Sunderland have made a strong start to the campaign despite a disappointing result against MiddlesbroughSunderland have made a strong start to the campaign despite a disappointing result against Middlesbrough
Sunderland have made a strong start to the campaign despite a disappointing result against Middlesbrough

Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC season player ratings: One ten and one nine after promising start - gallery

By Phil Smith
Published 13th Nov 2023, 11:57 GMT
Sunderland ended an at times challenging block of fixtures with an impressive 3-1 win over Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

It lifted Tony Mowbray’s side back into the play-off places ahead of the international break, with the Black Cats now sitting sixth in the table.

It remains of course the tightest and most competitive divisions, with only four points separating Sunderland from the bottom half of the table. Generally, though, the table tells of a solid start to the season and particularly given the notable summer departures of Ross Stewart and Amad. The on-pitch identity has continued to develop even if there have been some teething up issues up front and some disappointing results.

So who has shone so far this season and who might Mowbray be looking to for greater involvement over the busy festive period? We take a closer look, player by player. Those unable to feature so far due to injury have not been included

Sunderland have made a strong start to the campaign despite a disappointing result against Middlesbrough

. Dan Ballard turns away in celebration. QPR 1-3 Sunderland AFC EFL Championship. Loftus Road 16th September 2023. Picture by FRANK REID

Sunderland have made a strong start to the campaign despite a disappointing result against Middlesbrough Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Generally Patterson has been less busy across the early stages of this season, with the stats underlining that Sunderland's team structure continues to improve and that the opposition are getting fewer clear chances. Patterson has perhaps gone slightly under the radar as a result but he continues to impress, continuing his remarkable penalty record with a huge save against Jamal Lowe at Swansea. An excellent stop late in the game against Birmingham was a reminder of his quality reflexes, while his distribution continues to improve quickly and significantly. A huge talent. 8

. ANTHONY PATTERSON

Generally Patterson has been less busy across the early stages of this season, with the stats underlining that Sunderland's team structure continues to improve and that the opposition are getting fewer clear chances. Patterson has perhaps gone slightly under the radar as a result but he continues to impress, continuing his remarkable penalty record with a huge save against Jamal Lowe at Swansea. An excellent stop late in the game against Birmingham was a reminder of his quality reflexes, while his distribution continues to improve quickly and significantly. A huge talent. 8 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Sunderland’s early exit from the Carabao Cup has denied Bishop the playing time he would have craved to put some pressure on Patterson. That was a tough night for all involved against Crewe, and Bishop will be hoping the FA Cup gives him a longer chance to impress. Behind the scenes Bishop has made a very positive impression, with Mowbray praising his professionalism and application which he says is right up there with the best. 5

. NATHAN BISHOP

Sunderland’s early exit from the Carabao Cup has denied Bishop the playing time he would have craved to put some pressure on Patterson. That was a tough night for all involved against Crewe, and Bishop will be hoping the FA Cup gives him a longer chance to impress. Behind the scenes Bishop has made a very positive impression, with Mowbray praising his professionalism and application which he says is right up there with the best. 5 Photo: Sean M. Haffey

Photo Sales
Huggins' individual performances have been impressive enough even before you put them into the context. Having had two-injury hit seasons in which he barely kicked a ball, Huggins has been not far off ever present. Not only has he came through those games unscathed, but he has also been able to rediscover the attacking verve which endeared him to supporters in his first appearances for the club. Saturday's win epitomised that, Huggins made two goal line clearances and made countless dangerous forays forward. He's in the conversation for player of the season, which is staggering given where he was earlier this year. 9

. NIALL HUGGINS

Huggins' individual performances have been impressive enough even before you put them into the context. Having had two-injury hit seasons in which he barely kicked a ball, Huggins has been not far off ever present. Not only has he came through those games unscathed, but he has also been able to rediscover the attacking verve which endeared him to supporters in his first appearances for the club. Saturday's win epitomised that, Huggins made two goal line clearances and made countless dangerous forays forward. He's in the conversation for player of the season, which is staggering given where he was earlier this year. 9 Photo: FRANK REID

Photo Sales
Sunderland will be hoping that the precautionary decision to take Cirkin out of the team for the Birmingham game after he felt more discomfort in his hamstring pays off and that he can return soon. The left back has shown this season what an asset he is, with the athleticism to support Jack Clarke in attack and more than enough quality defensively to cope with the opposition who often look to target Sunderland's flanks aerially. The frustration is that he just doesn't seem to be able to get any luck with injuries, limiting him to just five starts this season. Hopefully his luck is due to turn in the months ahead. 5.5

