Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Low marks after disappointing MK Dons defeat
By Phil Smith
Published 14th Nov 2020, 17:05 BST
Updated 14th Nov 2020, 18:05 BST
Sunderland fell to a second league defeat of the season against MK Dons – but how did their players perform?
After Max Power’s opener, goals from Cameron Jerome and Scott Fraser handed the visitors a victory they arguably deserved after a strong first-half showing.
But did any Sunderland players emerge with credit from the defeat, or is there work to do for them all?
Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks from the clash:
Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks from the clash:
9. Lynden Gooch
Drove forward, particularly in the second half, with an urgency too often lacking from team-mates. One superb tackle on Lewington should have forged the equaliser, only for Grigg to miss from close range. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
A touch of fortune with his goal, deflected past Fisher as he moved in the wrong direction. It was a clean and accurate strike, though. Thereafter he struggled against a vibrant opposition midfield, and his missed clearance led to his foul on Fraser for the penalty. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
Started the game really well, poaching possession and coming within inches of producing an assist with a fine cross. His return to the league side, though, will be defined by two crucial misses, the second from barely a yard. 4 Photo: Frank Reid