Bertrand Traore rare positive, 3/10 woeful – Sunderland player ratings vs Fulham
Sunderland suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Fulham on Saturday
Off the back of Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and the third international break of the season, the Black Cats were back on the road to face Fulham on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris named an unchanged lineup for the clash, and for the early stages, it simply didn’t work with the hosts dominating the game in all areas of the pitch.
The Black Cats had a couple of half-chances as the game went on, but it was the hosts who took the lead in the final minutes of the game to seal all three points.
Bertrand Traore was constantly looking to make a difference
Sunderland managed just one shot in the first half, and that arrived from Bertrand Traore.
While it was a tame effort, it was the only time that the Black Cats even came close to the Fulham goal in that period, with Traore constantly looking to make an impact.
The Burkina Faso international was always looking to get on the ball in the half spaces, and was key to a lot of the build-up play attempted by Sunderland.
His display wasn’t flawless, but it was a promising indication that he can contribute in the final third more than many assumed.
Trai Hume couldn’t handle Fulham’s attacking threat
Trai Hume has generally been excellent for Sunderland this season, but his display at Craven Cottage was dreadful.
Kevin was able to deliver several crosses into the box from his side, while his lack of pace was also exposed on a handful of occasions.
Fulham’s goal also arrived from his side, with Hume once again far too distant from his man, allowing a ball into the box way too easily.
In the early stages, especially, his passing was woeful, and it took the Northern Ireland international 34 minutes to complete his first pass.
When Sunderland utilise a back five, there is a heavy emphasis on Hume’s ability on the ball, and against Fulham, it wasn’t there.
Sunderland player ratings
Robin Roefs – 7
Trai Hume – 3 (for Mayenda 90′)
Dan Ballard – 6
Nordi Mukiele – 6
Lutsharel Geertruida – 7
Reinildo – 6
Granit Xhaka – 5
Noah Sadiki – 5
Enzo Le Fee – 6 (for Adingra 90′)
Bertrand Traore – 7 (for Talbi 63′)
Wilson Isidor – 5 (for Brobbey 63′)
Subs
Brian Brobbey – 5 (for Isidor 63′)
Chemsdine Talbi – 5 (for Traore 63′)
Eliezer Mayenda – NA (for Hume 90′)
Simon Adingra – N/A (for Le Fee 90′)
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247