Player ratings

THORBEN HOFFMANN

Didn’t have a save to make in the first half. Made two superb stops at the start of the second, but arguably could have done better with the cotner that led to Plymouth’s goal. 6

BAILEY WRIGHT

Had an excellent first half, defending well and stepping out impressively with the ball. Found it tougher in the second, but dug in. 7

TOM FLANAGAN

Not always totally convincing on the ball, but there was good passes forward and defensively was strong in the second half. 7

CALLUM DOYLE

Very strong defensively. A little erratic in the second half, but came through. 6

LEON DAJAKU

Given it was against strong opposition, perhaps his best Sunderland performance yet. A constant menace in the first half and still a threat through the second. 7

CARL WINCHESTER

Another performance of quality and tenacity. Swept up superbly through the first half and again dug in really well when shifted to right back in the second half. Showing so much character. 8

DAN NEIL

Took his goal superbly. Another composed performance in midfield. 7

LYNDEN GOOCH

Quieter than on Tuesday night, but that was primarily because Sunderland were finding so much joy down the other flank. Still had one or two excellent attacking moments and defended stoutly. 6

ALEX PRITCHARD

Simply superb in the first half, constantly carving open the Plymouth defence with early and precise through balls. Clever corner forced the opener, too. Could not get into the game in the second half, as the visitors stepped it up. 7 NATHAN BROADHEAD

It might have been from close range, but his audacious backheel was one of the goals of the season so far. Could have had more, relentless in his direct play. Such an asset. 8

ROSS STEWART

Linked the play up very well in the first half and scrapped through the second, though he was not always able to find the pass. 6

Substitutes

ELLIOT EMBLETON

Did well without quite being able to find the killer ball. 6

AIDEN O’BRIEN

Should have killed the game off when he pressed the keeper and forced an error, but the energy he brought did make a difference. 6