An Ellis Simms late winner won the three points for Sunderland against Blackburn on Boxing Day. Here's how the lads rated out of ten...
ANTHONY PATTERSON 7/10: Comfortable game for Patto, made a couple of important saves in the second half.
LYNDEN GOOCH 7/10: Got forward well and put in a few really dangerous crosses. Solid defensively before coming off with an injury.
DAN BALLARD 7/10: Looked rusty at first, and gave away the clumsy foul that led to their goal. But quickly shook off the cobwebs with some good defending on the front foot, really aggressive and used his pace to his advantage.
LUKE O'NIEN 7/10: A couple of important blocks in another solid game in defence for O'Nien. Dealt with the likes of Brereton-Diaz very well.
DENNIS CIRKIN 6/10: Booked for a clumsy foul early on, and forced off in the second half with injury. Not really tested defensively when he was on the pitch.
CORRY EVANS 7/10: Harried their midfield well and tidy in possession as always. Controlled the midfield well for the most part.
DAN NEIL 6/10: Quiet in the first half but got his foot on the ball as the game wore on, becoming more involved.
PATRICK ROBERTS 7/10: A threat out wide all day, had the beating of his man. Perhaps didn't have enough end product in the final third but some neat touches.
AMAD DIALLO 8/10: Linked the play really well from the number 10 position. A driving force in the middle and when drifting out wide. Forced their keeper into one low save in the second half.
JACK CLARKE 6/10: Looked dangerous in spells, but too ineffective for large parts of the game. Not enough consistency from Clarke.
ROSS STEWART 7/10: So unlucky to score a bizarre own goal, but made up for it by winning (and scoring) his penalty. Never stopped running and could have had another goal after being played in by Amad.
SUBS:
TRAI HUME 6/10: Looked awkward out of position at left back but had one shot on target as soon as he came on...
BAILEY WRIGHT 6/10: Slotted in at centre half, as the defence was rejigged after Gooch's injury.
ELLIS SIMMS 7/10: Ran the channels well and stretched the play. Showed great feet and composure to slot home his injury-time winner.
