Sunderland were back at the Stadium of Light once more as they looked to keep up their winning start to 2025, with Portsmouth the visitors to the North East.
Regis Le Bris went with an unchanged lineup for the game, and his decision paid dividends after just seven minutes when the partnership of Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor combined for the opening goal.
From there, the game opened up, with both sides having chances, but Sunderland arguably still had the better of the first half.
Sunderland had an abundance of chances in the second half, and Portsmouth’s challenge was made all the more difficult when their captain, Marlon Pack, was sent off after 67 minutes.
It could and should have been more, but the Black Cats will take the three points, and continue their challenge at the top of the Championship table after continuing their unbeaten home run this season.
Sunderland player ratings from the 1-0 win vs Portsmouth
The Black Cats never looked like losing this one, and while they’ll be disappointed not to have extended their early lead, almost every player in the Sunderland squad comes away from the game having put in a strong showing.
Anthony Patterson – 7
The Sunderland goalkeeper had very little to deal with in the way of actual shots on target, but he did handle a couple of dangerous crosses, and dealt well with a backpass early on, too.
Trai Hume – 7
Most of Portsmouth’s attacking play in the first 45 came down Hume’s side, but he managed to stem the flow fairly well without doing anything particularly spectacular. Had to be more combative in the second half, and also ventured forward more, too.
Chris Mepham – 6
Arguably the busiest of the Sunderland defence in the first half, but never looked in real danger. His job became a lot easier after the Portsmouth sending off as the away side struggled to create meaningful attacks.
Luke O’Nien – 7
A fairly quiet showing from the Sunderland veteran, though he did burst forward midway through the second half, creating a great opportunity in the process with a smart ball across the box. Dealt with a loose ball in the box late on, but soon after, fluffed a clearance.
Aji Alese – 6
Very little to do in the first half, with the action largely coming down the opposite side. Replaced at half-time by Dennis Cirkin.
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Jobe Bellingham – 6
A quiet game for Jobe, with very little coming through the middle of the park. Came into the game more after the interval with some smart hold-up play further up the pitch, and good terrier-like tenacity in deeper areas.
Dan Neil – 7
Guilty of a couple of fouls in the first half, but the Sunderland skipper came alive in the second half, with some big tackles and neat footwork helping the Black Cats turn over possession and progress up the pitch.
Patrick Roberts – 8
Some neat interplay down the right-hand side, but his final ball was lacking early on. That all changed in the second 45, as Patrick Roberts started to run the show with his range of passing and tricky footwork. Seemed to be all over the pitch.
Adil Aouchiche – 7
Another impressive display out on the left. Went close with an ambitious effort from distance in the first half. Just needs to work on becoming less predictable in order to beat his man more often.
Eliezer Mayenda – 7
Fantastic through ball for Isidor’s opening goal. An absolute live-wire throughout, although he should have done better with a couple of first-half chances. Slightly quieter as the game went on, but another strong showing to cement his place in the starting lineup from here on out.
Wilson Isidor – 8
Brilliant movement and finish for the opening goal. Unlucky not to have a second after a marginal offside. Constantly causing issues for the Portsmouth defence with his clever runs. Pompey’s red card was all down to Isidor’s presence. Our player of the match today.
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Regis Le Bris plays it safe with his substitutions
Regis Le Bris opted to change things up earlier than usual, with a switch at half-time seeing Dennis Cirkin take to the field in place of Aji Alese.
Dennis Cirkin – 7
On for Aji Alese at half-time. Far more effective, offering plenty of creative outlet down the left. Spent more time in Portsmouth’s half than his own.
Milan Aleksic – 6
Replaced Adil Aouchiche with ten minutes to go. Didn’t make much of an impact on the game. Did make one good run and created a decent opportunity for Mayenda in injury time.
Nazariy Rusyn – N/A
On for Mayenda with one minute to go. Not fair to judge him based on that outing.