The average player rating for every Sunderland player since Alex Neil took charge and what it tells us
Alex Neil reached his tenth game in charge of Sunderland on Saturday, marking it with a crucial 2-1 win over Oxford United that served as a major boost for their top-six ambitions.
By Phil Smith
Published 13th Apr 2022, 11:57 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2022, 12:15 BST
Neil has now taken 19 points from his ten games, marking his progress from taking over a side who had lost three games on the bounce and looked to be heading out of the promotion reckoning.
Key to his progress has been a significantly improved defensive record, while he is now beginning to benefit from more depth in attacking areas as players either return from injury or edge towards something close to full match fitness.
There is much work still to be done but the Black Cats are in a far stronger position now than when Neil arrived.
So how has each player fared so far and who have been his key and most trusted performers?
We calculated every player’s average from our weekly player ratings to find out…
There is much work still to be done but the Black Cats are in a far stronger position now than when Neil arrived.
5. CORRY EVANS
Appearances: 10
Rating: 5.3 Ever-present under Neil, his role screening the defence is seen by the head coach as key in preventing his side being exposed on the counter as they were all too often in the early stages of his tenure. Another who is steadily improving. Photo: Frank Reid
Appearances: 7
Rating: 6.9 Has struggled for starts but has proven his technical quality and composure with two major contributions off the bench in the last two games. Knocking on the door for greater involvement. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
Appearances: 8
Rating: 5.9 Has been deployed primarily as a wing-back since Neil arrived, which has unsurprisingly limited his impact in the final third. His endeavour and energy remains an important part of the balance of the side when Neil plays a back three. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
Appearances: 10
Ratings: 6.1 Impressive early-season form had dipped when Neil arrived but he quickly became a regular again and has performed consistently well, even when asked to play on the right of a back three. Very dependable. Photo: PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANK REID JPIMEDI