Fulham 1-1 Sunderland- Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

The Black Cats’ did the 6,000 Sunderland fans proud, as they battled out a draw against, Premier League side, Fulham.

Both sides have to settle for a replay, which will be played at the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks.

Sunderland got off to a magnificent start, as Jack Clarke robbed the ball off Issa Diop and he finished past Marek Rodak smartly after just 5 minutes.

The Black Cars were dealt a huge blow not long after, as star-man, Ross Stewart pulled up with an injury and had to be stretchered off and Sunderland had to play the remainder of the game without a recognised striker once again.

Sunderland didn’t let that effect their play and they carried on creating chances.

The main chance coming just before half-time as Patrick Roberts set up Amad who put it just wide.

Fulham had their own chances and they looked like they had levelled the score but somehow, Dan Ballard blocked Pereira’s shot off the line and it ricocheted off of Patterson and Sunderland got it clear.

In the second half, it was a highly competitive performance from both sides, but neither side could take their chances.

The hosts were able to equalise tho, with a goal coming from Tom Cairney, who showed great composure and skill before placing it past Anthony Patterson.

It is worth a mention that Anthony Patterson had a brilliant game and made some really vital saves as Sunderland held on towards the end.

The Black Cats thought they had won it, in fairytale fashion, as 15-year-old Chris Rigg was set up by Abdoullah Ba and he smashed the ball home, but it was ruled offside as Ba drifted just off when Amad played him in.

The date for the replay is yet to be decided.

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 9

Made so many great saves to keep us in the game.

Trai Hume – 7

A decent defensive performance, he is really proving to be a vital player for us.

Dan Ballard – 7

Like a rock for most of the game, and after Mitrovic’s introduction, he managed to keep him quiet.

Danny Batth – 7

Same as Ballard.

Aji Alese – 7

Did his job very well whilst he was on, subbed at half-time for Huggins.

Dan Neil – 7

Controlled our midfield very well and got stuck in.

Edouard Michut – 7

Some nice touches and very composed on the ball.

Patrick Roberts – 7

Him and Amad caused problems as usual, the only negative is that he needs to work on his final product.

Amad – 8

Looked very comfortable against a Premier League side and he maybe could have/should have had a goal or 2.

Ross Stewart – N/A

Unfortunately he was taken off early with and injury, hopefully it isn’t as serious as it looks.

SUBS

Abdoullah Ba – 7

A great performance for such a young lad, he was comfortable on the ball and he got stuck in, can’t ask for much else.

Niall Huggins – 7

First game for a while and he looked comfortable defensively.

Pierre Ekwah – 6

Only been here for a couple of days, he did some good things but he was sloppy at times, once he has some more time with the lads, I’m sure he’ll become more comfortable.

Jewison Bennette – 6

He was quiet for the most part whilst he was on the pitch, added some much needed energy though.

Chris Rigg – 7

Competed for every ball and looked as though he had scored the winner, he has huge potential this lad.

MoTM – Anthony Patterson