Sunderland may be striker-less, but Patrick Roberts stood up against Reading to end the Royals' unbeaten home record this season. Here's how the Lads rated out of ten...
ANTHONY PATTERSON 7/10: Didn't have anything to do today, but our third goal came from Patto playing out from the back.
LYNDEN GOOCH 7/10: Not the most involved today but always seemed to make the right decision on the ball. Untested in defence and was able to get forward every now and again.
LUKE O'NIEN 8/10: Didn't put a foot wrong today, coasted through the game and that's testament to him given he's still playing out of position at centre half.
DANNY BATTH 8/10: Excellent once again as he has been for most of this season. Walked Alese through the game and was undoubtedly a big reason for the young defender looking so assured. Didn't allow Lucas Joao a sniff all game.
AJI ALESE 8/10: The perfect game for Alese to be re-introduced to the team. Looked so much more mature here than the Sheffield Wednesday game, and was able to put his foot on the ball and look forward.
JACK CLARKE 9/10: Caused the defence problems throughout, and killed the game off by finishing an unbelievable team goal. Missed a huge one-on-one chance late on to make it four.
CORRY EVANS 8/10: Dominated the midfield and kept possession so well for us. Replaced late on by a debuting Jewison Bennette.
DAN NEIL 9/10: Excellent in possession, and some great pressing to win the ball high up the pitch. Produced a great cross for Jack Clarke for our third and final goal.
PATRICK ROBERTS 9/10: Single-handedly won the game with two identical goals in two minutes. Nobody in the Championship can stop Roberts once he's allowed to cut onto that left foot.
ALEX PRITCHARD 9/10: Involved in all of our goals by dropping deep and getting the 'pre-assist'. Looked a level above once again.
ELLIS SIMMS 7/10: Started brightly but came off in the first half with an injury. Hopefully it's nothing serious because despite a good performance from SAFC today a lack of striker is still a problem.
SUBS
ELLIOT EMBLETON 9/10: Came on for Simms and instantly set up both of Roberts' goals. Game changer.
JAY MATETE 7/10: Helped keep up our pressing intensity and added a fresh pair of legs in midfield.
AMAD DIALLO 7/10: Worked hard, and could have had an assist for Clarke's chipped effort that went wide.
JEWISON BENNETTE 7/10: Looks really fast and tricky, and tested Lumley with a low powerful shot at his near post.
