Tommy Watson disgraceful, 8/10 heroic – Sunderland player ratings v Bristol City
Sunderland were forced to rue yet another horrendous refereeing decision in a 2-1 defeat against Bristol City.
Regis Le Bris will be aware of the need to build some momentum to take into the playoffs, but that will have to wait until atleast Monday with the Black Cats suffering a defeat at Ashton Gate.
Despite going down to ten men after Trai Hume’s sending off, the Black Cats took the lead through Eliezer Mayenda, before being pegged back by a Rob Dickie screamer.
Ross McCrorie scored the host’s second goal of the game, which proved to be enough to seal all three points.
Mackem News rates the performance of each player.
Sunderland now three games without a win
Anthony Patterson – 7
Made a few decent stops and relieved the pressure on his defence when needed.
Trai Hume – N/A
Sent off inside six minutes in a ridiculously harsh decision. Championship referees are once again showing their true colours.
Luke O’Nien – 4
Uncharacteristically poor today. Passing was sloppier than usual, and he could have done better when dealing with the initial ball that led to Trai Hume’s sending off.
Chris Mepham – 8
Mepham has been outstanding all season, and it was no different against the Robins. Dealt well with the threat that came his way and made some heroic blocks.
Leo Hjelde – 6 (for Anderson 82′)
Offered little in an attacking sense but stood up to the challenge more often than not defensively.
Dan Neil – 6
Was asked to move back into the back four after Hume’s dismissal, and you couldn’t have really asked for more of him. Calm on the ball and managed the tempo.
Chris Rigg – 6 (for Jobe 61′)
Sometimes sloppy on the ball, but his defensive contributions were immense throughout.
| Sunderland v Bristol City | Minutes | Pass accuracy | Duels won | Tackles won |
| Rigg | 61 | 53% | 4 | 3 |
Enzo Le Fee – 6 (for Samed 61′)
With Sunderland reduced to ten men early, his influence became very limited. Didn’t put a foot wrong and got some needed minutes in the tank.
Patrick Roberts – 6 (for Isidor 61′)
Similar to Le Fee, he had very few opportunities to impact the game with how much defending he was asked to do.
Tommy Watson – 1
Since his move to Brighton was confirmed, he has barely looked interested. Wandered around the pitch and offered nothing at either end of it. Bottle every challenge and simply looked as though he didnt want to be there.
Eliezer Mayenda shines against the Robins
Eliezer Mayenda – 8 (for Browne 76′)
His goal was a piece of magic, and his general contributions to the game were crucial. A constant threat and carried on what has been a remarkable season with Sunderland.
Substitutions
Jobe Bellingham – 6 (for Rigg 61′)
As composed as ever on the ball.
Wilson Isidor – 6 (for Roberts 61′)
Wasn’t really involved, which was understandable given the situation.
Salis Samed – 6 (for Le Fee 61′)
Did his job.
Alan Browne – N/A (76′ for Mayenda)
Joe Anderson – N/A (82′ for Hjelde)