Sunderland’s victory away at Sheffield Wednesday saw a range of performances, both good and bad in Regis Le Bris’ side.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris surprised many with his team selection, which saw Eliezer Mayenda start for the first time since the victory against Derby County, whilst Alan Browne and Leo Hjelde came in for Chris Rigg and Dennis Cirkin respectively.
Less surprisingly, Chris Mepham returned to the 11 following the injury to Dan Ballard, whilst Enzo Le Fee’s unavailability meant that Romaine Mundle notched his first start since his long-term injury.
Unlike the reverse fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, which saw the Black Cats score three in the first half, it was a slow start to the game for Sunderland, as Le Bris’ side showed very little in the final third. It was Sheffield Wednesday threatening more in the first half, notably getting a golden opportunity to open the scoring through Josh Windass, but it was Mayenda who opened up the scoring in the 33rd minute.
The second half started in drastically poor fashion, with Callum Paterson levelling up the game for the Owls through a header, in a goal that sourced from Mepham’s mistake, and finished off with Anthony Patterson’s inability to command his box. However, Mayenda was once again on hand to fire the Black Cats back in front with a brilliantly-executed header past James Beadle.
After Sunderland’s win against Sheffield Wednesday, here is how we rated each individual…
Anthony Patterson
Shaky with distribution at the start, but grew into the game gradually. Positioning was rather questionable for Paterson’s goal, giving the Sheffield Wednesday man a free goal to head into. 5/10.
Trai Hume
Steady throughout the night defensively, and not many issues. Played a superb ball to set up Mayenda for his second of the game. 7/10.
Luke O’Nien
Had little to do, and looked composed when in possession. A quiet, but solid game to commemorate 300 in red & white. 6/10.
Chris Mepham
Rarely called into action in the first half and had nothing to do, which is a testament to Sunderland’s control of the game from the 15th minute onwards. Lost the ball cheaply in the build-up to Sheffield Wednesday’s equaliser. 5/10.
Leo Hjelde
Was rather lucky to not give away a penalty in the early knockings after handling the ball from a corner, and looked rather shaky on the defensive side. Brilliantly teed up Mayenda for his goal. 6/10.
Dan Neil
Didn’t often threaten in the final third, but looked decent on the ball. Occasionally broke up play well for Sunderland. 7/10.
Alan Browne
Dispossessed occasionally in the centre of the park. grew back into the tie, but like Dan Neil, had a rare impact on Sunderland going forward. 6/10.
Jobe Bellingham
Carried the ball well in midfield, occasionally getting the better of veteran Barry Bannan. Very little in regards to goalmouth action for Jobe Bellingham. 6/10.
Patrick Roberts
Played several key balls and caused danger down the right-flank. Arrived with a positive history against Sheffield Wednesday, and certainly didn’t disappoint. 8/10.
Romaine Mundle
Showed intricate trickery on the ball to draw in fouls. Got quieter as the first half went on. Nearly scored from a fine free-kick shortly before he was substituted off. Overall, a brilliant effort following his return from injury. 7/10.
Eliezer Mayenda
Optimistically tested Beadle from distance early on, merely just stinging the palms of the Owls shot-stopper. Bundled in to take the lead, and whilst being rather fortunate with the finish, showed brilliant positioning to be in the right place. Created chances throughout the night. A superb goal to bag his brace. 9/10.
Substitutions: Wilson Isidor (6), Dennis Cirkin (N/A), Chris Rigg (N/A), Harrison Jones (N/A).