Sunderland continued their unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light and here's how Matty Hewitt rated the Black Cats following the 1-1 draw with Everton
Granit Xhaka was the standout performer for Sunderland in the draw with Everton.
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Granit Xhaka put in a real captain's performance to keep Sunderland's unbeaten home run in the Premier League alive as Regis Le Bris' side came from behind to earn a point against Everton.
Iliman Ndiaye opened the scoring for the visitors after a frantic, end-to-end opening 15 minutes of the game. Sunderland wanted a free-kick after Noah Sadiki went down under the challenge of Thierno Barry but nothing was given.
The ball dropped to Ndiaye who had it all to do, took four Sunderland defenders out of the game before picking out the top corner. After a disappointing first-half, Xhaka led the way and equalised for the Wearsiders immediately after the restart.
The Black Cats pushed and probed for a winner, but just couldn't find that magic moment despite dominating the second half.
Here's how Matty Hewitt rated Sunderland's players in the draw:
Robin Roefs - 7
Nothing he could do with the Everton opener. Commanded his area really well throughout the game.
Trai Hume - 6
Like down at Chelsea, the full-back rotated into midfield when Sunderland had possession and looked to provide an outlet in the middle of the pitch. Kept Jack Grealish quiet throughout the game.
Dan Ballard - 6
A shaky start but grew into the game. Won the battle with Thierno Barry and Beto while being a threat at the other end.
Lutsharel Geetruida - 7
Looked the most comfortable in Sunderland's backline after a frantic start. Showed real composure in playing out from the back.
Nordi Mukiele - 6
Struggled a little bit early doors with the runs of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish.
Reinildo - 6
Was steady at left-back without being spectacular. Had a battle on his hands to keep Ndiaye quiet in the opening 25 minutes or so, but was solid from thereon out.
Noah Sadiki - 7
He was his usual busy self but picked up an early booking when he let his frustrations get the better of him. Questions over whether he should have been stronger in the build-up to Everton's opener. Recovered and kept his head.
Granit Xhaka - 8
Stood up when his side needed him. Got Sunderland back in the game, albeit via a deflection, and dictated things from there.
Bertrand Traore - 6 (Talbi 82)
Started slowly but grew into the game. Caused problems for Vitali Mykolenko towards the end of the first-half. Probably his best display at home but still frustrating in possession.
Wilson Isidor - 5 (Brobbey 82)
Almost non-existent in the first half and struggled to hold the ball up against a powerful Everton defence. A tough night for him, given that he had very little to feed off.
Enzo Le Fee - 7
Sunderland's creative spark in the final third, looked to make things happen in the pockets of space. Creator of Sunderland''s equaliser and overall, a decent display.
Substitutes
Brian Brobbey - 6 (On for Isidor 82)
Put himself about when he came on but wasn't on long enough to impact the game.
Chemsdine Talbi - 6 (On for Traore 82)
Wasn't on the pitch long but his pace was a threat in the dying embers of the game.
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