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:
5. Dennis Cirkin
Not as influential as he normally is breaking forward but that reflected the threat of Hull's wingers. This performance was about his 1-v-1 defending and he did that very well, limiting Belloumi to a handful of small chances. 7 | Getty Images
6. Dan Neil
His best performance of the campaign to date. Moved it well in the first half and drove into good areas, with some big switches of play opening up the pitch. Then played a key part in the goal by picking the right moment to press and pinch possession. 8 | Frank Reid
7. Chris Rigg
Some excellent touches in the opening stages of the game and though he faded a little either side of half time, he came on strong in the closing stages. Went close with a half volley and helped get his side up the pitch to protect the win. 6 | Richard Lee/Shutterstock (EFL)
8. Jobe Bellingham
A typically strong performance from Bellingham, who won his duels and ran from box-to-box impressively throughout the game. A big part of another clean sheet. 7 | Getty Images