'Brilliant': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos as one Cats man earns 9 in Birmingham win
Sunderland hung on to claim a 2-1 win at Birmingham – but how did each player fare at St Andrew’s?
The Black Cats took a first-half lead when Amad set up Ellis Simms to score in the 25th minute.
Birmingham saw more of the ball but fell further behind when Amad scored an excellent second for the Black Cats, converting in front of the travelling fans.
Substitute Lukas Jutkiewicz then pulled a goal back for Birmingham 12 minutes from time but Sunderland were able to hold on.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from St Andrew’s:
Substitute Lukas Jutkiewicz then pulled a goal back for Birmingham 12 minutes from time but Sunderland were able to hold on.
9. Alex Pritchard - 7
Knitted the play together well in what was a scrappy contest for the most part and his work-rate was excellent. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Amad - 9
Two moments of individual quality right up there with anything you’ll see at the level. Took five players out of the game to assist Simms for the opener, before scoring a brilliant individual effort in the second half. Did plenty of hard work, too, before going off with what appeared to be an eye injury. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
11. Ellis Simms - 7
Still working his way up to full match fitness but took his goal really well. Was out on his feet by the time Mowbray was forced to replace him late on. 7 Photo: Martin Swinney
12. Patrick Roberts (sub) - 6
Carried the ball up the pitch well and was an outlet when his side needed him. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney