After a goalless first half, Michael Beale’s side fell a goal behind in the 71st minute when Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho put the visitors ahead. The result means Sunderland drop to eighth in the Championship table.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
5. Trai Hume - 7
Sunderland’s most regular threat in the second half as he broke infield from left back. Performed well after being moved across the pitch again due to injury. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
Enjoyed a more advanced role early on, pressing very well and getting on the ball regularly. Quieter in the second half. Carvalho’s effort looked to take a nick off him on its way in. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Asked to play a very defensive role at the base of midfield and did that side of it well enough in the first half. Wasted a couple of attacks with poor shots in the second. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
Sunderland’s biggest threat in the first half, just unable to make the most of a couple of shooting opportunities he created for himself. Quiet in the second half, some excellent set play deliveries and some not so. 5 Photo: Frank Reid