Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Birmingham at St Andrew’s – but how did each player fare for Michael Beale’s side?
The Black Cats took a first-half lead when Jack Clarke latched onto a loose pass and scored his 15th goal of the season. Birmingham drew level in the second half, though, when Jordan James eventually converted from close range, before Koji Miyoshi scored the winner 10 minutes from time.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at St Andrew’s:
5. Leo Hjelde - 5
Drove into some dangerous areas at times during the first half but Sunderland looked fairly exposed in the wide areas throughout the second. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Dan Neil - 5
Dealt with Birmingham’s initial press very well and found some spaces for his team mates. Physically very good through the first half but Birmingham dominated the second. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Pierre Ekwah - 5
One of many who was impressive in the first half but wasn’t really able to influence the second as Birmingham started to find the spaces and dominate possession. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Jobe Bellingham - 7
Had an excellent first half, dominating physically and driving into some really good areas. Less effective in the second half but one of the better performers on the afternoon throughout. 7 Photo: Frank Reid