Sunderland made the short trip to the Riverside Stadium to take on local rivals Middlesbrough in a promotion six-pointer, and
The Black Cats went into the game looking to make amends for a disappointing 2-2 draw with bottom of the league Plymouth Argyle last weekend
It was not a strong start for Regis Le Bris’ men, though, with the home side dominating early proceedings and making the breakthrough after just 11 minutes thanks to a fine finish from Delano Burgzorg.
However, Sunderland grew into the game, and pulled level after 33 minutes through a heavily-deflected Dan Neil strike. From there, the momentum swung in Sunderland’s favour, but they were unable to steal a lead before half-time.
After the interval, Sunderland pushed on and got their second goal thanks to a divine pass from Enzo Le Fee and a calm finish by Wilson Isidor. But, ‘Boro got back into the game shortly after thanks to a long-range effort from Hayden Hackney.
With the game drawing to a close, it took a moment of magic from Le Fee down the left and an own goal from Ryan Giles to settle matters, with Sunderland taking all three points in a 3-2 win.
Sunderland player ratings from the 3-2 win vs Middlesbrough
Sunderland were under pressure for portions of the game, but the whole team were dominant for the most part, and plenty of the Black Cats players can come away with their head held high after this game, with Enzo Le Fee being the highlight.
Anthony Patterson – 6
Made a brilliant reaction save to deny Marcus Forss early on. Couldn’t do much about Hackney’s great strike.
Trai Hume – 6
Nothing spectacular from the full-back. Kept Ryan Giles largely at bay, but failed to offer much going forward.
Chris Mepham – 6
Put in a huge block to deny Forss on the hour-mark. Did look the most vulnerable of all the Sunderland defenders, though, but emerged relatively unscathed.
Luke O’Nien – 7
A gritty, dogged display from the veteran, with some lovely tackles, smart interceptions, and constant pressure on the Middlesbrough front men. Committed to an absolutely immense tackle on the edge of his box to break down a ‘Boro move.
Dennis Cirkin – 8
Credit where credit’s due, the full-back battled all game to win the ball back for Sunderland in deep areas and constantly looked to progress the play for his team.
Dan Neil – 8
Got lucky with his goal thanks to a big deflection, but kudos for winning the ball back and taking on the shot in the first place. A dominant presence in the middle of the park.
Jobe Bellingham – 6
Grew into the game, but struggled to assert his usual level of influence on proceedings with the action largely being confined to wider areas.
Chris Rigg – 6
A quiet evening for the youngster – didn’t do anything wrong, but wasn’t as involved as he would have liked to have been. Taken off with 20 minutes left.
Patrick Roberts – 7
The main Sunderland player looking to make things happen in the first half. Really nice touches, good hold-up play, and constantly delivering dangerous balls into the box.
Enzo Le Fee – 9
Finally started to show what he’s truly capable of with a handful of lovely, intelligent flicks and passes that no other player on the pitch would even think of. Played an incredible through ball in to Isidor for Sunderland’s second goal. Was instrumental in the winning goal, too.
Wilson Isidor – 8
Looked really isolated as the lone striker in the first half, but came to life when played in by Le Fee, putting the ball in the back of the net as cool as you like. Pressed wonderfully as the game went on, and was a nightmare for the ‘Boro defence.
Regis Le Bris uses his subs wisely
The Sunderland manager was in no rush to bring fresh faces onto the pitch, but used his changes intelligently to see out the game.
Salis Abdul Samed – 6
On for Rigg with 20 minutes to go. Didn’t do anything outstanding, but protected the back four in a solid cameo.
Eliezer Mayenda – 7
An instant livewire when he came on, causing the ‘Boro defence all kinds of problems. Unlucky not to get a goal in injury time.
Ian Poveda – N/A
On for Roberts in injury time. Unfair to judge his performance. Did slip when through on goal late on.