RATINGS V CHELSEA

Sunderland will play in European football for the first time since the 1973/74 season after beating Chelsea 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. A first half goal from Trai Hume gave us the lead before we doubled our advantage five minutes into the second half via an own goal from Malo Gusto. Cole Palmer made things nervy by scoring less than 10 minutes afterwards though, and a Chelsea red card didn’t seem to alleviate any of the nerves, but we held on and finished seventh place to confirm Europa League football in 2026/27.

ROBIN ROEFS: 7/10

Wasn’t too busy, aside from one decent save in the first half but probably could have done better with their goal.

LUTSHAREL GEERTRUIDA: 8/10

I don’t think he but a foot wrong all game, zero danger on his side of the pitch.

NORDI MUKIELE: 8.5/10

Absolutely fantastic, always came away with the ball when it mattered.

LUKE O’NIEN: 9/10

Assisted the first goal and was outstanding at the back.

REINILDO: 8.5/10

Had a few good runs forward and defended well throughout, even if he eased off his man a couple of times towards the death.

GRANIT XHAKA: 8.5/10

Was completely dominant in the middle all afternoon, with few exceptions.

NOAH SADIKI: 9/10

His energy carried us through portions of the game and I can’t remember a single error.

TRAI HUME: 10/10

Scored and created a ridiculous number of chances too, defensively sublime as well.

ENZO LE FEE: 9.5/10

Bullied them down his flank and sent the ball in for our second goal. One of his best in the red and white.

NILSON ANGULO: 6.5/10

To be fair, got a lot of shots away and was eager but I’m not surprised he was brought off.

BRIAN BROBBEY: 8/10

Got unlucky today, could have easily got a couple had things gone slightly differently.

SUBS:

HABIB DIARRA: 7.5/10

I thought he did well, I noticed him fighting for the ball a number of times.

WILSON ISIDOR: 8/10

Got one of their players sent off, which was huge.

CHRIS RIGG: N/A

Made one touch, so impossible to judge him.