Sunderland hosted high-flying West Bromwich Albion in the midweek game in the Championship on Tuesday night.
Regis Le Bris made a number of changes to his starting lineup, with key players like Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts returning from suspension and getting straight back in the team.
Both sides were looking to get back to winning ways after draws at the weekend, but the sides were level at the interval, though it was Sunderland who looked the most likely to break the deadlock in the first half.
After the break, Sunderland huffed and puffed and created plenty of chances, but couldn’t find a way to take all three points despite their dominance.
A largely frustrating evening only served to underpin Le Bris’ suggestion that Sunderland need to find a killer instinct and be more clinical in front of goal.
The game ended 0-0, with Sunderland now registering five consecutive draws in the league and losing headway at the top of the table.
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Sunderland player ratings from the draw vs West Brom
Here’s how we rated all the Sunderland players from tonight’s game, with a score from 1-10…
Anthony Patterson – 6
Made a poor pass out from the back in the first half that led to some danger. The Sunderland goalkeeper was barely tested throughout the whole game otherwise.
Luke O’Nien – 7
Made some really exciting runs down the right to support in attack and put some dangerous balls into the box. Taken off part way through the second half.
Chris Mepham – 8
Good cover coming across to stop a West Brom counter attack early on. Had a really solid first half, and a much quieter second 45 for the Sunderland defender. Did not put a foot wrong.
Dan Ballard – 8
Big headed clearance set Isidor free in the first half. Some good cover play when West Brom threatened at times, and like his defensive partner, did everything right throughout. Made a huge goal line clearance near the end of the game.
Trai Hume – 6
Worked well in advanced areas to press and win back the ball. Struggled to deal with Fellows on the West Brom wing a couple of times, though.
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Chris Rigg – 7
Some good footwork around the box. Really grew into the game second half and began to dictate play. Had a couple of chances on goal, too.
Dan Neil – 7
A calm and composed display from the skipper, whose solid work allowed Rigg and Bellingham to roam forward.
Patrick Roberts – 5
Ball delivery not quite good enough from the wide areas, and cutting inside to shoot led to nothing for Roberts. Will be disappointed not to impact the game more on his return to the lineup.
Jobe Bellingham – 7
Looked hungry to make things happen after his recent absence. Like Rigg, Bellingham was constantly needling away at the West Brom defence around the box, but couldn’t find the right final ball.
Tommy Watson – 6
Tricky play early on. The youngster was the one who looked most likely to create something in the first half, and showed some really nice work from a short corner routine. Just needed to make better decisions with the ball.
Wilson Isidor – 7
Had a couple of good half chances in the first ten minutes but snatched at them. The striker even had the ball in the back of the net but was narrowly offside. Good work rate, but just missing that cutting edge.
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Substitutes for Sunderland fail to make an impact
Aji Alese – 6
On for Luke O’Nien with just over 20 minutes to go. West Brom didn’t look like attacking at that stage so had very little to do.
Eliezer Mayenda – 6
Replaced Tommy Watson midway through the second half. Wasn’t really able to get a hold of the game and make an impact.