BBC NEWS; Sunderland player ratings versus Middlesbrough: Chris Mepham has a strong debut, and three players receive 8/10.
Sunderland defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 at home in the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland aimed to bounce back from an away setback to Plymouth Argyle, which ended their four-game winning streak in the Championship.
Sunderland made a strong start and capitalized on an opportunity when Patrick Roberts’ shot was missed by Seny Dieng for Middlesbrough. Chris Rigg finished with a back heel at a tight angle.
The second half began similarly to the first, with Sunderland controlling the possession; however, Le Bris’ team was effective in keeping the center of the pitch compact, and they consistently looked dangerous when bursting away.
It remained cagey as Middlesbrough attempted to build their assaults, but they failed, leaving Sunderland with a 1-0 victory.
Here are our player ratings for Sunderland’s home triumph over Middlesbrough.
Anthony Patterson
During the first half, he was hardly called into action. Had to make only one save against Middlesbrough.7/10.
Trai Hume
I received a needless yellow card early on for a challenge on Emmanuel Latte Lath, which might have easily been a red. Strong defensive performance (7/10).
Luke O’Nien
During the first five minutes, the ball ricocheted off of him, and Luke O’Nien slipped, allowing Tommy Conway to score. Latte Lath received a yellow card for his devotion to going after every ball.8/10.
Christopher Mepham
In terms of physicality and pace, he matched Latte Lath, appeared to be confident in his talents, and was a dependable defender.7/10.
Dennis Cirkin
With the ball at his feet, he appeared collected and prepared to connect up with Mundle on the wing. There were no defensive issues, as he once again proved to be Sunderland’s strongest left-back option.7/10.
The first half was mostly empty. Didn’t do much to provide an offensive threat, but he also didn’t make any mistakes in the center of the park.6/10.
The first 45 minutes were quite calm. At times, he attempted to move the ball and did an excellent job of breaking up the play.7/10.
Chris Rigg
An fantastic finish at such an extreme angle with a back heel, and the courage to pull it off at the age of 17.9/10.
Patrick Roberts
In the 18th minute, he made a dangerous darting run, weaving among several Boro players. After testing Dieng, I created the chance for Rigg to achieve his aim. Continuing to cause problems on the right side in the second half.8/10.
Romaine Mundle
In the first half, he was the conduit for the majority of assaults, which caused problems down the left side. After cutting in from the left, Dieng was hit direct at the Middlesbrough shot-stopper. Was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty following Luke Ayling’s dangerous challenge. His powerful free kick effort came so close after rattling the woodwork.8/10.
Eliezer Mayenda
Looked sharp from the start and caused chaos with some weaving runs early on. At times, I was overshadowed by Romaine Mundle and Roberts, since Sunderland typically played wide.7/10.
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