Wilson Isidor flops, Romaine Mundle shines — Sunderland player ratings v Preston
Sunderland dropped two points as they drew 1-1 against Preston North End in the Championship on Tuesday.
The Stadium on Light hosted Paul Heckingbottom’s team on 11 March as the hosts looked to close the gap at the top of the table.
Regis Le Bris’ hopes of winning promotion to the Premier League have been harmed after Emil Riis Jakobsen’s strike in the 65th minute.
The French manager made three changes to his starting lineup from the team that beat Cardiff City 2-1 at home on 8 March, but it was substitute Romaine Mundle who got the equaliser with his brilliant strike.
Here, Mackem News have given their players ratings for the fixture:
Sunderland players ratings v Preston
Anthony Patterson – 4
Patterson didn’t have much to do throughout the 90 minutes and should have done better from Jakobsen’s shot. The goalkeeper also left a lot to be desired with his distribution.
Trai Hume – 7
Hume stood out among a rather underwhelming backline, having won several duels in the fixture and creating one of the best chances of the games for the Black Cats.
Chris Mepham – 5
Mepham looked confident with the ball but struggled to cope with Preston’s attackers. The centre-back mistimed his tackles and was weak in most of his challenges.
| Championship table (2024/25) | Matches played | Points |
| 1. Leeds United | 37 | 77 |
| 2. Sheffield United | 36 | 76 |
| 3. Burnley | 37 | 75 |
| 4. Sunderland | 37 | 69 |
Luke O’Nien – 5
O’Nien looked comfortable with the ball at his feet as well, but when it came to the big moments, the defender struggled to keep the visitors’ forwards at bay.
Dennis Cirkin – 6
Cirkin was impressive going forward, putting in some threatening crosses. The left-back wasn’t at his best defensively, though, as the Black Cats failed to keep Preston at bay.
Dan Neil – 7
Neil was a rock for Le Bris’ team in the engine room, helping out the defence with his crunch tackles. The midfielder won possession back several times but failed to do much with the ball.
Jobe Bellingham – 8
Bellingham was one of the standout players for the hosts as he contributed on both ends of the pitch. The 19-year-old almost got the winner towards the end of the game, but his shot was deflected.
Wilson Isidor flops against Preston
Patrick Roberts – 6
Roberts tried to make things happen but was underwhelming up front. The Englishman lacked quality when he got into good positions in the final third.
Tom Watson – 4
Watson had a game to forget as nothing he did in the attack for Sunderland came off. The 18-year-old was wayward with his shots and crosses and was substituted at the hour mark.
Eliezer Mayenda – 5
Mayenda failed to get on the ball much and was unable to create much in the first half. The Spanish attacker did create a decent chance but didn’t have the expected impact.
Wilson Isidor – 3
Isidor cut a frustrating figure up front for the Black Cats as he failed to convert when called upon. The French striker missed a gilt-edged chance in the opening 45 minutes and didn’t contribute much going forward.
Substitutions:
Chris Rigg – 5
Romaine Mundle – 8
Mundle looked sharp as soon as he came on and provided a threat going forward. The 21-year-old scored a magnificent goal to equalise at the Stadium of Light and secure a point for the hosts.