'What a footballer': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos as FOUR Cats men earn 8s in Millwall win
Sunderland moved into the top half of the Championship table with a 3-0 win over Millwall – but how did each player fare for Tony Mowbray's side?
After a goalless first half, the Black Cats took the lead when Alex Pritchard’s low cross was flicked on by Ellis Simms and Amad converted at the back post.
Pritchard then doubled his side’s lead when he controlled Lynden Gooch’s cross and beat goalkeeper George Long with a low strike, before Ellis Simms added a third in stoppage time.
The result moves Mowbray’s side up to 10th in the table, one point off a play-off place.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from the Stadium of Light:
The result moves Mowbray’s side up to 10th in the table, one point off a play-off place.
5. Aji Alese - 7
An excellent selection from Mowbray at left back. Won some crunching challenges and was crucial in defending the box from an aerial bombardment. Really solid return. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Corry Evans - 7
Brilliant early block from Honeyman kept his side in the game. Marshaled his side well through the closing stages. 7 Photo: Stu Forster
7. Dan Neil - 7
Not unlike Alex Pritchard in that what looked like a fairly sluggish first half turned into a dominant second. Used the ball well and snapped into challenges impressively. 7 Photo: Martin Swinney
8. Amad - 8
Took him a little while to start influencing the contest but he was again irrepressible once he did. Took his goal well, played a part in the second and sparked some dangerous counters with some fine play. What a footballer. 8 Photo: Frank Reid