Sunderland started 2024 with a fine win over Preston North End. Alex Pritchard opened the scoring with a long-range effort and Nazariy Rusyn scored his first Sunderland goal just before half time to give his side a commanding lead.
Preston dominated the second half but created few chances as Sunderland landed a clean sheet.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players at the Stadium of Light:
5. AJI ALESE
What a huge boost to see him back in the side. Gave the team a real balance and competed very well physically. More to come from him going forward but given how little football he has played this year, this was a seriously impressive return. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
6. PIERRE EKWAH
Absolutely superb in the first half, his tenacity at the base of midfield the bedrock of the control Sunderland were able to exert on the game. Clever assist for Pritchard’s opener, too. 8 Photo: FRANK REID 2022
7. DAN NEIL
Tenacious against a physical opposition and drove forward well at times. Solid display. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
8. JOBE BELLINGHAM
Put in a big shift as always and drove into some good areas. Moved the ball nicely especially early on, and nearly provided an assist for Clarke. 7 Photo: Frank Reid