Sunderland drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium – but how did each player fare for Michael Beale’s side?
After a goalless first half, the hosts took the lead in the 61st minute after a short free-kick was eventually finished by Marcus Forss from inside the penalty area. Sunderland drew level with seven minutes remaining, though, when Nazariy Rusyn’s low effort from distance beat goalkeeper Tom Glover.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Riverside:
5. Leo Hjelde - 6
A solid enough debut. A few errors in possession but generally defended OK and looked to offer an attacking outlet. Should improve as he gets used to his team mates - decent start. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
6. Dan Neil - 5
Didn’t have his usual impact on the contest but ended it strongly, feeding some excellent balls into Clarke that almost yielded a winner. Felt he was fouled in the run up to the free kick from which Boro eventually scored - and may well have had a point. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Pierre Ekwah - 5
Went close with an early free kick and had some very promising moments throughout the first half, including one excellent bit of play to spring Ba clear. Quiet in the second half as Boro took almost complete control for the most part. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Abdoullah Ba - 5
Was a real outlet in the first half. His miss from a couple of yards late in the first half, driving an effort into the defender on the line with the goal otherwise open, was undoubtedly a huge turning point in the game. In his defence, he’s one of the few who keeps getting into those positions. No impact on the second half. 5 Photo: Frank Reid