Eliezer Mayenda started up front for Sunderland as Régis Le Bris named his first starting XI as Black Cats head coach.
Le Bris opted against any surprise selections, with the team unchanged from the XI that drew 2-2 with Marseille at Valley Parade last Saturday. Aji Alese partnered Luke O’Nien in the centre of defence, with Alan Browne partnering Dan Neil in midfield.
Leo Hjelde missed out due to injury, meaning that Nectar Triantis was named in the squad despite not featuring in pre-season due to injury. Pierre Ekwah was also on the bench after a recent back injury.
O’Nien opened the scoring in the first half after he headed home following Patrick Roberts’ free-kick and Dennis Cirkin’s assist. Sunderland went into the half-time interval 1-0 up. Jack Clarke then wrapped up the game in the second half to hand Le Bris his first win in the Championship.
Here, we take a look at how Phil Smith rated Sunderland’s players against Cardiff City:
5. Aji Alese
Took a little while to find his feet but stood firm in the second half and made a couple of really important defensive interventions near his own goal. 7 | Ian Horrocks
6. Alan Browne
Overhit one cross from a very promising position at the end of the first half but showed why he looks like such a good signing otherwise. Competed well, picked up good positions at both ends of the pitch throughout. Canny operator. 7 | Ian Horrocks
7. Dan Neil
Caught in possession once or twice through the early stages of the first half but settled nicely and put in a mature performance at the base of midfield. 6 Photo: Photo: Chris Fryatt
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8. Jobe
Took him a little while to get into the game but came on really strong in the second half. His pass for Mayenda’s chance should have led to the assist and did really well to win back possession for the second goal that secured the points. 7 | Getty Images