Granit Xhaka flawless, 4/10 chasing shadows – Sunderland player ratings vs Everton
Sunderland continued their impressive home form with a 1-1 draw against Everton.
Off the back of Sunderland’s 2-1 win away to Chelsea, the Black Cats were full of momentum ahead of their clash with Everton, but that meant little in the opening stages, with the Toffees taking the lead inside 15 minutes.
From the off, the Black Cats couldn’t get a grip in the game, with Jack Grealish striking the post not long after Iliman Ndiaye gave the visitors a controversial lead.
The Black Cats got their act together in the latter stages of the half, and through Granit Xhaka, equalised in the first minute of the second half.
It was Sunderland who dominated the game from there, but despite several penalty appeals and half-chances, they could only settle for a point.
Granit Xhaka is just different class
Not only did Xhaka get his first goal for the Black Cats, but he also ran the midfield for Sunderland once again.
It was a ropey start to the game for Sunderland, but his leadership was crucial in those stages, and he made sure that his teammates kept focused, and, for Sadiki and Nordi Mukiele, that they kept their heads.
His passing was nearly flawless, and his tenacity was vital in the midfield against some very talented, Premier League-proven players.
For the 10th time this season, he barely put a foot wrong, with Xhaka showcasing why he is one of the signings of the season.
Trai Hume far from his best vs Everton
Trai Hume has been excellent for Sunderland this season, but he was not at the races for their clash with the Toffees.
His passing was sloppy, and his usual ball-winning ability was non-existent at the Stadium of Light, with a crunching foul on Jack Grealish his biggest involvement.
Some slack will be cut for the Northern Ireland international on this occasion, given he seemed to be playing a very high role out of possession, and dropping into a back five out of it.
Nevertheless, Hume has a lot more to offer to this side than he showcased on Monday night.
Sunderland player ratings
Robin Roefs – 6
Trai Hume – 4
Nordi Mukiele – 6
Dan Ballard – 8
Lutsharel Geertruida – 7
Reinildo – 6
Noah Sadiki – 5
Granit Xhaka – 9
Enzo Le Fee – 6
Bertrand Traore – 7 (for Talbi 82′)
Wilson Isidor – 5 (for Brobbey 82′)
Subs
Chemsdine Talbi – N/A (for Traore 82′)
Brian Brobbey – N/A (for Isidor 82′)
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