Sunderland comfortably beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at Hillsborough – but how did each player fare for The Black Cats?
Tony Mowbray’s side took an early lead when Dan Ballard headed home Alex Pritchard’s in-swinging corner in the 5th minute, before Jack Clarke added a second two minutes later.
Clarke then scored again from the penalty spot in the 31st minute following a foul on Mason Burstow in the box.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at Hillsborough:
. Swfc Safc Clarke 1.jpg
Jack Clarke playing for Sunderland at Sheffield Wednesday. Photo: Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
. Anthony Patterson - 7
Had next to nothing to do but made a smart stop to deny Paterson when called upon in the early stages of the second half, and one fine block in stoppage time. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
. Trai Hume - 7
An accomplished showing, combining nicely with Roberts down the right and finding Burstow for the penalty that led to Sunderland’s third. Defensively as robust as we’ve come to expect. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
. Dan Ballard - 8
Took his goal very well and it will be a big boost for Sunderland if he can keep contributing. Rarely troubled defensively, and dominant when required. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
. Luke O’Nien - 8
Good in possession and though Wednesday rarely threatened, he was always there to snuff out the danger when they did. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
. Niall Huggins - 7
A couple of nice runs forward throughout the game and defensively offered little encouragement to his opposite number. Has had an excellent week or so, showing he can compete at the level after so long on the sidelines. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
1. Anthony Patterson - 7
Had next to nothing to do but made a smart stop to deny Paterson when called upon in the early stages of the second half, and one fine block in stoppage time. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Trai Hume - 7
An accomplished showing, combining nicely with Roberts down the right and finding Burstow for the penalty that led to Sunderland’s third. Defensively as robust as we’ve come to expect. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Dan Ballard - 8
Took his goal very well and it will be a big boost for Sunderland if he can keep contributing. Rarely troubled defensively, and dominant when required. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Luke O’Nien - 8
Good in possession and though Wednesday rarely threatened, he was always there to snuff out the danger when they did. 8 Photo: Frank Reid