Sunderland battered Cheltenham Town 5-0, a result that put the lads back into poll position in League One. Here’s how the players rated out of ten…
RON-THORBEN HOFFMANN (8/10):
Excellent distribution, although he barely had a save to make! Kept a clean sheet and has improved vastly from his debut against Accrington.
CARL WINCHESTER (9/10):
Didn’t get on the score sheet this time, but continues to thrive in his new position. He just does the basics so well, and got himself an assist on the night.
TOM FLANAGAN (8/10):
Probably Flanagan’s least busy game this season due to Cheltenham’s total lack of attacking prowess. Never broke a sweat.
BAILEY WRIGHT (9/10):
Like Flanagan, Wright made everything look easy and was physically dominant. Opened the floodgates with an early header.
NIALL HUGGINS (8/10):
Despite some sloppy moments, he was a real asset at left back. His pace was electric and he’s clearly got bags of ability, but could improve his decision making at times.
LUKE O’NIEN (9/10):
Scored a goal and got forward well. Never stopped pressing and ran himself into the ground.
CORRY EVANS (9/10):
Provided an excellent defensive base to allow the attackers to keep pushing forward. Extremely calm on the ball and looked a cutie above.
AIDEN MCGEADY (10/10):
Got two assists tonight and the opposition’s defence never got near him. Always looked like a threat out wide.
AIDEN O’BRIEN (8/10):
Put in a hard-working display, even if he didn’t grab the headlines like his fellow attackers. Took up some good positions to free up space for his teammates.
NATHAN BROADHEAD (10/10):
Never stopped running and created the second and third goals with some brilliant intelligence, including a perfect dummy to play Stewart in. Complimented the Loch Ness Drogba perfectly.
ROSS STEWART (10/10): Led the line well again, and his physical presence and pace was too much for Cheltenham. Got two goals and could have had a hat trick on another day.
SUBS
FREDERIK ALVES (6/10):
I hate to give Alves such a low mark in a 5-0 win, but he just didn’t look convincing. He seemed nervous at times and there was one moment when a simple back pass went out for a corner.
LEON DAJAKU (8/10):
Came on and curled in a left-footed effort straight away.
ALEX PRITCHARD (8/10):
Pressed well in the dying minutes as the contest was already over.
