For a second week in a row, Sunderland came from behind to win, beating Norwich City 2-1 at the Stadium of Light to keep their foot in the title race.
Sunderland saw Luke O’Nien return to the XI against Norwich City owing to a late bout of illness for usual right-back Trai Hume.
Regis Le Bris’ side we’re looking to maintain momentum from their emphatic 3-2 comeback win against Swansea City last time out, but it was the Canaries who struck first.
Anis Slimane scored amid a goalmouth scramble in the Sunderland box as the Black Cats failed to clear a corner.
Dan Ballard got Sunderland back into the game soon after the break with his second Championship goal of the season, heading home from inside the Norwich City box.
Then after the Canaries had a man sent off, Jobe Bellingham popped up with another winner, curling into the far corner for 2-1.
Sunderland player ratings vs Norwich City
Anthony Patterson – 6/10
Good save before Norwich’s opener. Some really poor passing once again though, never really looked comfortable with the ball at his feet. Almost had a calamity in the second half when he was closed down by a Norwich attacker. Another good save late on though.
Dennis Cirkin – 5/10
Glimpses of his best self in his second start back since wrist surgery. But overall another poor performance from the former Spurs man who seems to be lacking a bit of confidence right now.
Dan Ballard – 7/10
Steady, albeit not having too much defending to do himself. Moved the ball about well and took his header very nicely. Solid performance from him.
Chris Mepham – 7/10
Steady from the off. Did more defending than Ballard in the first 45 and looked composed and commanding throughout. A rock at the back yet again.
Luke O’Nien – 6/10
Some nice passing early doors. Had a real battle with Borja Sainz down the right which he came out on top of. Came off in the second half.
Dan Neil – 6/10
Couldn’t really dictate play early on with those in front of him not making many runs. Attempted some nice passes and one or two came off, one or two didn’t.
Eliezer Mayenda – 5/10
Looked up for the challenge against Norwich. But he was ultimately poor in the first half, constantly running into traffic. Did provide the assist for Ballard’s equaliser, though. He was getting a lot of flack on social media and at times, it was easy to see why.
Jobe Bellingham – 7/10
Seemed quite deep at times in the first half, though he did put in some good challenges. Again though, stepped up when it mattered most. Took his goal well for another match-winning goal. Put in a lot of yards in a very combative game.
Chris Rigg – 7/10
Battling as ever. Some neat passing in the first 45 and looked like the one to potentially make something happen. Many online still saying that he’s in need of a rest which may have been true as the game wore on.
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Patrick Roberts – 7/10
Sunderland’s liveliest player early on. Some good runs and crosses, with his link up play very good at times. Whilst he didn’t test the Norwich goalkeeper or provide any killer balls, he played his part in another impressive win.
Wilson Isidor – 6/10
Looked really isolated at times. Much of the first half passed him by but he kept on running at the defenders, running in behind them as well. No real sight of goal for the Frenchman who’s not scored in seven now.
Trai Hume
Very little to do after coming on during the second half, despite his late illness.