Watford 2-2 Sunderland- Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

Sunderland put in a very spirited performance as they pulled off an impressive comeback away to Watford despite playing without a fit striker.

The Black Cats’ move up to fifth in the table as their impressive run of form continues.

Watford dominated most of the game, but Sunderland defended doggedly throughout.

The Hornet’s opened the scoring 10 minutes before the break as Keinan Davis got on the end of a cross, that beat Pattison leaving him with an empty net.

As half-time approached, the Black Cats’ grew into the game and managed to equalise just before the break.

Alex Pritchard put in a teasing ball towards Clarke, who’s effort was saved but Alese managed to squeeze it home from a tight angle.

Hamza Choudhury did his best to keep it out, but thanks to goal-line technology, the goal was rightfully given.

The Hornet’s came out in the first half desperate to take back the lead.

They came very close to doing so in the 54th minute, as Joao Pedro found Asprilla in acres of space on the right-hand side of the box but his effort was easily saved by Patterson.

Just less than 10 minutes later, Watford did retake the lead after a free-kick was floated into the box and caused Sunderland loads of problems defensively.

After the ball was headed back in, Luke O’Nien did everything he could to get his head on the ball, but he could only divert it into his own net.

The Black Cats’ thought they had an equaliser in the 72nd minute, as Amad Diallo played a beautiful ball to Jack Clarke who volleyed it home brilliantly.

However, the goal wasn’t given due to Clarke being in an offside position.

Sunderland never gave up as they piled on the pressure as Watford’s back-line started to tire out.

Leon Dajaku had a real chance to pull Sunderland level with 7 minutes remaining, as he went through 1 on 1 with the ‘keeper, but he pulled his shot wide from a tight angle.

With just 3 minutes remaining of normal time, Patrick Roberts dribbled into the back and chipped in a fantastic ball to young Costa-Rican start Jewison Bennette who volleyed it home for his first goal for the club!

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 6

He was unlucky with their first goal, but he could have commanded his box more for their second.

Lynden Gooch – 6

Defended well at times, but he gave the ball away cheaply too many times.

Like O’Nien – 6

He could’ve scored at the other end after his own goal. Defended relatively well for the most part.

Danny Batth – 6

Struggled at times against Pedro.

Aji Alese – 8

I thought he was brilliant. He took his goal well and was always offering support going forward.

Carry Evans – 5

He didn’t look like the calming presence in midfield that he has in recent weeks. Too many misplaced passes and gave away a needless free-kick that lead to the goal.

Dan Neil – 6

Struggled at times today, giving the ball away too much. But he was always positive in his play as he tried to get us forward.

Jack Clarke – 6

A quiet game for the most part. Despite finishing his disallowed goal well, he shouldn’t have been offside in the first place.

Patrick Roberts – 6

He really came into life in the last 15 minutes, and he did well to set up Bennette’s goal.

Alex Pritchard – 5

Struggled to make an impact as he filled in up top.

Elliot Embleton – 6

Some nice touches and passes at times, but for the most part, a very quiet game.

(Subs)

Amad Diallo – 7

A brilliant ball to set up Clarke’s disallowed goal, really made a difference when he came on.

Leon Dajaku – 6

Gave his all when he came on, should’ve done better with his chance late on.

Jewison Bennette – 7

Looked very lively once again, and took his go brilliantly.

Jay Matete – 7

Looked very bright in the middle of the park.

Abdullah Ba – 7

A promising debut. Battled well and gave his all to get us back into the game.

Man of The Match – Aji Alese