Sunderland U21s were back in Premier League 2 action at Eppleton as they faced Manchester City, looking to build on recent momentum in cup competition and turn performances into league points. The Black Cats came into the game sitting 24th in the table, level on points with Newcastle beneath them and with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest only just ahead, while City arrived 19th after a mixed start to their campaign.
Graeme Murty’s side had shown promising signs in recent weeks, beating Bromley 4-0 in the Premier League Cup and producing standout displays on home soil with wins over Sporting CP and Athletic Bilbao in the International Cup. There was also a league win against high-flying Ipswich Town, plus a 1-1 away draw at Halifax Town, a result that kept qualification hopes alive in the National League Cup and added to a run of confident attacking performances.
Graeme Murty named double-promotion winner Dennis Cirkin at left-back for the meeting with Manchester City, while fellow first-teamer Leo Hjelde missed out. Jake Waters once again led the line, supported by Timur Tutierov and Rhys Walsh out wide. Brothers Harrison Jones and Jaydon Jones both started in midfield alongside captain Ben Middlemas, with Jenson Jones at right back next to centre backs Finlay Holcroft and Ben Kindon, and Cirkin completing the defence. Ben Metcalf was handed the start in goal.
After a goalless first half, Manchester City struck shortly after the restart to break the deadlock. Murty reacted with a double change, bringing on Ethan Moore and Jack Whittaker for Waters and Walsh. The switch had an immediate impact. Moore burst down the right-hand side before his driven cross was deflected into the path of Harrison Jones, who swept home to level the game. It was City’s day, however, with the visitors scoring to again to make it 2-1 on the day.
Here is how we rated each player after the meeting with Manchester City:
1. Ben Metcalf
Ben Metcalf produced a smart save after the 26th minute to keep the score level, and again not long afterwards. Looked to improve with his feet today, kept it nice and simple. Couldn't do anything with Manchester City's opener after the break. Perhaps could have done a touch better with their second, but it looked like it took a nick on the way through. 6 Photo: Sunderland AFC
2. Dennis Cirkin
Dennis Cirkin started at left-back and was sold in the first half, playing behind Timur Tutierov. The full-back's crossing looked a threat at times. Beat several Manchester City players after the break to burst forward from defence. The cross for the visitors' opener, however, did come down his side. 6 | Getty Images
3. Ben Kindon
Ben Kindon started at centre-back. Even when put under pressure in the first half, it didn't show, with the defender remaining composed. Impressive throughout despite Sunderland conceding two goals. 7 | Ben Kindon
4. Finlay Holcroft
Finlay Holcroft partnered Ben Kindon in the centre of defence, with the pair keeping a clean sheet in the opening 45 minutes. Won a lot of duels in the second half during a hard-fought physical contest. Decent showing. 6 Photo: Ben Cuthbertson