Sunderland had a few standout performers during their 2-0 win over Oxford United on Saturday afternoon, as the Black Cats cruised to victory.
Five points now separate Sunderland at the top of the Championship table and Burnley in 2nd, after the Clarets drew with QPR on Saturday afternoon.
Regis Le Bris’ side complete the nine-point week with a near-perfect performance against Oxford United, with two superb goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor.
The Stadium of Light faithful loved every minute of the game and Le Bris will have too, as his side continue to go from strength to strength in the Championship this season.
Dan Neil shone for Sunderland, claiming the assist for Isidor’s goal; Neil now has an assist in each of his last three games.
Meanwhile, Sunderland never looked troubled at the back, with Simon Moore stepping in for the injured Anthony Patterson and doing whatever was needed.
Another strong performance came from Patrick Roberts on his return to the XI.
- READ MORE: Five things I loved about Sunderland’s performance vs Oxford United, including Dan Neil’s display
Patrick Roberts shines for Sunderland against Oxford United
For Sunderland’s 2-1 win at Luton Town in midweek, Le Bris dropped Roberts to the bench, pushing Chris Rigg out wide and playing Alan Browne in the middle.
The change worked. Speaking ahead of Oxford United though, Le Bris said he didn’t know if Roberts would return to the Sunderland XI.
But Le Bris put Roberts back in, and during the first 45 minutes in particular, Roberts shone.
He was the livewire for the Black Cats early on with his mazy runs giving Oxford all kinds of problems.
Speaking on BBC Sport Tyne & Wear about the 27-year-old at half-time, pundit and former Sunderland man Gary Bennett said Roberts caused ‘havoc and panic for the Oxford defence’.
Bennett added: “When he’s in that form, it’s a pleasure to watch him.
“He’s great the way he links up. I think I would like to see him pull the trigger a lot more because he gets past one, two, three, and he wants to do again. Pull that trigger!”
Patrick Roberts stats against Oxford United
Roberts had two shots against Oxford United, with one hitting the target as he ended the game with an xG of 0.23 (third-highest of anyone).
He also completed more dribbles than anyone on the pitch (four out of five completed), boasting 74 touches of the ball and completing 44 passes (sixth-most on both counts among the Sunderland players).
Roberts also recorded two key passes (second-most behind Trai Hume on three), attempting and winning more ground duels than any Sunderland player on the day (seven out of 10 complete).
But like Bennett says, Roberts now needs to add some more goals to his game, with just one in 12 Championship appearances this season.