How did the players fare in Sunderland’s goalless draw with Burnley?
BURNLEY (4-2-3-1):
Muric 6; Roberts 6, Harwood-Bellis 7, BEYER 7, Maatsen 6; Cullen 6, Brownhill 7; Benson 7 (Vitinho 82), Tella 6, Zaroury 5 (Gudmundsson 67, 5); Barnes 6 (Obafemi 79).
Subs (not used): Peacock-Farrell (gk), Cork, Ekdal, Twine.
SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):
7 Patterson: Made a couple of saves from long-range efforts and commanded his 18-yard box superbly throughout the game
8 Hume: Made some excellent challenges and blocks to prevent Zaroury from really being a factor on Burnley’s left flank
8 O’Nien: Produced another magnificent performance after being moved back to centre-half – has been a massive player for Sunderland this season
8 Batth: The Black Cats’ Mr Reliable was at it again – always in the right place and dominated in the air
9 GOOCH: Was absolutely superb on his return to the side – made two or three exceptional blocks with sliding challenges
7 Neil: Was neat and tidy at the heart of midfield – the defensive side of his game has improved markedly this season
6 Ekwah: Gave the ball away cheaply on occasion, but certainly didn’t look out of place as he made his first start in English football
7 Roberts: Put in quite some shift down the Sunderland right, and tested Muric with a first-half effort that was turned around the post
6 Pritchard: Tried his best to support Gelhardt in the final third and generally used the ball effectively when he had it
7 Clarke: Never stopped running down the left-hand side, and thought he had won it late on when Ba had strayed offside
7 Gelhardt: Number nine might not be his natural position, but it’s impossible not to be impressed with his relentless running
Subs:
6 Michut (for Ekwah, 63): Wasn’t really able to get a grip on the game in the closing stages
7 Amad (for Gelhardt, 63): Came within inches of winning it with a deflected shot that looped against the bar
Lihadji (for Roberts, 76)
Ba (for Pritchard, 76)
Cirkin (for Clarke, 88)
(not used): Bass (gk), Anderson.
Man Of The Match: LYNDEN GOOCH – Was restored to the starting side at left-back, and responded with a brilliant defensive display to frustrate Burnley’s forwards.
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