Sunderland 1-1 Luton Town – Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

The Black Cats put in a spirited performance in the second half, as they came back from behind to earn a point against a Luton side in great form.

Sunderland move up to 11th in the league on 53 points from 38 games.

The first half was almost like a pre-season game as neither side really created many opportunities.

Dan Neil was unlucky though, Jack Clarke did brilliantly on the left-hand side and found Dan Neil, who struck the ball from 20-yards-out and hit the outside of the post.

In the second half, both sides came to life and it was a much more enjoyable game to watch.

Luton took the lead moments after Anthony Patterson made an outstanding save from an Alfie Doughty effort.

Danny Batth gave away a free-kick on the right-hand side of the box, it was well worked by Luton and Alfie Doughty’s effort somehow found its way through a crowd of players and past Anthony Patterson.

The Black Cats reacted well and we’re unlucky not to score on a few occasions.

Luke O’Nien had an effort well saved by the ‘keeper and Joe Gelhardt missed a golden opportunity which was brilliantly set up by Clarke.

Sunderland were awarded a penalty with 5 minutes remaining after Amad was brought down in the area.

The referee took his time, but in the end, him and the linesman made the decision to point to the spot.

Amad stepped up and took the penalty in emphatic fashion, as he smashed the ball into the top left corner.

Sunderland did look the most likely to steal all 3 points towards the end, but Luton were able to soak up the pressure.

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 7

Made a couple of great saves and commanded his box well, he was let down by a mistake which led to their goal.

Trai Hume – 7

Got stuck in and defended well throughout, he did get caught out of position a couple times but Roberts did well to cover.

Dan Ballard – 7

Typical Ballard performance, unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as he was a rock at the back.

Danny Batth – 7

Similar to Ballard.

Luke O’Nien – 8

A brilliant performance, he got stuck in and gave his all for the full 90 minutes. He also played some brilliant passes in behind for Jack Clarke.

Dan Neil – 7

A better performance from Neil, calm on the ball and he was unlucky not to score.

Edouard Michut – 7

Gave his all, as usual. He showed some nice touches and he was always looking to move us up the pitch.

Abdoullah Ba – 6

I was surprised he was taken off so early in the second half, because he was one of the only bright sparks in the first half.

Jack Clarke – 6

Went missing fkr large parts of the game, but he did look dangerous when he gkt in behind as we started to chase the game towards the end.

Patrick Roberts – 7

Always looking to get at the defenders and make something happen.

Joe Gelhardt – 6

Missed one really good opportunity, but he gave his all despite looking isolated up front on his own.

SUBS

Amad – 7

Won and took the equalising penalty, added much needed energy to our attack.

Alex Pritchard – 6

Linked up well with Gooch on the left, but most of his balls into the box didn’t beat the first man. However, we did win the penalty after he played a brilliant through ball towards Amad in the area.

Pierre Ekwah – 7

His best cameo so far! Got stuck in, showed great composure on the ball as he was often the player retrieving through ball and moving us back up the pitch.

Lynden Gooch – 7

Came on as a left-wing back and put in some decent balls into the box.

Jewison Bennette – 6

Always looked as though he wanted the ball, he had a few decent attacking runs but struggled to create a real opportunity.

MoTM – Luke O’Nien