Sunderland survived a tense second half at Pride Park to edge past Derby County.
Eliezer Mayenda’s first-half goal proved the difference between the two sides as the visitors missed a glut of second-half chances. Sunderland should have doubled their lead, however, when a Wilson Isidor strike was incorrectly ruled out for offside.
Here’s how we rated the Sunderland players...
5. Dennis Cirkin
First half was the best he has played for a while. Missed one big chance from close range but defended well and got into very good areas on a regular basis. 7 Photo: Stu Forster
6. Dan Neil
Another terrific display. Won so many duels and drove into dangerous areas on a regular basis. 8 | Getty Images
7. Jobe Bellingham
Played a big part in the first goal and then hit a wonderful ball over the top for Isidor’s strike that was incorrectly ruled out for offside. Tired a little in the second half but another big showing. 7 | Getty Images Photo: Molly Darlington/Getty Images
8. Chris Rigg
Turned a loose pass into an opportunity when he recovered to win the ball back and set Jobe away for the first goal. Didn’t look entirely comfortable on the right wing and struggled to impact the second half, but did show some good touches. 6 | Frank Reid