The Black Cats simply weren’t at the races through the opening hour at Gresty Road and looked to be heading for defeat before two substitutes brought them back from the brink with a pair of simply remarkable strikes...
Our chief football writer Phil Smith has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
9. Aiden McGeady
Almost produced an assist with a clever ball for Wyke shortly before he was taken off the pitch, but unable to get any time on the ball and rarely threatened Crewe after his recent heroics. 4 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
10. Charlie Wyke
Just unable to really impose himself on the game, missing one key chance. Struggled to hold the ball up in contrast to the Crewe front line, who challenged the Black Cats defence throughout. 4 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
11. Aiden O'Brien
Went close with a couple of decent efforts from range but much quieter on the whole than he has been in recent weeks. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
12. Grant Leadbitter
A major concern for Sunderland as he went off in agony with what looked like a serious shoulder injury just moments after his introduction. N/A Photo: FRANK REID 2020