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:
9. Patrick Roberts
A really big shift from the winger, especially in the second half when he got through a lot of defensive work. Some bright moments and his lovely free kick was key to the opener. Solid start. 7 | Photo: Ian Horrocks
10. Jack Clarke
Strong showing, though you’d expect nothing less. Won the free kick that led to the goal with a run inside and was a threat throughout. Then took his goal with typical composure to secure the points. 8 | Getty Images
11. Eliezer Mayenda
Was always going to be a big ask leading the line in the Championship. Put a shift in but struggled to impact the game, had one big chance before going off that was well saved by Horvath. Should have scored. 5 | Ian Horrocks
12. Nazariy Rusyn
Put himself about late on and played a part in the second goal. 6 | Ian Horrocks