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:
9. Alex Pritchard - 7
Typically composed showing on a night where Sunderland didn’t really need to get out of second gear. An important part of his side’s persistent threat on the break. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Jack Clarke - 9
All but finished the game inside ten minutes with a brilliant solo goal driving in from the left. Then took another penalty very well to go two clear at the top of the Championship scoring charts. Superb start to the campaign. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
11. Mason Burstow - 9
No goal but a huge step forward for the Chelsea loanee, who looked a real class act throughout. Sprung Clarke clear for the second goal with a brilliant switch of play, and won the penalty for the third was a lovely turn. A threat throughout and linked the play well, too. Probably the player of the match. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
12. Abdoullah Ba (sub) - 6
A couple of dangerous runs past his marker but little sight of goal. 6 Photo: Frank Reid