Sunderland 1 Blackburn 5: Highlights after Sammie Szmodics goals in big win for visitors
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Sunderland were thumped 5-1 by Blackburn at the Stadium of Light in the Championship.
Mike Dodds’ side fell two goals down in the first half after a brace from Sammie Szmodics. The visitors then quickly put the game beyond doubt as Ryan Hedges and Tyhys Dolen got on the scoresheet within nine minutes of the restart.
Chris Rigg did pull a goal back for the hosts, before Blackburn substitute Andrew Moran made it 5-1 nine minutes from time. Here’s how the game played out:
Sunderland vs Blackburn
What to make of those sides
So it's two changes for Sunderland following Friday's match at Cardiff.
Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle return to the starting XI as Chris Rigg and Abdoullah Ba drop to the bench Jack Clarke is also back on the bench as Aji Alese drops out of the squad.
Blackburn have made one change following their 1-0 defeat against Ipswich on Friday, with Sam Gallagher replacing Ben Chrisene.
2' How Sunderland have started
As expected, Sunderland have started with Bellingham up front, with Aouchiche just behind him.
Roberts is on the right and Ba is on the left.
3' Aouchiche header saved
Sunderland register the first effort on target after Styles' cross from the left is headed towards goal by Aouchiche.
The effort was straight at Pears in the Blackburn goal.
6' More good play from Sunderland
Another shot on target for the hosts.
Aouchiche fed the ball to Mundle on the left, who then cut the ball back for Ekwah on the edge of Blackburn's box.
The midfielder's effort was straight at Pears.
10' Sunderland mounting pressure
It's been a decent start for the hosts, who are starting to rack up their corner count.
Neil clipped the ball into the Blackburn box after a short free-kick, with Ballard meeting the cross to head the ball back across goal. Blackburn were able to turn the ball behind to concede a corner.
16' Important block by O'Nien
Blackburn are just starting to pose an attacking threat.
Hedges broke forward down the right there before cutting the ball back to Rankin-Costello inside the Sunderland box.
O'Nien was alert to block the effort.
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