Wigan 1-4 Sunderland – Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

Sunderland move up to fourth in the Championship table thanks to a well earned victory over Wigan.

Sunderland started the game in the front foot, and Abdoullah Ba almost set up Trai Hume, who’s head forced Wigan’s ‘Keeper into making a save in the first few minutes.

Youngster, Ba had an amazing opportunity when he beat a few players and found Amad, who forced a save from the ‘keeper and Ba followed up with an effort that was miraculously saved again by Jamie Jones.

Following that chance, Sunderland scored from their corner, as it was took short to Jack Clarke and his deflected cross found its way to Hume who’s volley set up Simms nicely to head it home from about 2 yards out.

Sunderland started to lose composure for the rest of the half, and James McClean’s volley from outside the box just hit the outside of the post.

Minutes later, Amad had a great chance as he cut inside and smashed the ball against the cross bar.

Just before half-time Wigan equalised after Aasgaard forced a Save from Patterson but it fell straight to Will Keane who couldn’t miss and he got his 9th goal of the season.

It was a scrappy first 15 minutes in the second half, and Tony Mowbray made 3 substitutions and it changed the game.

One of the subs, Patrick Roberts was fouled in the area just a minute after coming on, and Ross Stewart, who also just came on, tucked away the penalty despite Jones getting a hand to it.

Wigan looked deflated for the rest of the match, and Sunderland took full advantage as 5 minutes before the end of the 90, Patrick Roberts, Jay Matete and Amad linked up brilliantly on the right, before Amad’s pass found its way to Roberts who’s shot deflected of Tilt and went passed Jones to make it 1-3.

4 minutes later, Amad decided to go for it from 25-30 yards out and it was a rocket! Jamie Jones had no chance.

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 6

Maybe could have kept hold of Aasgaard’s shot which led to the goal but I might be being harsh, didn’t have much else to do.

Trai Hume – 7

Did well defensively but he also offered a lot going forward, almost scored and got a great assist.

Bailey Wright – 7

Didn’t need to do much but when he was called upon, he did well.

Dan Ballard – 7

Similar to Wright.

Luke O’Nien – 7

Another good game, always got stuck in and did against his man.

Jack Clarke – 6

He was abit quiet going forward but he worked very hard for the team, playing in a wing-back role.

Dan Neil – 7

Had a few midfield partners throughout, a few loose passes but overall he did very well.

Edouard Michut – 6

Not a bad first start, played brilliant in the first 20 minutes, slowed down as the game wore on with some loose passes also.

Abdoullah Ba – 8

Brilliant from the young man. His decision making wasn’t perfect but he constantly closed down and everytime he got the ball, he charged at the Wigan defence and caused them all sorts of problems.

Amad Diallo – 8

Most of the time he had the ball, he played at his own pace and tortured their defenders, he’s a player playing with a huge amount of confidence and it is great to see. Another goal of the season contender also!

Ellis Simms – 6

Despite scoring, he looked tired to me and he was slow on the ball. He didn’t have a bad game but he didn’t look as sharp as he usually does.

SUBS

Ross Stewart – 7

His presence changed the game, and he got his 6th goal in 6 games with his penalty!

Patrick Roberts – 7

Caused so many problems, scored a great goal and won the penalty for Stewart.

Alex Pritchard – N/A

Unfortunately went off injured minutes after coming on.

Jay Matete – 6

Worked hard and did his job.

Leon Dajaku – 6