How every Sunderland player fared at Hearts as impressive display results in pre-season win
Sunderland claimed victory at Hearts after a fine pre-season performance – but how did their players fare?
The Wearsiders were comfortable throughout in Edinburgh and could have won by more than the eventual 2-0 scoreline.
Lee Johnson once again used the game to hand opportunities to youngsters, with Anthony Patterson and Tyrese Dyce both starting.
Also in the starting line-up was debutant Callum Doyle, while fellow summer signing Corry Evans was a second half substitute.
The Black Cats were ahead at the break thanks to an Aiden McGeady brace, with his early penalty followed up by a well-taken second just before half-time.
Sunderland were impressive in the first half and while the second half was a more low-key affair, they controlled the game well amid a raft of substitutions.
So how did the individuals involved fare at Tynecastle?
Here, Phil Smith looks at how every player fared in the club’s second public outing of pre-season...
Also in the starting line-up was debutant Callum Doyle, while fellow summer signing Corry Evans was a second half substitute.
9. Aiden McGeady
Sunderland will be encouraged that a lot of their attacking play came through the middle of the pitch and that McGeady still found a way to make his presence felt. A good penalty for his first goal, and a clinical finish for the second. Sharp on his first run out.
Photo: Stu Forster
10. Aiden O'Brien
Deserved to get on the scoresheet, though he will feel he should have scored when he did well to create space when through on goal. Stewart denied him then, but only the crossbar could deny his effort from a corner shortly after. Covered lots of ground, as he always does.
Photo: FRANK REID 2020
11. Ross Stewart
The excellent run in behind to force the penalty is exactly the kind of threat Sunderland hope Stewart will bring this season. Made a lot of those, without quite getting his reward in terms of clear chances on goal.
Photo: Ian Horrocks
12. Jack Diamond
Always a threat but found the ball just never quite dropped for him on this occasion. A good run out.
Photo: FRANK REID 2020