Sunderland’s under-21s side were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at Eppleton CW – but how did each player for Graeme Murty’s side?
Timothee Pembele, Aji Alese and Jay Matete all played 45 minutes for the young Black Cats following lengthy injury lay-offs, while Bradley Dack, Eliezer Mayenda and Adil Aouchiche all started the game - after coming off the bench for the senior side against Bristol City on Saturday.
Yet after Nazariy Rusyn's 37th-minute opener, second-half goals from Charles Sagoe Jr and Khayon Edwards gave the visitors all three points in the Premier League 2 contest.
Here’s how each Sunderland player fared:
5. Ellis Taylor - 5
Started at left-back and had a tough task Arsenal winger Anario Cozier-Duberry. Switched to right-back in the second half. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Bradley Dack - 7
Operated in a deep-lying midfield role and saw plenty of the ball in the first half. Assisted Rusyn’s opener but was forced back after the break. Replaced just after the hour mark. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Adil Aouchiche - 6
Forward passes didn’t always come off, yet the Frenchman regularly looked to get on the ball and produced some neat touches in a central midfield. Was also withdrawn at the break. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Nazariy Rusyn - 7
Opened the scoring when he was alert at the back post in the first half. Moved from a central position to the left flank in the second half and was forced to track back defensively. 7 Photo: Frank Reid