Sunderland were back in Premier League action for the first Wear-Tyne derby in almost a decade at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal in the second half was the difference between the two teams, as Sunderland made it ten league games unbeaten in the derby. Here’s how we rated all of the Black Cats involved on the day...
5. LB - Reinildo
An exceptional display. Completely locked down his side of the pitch and gave Elanga and then Murphy absolutely nothing. What a defender. 9 | Frank Reid
6. CM - Granit Xhaka
Ran the game from the base of midfield as Sunderland hoped he would do. A class act who put in some lovely crosses. 8 | Getty Images
7. CM - Noah Sadiki
Had an excellent game in the heart of midfield. Relentless in his running and carried the ball up the pitch when required. 8 | Getty Images
8. CM - Enzo Le Fee
Worked so hard and broke up the play well in the second half in particular. A display where he had to put industry before guile. 7 | Getty Images