Granit Xhaka best of bad bunch, 3/10 sparks concern – Sunderland player ratings vs Burnley
Sunderland fell to a very poor 2-0 defeat away to Burnley on Saturday.
Sunderland’s 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend was the perfect start to life back in the Premier League, and they were looking to make it two wins from two with their away trip to Burnley.
The clash got off to the worst possible start when Dan Ballard was forced off with injury inside 10 minutes, not long before Burnley thought they had taken the lead through Lyle Foster, only for a foul to be called on Jenson Seelt.
Burnley did take the lead just minutes after the interval through Josh Cullen, before Jaidon Anthony hit the Black Cats on the break in the dying minutes to double their advantage.
Euphoria from an opening-day victory was quickly subdued with a defeat to a side expected to be towards the bottom of the Premier League, with Burnley securing a 2-0 victory against Sunderland.
Granit Xhaka shows his quality vs Burnley
Granit Xhaka was the most composed man on the pitch at Turf Moor, and he is already proving to be an excellent signing for Sunderland.
Near enough every one of his attempted passes found their desired target, though his first-half effort from range certainly left a lot to be desired.
Had Sunderland shown the same level of composure in the final third, it could have been a very different outcome at Turf Moor.
Ensuring he remains fit throughout the season is going to be key for Sunderland’s survival hopes.
Eliezer Mayenda is going to cause frustration
Wayne Rooney was wowed by Eliezer Mayenda against West Ham after his headed goal, but the Spaniard struggled massively against Burnley
Mayenda had a remarkable chance to give the visitors the lead, but his finish from only a few yards out lacked conviction, allowing Martin Dubravka to make the save.
Mayenda’s stats vs Burnley
- 0.35 xG
- 1 completed pass
- 3/10 duels won
One day, it looks as though Mayenda will score everything he touches, and the next, he can look as though he will struggle in such big moments.
Sunderland are not going to get many chances across each encounter, and it is crucial that they start taking them when they arrive.
Sunderland player ratings vs Burnley
Robin Roefs – 6
Trai Hume – 6
Dan Ballard – N/A
Omar Alderete – 7
Reinildo – 6
Granit Xhaka – 8
Habib Diarra – 5 (for Guiu 80′)
Noah Sadiki – 5
Simon Adingra – 6 (for Le Fee 63′)
Chemsdine Talbi – 6 (for Roberts 63′)
Eliezer Mayenda – 3 (for Isidor 63′)
Subs
Jenson Seelt – 6
Enzo Le Fee – 6
Patrick Roberts – 5
Marc Guiu – N/A
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