Player ratings

THORBEN HOFFMAN

Had little to do in terms of saving shots but had a decent command of his box and distribution was steady. 6

TOM FLANAGAN

Got away with one or two sloppy clearances but also made some strong interventions late on. 6

DANNY BATTH

A superb display on debut. Kept it simple on the ball, made some good challenges and barely lost a header over 95 minutes. Some impact. 8

CALLUM DOYLE

A strong and mature performance. Brought the ball out when he could and defensively got through his work well. Strong in the air. 7

LYNDEN GOOCH

Not a great deal of opportunity to break forward but played one outstanding first half cross and defended resolutely, not gifting up any openings after being forced back into a right-back slot. 7

DAN NEIL

Didn’t really get into the game early on but stepped up in the second half and helped his side control proceedings. 7

CORRY EVANS

Very tidy as Sunderland began to take control as the game developed. Showed his experience as Sunderland saw it out with relative ease.

ELLIOT EMBLETON

7

Took a little while to get going but forced a good save from Bazunu before getting on the scoresheet with a fine finish. It was his good pressing that helped create the opening, too. Stepped up in Pritchard’s absence. 8

DENNIS CIRKIN

Not at the races in the opening half hour but to his credit stepped up with an excellent, tenacious second-half performance. Really strong defensively in the end. 7

LEON DAJAKU

Produced a performance full of running and his excellent pressing was absolutely crucial to the goal and therefore ultimately the win. The strong ovation he received when brought off close to the end reflected that. 7

ROSS STEWART

A good assist for Embleton’s goal and a tireless shift up front. Little sight of goal but more than played his part. 7

SUBSTITUTES

CARL WINCHESTER

Plenty of running as Sunderland ran the clock down. 6

AIDEN O’BRIEN

Made a nuisance of himself late on and held the ball up. A good cameo in the circumstances. 6