Sunderland were beaten 2-0 by Sheffield Wednesday in their final game of the season – but how did each player fare for Mike Dodds’ side.
The Black Cats fell a goal down in the 29th minute when Liam Palmer opened the scoring after an excellent pass from Barry Bannan. The visitors then doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Josh Windass converted Pol Valentin’s cross.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
5. Aji Alese - 5
Beaten too easily for Wednesday’s second goal in particular. Made some good overlapping runs and should have an assist on half time when Roberts fired his low cross over the bar. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Callum Styles - 4
Got away with one very loose pass early on which should have led to a Wednesday goal. One nice free kick was headed in by O’Nien but the offside flag was quickly raised. Didn’t have a huge impact and was replaced at the break, possibly his last appearance in a Sunderland shirt. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Pierre Ekwah - 4
Sheffield Wednsday’s goals were a continuation of a recent theme as Sunderland’s midfield was just too easy to play through. That’s a collective failing but it’s an issue that needs addressing in the summer. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Jobe Bellingham - 4
Had a couple of promising openings that he couldn’t convert. Looks tired and was a surprise he lasted the full 90 again - needs a break after putting in a huge shift across the season. 4 Photo: Frank Reid