Sunderland were thumped 5-1 by Blackburn at the Stadium of Light – but how did each player fare for the Black Cats?
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 Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
5. Callum Styles - 5
Showed a bit of quality in the first half and was one of the few positives, but Blackburn exploited the left flank in the second half as ruthlessly as they had the right in the first. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Dan Neil - 4
Caught in possession near his own goal for Blackburn’s fourth. Started brightly and played a good pass for Sunderland’s one goal but not at his best, Sunderland were outplayed in midfield. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Pierre Ekwah - 3
Had played really well against Cardiff but couldn’t maintain that level here and looked off the pace for most of it. Blackburn broke off Sunderland’s midfield time and time again, creating almost all of their goals on the break. 3 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Patrick Roberts - 3
Came straight back into the starting XI having not played since early February and in truth that lack of match sharpness showed. Slipped in possession in the build up for Blackburn’s opener and couldn’t impact the game going forward, losing the ball too often. 3 Photo: Frank Reid