'Huge shift': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos after Norwich loss - including five 7s and four 5s
By Phil Smith
Published 2nd Mar 2024, 17:14 BST
Phil Smith’s Sunderland player ratings after the Black Cats’ 1-0 defeat against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Norwich at Carrow Road – but how did each player fare for the Black Cats?
After a goalless first half, Norwich striker Josh Sargent scored the winner nine minutes from time. It means Sunderland have suffered four consecutive defeats and slipped further away from the Championship play-off places.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at Carrow Road:
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at Carrow Road:
9. Callum Styles - 6
Operated in an unfamiliar right wing role and worked very hard, showing some decent touches at times. Almost had a big chance just before his withdrawal but couldn’t get the shot away. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Didn’t really threaten the goal aside from one first-half effort that flew wide. To his credit, worked very hard to give Hjelde extra defensive protection. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
One or two nice touches early on but for the most part endured some familiar frustration as he saw very little of the ball in the final third. Struggled to hold it up but didn’t get a lot of service, either. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
Had a couple of good chances to threaten inside the box but could only head straight at Gunn. Did look a threat when he ran in behind. 5 Photo: Frank Reid