Andy’s Player Ratings: Sunderland 1-1 Leeds – Adingra Off The Mark But A Point Shared

Robin Roefs: 7/10

Don’t recall Roefs having to make too many saves and had no chance with the equaliser, was as steady as ever though.

Trai Hume: 6/10

Made a fantastic block on the line in the first half but struggled a little against Okafor, getting too tight at times and letting him spin off him.

Nordi Mukiele: 7/10

Had a really confident game at centre back in Ballard’s absence, was aggressive in attacking balls around the box, made a good block early on to send a dangerous shot over the bar, and still found time to push up when the opportunity arose. Did get done for the goal when Calvert-Lewin ran off him.

Omar Alderete: 7/10

Used the ball well and was strong in the tackle, easing Calvert-Lewin out of the way late on when there was a possible run on goal.

Dennis Cirkin: 5/10

Was OK in the first half but was targeted by the visitors for the first 20 minutes or so after the break. Had charged down the Leeds goalkeeper and left Xhaka to defend the left back position for the equaliser, with Xhaka having to cover a few other times down that side. Finished the game better, following a switch to four four two.

Lutsharel Geertruida: 7/10

Tidy on the ball in midfield and always seems to pick out a teammate but maybe not selfish enough at times, one attempted pass to Brobbey in the first half, instead of having a shot, as an example.

Granit Xhaka (C): 8/10

Covered so much ground throughout, trying to plug holes whenever they popped up. That includes having to cover for Cirkin numerous times in the second half. Made a brilliant pass to Adingra for our goal.

Enzo Le Fee: 6/10

Plenty of tireless running off the ball, charging down the opposition defence but not enough from him going forward today.

Chris Rigg: 6/10

Was good defensively, working really hard to help out Hume and always tracking back but other than one good ball over the top to Brobbey, there was very little creativity considering he started in an attacking position.

Simon Adingra: 8/10

Had a great first half, even apart from the goal. Had the beating of Bogle and curled in a beautiful effort to make it 1-0 but he was starved of the ball after the break, still dangerous on the rare occasions he had possession though.

Brian Brobbey: 6/10

Did well in the first half to occupy the Leeds defenders, closed down well and could have scored at least one goal. Was played in by Rigg but couldn’t quite connect with his shot properly and then thundered an Adingra cross against the bar. Hardly involved in the second half.

Substitutes

Wilson Isidor: 6/10

Span in behind once but couldn’t quite get the ball to settle and the chance was squandered.

Eliezer Mayenda: 7/10

Came on with Isidor in a duo up top and was very lively, making a number of dangerous runs at the Leeds defence.

Romaine Mundle: 5/10

Wasn’t on the pitch very long but was wasteful in possession.

Man of the Match: Granit Xhaka

Simon Adingra scored his first goal for the club and had a very good first half but my man of the match was the captain, who was absolutely vital throughout. Created the goal after winning the ball back himself, then playing a defence splitting through ball to Adingra and then put in a huge effort after the break to make sure we didn’t lose, covering loads of ground for the cause.