Sunderland fell to a 4-2 defeat against Liverpool but there were positives to take for Régis Le Bris and his side
Sunderland were back in action on Saturday night as they faced Liverpool on Nashville.
Régis Le Bris again used 22 players across the two halves, with a more experienced side drawing the first half 1-1. Liverpool took control of the second against a youthful Sunderland XI to eventually run out 4-2 winners, but Timur Tutierov’s goal was one of a number of positives on the night for Le Bris and his side.
Here’s how we rated all of the Black Cats involved on the night...
Little he could do about either goal, which were top finishes. Dealt with the press relatively well in possession and made one good stop shortly before he came off midway through the second half. 6
1. GK - Melker Ellborg
Little he could do about either goal, which were top finishes. Dealt with the press relatively well in possession and made one good stop shortly before he came off midway through the second half. 6 | Chris Fryatt, Echo
Some good runs forward that in the end didn’t yield any chances. Solid defensively and didn’t really put a foot wrong. 6
2. RB - Nordi Mukiele
Some good runs forward that in the end didn’t yield any chances. Solid defensively and didn’t really put a foot wrong. 6 | Chris Fryatt, Echo
Looked strong and confident on his return to action. Booked for a challenge on Rio Ngumoha but stepped out well on the ball and got through his defensive work with minimal fuss. 7
3. CB - Dan Ballard
Looked strong and confident on his return to action. Booked for a challenge on Rio Ngumoha but stepped out well on the ball and got through his defensive work with minimal fuss. 7
Steady on the ball - didn’t have a great deal to do defensively but made one very good block late in the half. 6
4. CB - Luke O'Nien
Steady on the ball - didn’t have a great deal to do defensively but made one very good block late in the half. 6 | Chris Fryatt, Echo