Sunderland almost secured a third-straight win in the Championship on Boxing Day, and what would’ve been a third-straight comeback win, losing a lead late on away at Blackburn Rovers to draw 2-2.
The Black Cats went into their Boxing Day clash away at top six rivals Blackburn Rovers looking for a third-straight win in the Championship.
Last time out, Sunderland came from behind to beat Norwich City in a very scrappy game at the Stadium of Light.
Rovers’ Yuki Ohashi capitalised on some lax Sunderland defending to give the home side the lead at half-time, with Sunderland poor.
But once again, the Black Cats burst into life after the break. Chris Rigg poked home the equaliser and Wilson Isidor ended a seven-game goal drought to give Sunderland the lead after 10 minutes of the second half.
Sunderland though would concede a devastating late equaliser, with Harry Leonard scoring for Blackburn as the game ended 2-2.
Sunderland player ratings vs Blackburn Rovers
Anthony Patterson – 5/10
Yet again, some of his passing caused issues for Sunderland in their own half. Didn’t really have any saves to make and couldn’t do a whole lot about Blackburn’s goal either.
Dennis Cirkin – 6/10
Just can’t seem to get forward as much when he plays with Eliezer Mayenda in front of him. Got forward more in the second half and had some nice attacks down the left.
Luke O’Nien – 7/10
Him and Cirkin seemed quite vulnerable at times during the first half. But he really settled and in the second half especially, O’Nien was very tidy in possession and formidable at the back.
Chris Mepham – 7/10
May have done better for Blackburn’s opener. Didn’t seem to have much to do at times in the game at Ewood Park but kept playing ticking along nicely. Commanding in the air, especially in the second half. Solid overall.
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Trai Hume – 5/10
Didn’t see much of the game early doors. Few sloppy moments in possession too. Not looked his usual self at times recently.
Dan Neil – 9/10
Dan Neil was missing from the early stages of the game but got more of a foothold midway through the first half with some neat turns and passes. Played a big part in both goals and looked so confident in possession at times. A really good performance from the skipper.
Jobe Bellingham – 6/10
Wasn’t his usual composed self on the ball, nor was he as effective defensively as he was against Norwich City in the previous game. But he was much better after the break and certainly played his part in the comeback.
Eliezer Mayenda – 6/10
Lively and forward-thinking as ever. There’s definitely a player in there but his decision-making and first touch sometimes lets him down. Needs to get involved in the goals and assists.
Chris Rigg – 6/10
Didn’t look his usual composed and tidy self in the first half. But he was in the right place at the right time for the equalising goal, composing himself for his fourth Championship goal of the season. Left running after the ball for large spells of the game but played his part nonetheless.
Patrick Roberts – 7/10
Looked like another game where he’d do all these neat dribbles without contributing in terms of goals or assists. But like Neil, Roberts played a key role in the two quickfire goals in the second half, setting up Isidor’s. A good performance.
Wilson Isidor – 7/10
Completely abandoned up front at times. Worked hard as ever though, and was rewarded with a goal on the 55-minute mark. Another well-taken goal for the Frenchman who’s now on six in the Championship this season.