Sunderland saw out their fifth victory in six Championship games on Saturday as they overcame Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
In an anticipated affair, Chris Rigg’s sensational backheel goal was just enough for the Black Cats to overcome their local rivals in a close match.
Many players performed exceptionally, as Boro rarely had a good chance on goal despite all their possession.
As a result, the Black Cats have once again strengthened their promotion push to the Premier League with another three points.
While many in the squad earned praise from pundits and fans alike, Jobe Bellingham was the pick of the team for one Sky Sports commentator thanks to his performance.
Jobe Bellingham produces another strong game against Middlesbrough
Rigg will quite rightly get many of the headlines for his performance against Middlesbrough, however, one player that perhaps went under the radar was Bellingham.
The midfielder was at the heart of everything that Sunderland did during the match.
According to WhoScored, the midfielder had an 89% pass completion record, won two tackles at a 100% success rate and also made four interceptions, the most in the game.
As a result, Bellingham earned the praise of Sky Sports pundit Jon Goodman when he said: “He’s had another strong game in the heart of that midfield, Jobe Bellingham.”
Jobe Bellingham has really kicked on for Sunderland this season
Despite a decent first season at the Stadium of Light, Bellingham struggled to maintain a consistent run of form.
However, since Regis Le Bris’ appointment, he has become a shining light in the Sunderland squad.
Bellingham now rarely puts a foot wrong and helps the Black Cats tick, especially when their backs are up against the wall.
If Sunderland are going to maintain a promotion push throughout the campaign, Bellingham must ensure that these standards do not slip.