How did the players fare in Sunderland's 5-0 win over Tranmere at the Stadium of Light?
SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):
7 Burge: Made a routine first-half save from Payne, but will not have had many easier nights in his career
8 O’Nien: Capped a fine full-back display with an excellent diving header to complete Sunderland’s scoring in stoppage-time
7 Willis: Was far too strong for Tranmere’s forwards, winning everything that was sent his way in the air
7 Lynch: Has proved an astute deadline-day signing – looked comfortable whenever the ball was played into the box
8 Hume: Proved a real threat as he attacked down the left-hand side and was also defensively secure when Tranmere broke
7 Dobson: Added some energy and legs as he replaced Leadbitter at the heart of the midfield – deserves to retain his place
7 Power: Used possession effectively and was constantly looking to get his team-mates moving forward
8 WATMORE: Scored Sunderland’s first goal and set up their next two as he repeatedly troubled the Tranmere defence
8 Maguire: Scored with an excellent free-kick and set up Sunderland’s final goal with a fine cross from the right
7 Gooch: Claimed his fourth goal of the season with a close-range finish before a leg injury forced him off at the start of the second half
8 Grigg: Led the line superbly and capped a fine attacking display with the goal his performance merited late on
Subs:
7 McNulty (for Gooch, 54): Ensured Sunderland’s standards did not slip after he came on to the pitch – set up Grigg’s goal
C McLaughlin (for Watmore, 72)
Kimpioka (for Grigg, 88)
(not used): J McLaughlin (gk), Flanagan, Leadbitter, McGeouch.
TRANMERE (4-4-2):
Davies 4; Caprice 4, Ray 3, Monthe 3, Ridehalgh 3; Morris 4, Danns 4, PERKINS 5, Jennings 4; Mullin 4 (Hepburn-Murphy 73), Payne 4.
Subs (not used): Pilling (gk), Walker-Rice, Borthwick-Jackson, Wilson, Nelson, Maddox.
Man Of The Match: DUNCAN WATMORE – The winger has not had many good moments over the last three or four years, so this would have been an especially enjoyable night.
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