HOW did the players fare in Sunderland's 2-0 win over Manchester City Under-21s?
SUNDERLAND (4-3-1-2):
6 Ruiter: Gathered a couple of tame long-range efforts, but won’t have too many easier outings this season
7 Matthews: Attacked with purpose down the right-hand side and helped set up Gooch’s second-half goal
8 Ozturk: Looked assured at the heart of the back four, with a perfectly-timed second-half tackle providing his stand-out moment
7 Baldwin: Slotted back in after missing last weekend’s league game and had too much knowhow for his young opponents
7 Oviedo: There can’t be too many World Cup players who have also graced the Checkatrade – hit the bar with a first-half free-kick
8 McGEOUCH: Barely gave the ball away all night as he controlled things efficiently from the heart of midfield
7 Cattermole: An early foul might have earned a yellow card, but it showed City’s youngsters that Sunderland meant business
8 O’Nien: Seemed to enjoy himself back in midfield and tested Grimshaw with a succession of second-half strikes
6 Maguire: Played in a free role behind the front two, but wasn’t really able to make an impact in the penalty box
7 Kimpioka: Looked sharp throughout and came close to scoring with a couple of decent second-half efforts
7 Watmore: Claimed his first goal in almost three years with a clinical finish, and impressed before he was withdrawn on the hour mark
Subs:
7 Gooch (for Watmore, 60): Made an immediate impact as he drilled home his seventh goal of the season within five minutes of coming on
Robson (for Cattermole, 75)
Connelly (for Kimpioka, 89)
(not used): Stryjek (gk), James, Flanagan, Neil.
MAN CITY UNDER-21s (4-3-3):
Grimshaw 6; Ogbeta 4 (Diounkou 46, 5), Harwood-Bellis 5, Rosler 4, Frimpong 5; Pozo 6, Garre 4, Doyle 5 (Bernabe 74); DELE-BASHIRU 7, Braaf 5, Touaizi 6 (Knight 78).
Subs (not used): Wilson, Ogunby, Moulden, McDonald.
Man Of The Match: DYLAN McGEOUCH – The Scottish midfielder was poised and polished throughout as he dominated the heart of the pitch.
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