How did the players fare in Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough?


SHEFF WED (3-4-3):

Vasquez 3; Bernard 3, Diaby 3 (Palmer 79), Famewo 4; Valentin 3 (Delgado 73), Hendrick 3, Byers 4, PATERSON 5; Buckley 4 (Gassama 73), Gregory 3 (Fletcher 79), Musaba 3.

Subs (not used): Dawson (gk), Vaulks, Iorfa, Bakinson, Smith.


SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):

7 Patterson: Wasn’t extended for the vast majority of the evening, but made a good second-half save from Paterson

8 Hume: Made a series of barnstorming runs down the right, and helped tee up Burstow to win the penalty that led to the third goal

7 O’Nien: Ensured Sheffield Wednesday’s forwards were not a factor in Sunderland’s defensive third

8 Ballard: Rock-solid defensively – as he has been for most of this season – and claimed another goal with a thumping header

7 Huggins: Continues to impress on the left of Sunderland’s back four – steady and reliable

8 Neil: Cruised through the game, dictating play from the heart of midfield and constantly keeping Sunderland looking forward

8 Bellingham: Another fine display from the youngster, full of thrusting forward runs and deft midfield touches

7 Roberts: Slotted back into the side on the right of midfield and made some penetrating dribbles into Wednesday’s final third

7 Pritchard: Displayed some neat touches to help spring Sunderland’s attacks and linked effectively with those around him

8 Clarke: Took his tally for the season to seven with a wonderful solo strike and another clinical conversion from the penalty spot

9 BURSTOW: His best performance in a Sunderland shirt as he helped set up both of Clarke’s goals and linked play superbly throughout


Subs:

5 Ba (for Roberts, 66): Didn’t really have to break sweat as Sunderland cruised through the closing stages

5 Aouchiche (for Pritchard, 66): Wasn’t required to do anything too special as Sunderland successfully closed the game out

Rusyn (for Burstow, 76)

Rigg (for Clarke, 76)

Seelt (for Hume, 85)

(not used): Bishop (gk), Triantis, Taylor, Hemir.


Man Of The Match: MASON BURSTOW – The Chelsea loanee claimed two assists and looks ideally suited to playing as the lead striker in this vibrant Sunderland side.