Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos after Birmingham loss - including three 7s and one 4
By Phil Smith
Published 17th Feb 2024, 17:30 BST
Phil Smith’s Sunderland player ratings after the Black Cats’ 2-1 defeat against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
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:
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at St Andrew’s:
9. Romaine Mundle - 7
Had an excellent first half, almost scoring with a good effort and flashing one brilliant cross goal that Burstow should have scored. Looks very exciting, though didn’t impact the second half before his withdrawal. 7 Photo: FRANK REID
Took his goal superbly, his 15th of a quite remarkable campaign so far. Otherwise looked a little hampered by a niggling foot issue that he picked up shortly before the goal. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Should have scored when he met Mundle’s cross inside the box early on. His commitment throughout the first half was top drawer and his pressing was hugely important to Sunderland’s dominance, but the second half passed him by as Birmingham took control. Hobbled off after a heavy challenge midway through. 6 Photo: Frank Reid