Sunderland’s under-21s took on Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Premier League International Cup at Eppleton CW on Wednesday evening.
Graeme Murty’s side came into the game after a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light against Athletic Bilbao in the first match of the 2024-25 competition.
Tommy Watson did not feature for Sunderland in their Premier League International Cup clash with Borussia Monchengladbach with the winger with Régis Le Bris’ first team currently. Northern Ireland youth international Rhys Walsh took his place out on the left flank.
Elsewhere, teenage striker Trey Ogunsuyi will lead the line having impressed in recent outings, with Harrison Jones in behind him and Caden Kelly completing Sunderland’s attacking cohort out on the right.
In midfielder, Ben Middlemas and Elias Lenz started in front of a back four of Tom Lavery at right-back, Jenson Jones at left-back, with Ben Kindon and Luke Bell in the middle. Goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu completed the XI between the sticks.
The visitors took the lead in the first half after dispatching a penalty given away by Sunderland defender Tom Lavery, who started the game at right-back. Monchengladbach then doubled their lead two minutes after the interval with a goal from Noah Pesch. Shio Fukuda, who scored the opening penalty, then made it three with 51 minutes played.
Sunderland huffed and puffed as the game wore on but couldn’t find a breakthrough in what was a tough evening for the Wearsiders and the game ended 3-0 to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Here, we take a look at how James Copley rated every Sunderland player on the night as Murty’s men lost to Borussia Mönchengladbach:
9. Caden Kelly
Caden Kelly lost the ball a couple of times in the first half which led to chances for the visitors but battled well in tough circumstances. Failed to hit the target with a good chance in the opening 45. Lost the ball for Monchengladbach's third goal but didn't stop working all night. Went close with a decent free-kick in the second half. 6 | Frank Reid
10. Rhys Walsh
Rhys Walsh started instead of Tommy Watson and looked very bright down the left-hand side without impacting the game to the degree he would have liked. 6 | Frank Reid
11. Trey Ogunsuyi
Did very well to fashion himself a few chances in the first half out of nothing but had little in the way of service. Created a great opportunity for Harrison Jones as the opening 45 drew towards a close. Didn't stop working despite Sunderland going three down quickly in the second half. 7 | Frank Reid
12. Cuba Mitchell
Cuba Mitchell came on with around 60 minutes played and showed some neat touches. Tough task for him to impact the game when Sunderland were 3-0 down. 6 | Cuba Mitchell