Sunderland remain unbeaten in 2025. The Black Cats put in another sturdy performance on Tuesday night, this time winning 1-0 away against Derby County.
Sunderland’s game at Derby County offered up another close Championship encounter between a home side who’ve proved formidable in 2024/25, and an away side who’ve not lost in 2025 so far.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have taken seven points from their opening three Championship games of the year. Last time out, Sunderland were held to a goalless draw against Burnley.
But Sunderland would find themselves ahead against Derby County by half-time, owing to a well-taken goal from Eliezer Mayenda for his fourth of the season so far.
Wilson Isidor looked as though he’d wrapped up the win in the 76th minute but for a strange incident wherein the goal was disallowed minutes after it was seemingly given.
Sunderland player ratings vs Derby County
Anthony Patterson – 6.5/10
Very little to do until the second half. Made a couple of nice saves as Derby upped the ante.
Dennis Cirkin – 7/10
Looked a lot more like his former self in the first half. He seems to benefit from having a more capable and technical Enzo Le Fee playing in front of him, with some good attacking play down the left. Much more quiet in the second half before coming off.
Luke O’Nien – 6.5/10
Steady in possession. Had some good forward runs as he often does, without trying anything too daring either. Moved out to left-back during the second half and proved steady enough.
Chris Mepham – 6.5/10
As ever, the Welshman came up with some vital interceptions and clearances in the game. But the Black Cats didn’t seem as commanding as they normally are at the back, with Derby a very physical and aerial side themselves.
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Trai Hume – 6.5/10
Made some good interventions in the first half of the game against Derby. A much more steady performance than we’ve seen of late.
Dan Neil – 6.5/10
Some neat turns in midfield but his passing was a bit sloppy at times, especially before the break. Managed to get a handle on the game in the second half with some tidy midfield play.
Jobe Bellingham – 7.5/10
Also put in a few nice turns and bursts of pace in the midfield. Looked like Sunderland’s most threatening player when he got on the ball, but that wasn’t often enough. Managed to get forward more often in the second and looked a threat whenever he did.
Enzo Le Fee – 7/10
Enzo Le Fee impressed on his Sunderland debut against Burnley, and he was impressive against Derby County too. His passing is so simply yet so effective. Every time he gets forward he makes something happen.
Eliezer Mayenda – 6.5/10
Took his goal really well having not had a whole lot of the ball in the first half. Other than that goal, the Spaniard was pretty anonymous throughout, coming off in the second half.
Chris Rigg – 6/10
A mixed first half for the 17-year-old. He played some really nice passes but also lot possession one too many times before the break.
Wilson Isidor – 6.5/10
Fresh from double penalty miss against Burnley, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that Isidor was on the pitch at times, especially in the first 45. But he kept on running hard and was almost rewarded with a much-needed goal, but for a bizarre refereeing call.
Substitutes: Patrick Roberts (6/10), Dan Ballard (6/10), Salis Abdul Samed (5/10), Leo Hjelde (5/10).