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?
By Phil Smith
Published 17th Jul 2021, 17:24 BST
Updated 17th Jul 2021, 17:37 BST
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.
5. Tyrese Dyce
Really positive in his willingness to get forward and played his part in the second goal by snuffing out a counter with an excellent challenge. Decision making in possession a work in progress and can get caught a bit high up the pitch, but took his chance to make an impression. Very lively. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
Produced the game’s best moment when he spun away from three Hearts players in a tight space on the right flank, before producing a perfectly-judged assist from McGeady. Asked to step in at left back for the second half, which obviously reduced his attacking threat. Carried the ball well throughout. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
Very impressive in central midfield. Sunderland’s attacking line up inevitably created chances for Hearts to counter but Neil moved the ball well and his pressing was very good. Continues to look the part. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
Not as influential as he would have liked in the first half, mainly as he was being asked to play a bit deeper than he is used to. Good in the second half, and unlucky that a number of ambitious through balls just didn’t quite find their target. Photo: FRANK REID 2020