How did Sunderland’s players fare in their 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United at the Suit Direct Stadium.
SUNDERLAND (3-4-2-1):
6 Carney: Barely had a save to make all night but looked composed under pressure with the ball at his feet
6 Winchester: Slotted in on the right of Sunderland’s back three – it will be interesting to see where he ends up spending most of his time this season
7 Batth: Won just about everything that came his way in the air, and handled the physical threat posed by Pools’ attackers
6 Alese: Held his position well on the right of Sunderland’s defensive line, but his use of the ball was somewhat mixed
8 Hume: Was a lively presence all evening, breaking down the right-hand side, and has enjoyed a successful pre-season
6 Matete: Covered a lot of ground at the heart of midfield, although he tended to take the safe option when he was in possession
8 EMBLETON: The pick of Sunderland’s players as he broke forward purposefully from midfield – slammed home his spot-kick
6 Sohna: Started shakily, giving the ball away on a number of occasions, but made a couple of useful breaks in the second half
6 O’Nien: Played in a prominent midfield role and should really have scored when he shot against the post at the start of the second half
7 Taylor: Wasn’t able to deal with Hastie’s early cross that gave Pools the lead, but made some effective forward breaks
7 Diamond: Still doesn’t look like a natural centre-forward, but put himself about willingly and was much-improved from his Bradford display
Subs:
Spellman (for Sohna, 84)
(not used): Patterson (gk), Wright, Ballard, Cirkin, Evans, Gooch, Neil, Roberts, Pritchard, Clarke, Stewart.
Man Of The Match: ELLIOT EMBLETON - The midfielder was at the heart of most of Sunderland's best attacking moves.
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