Sunderland’s individual performances were rather sporadic after their 2-2 draw vs Watford.
Sunderland found themselves level pegging in terms of scoreline and quality in the opening stages, with both sides getting their fair share of the ball, but it was Regis Le Bris’ side that dealt the first blow. The Black Cats took advantage of some suspect defending by the Hornets, with Trai Hume being left vacant at the back post, before finding Luke O’Nien with a lofty ball.
The Black Cats maintained their momentum throughout the opening half, but it was Watford who would strike next after Dennis Cirkin brought down the Watford striker in the box with a calamitous tackle, with the resulting set-piece being converted with precision by Tom Dele-Bashiru.
Going into the second half, Sunderland began it half-asleep as Imran Louza was handed acres of space to pick out a brilliant strike that sailed into past Anthony Patterson and into the top corner.
Sunderland were unable to get back on level terms for a long period of the second stanza, but it was Cirkin who managed to bring the scores level late on.
After the draw, here is how we rated each Sunderland player…
Sunderland player ratings in Watford victory
Anthony Patterson
Rarely involved in the first half. Denied Mamadou Doumbia with a fine save, but counted for nothing after Cirkin clattered the attacker to give away a penalty. Couldn’t do too much against Louza’s wonderstrike. 6.
Trai Hume
Brilliant awareness to find O’Nien at the back stick, showing composure to put the perfect amount of weight on the cross. Managed well against key Watford threat Giorgi Chakvetadze. 7.
Chris Mepham
Found himself with a free header after a Sunderland set-piece, but could only guide the opportunity wide. 6.
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Luke O’Nien
Took an easy chance but deserves credit for being in the right place at the right time to turn in Hume’s lofted cross. 7.
Dennis Cirkin
Tidy link-up with Le Fee in what is shaping up to be a brilliant partnership on the left flank. Defensively shaky, notably bringing down Doumbia for a penalty for the away side, which was converted. Made up for it with his late equaliser from a corner. 6.
Salis Abdul Samed
Had very few touches early on and was almost excluded in Sunderland’s progressive play. Was rightly sacrificed on 58 minutes to be brought off for Le Bris to utilise a more attacking formation. 5.
Dan Neil
Stood off Louza to give him an opportunity to strike from range, and should have closed him down. 6.
Chris Rigg
Looked characteristically bright in the centre-of-the-park, fashioning himself several chances. Brought off in the 70th minute. 7.
Patrick Roberts
Very passive in the opening stanza and rarely troubled the Watford defence. Rightfully hooked on the hour mark. 5.
Enzo Le Fee
Very intricate dribbling throughout, and had former Newcastle man Moussa Sissoko beaten on several occasions. Did brilliantly to fashion a chance out of nowhere after dispossessing Watford’s Ryan Andrews. Passing once again pin-point. 7.
Wilson Isidor
Looked quiet and excluded in the opening stages. Came alive in the 13th minute, drawing in a foul in a dangerous area after a 30-yard run, but the first half saw little else from the Frenchman. Notched an assist with a neat touch to find Cirkin. 6.
Ian Poveda
Brought on in the 58th minute in place of Patrick Roberts, but did very little. 5.
Milan Aleksic
Introduced in the second half to give Sunderland an extra attacking edge. Missed an opportunity at the death to put Sunderland in front. 5.
Eliezer Mayenda
Brought on in the 70th minute. Added extra attacking dynamism in his cameo 6.
Dan Ballard
Introduced late on for Chris Mepham. 5.