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...
5. LB - Reinildo
Showed good intent to get to the byline when he had the chance, having one shot from a decent position well saved. Lost the ball in a dangerous area once but showed top desire to get back and make the tackle. 6 | George Wood/Getty Images
6. CM - Alan Browne
Played in the deeper midfield role and showed his class. Kept the ball moving and passed it through the lines tidily. Good showing. 7 | Stu Forster/Getty Images
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7. CM - Chris Rigg
A really excellent finish for the second goal, cutting the ball back across the goalkeeper under heavy pressure. Nearly scored a long-range goal earlier in the half. Very good. 8 | Getty Images
8. CM - Enzo Le Fee
Unplayable. Scored the opener, dinked one over the goalkeeper moments later before the offside flag was raised. Landed passes and scored a second at the end of the half with another first-time finish. 9 | Getty Images