'Excellent': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos after Middlesbrough draw - including one 8 and a 4
By Phil Smith
Published 4th Feb 2024, 14:14 BST
Phil Smith’s Sunderland player ratings after the Black Cats’ 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
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:
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Riverside:
9. Jobe Bellingham - 5
Drove into dangerous areas once or twice but didn’t contribute a great deal on a day when Middlesbrough generally had the better of the midfield battle. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
A real threat in the first half and ended the game very strongly, almost hauling Sunderland to an unlikely win. Another goal contribution with a very good assist for Rusyn’s admittedly slightly fortuitous goal. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
Looked to build on his goal last week but found it very difficult to impact the game. Wasn’t able to hold the ball up and had very little sight of goal throughout the game. 4 Photo: Frank Reid