Sunderland 2-2 QPR – Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

Sunderland drop 2 points at home to QPR, after letting a 2 goal lead slip in the final few minutes.

The Black Cats’ started the game really well, getting on top of QPR from the off.

Just 12 minutes in, Sunderland would have been disappointed not to open the scoring after Alex Pritchard brilliantly found Ross Stewart who knocked it down for Ellis Simms, who’s first-time shot went straight at the ‘keeper.

Just after the half hour mark, Sunderland did open the scoring, after Dan Neil’s shot from just outside the box was saved and Ross Stewart followed in and scored.

Just 10 minutes later, Ellis Simms impressed again as he went through and poked the ball beyond the QPR ‘keeper and Sunderland went in at half-time 2-0 up.

The Black Cats’ remained comfortable throughout the majority of the second half, showing no real danger of conceding.

But, as the second half went on, Sunderland were running out of steam and Alex Neil was opting not to make any substitutions.

In the 87th minute, QPR were awarded a free-kick after Tyler Roberts ran a long way with the ball, before being brought down on the edge of the box by Lynden Gooch.

Ilias Chair stepped up and managed to get the ball up and over the wall and into the top corner.

As we entered stoppage time, Anthony Patterson made a brilliant save to deny Sinclair Armstrong.

From that set-peice, Sunderland failed to clear their lines and QPR ‘keeper Seny Dieng looped a header over Patterson following an Ilias Chair cross.

With the game at 2-2 with very little time left, The Black Cats’ went down the other end and Elliot Embleton hot the under-side of the bar!

Sunderland sit in 6th position after 3 games and remain unbeaten.

Player Ratings

Anothony Patterson – 6

Could have maybe been stronger in the area for the equaliser but couldn’t do much else for either goal.

Lynden Gooch – 7

Was running up and down the pitch constantly, just needed to improve his final ball.

Danny Batth – 7

Did really well up until the 87th minute to keep QPR out.

Dan Ballard – N/A

Was subbed off in the first few minutes with an injury following a late challenge.

Dennis Cirkin – 7

Looked comfortable throughout. Didn’t do much wrong.

Corry Evans – 9

Controlled the game for the majority. He seemed to be everywhere on that pitch and he was always so calm and confident with the ball at his feet.

Alex Pritchard – 8

Always looked dangerous, and was making things happen in the final third with his intelligent runs and passes.

Dan Neil – 7

Looked good for the majority but he ran out of steam in the second half, should have been taken off much earlier than he was.

Jack Clarke – 6

Sunderland’s weakest link today, tracked back really well but seemed to lose the ball everytime he got forward.

Ross Stewart – 8

Worked tirelessly, got a well deserved goal and held the ball up brilliantly at times.

Ellis Simms – 8

Fantastic finish for his goal, and really showed his class throughout. Took off too early for me.

Luke O’Nien – 7

Came on early for Dan Ballard and did quite well in centre-back.

Patrick Roberts – 6

When he came on he always looked like he could make something happen, but his final ball was often poor.

Elliot Embleton – 6

Only on for a few minutes, unlucky not to get a last gasp winner.

Bailey Wright – N/A

Came on with Embleton but didn’t really do much.