Andy's Player Ratings: Sunderland 1-0 Boro - Chris Rigg, Olè Olè Olè!

Yesterday at 09:33 AM

Chris Rigg scored an outrageous back heel as Sunderland took all three points and a clean sheet off the Smogmonsters from down the road. Here's how Andy rated the Lads!

Anthony Patterson: 6/10

His defence protected him brilliantly but dealt with anything that came near him well. His kicking was atrocious today, really struggled to find a red and white shirt.

Trai Hume: 6/10

Defended well all afternoon, not giving the two wingers he faced a sniff but a bit lucky to remain on the pitch after a terrible early tackle. Also provided Boro with a half chance with a poor toe poked clearance in the first half.

Chris Mepham: 8/10

A great debut for Mepham, a very calm presence in the back four and read the game superbly. A number of times it looked like the visitors may have a run on goal only for Mepham to come across and snuff it out.

Luke O'Nien: 7/10

A typically committed display, looked solid alongside Mepham and Latte Lath never had a look in.

Dennis Cirkin: 8/10

Had a few issues when Doak first came on but figured him out quickly and stopped him playing, also completely nullified Jones.

Dan Neil (C): 7/10

Screened the back four well with very little coming through the middle of the pitch from Boro, played well generally but was better after the break and played some very good balls out wide.

Chris Rigg: 8/10

Sublime finish for the winner after taking the ball around the goalkeeper and backheeling the goal. Really good display outside of that, always getting stuck in and showing ability on the ball.

Patrick Roberts: 8/10

Caused Boro all sorts of problems, his shot led to Rigg's goal, had one shot curled just wide in the second half and had the beating of the full back all game.

Jobe Bellingham: 7/10

Another good game in midfield, used the ball well, showed intent when getting forward and worked really hard when we were out of possession.

Romaine Mundle: 8/10

Mundle's form continues with the winger causing Ayling all sorts of issues down the left. Smashed the post with a great free kick, could have had a penalty after he was tripped in the box and a livewire throughout.

Eliezer Mayenda: 6/10

A subdued display on the ball, with very little coming his way but won the free kick where Mundle almost scored and his off the ball work is tremendous.

Substitutes

Wilson Isidor: 6/10

Came on for Roberts and played on the right, looked bright when he had the ball and worked hard as we saw the game out.

Dan Ballard: N/A

A very late change for Rigg but did manage to win one ball in the box.

Man of the Match: Chris Rigg

Can only be Rigg after that quality winner and a committed display. Easy to forget that he's only 17 when he shows so much maturity. Never shied from a tackle, always linking up well with Roberts and Hume down the right but his discipline when we are out of possession is unbelievable for such a young player.