Chris Rigg started his first league start of the season at the Stadium of Light on Sunday as the Black Cats raced into a 3-0 lead at half-time after goals from Dennis Cirkin, Eliezer Mayenda and Luke O’Nien. Mayenda then netted his second and Sunderland’s fourth seconds into the second half.
Regis Le Bris made one change to his Sunderland team to face Sheffield Wednesday, with Rigg replacing Alan Browne. The Irishman misses out due to a muscle injury but it’s understood that the problem is not serious and is unlikely to keep him sidelined for a significant period. At this stage, he’s expected to be fit to face Burnley at the Stadium of Light next weekend.
Here, we take a look at how Phil Smith rated each Sunderland player during the win against Sheffield Wednesday:
5. Aji Alese
Might go under the radar a little but delivered such a strong performance. Wednesday threatened rarely but he swept up the danger so well when they did. Kept it simple but hugely effective. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Goodness - simply no right for a 17-year-old to play like this in the heart of midfield. Audacious pass in the build up to the fourth goal and only a stunning save from Beadle denied him a goal. Drove away from his marker every time he got it and consistently made good decisions on the ball. An unbelievable talent. 9
Chris Rigg | Getty Images
7. Dan Neil
Ran the game from the base of midfield. Picked the right moments to press and win possession, took up good decisions and moved the ball quickly and precisely. Didn’t put a foot wrong. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Patrick Roberts
First assist of the season with another excellent set piece, a very welcome new string to Sunderland’s bow. A menace throughout and unlucky not to get on the scoresheet along the way with a couple of good efforts. 8 | Photo: Ian Horrocks