The average player rating for every Sunderland player since Alex Neil took charge and what it tells us
By Phil Smith
Published 13th Apr 2022, 11:57 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2022, 12:15 BST
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.
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.
17. TRAI HUME
Appearances: 1
Rating: 5 Neil has favoured the experience of Winchester given the promotion pressure but has praised Hume for his development behind the scenes at the Academy of Light. Photo: Getty Images
Appearances: 7
Rating: 5.9 Roberts was initially well short of match fitness but in recent weeks he has looked a persistent threat and clearly has the quality to make a significant impact in the weeks ahead. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
Appearances: 2
Rating: 6.5 Having finally come through a persistent ankle problem he has made two imposing appearances, and looks now to have a big role to play given his stature and experience. Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022
Appearances: 8
Rating: 6.1 A big part in the winning goal at Oxford was a good reward for a tenacious display on his return to the starting XI. Has made a very solid start to his Sunderland career. Photo: Frank Reid