Player ratings
ANTHONY PATERSON – 6
Distribution poor at times but generally defended his goal well from corners and long throws.
TRAI HUME – 7
Not quite at his best on the ball but did get better as game progressed, and deserves credit for the way he subdued Andy Carroll in the aerial battle.
DAN BALLARD – 7
Defended the box well and showed good composure to help his side see it out late on. Very consistent.
DANNY BATTH – 6
Won a lot of his headers and kept the Reading strike force quiet in the main.
AJI ALESE – 6
Did well to get forward in the second half and offer another outlet. Helped change the flow of a frustrating game.
DAN NEIL – 5
Lacked the sharpness with which he has played too late. Sunderland didn’t move it quick enough against a deeplying defence.
EDOUARD MICHUT – 6
One of Sunderland’s better performers. But will rue missing a big chance midway through the second half, when he fired over from relatively close range.
PATRICK ROBERTS – 7
One of many short of their best in the first half but improved after the break and caused Reading a lot of problems.
Took his goal superbly.
AMAD – 5
Is very rarely substituted, so perhaps his recent game time is catching up with him. Never got into the game and had little sight of goal.
JACK CLARKE – 5
Went past his marker with ease once or twice but like Amad, one of those days where it just didn’t come off.
JOE GELHARDT – 5
Went close when he sprung clear but could only slide his effort wide of the far post. Struggled to make an impact otherwise as Sunderland struggled to stretch their opponent. 5