How did the players fare in Sunderland's 3-1 win over Birmingham City?


SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):

7 Patterson: No chance with Wolves’ goal, and made a brilliant stoppage-time save to turn Jutkiewicz’s shot around the post

8 HUGGINS: Switched position once again, but was excellent in both defence and attack – made a crucial goalline clearance in first half

6 Seelt: Shaky on occasion during his first competitive start, but kept battling away against a lively Blues attack

6 Traintis: Took a bit of time to settle after his late elevation to the starting line-up, but played a key role in Sunderland’s second goal

7 Hume: Moved across to left-back and delivered an effective performance – made a number of important tackles

7 Neil: Made his usual driving runs into the final third and came close with a couple of decent efforts

5 Ekwah: Struggled in the first half, giving the ball away repeatedly, but was better in the second period

7 Roberts: Caused a series of problems despite repeatedly being clattered and helped set up the second goal

8 Bellingham: Scored and struck the post as he delivered a dominant midfield display against his childhood club

7 Clarke: The odd thing didn’t come off, but he was always a threat and slid over a great cross for the third goal

7 Rusyn: Hit the post and claimed the assist for Sunderland’s opener – his best performance in a Black Cats shirt


Subs:

6 Ba (for Rusyn, 61): Helped keep Sunderland on the front foot in the closing stages

Mayenda (for Roberts, 73)

Aouchiche (for Bellingham, 73)

Burstow (for Clarke, 88)

(not used): Etheridge (gk), Taylor, Pritchard, Dack, Hemir.


BIRMINGHAM (4-2-3-1):

Ruddy 5; Laird 4 (Oakley 83), Sanderson 4, Aiwu 4, Drameh 5; James 5 (Dembele 71), Sunjic 5; MIYOSHI 6 (Gardner 83), Burke 5 (Hogan 77), Bacuna 5; Stansfield 6 (Jutkiewicz 77).

Subs (not used): Etheridge (gk), Roberts, Longelo, Khela.


Man Of The Match: NIALL HUGGINS – Produced a goalline clearance and superb last-ditch tackle at the back, and was a big factor in Sunderland’s attacking down the right.