Sunderland faced a hugely challenging trip to Leicester City this evening as they looked to bring an end to a disappointing run.
The Black Cats were without a single point in their last two matches after losing to Middlesbrough and Stoke City, though their opponent’s today had won eleven of their opening twelve matches in the Championship.
Despite a dip in form, Sunderland put on a pretty impressive display against the league leaders. James Justin’s early opener was due to some poor defending, but the visitors went onto have some quality chances that they just weren’t able to put away.
It was a performance fans had seen on multiple occasions, where the Black Cats were brilliant with the ball and put together some sublime passing, but would fail when they were asked to come up with an end product.
Despite defeat, most of the players can leave the Midlands with their head high. One player in particular stood out, while another has left fans frustrated.
Here are our player ratings…
Anthony Patterson – 9
This was one of Anthony Patterson‘s best displays in a Sunderland shirt. The goalkeeper made four crucial saves that he had no right to keep out.
Patterson’s performance was near faultless, marked down only for his poor distribution.
Trai Hume – 7
Trai Hume struggled at times, but he did what was needed to keep out a very tricky Stephy Mavididi.
Dan Ballard – 7
Another solid performance from Dan Ballard.
The defender underwent a late fitness test ahead of the match, and Sunderland could have been in big trouble if he was absent.
Luke O’Nien – 7
Luke O’Nien looked much more assured in Sunderland’s defence tonight. He made brilliant crunching tackles to keep Leicester out, whilst really frustrating them – like he always does!
Niall Huggins – 7
Like Hume, Niall Huggins did his best against their talented attackers. Though he got lucky with a terrible defensive header that landed at a Leicester player’s feet, but Anthony Patterson kept it out.
Pierre Ekwah – 7
Another tidy display from Pierre Ekwah, who Sunderland definitely missed while he was injured.
The 21-year-old’s ability to spray the ball across the pitch is mesmerising.
Dan Neil – 8
Dan Neil was able to move further forward following Ekwah’s return, and he looked brilliant doing so.
He combined really well with Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Mason Burstow, and should have got an assist before Jobe Bellingham was unable to score from a header.
Also should have had a penalty, but we are just used to terrible refereeing decisions by now.
Jobe Bellingham – 6
It was a surprisingly disappointing performance from Jobe, who has mostly really impressed this season.
The midfielder should have scored, or at least got it on target, from Neil’s ball in.
Jack Clarke – 6
Jack Clarke has easily been one of our best players this season, but I actually thought he was rather poor against Leicester.
His passing wasn’t great, nor was his decision-making, and his dribbles and long shots didn’t really work out for him.
Patrick Roberts – 7
Everything seemed to go through the right flank for Sunderland this evening and I thought Patrick Roberts was really impressive.
The winger is just missing the end product and he will be really important for the rest of the campaign.
Mason Burstow – 5
Mason Burstow was pretty invisible this evening, though that wasn’t all his fault. I’m really not sure he fits into this team, though I do like him.
Abdoullah Ba – 6
Abdoullah Ba probably saw the most of the ball out of the subs and should have bagged the equaliser late on.
His final ball is poor, but he definitely made an impact on the left when he came on.
Chris Rigg – 6
Chris Rigg looked pretty comfortable in the midfield, though didn’t make too much of an impact.
Alex Pritchard – 6
Alex Pritchard contributed to a huge push at the end of the match, but failed to unlock Leicester’s defence.
Dennis Cirkin – 6
It was a positive outing for Dennis Cirkin after a spell on the sidelines.
Luis Hemir Semedo – N/A
Should have been brought on earlier.