Sunderland won 1-0 away at Hull City today, with this teenager putting in a ‘huge’ performance.
Sunderland played away from the Stadium of Light for the first time under new boss Michael Beale today.
They travelled to Hull City who’ve enjoyed a strong season so far, and after a closely-contested game, the Black Cats eventually nicked an unexpected winner.
Jack Clarke scored his 10th Championship goal of the season to hand Beale his first win as boss, with Sunderland now moving up into 6th at the expense of Hull who drop down into 7th.
It wasn’t the prettiest performance for the club. But a win is a win and it alleviates any early pressure on Beale following his contested performance.
And he has a few individuals to thank for the win, with one being Jobe Bellingham.
Jobe Bellingham shines in win over Hull City
The 18-year-old has played a lot of football already this season.
He’s now made 22 appearances in the Championship this season, with four goals to his name; he only made 22 league outings for Birmingham City in the entirety of last season.
But despite playing so much football at such a young age, Bellingham put in one of his best performances today.
He was up and down the pitch, covering the ground for Sunderland; as per Sofascore, Bellingham won 7 out of 9 duels, recorded 4 interceptions (more than anyone on the pitch), with 48 touches to his name and 26 out of 32 passes completed.
Bellingham showcased his qualities as an all-round midfielder today.
He got up the pitch and contributed to attacks but also, perhaps more importantly in what was a tough away game, he got back and did the dirty work, breaking up play and helping to keep Hull quiet.
Phil Smith for Sunderland Echo said Bellingham put in a ‘huge shift’ against Hull City.
Who do Sunderland have next?
Up next for Sunderland is a real must-win; a trip to bottom club Rotherham United.
The Millers have also recently appointed a new boss in Leam Richardson, and he oversaw a first win in 11 today after his side beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at home.
For Beale, his controversial and divisive Sunderland appointment adds extra pressure onto him, especially in these early games at the helm.
That defeat vs Coventry City was one of the Black Cats’ worst performances of the season but Sunderland looked better in the game at Hull City today and got a huge confidence-building win.
Friday’s game away at Rotherham kicks off at 7:45pm.