Sunderland 1-0 Middlesbrough – Match Report

Chris Rigg’s audacious flick wins the Wear-Tess “Derby”, as Sunderland climb back to the top of the table, at least until tonight.

Middlesbrough started the best of the two sides, hitting the crossbar in the first 4 minutes with a Tommy Conway header.

However, Sunderland’s shape proved to make things very difficult for Michael Carrick’s side, and their pressure faded as the half wore on.

After 25 minutes, Mayenda pounced on a mistake and found Romaine Mundle just inside the Boro half, Mundle played in Roberts, who’s cross/shot deflected through towards the Boro ‘keeper, who couldn’t keep hold of the ball.

From a ridiculous angle, Chris Rigg back-heeled the ball into the net from an acute angle, and it proved to be the winning goal.

The second-half, Sunderland held their shape well once again, making Middlesbrough struggle to create and majority chances, and forcing them to take shots from far out, and not cause Patterson any problems.

Sunderland came very close to doubling their lead with a brilliantly struck free kick from the edge of the box from Romaine Mundle, who smashed the post late on.

3 players really stood out for Sunderland today, Chris Rigg who’s goal and all round performance was outstanding, Jobe Bellingham who was like a Rolls Royce in the middle of the park, and Chris Mepham who was absolutely outstanding in his full debut.

Sunderland now sit top of the league, with West Brom’s match currently ongoing.

MoTM

Chris Rigg or Jobe, can’t make up my mind.