Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Who shone and struggled in the friendly against Harrogate Town?
Sunderland made it three wins from three in pre-season as they laboured to victory over Harrogate Town.
By Phil Smith
Published 29th Aug 2020, 16:58 BST
Updated 29th Aug 2020, 17:11 BST
After a drab first half, Will Grigg’s late strike sealed victory for the Black Cats despite a concerning performance against their League Two opponents.
But who caught the eye ahead of next weekend’s return to competitive action, and who has work to do to convince Phil Parkinson they are deserving of a start?
Scroll down to see how Phil Smith rated the players against Harrogate:
Scroll down to see how Phil Smith rated the players against Harrogate:
5. Luke O'Nien
Was by far Sunderland’s best attacking outlet in the opening period, causing problems for the away side with some good combination play down the right. Quiet in the second half and unable to get forward as much. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
Unusually subdued in the early exchanges, though he did go close with one volley at the back post. Was able to get forward more in the second period, and saw a good low cross almost converted by O’Brien. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Tidy enough in midfield but it was his quietest performance of the pre-season programme so far. Nevertheless looks well placed to get a big opportunity to impress in the starting XI when the competitive action begins. 6 Photo: Frank Reid