Sunderland welcomed bottom club Plymouth Argyle to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. It was a must-win game for the Black Cats, and with a few minutes to play, the win was within reach. But there was a late Plymouth equaliser.
On Friday night, the Championship promotion race took a twist after Sheffield United were thumped 3-0 at home by Hull City. And with Leeds and Burnley in action on Monday, it gave Sunderland a chance to make up some ground in their Saturday game against Plymouth Argyle.
Last time out, Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland beat Derby County 1-0 away from home. But despite being back at the Stadium of Light, and against the league’s bottom club Plymouth, it proved a tough opening first half for the Black Cats.
Plymouth sat deep and allowed Sunderland only a couple of half chances. But the second half was much more entertaining. Plymouth took an unexpected lead via an unfortunate Anthony Patterson own goal, though Wilson Isidor replied for Sunderland minutes later.
Then on the 70th minute mark. Trai Hume was the unlikely scorer for the Black Cats. Hume looked like the match-winner too, but for Plymouth equalising late on through Nathaniel Ogbeta.
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Sunderland player ratings vs Plymouth Argyle
Anthony Patterson – 5/10
Not a whole lot to do until the second half, even then there wasn’t much that Patterson could’ve done about Plymouth’s goal. One or two poor passes from the Sunderland stopper. Maybe wasn’t commanding enough in his box for Plymouth’s second.
Dennis Cirkin – 6/10
Got forward well in the first half and even had a couple of good sights of goal, though he couldn’t convert either. A nice partnership with Enzo Le Fee seems to be forming down that left side. Cirkin is steadily getting back to his best form, though he’s not quite there yet.
Luke O’Nien – 6/10
Swept up well at the back when Plymouth hoofed the ball over the top. Was neat in possession but couldn’t organise a backline that was at times exposed by a poor Plymouth side.
Chris Mepham – 6/10
Didn’t have a whole lot to do, and dealt with anything he had to with relative ease. Bit of a blunder for Plymouth’s goal but other than that, another solid outing for the Welshman.
Trai Hume – 8/10
Some good moments in both defence and attack in the first 45, although he did give away possession quite needlessly on a couple of occasions. Passing and crossing was a threat going forward. Got the assists for Isidor’s equaliser then scored one for himself. A really good game for Trai Hume.
Salis Abdul Samed – 6.5/10
Salis Abdul Samed was arguably Sunderland’s tidiest player in the first half. Commanded that defensive midfield area well and moved the ball around nicely. Seemed to slow the game down a bit though. Sunderland clearly better when he came off. He’s a useful option but Samed could prove to be a headache for Le Bris who may not know how to really use the Lens loan man.
Enzo Le Fee – 6/10
Home debut for the Italian. He gave Plymouth full-back Matthew Sorinola a few tricky moments in the first half, though some of Le Fee’s final balls into the box were slightly off. Didn’t see a whole lot of the ball in the second half but was neat when he did get possession.
Jobe Bellingham – 6/10
Bit of a passenger at times in the first half. Came into the game in the second half and Plymouth just couldn’t handle his physicality in the middle of the park. Battled really well for Sunderland, though not his best overall performance.
Dan Neil – 6/10
Some sloppy passing in the first half but did almost score what might have been the goal of the season. Bit more tidy in possession in the second half though. Got more of a hold on the game and played his role in the win.
Patrick Roberts – 5.5/10
Lively early on but couldn’t make a lot of passing and crossing count. Some nice link up play with Hume down the right. Struggled to get going in the second half
Wilson Isidor – 6.5/10
A very frustrating first half for the Frenchman. Barely got a sniff of the ball as Plymouth dropped low, but when his opportunity came, he took it very well. Ran and ran in the second half and never let up. A good second half from him.
Eliezer Mayenda 5.5/10
Didn’t really have the desired effect when he came off the bench. Put in the yards though and didn’t let Plymouth rest.