. DENNIS CIRKIN

Sunderland will be hoping that the precautionary decision to take Cirkin out of the team for the Birmingham game after he felt more discomfort in his hamstring pays off and that he can return soon. The left back has shown this season what an asset he is, with the athleticism to support Jack Clarke in attack and more than enough quality defensively to cope with the opposition who often look to target Sunderland's flanks aerially. The frustration is that he just doesn't seem to be able to get any luck with injuries, limiting him to just five starts this season. Hopefully his luck is due to turn in the months ahead. 5.5 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Last season was one of immense promise offset only by some injury frustration. This time around he has been able to feature consistently and maintain that level of performance, marking him out as a player of serious potential. It looks like there are more goals in him, too - he has been a real threat from set pieces so far. One of the first names on the teamsheet now, when available. 8

. DAN BALLARD

Last season was one of immense promise offset only by some injury frustration. This time around he has been able to feature consistently and maintain that level of performance, marking him out as a player of serious potential. It looks like there are more goals in him, too - he has been a real threat from set pieces so far. One of the first names on the teamsheet now, when available. 8 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Mowbray’s decision to start the season with O’Nien ahead of Danny Batth was one of its biggest early talking points but the 28-year-old has justified the call. His athleticism and passing has added another dimension to the side, and they haven’t as of yet lost much defensively. He has established a strong partnership with Dan Ballard, which allows Sunderland to be braver in playing out from the back and also to defend higher up the pitch. Now a real leader in the squad, too. 8

. LUKE O'NIEN

Mowbray’s decision to start the season with O’Nien ahead of Danny Batth was one of its biggest early talking points but the 28-year-old has justified the call. His athleticism and passing has added another dimension to the side, and they haven’t as of yet lost much defensively. He has established a strong partnership with Dan Ballard, which allows Sunderland to be braver in playing out from the back and also to defend higher up the pitch. Now a real leader in the squad, too. 8 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Seelt's early progress at the club was hampered by an ankle problem, and there was little chance of him making his way past Ballard or O'Nien without injury or suspension. Birmingham's visit was a big chance for the youngster and ultimately, he took it. The former PSV youngster was almost caught in possession on some occasions but there was always going to be an adjustment to the pace of the game, and his passing range looked very promising generally. Ballard and O'Nien will reclaim their places but interestingly, Mowbray says Seelt could well get chances in the right back/holding midfield role Trai Hume often plays. It will be interesting to reflect on his progress in another couple of months. 5.5

. JENSON SEELT

Seelt's early progress at the club was hampered by an ankle problem, and there was little chance of him making his way past Ballard or O'Nien without injury or suspension. Birmingham's visit was a big chance for the youngster and ultimately, he took it. The former PSV youngster was almost caught in possession on some occasions but there was always going to be an adjustment to the pace of the game, and his passing range looked very promising generally. Ballard and O'Nien will reclaim their places but interestingly, Mowbray says Seelt could well get chances in the right back/holding midfield role Trai Hume often plays. It will be interesting to reflect on his progress in another couple of months. 5.5 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Triantis was handed an unexpected opportunity on Saturday and given that he had only five minutes notice that he would be starting, his performance in the end was pretty strong. That was a big step forward for the youngster, and it was always going to be a long-term process in terms of him getting ready for regular Championship football. Mowbray has praised his application and attitude behind the scenes, giving him confidence that he's got a big future at the club. 5.5

. NECTAR TRIANTIS

Triantis was handed an unexpected opportunity on Saturday and given that he had only five minutes notice that he would be starting, his performance in the end was pretty strong. That was a big step forward for the youngster, and it was always going to be a long-term process in terms of him getting ready for regular Championship football. Mowbray has praised his application and attitude behind the scenes, giving him confidence that he's got a big future at the club. 5.5 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
It's been a remarkable 2023 for Hume, who has established himself as just about undroppable. Comfortable on the ball, tactically astute and one of the best defenders 1-v-1 you will see at the level. His future looks brighter by the week. 8

. TRAI HUME

It's been a remarkable 2023 for Hume, who has established himself as just about undroppable. Comfortable on the ball, tactically astute and one of the best defenders 1-v-1 you will see at the level. His future looks brighter by the week. 8 Photo: FRANK REID

Photo Sales
His form and consistency would be impressive enough from a senior professional, never mind a 17-year-old in a new environment. Has added goals, showed strength in midfield and a strong level of tactical awareness by thriving in multiple roles. he challenge for Sunderland is to protect him against burnout, and it might well be that we see him rested on occasions through December and the new year. Already a key player, though, and that's an achievement of itself. 8.5

