Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Who shone and struggled in Lee Johnson's first game?
Sunderland suffered defeat in Lee Johnson’s first game as head coach – but did any players catch the eye?
By Phil Smith
Published 5th Dec 2020, 17:14 BST
Despite seeing the bast majority of the ball, the Black Cats failed to break down a stubborn Wigan backline after the visitors had taken the lead through Kyle Joseph.
But who shone and struggled, and will anyone have caught the eye of Johnson during his first outing at the Stadium of Light?
Scroll down as Phil Smith dishes out his player ratings:
Scroll down as Phil Smith dishes out his player ratings:
5. Denver Hume
Caught in possession too easily in the build-up to Wigan’s opener. Made some dangerous runs forward but came off after half an hour with an injury. An early concern for Lee Johnson. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
Anchored the midfield with typical poise, and one excellent early pass should have yielded an equaliser as McGeady broke into the box. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Delivered a fine cross in the second half that almost yielded an equaliser as Scowen headed towards good. Quiet otherwise, with Sunderland not getting enough bodies in support of Grigg. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
Brought plenty of energy, but lacked conviction when he got into the final third. One decent header almost brought an equaliser in the second half. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019