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:
9. Jack Clarke
Excellent assist for Mayenda’s second and caused Wednesday all sorts of problems as you’d expect. Defensively very diligent and tracked back well. 8 | Getty Images
10. Jobe
Dropped a little bit deeper in Browne’s absence and had an exceptional first half. Completely suffocated the Wednesday midfield and drove into dangerous areas when he won it back. Top drawer. 9 | Getty Images
11. Eliezer Mayenda
A massive afternoon in his Sunderland career. His first goal was a superb strike from distance and the second perhaps even more encouraging, showing a real instinct to break the six-yard box and tap in from Clsrke’s cross. A real nuisance for the Wednesday defenders. 9 | Ian Horrocks
