Sunderland hosted Stoke City on a wet and windy afternoon at the Stadium of Light, in a game that both sides desperately needed to win to get back on track.
It didn’t take long for the action get going on Saturday lunchtime, with Stoke City taking an early lead through Lewis Koumas.
However, Sunderland reacted immediately with Tommy Watson netting his first senior goal for the club, and from there, Regis Le Bris’ side dominated play through the first half.
All intensity appeared to get sucked out of the game after the interval, though, with both sides largely fighting for the ball in the middle of the park and feeding on half-chances.
Heading into the final ten minutes, Sunderland came alive once more, and after seeing one goal ruled out for offside, they pushed on and Watson bagged his second goal to seal the three points.
Sunderland had failed to win a game from a losing position before the Stoke clash, but they finally put that worrying record straight and ended their concerning run of form with an important win over the Potters.
Sunderland player ratings from 2-1 win vs Stoke
Anthony Patterson – 7
Made a couple of big saves — one still led to a goal for Stoke, but the other prevented a near-certain goal. Little else to do, but some good long passes.
Trai Hume – 7
Offered plenty going forward, linking up well with the likes of Rigg and Roberts. Pulled out an incredible diving header to prevent a Stoke goal at the other end, too.
Dan Ballard – 5
Sunderland were not as resolute at the back against Stoke, with Chris Mepham’s absence really felt. Both centre-halves needed to get tighter to their man, with Ballard in particular giving Cannon too much freedom.
Luke O’Nien – 7
As above, struggled to keep control of the Stoke attackers in the box. But, O’Nien did step out of defence with the ball effectively a number of times. Played a wonderful ball down the flank to release Watson early in the second half.
Aji Alese – 4
Severely misjudged the long ball over the top leading to Stoke’s opener. Struggled to deal with Lewis Koumas out on the wing. Got forward to support Watson down the left but Alese’s final ball needs work.
Dan Neil – 7
A rather solid if unremarkable display from the Sunderland skipper in the middle of the park. Some neat footwork and big tackles in the second half to open up the pitch for his team.
Chris Rigg – 7
The youngster was instrumental in helping the Black Cats break the lines and progress with the ball, regularly driving forward and linking up with Patrick Roberts. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Replaced with ten to go after a tireless performance.
Jobe Bellingham – 5
Influential around the edge of the box, constantly trying to make things happen, but just needs to be a little bit quicker getting the ball out of his feet and making those killer decisions in dangerous areas. Guilty of some sloppy passes in the second half.
Patrick Roberts – 7
Some neat interplay early on and unlucky not to score after cutting inside. Clearly, Roberts was eager to make amends for his poor showing against Sheffield United, and the winger was a constant thorn in the side of the Stoke defence.
Tommy Watson – 9
A really well-taken first goal for the Sunderland youngster after an adventurous run with the ball. Watson caused all kinds of problems down the left; always looking to beat his man, whip in a cross, or take a shot. Clinched the winning goal, and will be crowned a local hero now.
Wilson Isidor – 5
Barely involved in the early exchanges. Great effort from a free-kick on the edge of the box, though. Grew into the game, but missed a number of good chances. Every time a ball gets whipped into the area, Wilson Isidor is in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris puts recent Sunderland goal drought down to one thing, it’s not a ‘lack of confidence’
Substitutions made as Dennis Cirkin returns
Dennis Cirkin – 6
His first involvement was to play a nice through ball for Tommy Watson, leading to the ball hitting the back of the net before it was ruled out for offside.
Eliezer Mayenda – 7
Also involved straight away, heading the ball down before Isidor’s touch from an offside position forced the goal to be chalked off. Showed good energy in the press and clearly wanted to make a difference.
Leo Hjelde – N/A
Brought on in injury time, no chance to impact the game.