Michael Beale brought in Jenson Seelt to replace the injured Niall Huggins for the clash with Bradley Dack coming in for Abdoullah Ba after his costly miss against Coventry City. Chris Rigg was not named on the bench but Sunderland were boosted by the returns of Alex Pritchard and summer signing Timothee Pembele to their substitutes.
The Black Cats won the game courtesy of a Jack Clarke drive and shot in the second half, handing Beale his first win as Sunderland manager.
Here, we take a look at Phil Smith’s Sunderland player ratings after the match against Hull City in the Championship:
5. Trai Hume
Delap gave him more problems than most manage but won some important challenges and got through the contest. Dangerous driving forward in the first half. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
6. Pierre Ekwah
Looked back to something very close to his best in what was his best performance for a while. Moved the ball quickly and accurately, and competed very well off the ball. Very welcome return to form. 8 Photo: Alex Pantling
7. Dan Neil
Sunderland’s best player by a distance in a pedestrian first half. Then made a big contribution with his part in Clarke’s goal. Did get away with an error at the start of the second half that Connolly should have converted. 7 Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022
8. Patrick Roberts
Had Sunderland’s best chance of the game when Clarke played him through on goal, but he couldn’t beaty Ingram from a fairly narrow angle. Made some good runs but again found the penalty box vacant too often. 6 Photo: FRANK REID