How did the players fare in Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat to Leicester?
LEICESTER (4-3-3):
Hermansen 7; Justin 7 (Choudhury 89), Faes 6, Vestergaard 7, Pereira 7; Casadei 8, Winks 7, Dewsbury-Hall 7; Fatawu 6 (Albrighton 83), Iheanacho 6 (Vardy 68, 5), MAVIDIDI 8 (Daka 89).
Subs (not used): Ward (gk), Coady, Souttar, Marcal, Stolarczyk.
SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):
9 PATTERSON: Made three sensational saves to keep Sunderland in the game, the best of which turned Iheanacho’s low strike onto the post
6 Hume: Battled away gamely on the right of Sunderland’s back four, but wasn’t really a factor going forward
6 O’Nien: Was pulled out of position on a number of occasions, although his heart and desire couldn’t be faulted
7 Ballard: Came out on top of his physical battle with Leicester’s forwards and ensured Sunderland would not be bullied out of the game
6 Huggins: Produced a steady enough defensive display, but his need to come inside limits his passing potential
7 Neil: Was his usual energetic self as he returned to the side at the heart of midfield – should have had a penalty at the end of the first half
6 Ekwah: Provided a physical presence at the heart of midfield, but lost Justin as the Leicester defender burst to the front post to head home the winner
6 Roberts: Produced flashes of a threat on the right-hand side, but dribbled his way into traffic on a couple of occasions
6 Bellingham: A mixed performance – there were some good moments, but too many passes went astray
8 Clarke: The pick of Sunderland’s outfield players – looked a threat whenever he cut inside and twice went close in the first half
4 Burstow: Looks good until he gets to the 18-yard box, then offers disappointingly little – not an ideal scenario for a centre-forward
Subs:
5 Ba (for Burstow, 64): Wasted a great late opportunity when he blazed his shot over the crossbar
5 Cirkin (for Huggins, 64): Couldn’t alter the game – but it’s good to see him back on the field after his injury issues
6 Rigg (for Ekwah, 64): Helped Sunderland counter-attacking on a number of occasions late on
Pritchard (for Bellingham, 74)
Hemir (for Neil, 90)
(not used): Bishop (gk), Seelt, Triantis, Rusyn.
Man Of The Match: ANTHONY PATTERSON – The Sunderland goalkeeper made three superb saves to ensure Leicester were not able to run away with things.
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