'Superb': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos after Cardiff City win - including one 9 and three 8s
Sunderland claimed a 1-0 win over Cardiff at the Cardiff City Stadium – but who stood out for T9ony Mowbray’s side?
By Phil Smith
Published 10th Apr 2023, 17:12 BST
Defender Dennis Cirkin scored the only goal of the game after converting the rebound from Alex Pritchard’s low free-kick, which was tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Ryan Allsop.
After dominating possession for most of the match, Sunderland then came under pressure in the second half but managed to see out the win.
Took him a little while to get up to the pace of the game but he was excellent in the second half, with one outstanding late clearance. Great awareness to react and turn Pritchard’s free kick home - the matchwinner in the end. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
Excellent at the base of midfield in his use of the ball and his ability to protect his defence, though fair to say his shooting wasn’t quite at its most accurate. 7 Photo: Martin Swinney
Had a good first half, using his body well and finding Amad with one excellent pass. Quieter in the second as Cardiff stepped it up in midfield, but another step forward. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
Worth the journey alone to watch him work his magic. Just superb, with a striker to find in the box he could have had a hatful of assists. 9 Photo: Frank Reid