The points were shared at Turf Moor on Friday night. Burnley hosted Sunderland in a crunch match at the top of the Championship, and whilst both sides had chances to win, neither could make one of them count.
Sunderland made their return to Championship action with a trip to Burnley on Friday night. Going into this one, the Black Cats sat in 4th place of the table and Burnley in 2nd, with just two points separating the two sides.
Last time out in the league, Sunderland beat Portsmouth 1-0 at home. Regis Le Bris’ side had won their opening two games of 2025, and they more than held their own in the first half against Burnley.
It was an end to end game with both teams boasting good spells of possession. Enzo Le Fee looked to make things happen on his debut, starting out on the left, with Wilson Isidor coming closest for Sunderland in the first half.
The second half was equally battled too. But Sunderland and in particular Isidor will be ruing three missed chances: one right after the break which hit the post, a penalty late on, which Isidor blasted straight at James Trafford in the Clarets goal, and then another penalty right at the death, which Trafford dived low to save.
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Sunderland player ratings vs Burnley
Anthony Patterson – 6.5/10
Made one really good save in the first half. Steady in possession to barring one stray pass. After that first save, Patterson didn’t really have a whole lot to do. But when called upon, he was solid.
Dennis Cirkin – 5/10
Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony definitely had the beating of Cirkin early doors. He still looks like he’s playing catch up after that spell out the side. Didn’t look any more imposing in the second half either, capping a difficult night against the tricky Burnley winger.
Luke O’Nien – 6.5/10
Some good drives forward in possession in the first half, whilst being relatively tidy in possession too. Looked full of energy throughout and defended when he needed too. A solid display.
Chris Mepham – 6.5/10
Made some important, albeit not overly-difficult interventions and clearances before the break. Commanded the aerial duels for the most part before he was forced off towards the end of the game, with what looked like an injury.
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Trai Hume – 6/10
A bit sloppy on the ball at times, positionally he looked a bit off too. Like Cirkin, Hume doesn’t seem to have been at his best in recent weeks. He’s not providing that unbreakable coverage that we know he can. In possession too, Hume hasn’t been at his best.
Jobe Bellingham – 6.5/10
Looked dangerous when he managed to get on the ball, turn, and run towards the Burnley goal. His power was unmatched in the midfield but for large spells, he wasn’t really in the game.
Dan Neil – 6.5/10
Made some good passes and one or two not so good passes in the first half. Often found himself with a fair bit of space too, although he didn’t make the most of it at times. Second half was much the same for Neil who had a bit of a mixed performance compared to some of his recent games.
Chris Rigg – 5.5/10
Looked like he was changing between a no.9 and a no.10 role at times. Seemed unsure where to go at times and we maybe didn’t see the best of Rigg because of it. But he worked hard out of possession, even if he couldn’t get on the ball and create as much as he normally does.
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Enzo Le Fee – 6.5/10
Definitely a player with some quality. He made some of his passing in the first half look easy, though whether he’s best served on the left is up for debate. Highlight of the night was a clinical pass for Isidor soon after the restart, right across the whole Burnley backline. Overall, a solid debut for the Frenchman.
Patrick Roberts – 6/10
As ever, Roberts tried to make things happen, cutting inside with the ball and going on a couple of mazy runs. He had the beating of the Burnley full-back at times but it’s another game where Roberts had all the tricks and flair, but without actually making anything happen.
Wilson Isidor – 5/10
Worked, pressed, and ran relentlessly. Did fashion a nice chance in the first half and wasn’t too far away from what would’ve been another wonder strike. Had one great chance after the restart which he really should’ve buried. He’ll be ruing that one, and he’ll really be ruing those penalty misses.
Eliezer Mayenda – 5.5/10
Slipped Isidor in behind for the penalty that was awarded late on. Didn’t have a lot of time on the pitch or time on the ball to make much else happen, though. Missed a glaring chance in injury time.