Stoke City 0-1 Sunderland – Match Report

Report

Sunderland keep up their impressive start to life back in the Championship with a hard fought victory Over Stoke City at the Bet 365 Stadium.

The Black Cats’ now sit in 5th in the Sky Bet Championship, and it was well deserved!

The Potters’ started the game on top with some early half chances, however they struggled to really create any clear-cut chances.

Stoke did manage to test Patterson early on with a volley from Jacob Brown that was straight at the ‘keeper who tipped it over the bar.

Half-way through the second half, Sunderland had a chance of their own as Ellis Simms ran through from a pass by Gooch, but he could only find the side netting.

Just as it looked as if it would be goalless at half-time, Jack Clarke played Ross Stewart through on goal, who managed to find the bottom corner!

Sunderland Head Coach Alex Neil brought on Corry Evans and Bailey Wright at half-time, which proved to be vital as from then on the Black Cats’ looked comfortable throughout the second half.

Former Newcastle man Dwight Gayle almost got his first goal for Stoke, as he managed to shrug off Danny Batth, but missed the target by a matter of inches.

Ross Stewart could’ve put the game to bed towards the end, as Ellis Simms played a magnificent ball over the top to Stewart who almost got round the ‘keeper, but he tried to find the top corner from a tight angle and missed the target.

It could be a massive 3 points for the Black Cats’ as they continue their impressive form.

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 7/10

Made a few nice saves, and looks a lot more comfortable coming for crosses.

Lynden Gooch – 8/10

Worked tirelessly throughout, never stopped closing down, and looked a threat going forward.

Luke O’Nien – 6/10

His man was getting the better of him at times, but he also battled well considering he is not a natural centre-back.

Danny Batth – 8/10

He was a rock at the back today. Won many headers and was strong in his tackles.

Dennis Cirkin – 9/10

He was my man of the match today. His man rarely got the better of him, and he was getting stuck in throughout. He even looked a threat when he pushed up the field too.

Jay Matete – 5/10

Just wasn’t his day today. Seems to take too long at times to make a pass, coursing him to lose possession.

Elliot Embleton – 6/10

When he was involved he looked dangerous, but for a lot of the game, he was non existent.

Jack Clarke – 6/10

Helped out defensively as usual, looked a threat going forward at times.

Alex Pritchard 6/10

Not as dangerous as he can be, but a few nice touches and through balls by the little man.

Ellis Simms – 7/10

Did really well when it came to holding the ball up, he was slightly wasteful Infront of goal.

Ross Stewart – 8/10

Took his goal really well, and could’ve had another. Worked tirelessly as usual.

Corry Evans – 7/10

Calmed Sunderland’s at down as soon as he was introduced. Good to see him back.

Bailey Wright – 7/10

Made the back-line look a lot more solid when he came on. Battled well.

Trai Hume – N/A

Came on with a few minutes left.