Regis Le Bris named an unchanged Sunderland XI for their third game in six days against Leeds United.
Le Bris resisted the urge to rotate amid a demanding schedule and picked the same team that beat Derby County on Tuesday night. There was one significant change on the bench, however, with Ian Poveda’s injury bringing Aaron Connolly into the fold for the first time.
The Irish international was on the bench, though Le Bris made clear yesterday that he was highly unlikely to get any minutes until after the international break.
Chris Rigg gave Sunderland the lead before Leeds United hit back with two goals of their own to take control of the game but a late mix up at the back ensured the Black Cats’ unbeaten home record this season was maintained.
Here, we take a look Phil Smith’s player ratings as Sunderland took on Leeds United at the Stadium of Light:
9. Romaine Mundle
Puts in a serious shift and was again persistent in breaking up and down the flank. Just didn’t quite come off for him in an attacking sense today. 6 | Frank Reid
10. Patrick Roberts
Quite a hard game to assess. At the heart of Sunderland’s best moves (including the goal) and was a joy to watch at times with his dribbling. Did lose the ball a fair amount, too, especially in a first half spell where Sunderland struggled. 7 | Frank Reid
11. Wilson Isidor
Put in a big shift for his team but was isolated at times and didn’t find it easy to get into the game. Few chances, with one header over the bar midway through the second half his closest effort. 5 | Frank Reid
12. Tommy Watson
Lively without much of a chance to get on the ball in dangerous areas. 6 | Chris Fryatt