Sunderland got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Stoke City at the Stadium of Light – but who stood out for Michael Beale’s side?
The Black Cats went ahead on the stroke of half-time when Mason Burstow headed the ball back towards goal and was awarded his first goal as a Sunderland player.
Abdoullah Ba then added a second for the hosts shortly after the interval, before Pierre Ekwah made it 3-0 in the 70th minute. Stoke did manage to pull a goal back when Jenson Seelt diverted the ball into his own net, yet it was too little too late.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
9. Jobe Bellingham - 7
Put in a big shift as one of the two more advanced midfielders, and got a big ovation from the crowd in recognition as he left the pitch towards the end of the second half. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Jack Clarke - 9
Stoke’s ultra-attacking approach was easy on the eye and yielded them a lot of chances that probably should have led to more goals. The flipside was that it left Clarke with the kind of space to dribble that he rarely enjoys these days - and he made full use. The biggest difference between the sides with an exceptional attacking display and a big hand in two goals. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
11. Mason Burstow - 7
Looked as if the last touch was Ben Wilmot’s but as it stands the opening goal is his and that is a reward for being in the right place at the right time. Got into some decent areas and a huge confidence boost moving forward. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
12. Nazariy Rusyn (sub) - 6
Little sight of goal but covered a fair amount of ground. 6 Photo: Frank Reid