Régis Le Bris named an unchanged team as Sunderland returned to Championship action at Hull City on Sunday afternoon.
As expected, neither Dan Ballard nor Eliezer Mayenda were passed fit to take their place in the squad, with Sunderland hopeful that they may be able to face Luton Town on Wednesday night. Chris Rigg stayed in the starting XI with Alan Browne on the bench.
As expected, Aaron Connolly was also named on the bench, and there was a surprise return to the squad for Adil Aouchiche, who has been absent from competitive football in recent weeks. Abdoullah Ba was left out of the matchday squad, with Tommy Watson again preferred. Former Sunderland loanee Mason Burstow was named on the bench for Hull.
Wilson Isidor put Sunderland ahead in the second half after a goalless opening 45. Sunderland broke from a Hull City attack as the referee looked to impede a Tigers player before Neil played in Isidor who had lots of work today but finished cooly to hand Le Bris side the lead.
Sunderland won the game 1-0 to regain their place at the top of the Championship back after 10 games played this season heading into this week’s clash at Luton Town.
Here, we look at how our chief football writer Phil Smith rated each of Sunderland’s players against Hull City on Sunday afternoon in the Championship:
1. Anthony Patterson
Very little to do throughout the game to the credit of Sunderland's defence, but did what he had to do calmly. 6 | Frank Reid
2. Trai Hume
Defended well in his individual duels. Kept Kamara quiet and then did particularly well to limit the dangerous Liam Millar to next to nothing late on. No mean feat with what must have been tired legs. 7 | Frank Reid
3. Luke O'Nien
Pinched the ball well in good areas and broke forward at times to support the attack. Defended well late on. 7 | Frank Reid
4. Chris Mepham
The best player on the pitch. Showed his awareness and positioning to snuff out a number of dangerous Hull City breaks. Marked down slightly as looked to have got away with one handball in a dangerous position right on the stroke of half time. Make no mistake, though, a top display. 9 | Chris Mepham