Sunderland finished 1-0 winners against West Brom on Saturday afternoon as the Black Cats defeated their former boss Tony Mowbray.
Sunderland followed up their 1-0 win over Millwall last weekend with a 1-0 win as Regis Le Bris’ side ran out victors at The Hawthorns.
Former Sunderland fan favourite Tony Mowbray was in the opposite dugout to oversee his Baggies side enjoy the lion’s share of possession but fail to earn anything from the game.
Anthony Patterson and Chris Mepham combined to keep the scores level early after some early pressure from the Baggies almost resulted in the opening goal.
That deadlock was broken by Trai Hume’s brilliant free-kick effort on the 35-minute mark as the in-form full-back continue his stellar run of form. Despite West Brom dominating the ball they failed to score and the Black Cats hung on for a 1-0 win on the road.
Sunderland still remain rooted to fourth position in the Championship table. Here are Sunderland AFC News’ player ratings, with Hume receiving the highest score once more as one Black Cats forward’s form continues to disappoint.
Sunderland player ratings vs West Brom
Anthony Patterson – 7/10
Made great early saved to keep the score 0-0 in the opening stages. Flapped at cross from Karlan Grant which almost saw Jayson Molumby score minutes before half-time.
Alan Browne – 6.5/10
Strong early tackles on tricky winger Mikey Johnston. Booked for first card of game for apparent time-wasting on a throw-in.
Chris Mepham – 7.5/10
Better of the two centre-halves with some brilliant blocks and organisation to keep makeshift full-back Alan Browne solid.
Luke O’Nien – 6/10
Gave the ball with loose pass which almost let West Brom in on goal but defended well.
Trai Hume – 9/10
Unbelievable effort from free-kick on 35 minutes to continue his immense run of form. Never looked out of place at left-back as he impacted well in both defense and attack.
Dan Neil – 6.5/10
Typically robust central-midfield display from Neil but 33% tackle win rate ought to have been higher.
Chris Rigg – 6.5/10
Tidy on the ball but struggled to influence the attacking plays for Sunderland.
Jobe Bellingham – 7/10
Great running to connect counter attacks and battling well in the middle of park with solid defensive work.
Patrick Roberts – 6.5/10
Probed well coming inside with great defensive work-rate too but failed to impact as he did last week against Millwall.
Romain Mundle – 6/10
Curled effort from the counter attack just wide of the post. Forced off with injury after only 32 minutes gone which appeared to be another hamstring issue in another huge blow for Le Bris.
Wilson Isidor – 5/10
Hold-up play improved as the game went on. Had a tame effort on goal after Enzo Le Fee’s through ball. Poor decision-making in counter-attack situations as his lull in form continues. Only 19 touches.
Sunderland substitutes player ratings vs Millwall
Eliezer Mayenda – 6.5/10 (for Mundle, 33′)
Drove at Baggies defence 10 seconds after being introduced to earn free-kick for Hume’s goal. Booked for simulation in second-half and loose in possession at times.
Enzo Le Fee – 7 (for Roberts, 70′)
Looked bright in his first cameo in several weeks. Isidor should’ve been more productive with Le Fee’s tidy ball in behind.
Leo Hjelde – 6 (for Browne, 70′)
Solid display as he returned from injury to help see out the win.