Sunderland were back in action on Saturday afternoon as they faced York City at the LNER Community Stadium.
Régis Le Bris fielded a different XI in each half, with an experienced side playing the first 45 before a predominantly academy XI took up the mantle in the second half. Sunderland took a 4-0 lead into the interval thanks to some superb attacking play. Enzo Le Fee bookended the half with two first-time finishes, with Chris Rigg and Timur Tutierov also on the scoresheet. York City moved the ball well at times but Sunderland’s greater technical quality showed as they ruthlessly exploited their opposition in the final third.
Here’s how the XI from the first half fared...
1. GK - Melker Ellborg
Didn’t have much to do but made one good block racing across his line to the back post. Offside flag was eventually raised but it was smart goalkeeping. Tidy on the ball. 6 | Getty Images
2. RB - Trai Hume
Really good on the ball, involved in the first goal and assisting Rigg for the second. Had a good opponent down his flank who caused one or two problems but didn’t lead to anything. 7
3. CB - Nordi Mukiele
Coasted through the half really, tidy on the ball. Made two superb sliding tackles, one which nearly led to a goal for Chris Rigg and one that did for Enzo Le Fee. 8 | Getty Images
4. CB - Luke O'Nien
Made a couple of good defensive interventions in the rare moments York were able to put dangerous balls into the box. Comfortable in possession. 7 | Chris Fryatt