Sunderland finished 16th in the Championship table – with the division proving to be extremely competitive this season.
Leicester and Ipswich were both promoted automatically with 97 and 96 points respectively, while Leeds had to settle for a place in the play-offs with 90 points. There were also some impressive performances against the Black Cats over the course of the campaign - so we’ve picked a starting XI of players who caught the eye in one-off games against Sunderland.
Here’s who made the cut:
1. GK: Max O’Leary (Bristol City)
The 27-year-old kept two clean sheets against Sunderland and produced a man of the match performance during April’s goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
2. RB: Harry Clarke (Ipswich)
Clarke wasn’t available for Ipswich’s game against Sunderland on the opening day of the season but impressed against the Black Cats at Portman Road. The 23-year-old defended excellently against Jack Clarke and provided an attacking outlet for his side. Photo: Justin Setterfield
3. CB: Bobby Thomas (Coventry)
Coventry kept two clean sheets against Sunderland, in a goalless draw at the CBS Arena and 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Thomas, 23, impressed in a back three and a back four, looking comfortable bringing the ball out of defence. Photo: Mike Hewitt
4. CB: Jacob Greaves (Hull)
The left-footed centre-back was named Hull’s player of the year. Greaves, 23, played twice against Sunderland and impressed despite a 1-0 defeat for the Tigers on Boxing Day. He also helped Hull keep a clean sheet at the Stadium of Light during a 1-0 away win in January. Photo: George Wood