Sunderland 0-1 Norwich City – Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

Sunderland lose their first home game of the season against a Norwich side who are now on a 3 game winning streak.

The Black Cats’ started the game the better of the 2 sides, but despite all of their early pressure, The Canaries’ were able to deal with it.

20 minutes in, Norwich should’ve taken the lead when Josh Sargent somehow missed a sitter from about 3-yards out.

Sunderland finished the first half on the up as Ross Stewart had a great opportunity which saw his shot blocked by Norwich defender, Marcelino Nunez.

Following that chance, Sunderland took the corner and it fell to their captain, Corry Evans, who’s volley was blocked by Grant Hanley.

The Black Cats’ continued to dominate going into the second half, and 10 minutes in Ross Stewart hit the post from close range, and the ball came out to Alex Pritchard who’s shot was blocked on the line.

In the 70th minute, Sunderland hit the woodwork again as Ellis Simms got on the end of a corner, but he could only head it onto the post.

Against the run of play, 76 minutes into the game, American striker Josh Sargent got his 4rh goal of the season from close range following a cross by, youngster Aaron Ramsey.

Sunderland now sit in 6th place and Norwich move up to 2nd, but it could all change depending on the 3pm kick-offs.

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 6

Made a couple of decent saves, distribution lacked slightly.

Lynden Gooch – 7

Gave everything as per usual. Was unlucky not to get at least 1 assists as his crossing looked great in the first half.

Luke O’Nien – 9

Absolutely brilliant. He was great in the air, and he won the ball back many times.

Danny Batth – 7

Battled well, gave his all. Caught out of position a few things though.

Dennis Cirkin – 7

Defended well through out. Not many complaints.

Jack Clarke – 6

Gave his all defensively but he looks far to predictable when he goes forward and never really created anything.

Corry Evans – 7

Another decent performance by the captain, always calm on the ball, and picked out some great passes.

Dan Neil – 7

A very energetic performance and battled well, but looked very tired towards the end.

Alex Pritchard – 7

Great deliveries on set-peices that Sunderland just couldn’t finish off. Also started to tire out as the game went on.

Ross Stewart – 8

Never stopped running, constantly putting pressure on their back line. He was also very unlucky not to score.

Ellis Simms – 7

Unlucky to see his header hit the post. Also gave his all.

Elliot Embleton – 6

Added some more energy to Sunderland but he was brought on too late.

Patrick Roberts – 6

Same as Embleton.

Man of The Match – Luke O’Nien.