Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings as Cats win promotion with stunning Wembley win over Wycombe
Sunderland beat Wycombe 2-0 in the League One play-off final at Wembley – but how did each player fare for the Black Cats?
By Phil Smith
Published 21st May 2022, 17:09 BST
Updated 22nd May 2022, 08:49 BST
Elliot Embleton opened the scoring for Alex Neil’s side in the 12th minute with a long-range strike which was too powerful for goalkeeper David Stockdale.
During a tense second half, Sunderland goalkeeper Anothey Patterson also made some important interventions - most notably to deny striker Sam Vokes.
Ross Stewart then doubled his side’s lead ten minutes from time after he was set up by Alex Pritchard.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at Wembley:
Ross Stewart then doubled his side’s lead ten minutes from time after he was set up by Alex Pritchard.
5. Dennis Cirkin - 8
Had a slight wobble at the start of the second half when he was booked but either side of that strong against the main Wycombe threat in Gareth McCleary. Has matured so much over the season. 8 Photo: JPI Media
Typically excellent display at the heart of midfield, snuffing out danger in the very rare moments Sunderland looked a touch exposed. 8 Photo: JPI Media
A performance of real tenacity in midfield and used the ball well too, shifting it quickly and into the front four who caused constant problems. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
One or two loose defensive moments but his excellence and intelligence on the ball. Constantly opened Wycombe up. 8 Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022