How did the players fare in Sunderland's 3-1 home win over Lincoln City?
SUNDERLAND (3-4-2-1):
7 J McLaughlin: Hardly had a save to make, and claimed a rare assist with the long clearance for Gooch’s second goal
8 Willis: Oozes authority and composure and looks at home in Sunderland’s new-look back three
7 Ozturk: His ability to deliver long passes is a major asset in his side’s new shape and he was solid enough defensively too
7 Flanagan: Justified his recall ahead of Lynch, who was ill, and got the ball rolling with his first league goal of the season
7 O’Nien: Appears to be relishing his wing-back role and combined effectively with Maguire down the right all afternoon
7 Power: Marshalled the action from the heart of midfield and is emerging as a real leader after being handed the armband
6 Dobson: Covered a lot of ground at the heart of the action and generally used the ball effectively when he had it
8 Hume: Was here, there and everywhere down the left flank and is another player who has really benefited from the change of shape
8 Gooch: Took his league tally for the season to seven, with his second goal coming courtesy of an especially neat finish
8 MAGUIRE: Set the tone from the off with his pressing in the final third and set up both of Sunderland’s opening two goals
6 Wyke: Might not have looked like scoring, but still played a valuable role as the pivot for the rest of Sunderland’s attacking
Subs:
5 Watmore (for Maguire, 63): The game was already over by the time he came on to the field, so his scope for making an impact was limited
Leadbitter (for Gooch, 90)
(not used): Burge (gk), C McLaughlin, Taylor, McNulty, Grigg.
LINCOLN (4-4-2):
Vickers 4; Eardley 4, Shackell 3, Bostwick 3 (Bolger 38, 5), Toffolo 3; ANDERSON 5, Grant 4, Morrell 4, Payne 4 (Akinde 46, 5); Walker 5, Hesketh 4 (Elbouzedi 78).
Subs (not used): Smith (gk), O’Connor, Melbourne, Chapman.
Man Of The Match: CHRIS MAGUIRE – The Sunderland forward is at his best when afforded a relatively free role, and this was a day when he roamed around to impressive effect.
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