. JOBE BELLINGHAM

His form and consistency would be impressive enough from a senior professional, never mind a 17-year-old in a new environment. Has added goals, showed strength in midfield and a strong level of tactical awareness by thriving in multiple roles. he challenge for Sunderland is to protect him against burnout, and it might well be that we see him rested on occasions through December and the new year. Already a key player, though, and that's an achievement of itself. 8.5 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Generally Patterson has been less busy across the early stages of this season, with the stats underlining that Sunderland's team structure continues to improve and that the opposition are getting fewer clear chances. Patterson has perhaps gone slightly under the radar as a result but he continues to impress, continuing his remarkable penalty record with a huge save against Jamal Lowe at Swansea. An excellent stop late in the game against Birmingham was a reminder of his quality reflexes, while his distribution continues to improve quickly and significantly. A huge talent. 8

1. ANTHONY PATTERSON

Generally Patterson has been less busy across the early stages of this season, with the stats underlining that Sunderland's team structure continues to improve and that the opposition are getting fewer clear chances. Patterson has perhaps gone slightly under the radar as a result but he continues to impress, continuing his remarkable penalty record with a huge save against Jamal Lowe at Swansea. An excellent stop late in the game against Birmingham was a reminder of his quality reflexes, while his distribution continues to improve quickly and significantly. A huge talent. 8 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Sunderland’s early exit from the Carabao Cup has denied Bishop the playing time he would have craved to put some pressure on Patterson. That was a tough night for all involved against Crewe, and Bishop will be hoping the FA Cup gives him a longer chance to impress. Behind the scenes Bishop has made a very positive impression, with Mowbray praising his professionalism and application which he says is right up there with the best. 5

2. NATHAN BISHOP

Sunderland’s early exit from the Carabao Cup has denied Bishop the playing time he would have craved to put some pressure on Patterson. That was a tough night for all involved against Crewe, and Bishop will be hoping the FA Cup gives him a longer chance to impress. Behind the scenes Bishop has made a very positive impression, with Mowbray praising his professionalism and application which he says is right up there with the best. 5 Photo: Sean M. Haffey

Photo Sales
Huggins' individual performances have been impressive enough even before you put them into the context. Having had two-injury hit seasons in which he barely kicked a ball, Huggins has been not far off ever present. Not only has he came through those games unscathed, but he has also been able to rediscover the attacking verve which endeared him to supporters in his first appearances for the club. Saturday's win epitomised that, Huggins made two goal line clearances and made countless dangerous forays forward. He's in the conversation for player of the season, which is staggering given where he was earlier this year. 9

3. NIALL HUGGINS

Huggins' individual performances have been impressive enough even before you put them into the context. Having had two-injury hit seasons in which he barely kicked a ball, Huggins has been not far off ever present. Not only has he came through those games unscathed, but he has also been able to rediscover the attacking verve which endeared him to supporters in his first appearances for the club. Saturday's win epitomised that, Huggins made two goal line clearances and made countless dangerous forays forward. He's in the conversation for player of the season, which is staggering given where he was earlier this year. 9 Photo: FRANK REID

Photo Sales
Sunderland will be hoping that the precautionary decision to take Cirkin out of the team for the Birmingham game after he felt more discomfort in his hamstring pays off and that he can return soon. The left back has shown this season what an asset he is, with the athleticism to support Jack Clarke in attack and more than enough quality defensively to cope with the opposition who often look to target Sunderland's flanks aerially. The frustration is that he just doesn't seem to be able to get any luck with injuries, limiting him to just five starts this season. Hopefully his luck is due to turn in the months ahead. 5.5

4. DENNIS CIRKIN

Sunderland will be hoping that the precautionary decision to take Cirkin out of the team for the Birmingham game after he felt more discomfort in his hamstring pays off and that he can return soon. The left back has shown this season what an asset he is, with the athleticism to support Jack Clarke in attack and more than enough quality defensively to cope with the opposition who often look to target Sunderland's flanks aerially. The frustration is that he just doesn't seem to be able to get any luck with injuries, limiting him to just five starts this season. Hopefully his luck is due to turn in the months ahead. 5.5 Photo: Frank Reid

Photo Sales
Previous
1 / 7
Next Page
Related topics:Phil SmithTony MowbrayBirmingham CityStadium of LightRoss Stewart
News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice