to be locked in but the big question will be the future of the Huddersfield duo Lewis O’Brien and Jack Payne.

David Wagner made positive noises last week but gave nothing away. Given that Payne is out of contract in the summer, there must be a risk that Huddersfield will take him back should any team higher up show an interest.