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.
9. Alex Pritchard - 9
Pressed really well and pulled into some excellent areas throughout the first half. Superb work rate and got his reward with the assist for Stewart’s fine second goal. What a moment. 9 Photo: JPI Media
David Stockdale will feel he should have done better but it was a brilliant goal from the boyhood Sunderland fan, spotting the chance to break and then hitting his effort cleanly. Terrific through the first phase of the game and justified his inclusion in fine fashion. 9 Photo: JPI Media
A simply outstanding striking performance given the stakes and the stage. Won headers, never let the opposition settle on the ball and scored a quite exquisite goal. Some striker. 9 Photo: JPI Media
A gutsy, outstanding call from Neil to save him for the latter stages, when he caused a tired Wycombe side all sorts of problems. 8 Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022