Sunderland managed a 1-0 win at home to Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland were hoping to respond in positive fashion following an away defeat to Plymouth Argyle, which put an end to Regis Le Bris’ side’s four game winning streak in the Championship.
They got off to a brilliant start in doing so as well as, despite the majority of pressuring falling the way of the visitors, Sunderland were able to capitalise on a huge opportunity as Patrick Roberts’ attempt was spilled by Seny Dieng for Middlesbrough, which led to Chris Rigg capitalising with a beautiful finish with a back heel at such a tight angle.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first stanza, with Sunderland controlling the ball, however Le Bris’ side were successful in keeping the centre-of-the-park compact and they continuously looked dangerous when breaking away.
It continued to be cagey, as Middlesbrough looked to continuously build their attacks, but they came to nothing, leaving Sunderland as victors in a 1-0 win.
Here are our player ratings from Sunderland’s home win against Middlesbrough…
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Anthony Patterson
Rarely called into action in the first half. Had to make just the one save against Middlesbrough. 7/10.
Trai Hume
Received an unnecessary yellow card early on for a challenge on Emmanuel Latte Lath, easily could have been a red. Grew into the game and was very solid defensively 7/10.
Luke O’Nien
Had a moment of trouble in the opening five minutes after the ball ricocheted off of him, which was followed by Luke O’Nien slipping and giving Tommy Conway a golden opportunity. Showed commitment in going for every ball and drew in a yellow card for Latte Lath. 8/10.
Chris Mepham
Matched Latte Lath in terms of physicality and pace, looked very assured in his abilities and was very reliable at the back. 7/10.
Dennis Cirkin
Looked composed with the ball at his feet and looked to link up with Mundle on the wing. No troubles defensively and proved yet again to be Sunderland’s best option at left-back. 7/10.
Dan Neil
Was fairly vacant in the first half. Didn’t offer a great deal in terms of creating an attacking threat, but also didn’t put a foot wrong in the centre-of-the-park. 6/10.
Jobe Bellingham
Had a rather quiet opening 45 minutes. Looked to get the ball moving at times and did well to break up the play. 7/10.
- READ MORE: Sunderland duo had ‘opportunity to leave’ in the summer, they must now regain Regis Le Bris trust
Chris Rigg
An incredible finish at such an acute angle with a back heel, such incredible audacity to pull off such a finish at 17-years-old. 9/10.
Patrick Roberts
Made a dangerous darting run in the 18th minute, weaving past several Boro players. Created the opportunity for Rigg’s goal after testing Dieng. Continued causing trouble on the right side in the second half. 8/10.
Romaine Mundle
Most attacks came through him in the first half, and created trouble down the left flank. Tested Dieng after cutting in from the left but was hit straight at the Middlesbrough shot-stopper. Was unlucky to not be awarded a penalty after a reckless challenge from Luke Ayling. His emphatic free-kick attempt was so close after shaking the woodwork. 8/10.
Eliezer Mayenda
Looked very sharp from the off and caused havoc with some weaving runs early on. Was overshadowed by Romaine Mundle and Roberts at times through Sunderland often playing wide. 7/10.