Matty Hewitt rated Sunderland’s players after the draw with Manchester City at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka was the standout performer against Manchester City
Granit Xhaka was the pick of the Sunderland players following the Black Cats‘ 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Stadium of Light as they continued their unbeaten run on home soil.
The Swiss international didn’t put a foot wrong against Pep Guardiola’s side and turned in a real captain’s performance, while several key players stood up in defence.
However, it wasn’t a complete backs against the wall performance and Wearsiders had opportunities to find the back of the net with Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda having good chances to break the deadlock.
Here’s how Matty Hewitt rated the Black Cats’ performance against Man City:
Robin Roefs – 7
Looked after the ball really well with the ball at his feet. That calmness allowed Sunderland to build from the back. Made several straightforward, but important saves in the first half.
Trai Hume – 7
Defended really well and tried to make things happen going forward. He had a much better handle on Savinho when Sunderland moved to a back-five
Nordi Mukiele – 8
A few nervy moments alongside his centre-back partner, but solid on the whole and kept Haaland quiet. Took one in the face to deny Doku what looked like a clear goalscoring opportunity from six yards out.
Omar Alderete – 9
Didn’t have the best start to the game and had to do a lot of work following Cherki out of possession during City’s build-up phase, but stuck to the task well. He was much improved in the second half in possession and pulled off several last-ditch tackles to ensure a valuable point.
Dennis Cirkin – 7
Kept Rayan Cherki quiet in the first half and linked up well with Adingra. Showed he can play at Premier League level.
Lutsharel Geertruida – 6
Struggled to contain Savinho down City’s left. The Brazilian had too much pace and trickery for him, albeit he didn’t pose a threat to Roefs in goal. Looked much more comfortable when the winger went off, but still a quiet day at the office.
Granit Xhaka – 10
He was integral in leading Sunderland’s press in midfield, marshalling his teammates as they took the game to Guardiola’s men. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game.
Enzo Le Fee – 6
He was too sloppy in possession in the first half when Sunderland had good opportunities to attack and catch City on the break. Better in the second 45 and produced a brilliant pass to create a chance for Mayenda, Sunderland’s best opportunity of the second-half, but to no avail.
Eliezer Mayenda – 7
His first start since August, but he was a threat all evening. The only downside was the lack of conviction in front of goal, could and probably should have scored early on in the second half.
Simon Adingra – 6 (Replaced by Romaine Mundle 72)
Saw an awful lot of the ball, but wanted a second too long on it, and City didn’t allow him a moment to breathe.
Brian Brobbey – 7 (Replaced by Wilson Isidor -58)
He’s really coming into his own in recent weeks. Had a good chance to open the scoring inside the opening 20 minutes, showing his pace and power to hold off Dias and force Donnarumma into a good save.
Substitutes
Wilson Isidor – 5 (On for Brobbey – 58)
Pretty anonymous when he came on.
Romaine Mundle – 5 (On for Adingra 72)
Had to do a lot of defensive work and didn’t get many opportunity to go forward.