Sunderland’s hopes of automatic promotion seem all but over after a 1-0 defeat at home to Hull City in the Championship on Saturday afternoon – their first home defeat in the league all season.
Sunderland were looking for a return to winning ways against Hull City following their disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Leeds United on Monday night.
Despite the loss, Regis Le Bris’ side remain in a strong position in the Championship table, going into the game against Hull in 4th place, whilst the Tigers started the day in 21st.
It was the Tigers who took the lead though. A Hull corner wasn’t dealt with as Patrick Roberts and Anthony Patterson fumbled at the near post, though the goal went down as a Patterson own goal in the end.
The second half was pretty much all Sunderland. The Black Cats had one clear sight of goal which Wilson Isidor headed wide, but the game petered out and Hull City held on for an impressive win.
Sunderland player ratings vs Hull City
Anthony Patterson – 4/10
Another costly mistake leading to a goal. Looks to be quickly draining of confidence. Didn’t really have a whole lot to do but that first half mistake defined his game.
Dennis Cirkin – 6/10
Certainly looked more positive having Romaine Mundle back in front of him on the left. Got forward effectively at times and swung in some nice crosses. Still not at his best but he was steady against Hull.
Luke O’Nien – 5/10
Some anger aimed towards Luke O’Nien after that first half display in particular. Certainly didn’t look at his best against Hull City – he didn’t take the ball forward as well as he often does. Kept battling though, as he always does.
Dan Ballard – 6/10
Unfortunate once again to come off with injury. Didn’t have all that much defending to do during the first half but he stood up relatively firm. If he’s sidelined it’ll be a big miss.
Trai Hume – 7/10
One of Sunderland’s better players on the day. Particularly going forward, Trai Hume was a handful for Hull City with his crosses into the box causing problems, and his overlapping runs likewise.
Jobe Bellingham – 5/10
Barely noticed Jobe Bellingham was playing at times. Had a few nice touches and passes but he just didn’t seem to be showing for the ball as much as he should be, or as much as he usually does. Maybe a case of being tired. Maybe a case of not wanting to pick up another yellow and get a suspension.
Dan Neil – 6/10
Worked hard in the middle and showed himself for the ball when Jobe wasn’t. Not a stellar performance from Neil by all means, though it was a difficult game for him to really get involved and get a foothold.
Enzo Le Fee – 5/10
Put in a pretty poor first 45 before coming off at half-time. Tried a few things but they just didn’t come off. Another potential injury worry maybe – it’s hard to see Le Bris bringing Le Fee off for tactical purposes.
Chris Rigg – 5/10
Another tame performance from the teenager. Put in the yards and maybe silenced anyone who thinks he’s in need of a rest. But in that vital no.10 position, he just couldn’t make a whole lot happen. Battled well nonetheless.
Patrick Roberts – 7/10
Poor in the first half and played a role in that Patterson blunder. In the second half though, Roberts was a bright spark. He played some nice through balls for the attackers and for Hume on the overlap, cut inside a few times with effect too. But yet again, he really didn’t make anything of note happen.
Wilson Isidor – 6/10
Another player who was barely noticeable at times. He was much more involved in the first half as Sunderland started putting more crosses into the box, and from one Hume cross, Isidor really should’ve converted his header from six yards. A difficult afternoon for the Frenchman.
Chris Mepham – 6/10
Didn’t have a lot of defending to do when he came on for Ballard with Sunderland stepping it up. Moved the ball about as needed.
Romaine Mundle – 7/10
Sunderland look so much more dangerous with him in the side. Can’t expect too much from him after such a long time out but he was forward-thinking and direct in possession, looking to swing in crosses and beat his man. Positive signs ahead of the run in.
Eliezer Mayenda – 5/10
Ran hard without ever really making anything happen, and without seeing a whole lot of the ball.