Sunderland player ratings v Leeds: Dennis Cirkin in 3/10 shocker, Dan Neil shines
Sunderland took a huge hit in their bid for automatic promotion with a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United, despite taking the lead inside the first half.
The Black Cats took a first-half lead through the ever-impressive Wilson Isidor, after a long ball forward from Dan Ballard with the Wearsiders able to prevent any real threat in the opening 45.
Leeds kept pressing forward but the Mackem defence held strong until the latter stages of the game, even without Chris Mepham who has been such a key figure for Sunderland.
A needless foul from Patrick Roberts gifted the hosts a chance to deliver a ball into the area, where Pascal Struijk was on hand to head beyond Anthony Patterson before scoring the winner with seconds to go in a 2-1 win.
Here, Mackem News rates the performance of each player.
Anthony Patterson solid between the sticks
Anthony Patterson – 7
Relieved lots of pressure on the defensive line in front of him with a series of crucial claims, one of which would have led to a definite goal had he not intervened. Wasn’t called into much shot-stopping action but his role was pivotal.
Trai Hume – 7
Defended well for a large part of the game against Manor Solomon, something very few fullbacks have achieved so far this campaign. Occasionally fell victim to getting too tight to the winger. Once again showed his importance to Sunderland.
Luke O’Nien – 7
Remained solid at the heart of defence and played an integral role in playing the ball out from the back. Perhaps could have done more to hook the ball off the line for Leeds’ equaliser.
Dan Ballard – 6
Remained in the team to deal with any aerial threat and did just that. Leeds struggled to get anything out of him. Appeared to lose his man for the winning goal.
Dennis Cirkin – 3
Struggled to stop the threat of Dan James more often than not, and was perhaps fortunate to get away with a penalty shout for a challenge on Ao Tanaka. Lost out on the majority of his duels and didn’t contribute awfully much on the ball either.
Dan Neil – 9
Once again, he ran the midfield against Leeds and showcased why he is so integral to any promotion hopes from Sunderland. Kept his composure on the ball and made some crucial challenges to nullify any attacking threat.
Jobe Bellingham – 6
Steady performance from Jobe. Showed plenty of good signs but also lost out on possession far too easily on a handful of occasions. Stung the palms of Illan Meslier early on in the game.
Chris Rigg – 6 (For Samed 76′)
Very tidy on the ball but wasn’t able to show his creative ability with Leeds pressing within an instant. Hard to believe he is still just 17 years old.
Patrick Roberts frustrates for Sunderland v Leeds
Patrick Roberts – 4 (For Poveda 85′)
After an impressive showing against Luton Town, not much went the way of Roberts at Elland Road. Struggled to get into the game in an attacking sense. Gave away a needless, silly foul that contributed to Leeds’ equalising goal.
Enzo Le Fee – 6
Showed some flashes of brilliance but wasn’t afforded much space to show his true quality. Worked hard off the ball as he always does.
Wilson Isidor – 8 (For Mayenda 76′)
Took his goal remarkably well and caused problems all night with his willingness to run in behind the Leeds defence. Never stopped pressing the Whites backline. A real gem for Sunderland this season.
Substitutions
Eliezer Mayenda NA (For Isidor 76′)
Salis Abdul Samed NA (For Rigg 76′)
Ian Poveda NA (for Roberts 85′)