Match Ratings: Sunderland 3 Oxford United 1

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):

6 Burge: Had a relatively quiet afternoon, but made a good second-half save as he kept out Moore’s back-post header

5 McLaughlin: Struggled against the lively Barker as he returned from international duty, and was withdrawn as Sunderland pushed for a winner

7 Sanderson: Continues to impress at the heart of the Sunderland back four and won a couple of important headers

7 O’Nien: Made some crucial late blocks inside his own six-yard box and was always willing to put his body on the line

6 McFadzean: Was on the back foot for most of the second half, but grew more comfortable after the break

7 Power: Helped Sunderland hold things together at the heart of midfield and sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike

6 Scowen: Had a somewhat uncomfortable first half as Oxford attacked effectively but dictated things after the break

8 JONES: Set up Gooch’s equaliser with an excellent run and cross and came within inches of scoring as he rattled the bar in the second half

8 Gooch: Opened the scoring with a neat close-range finish and set up McGeady’s goal with a break into the box

7 McGeady: Came close on a couple of occasions before he finally found his range with the first-time finish that put Sunderland in front

6 Wyke: Had a quiet first half, but was much more influential after the break and set up Power’s goal with a slick square pass

Subs:

6 Stewart (66, for McLaughlin): Almost scored with his first touch and added something up front in the final 20 minutes

Maguire (77, for Jones)

Leadbitter (87, for McGeady)

(not used): Matthews (gk), Diamond, Winchester, O’Brien.

OXFORD (4-3-3):

Stevens 6; Forde 4 (Winnall 90), Moore 6, Atkinson 5, Hanson 6; Henry 7 (Lee 75), Brannagan 5 (Grayson 90), Sykes 4; Shodipo 6 (Kelly 75), Taylor 6 (Agyei 75), BARKER 7.

Subs (not used): Eastwood (gk), McNally.

Man Of The Match: JORDAN JONES – The Sunderland loanee set up his side’s opening goal and was a constant threat with his pace and trickery.