COV RATINGS

Sunderland booked their spot at Wembley for the 2025 Championship playoff final with a more than dramatic last minute headed goal off the crossbar from Big Dan Ballard. It was a largely unconvincing performance and we probably played too negatively for a lot of it, but I couldn’t care less to be totally honest. All we needed was a draw and we got it. Ballard's goal cancelled out an earlier goal from Ephron Mason-Clarke.

ANTHONY PATTERSON: 7/10

Commanded his box well, couldn’t do anything about the goal and made one simple save when he was called upon. Wasn’t too busy with goal bound efforts. Distribution was a bit off.

TRAI HUME: 7.5/10

As always, never hesitant to go in for a challenge. Didn’t fare too well in the air, which contributed to their goal but I’d argue other players caused it beforehand. He came so close to scoring with about 25 minutes of regular time left to go, denied by a great save. Overall a good shift from him.

DAN BALLARD: 10/10

Was almost unbeatable at the back and gave Sunderland one of its best moments in modern history with an aesthetically pleasing header. We would have lost it in normal time without his contributions today.

LUKE O’NIEN: 9.5/10

Also was brilliant, in a game in which we relied on our defensive work. Won lots of fouls to relieve pressure and remained cool even when we looked a tad panicky.

DENNIS CIRKIN: 7/10

Ran himself into the ground and kept going with intensity right until he was subbed off. Only thing was the goal came from a cross from his side.

PATRICK ROBERTS: 5/10

Had a stinker, I’ll be honest. Showed some good desire early on but then lost it and didn’t threaten much when going forward. Can’t be bothered to talk negatively too much, should have been brought off sooner.

DAN NEIL: 6/10

Midfield was a bit absent at times, he wasn’t poor though and was good defensively. I thought he should have been better with loose balls though.

JOBE BELLINGHAM: 7/10

Slow on the turn to drive us forward but defended well and usually got the better of his opponents when challenging for the ball.

ENZO LE FEE: 7.5/10

Struggled to win the ball off anyone but when he did have the ball he was brilliant. Got the assist for the winner with his corner and created lots of chances.

ELIEZER MAYENDA: 7.5/10

No end product and only two shots but he did look dangerous when dribbling forward and looked to cause their defenders a lot of worry.

WILSON ISIDOR: 7/10

I thought he did well, even though he had a dearth of service. Put himself into some good positions to get away with it but just wasn’t found. His substitution was a bit odd I feel.

SUBS:

CHRIS RIGG: 7.5/10

Did well after coming on, particularly in extra time. Made a bit of a howler with a decent chance with five minutes of the 90 left though.

ROMAINE MUNDLE: 8/10

I don’t think we would have had enough legs left in us to win it without him being on the pitch. He very nearly scored himself.

LEO HJELDE: N/A

He must be mint at penalties. No rating because he was on the pitch for only a couple of minutes.