How did the players fare in Sunderland's 1-0 win over Crewe?
SUNDERLAND (3-5-2):
6 Burge: Will not have many easier evenings all season – claimed a couple of late crosses, but that was about it
7 McLaughlin: Has slotted back in during the last couple of matches to impressive effect – looks much more reliable than was the case last season
8 Wright: Continues to block everything that comes his way from the heart of defence – organises those around him extremely well
8 O’Nien: The man who can play anywhere continues to look at home at centre-half – is such a valuable player given his versatility
8 GOOCH: Looks to be relishing the chance to play at wing-back and delivered the excellent low cross that Offord nodded into his own net
6 Power: Made some thrusting breaks into the final third, but wasted a good opportunity when he blazed over from inside the box in the second half
7 Leadbitter: Has been a revelation since returning to the fold at the start of the summer – does all the simple things so well at the base of midfield
6 Scowen: Got the nod ahead of Dobson once again and kept Sunderland moving forward with some neat passes
7 Hume: Tore up and down the left-hand side, and while his final ball wasn’t always perfect, his energy adds so much to Sunderland’s play
6 Maguire: Was his usual lively self, and while some of what he tried failed to come off, he produced a couple of dangerous efforts at goal
6 Wyke: Won his fair share of headers, but rarely looked like adding to his goals tally – still hasn’t completely nailed down his starting place
Subs:
O’Brien (for Maguire, 73)
Dobson (for Scowen, 84)
Flanagan (for Gooch, 86)
(not used): Matthews (gk), Diamond, Grigg, Graham.
CREWE (4-3-3):
Jaaskelainen 4; Ng 5, BECKLES 6, Offord 4, Pickering 5; Murphy 5, Wintle 6, Finney 4 (Ainley 67, 4); Powell 4 (Dale 56, 4), Mandron 5, Kirk 5 (Porter 81).
Subs (not used): Richards (gk), Lowery, Zanzala, Johnson.
Man Of The Match: LYNDEN GOOCH – Clearly enjoyed himself after being shuffled across to right wing-back, with his drive and crossing ability a key factor in Sunderland’s winning goal
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