Sunderland have every right to regard themselves as a big club. Still, despite that tag, the Wearsiders are still a League One outfit.
This season, under the new ownership of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the Black Cats are hoping for a long-awaited promotion.
They topped the League One table ahead of yesterday’s game against Fleetwood Town. and had a two-point lead over 2nd place Wigan Athletic.
In a first half where the Wearsiders bossed possession (64.9%/35.1%), it was Ross Stewart who gave Sunderland the lead (19′) with his 5th of the season. It stayed 1-0 until halftime.
Fleetwood started much the busier in the first 15 minutes of the second half. However, it was Sunderland who took a 2-0 lead when Aiden McGeady (76′) scored from the spot.
However, Simon Grayson’s side battled back and Callum Morton (81′) set up a grandstand end to the game. It was a game where the home side clawed back a late equaliser through Gerard Garner (90+6′).
Here are three Sunderland players who shone for the Black Cats despite the disappointing late draw after Garner’s equaliser.
Ross Stewart – WhoScored rating 8.33
Stewart’s opener was his 5th goal of the season – a feat he has reached in seven games. It came from his only shot on target.
The 25-year-old saw a fair amount of the ball (3.4%) for Sunderland, completing 16 of his 28 pass attempts. One of these passes was a key pass, presenting a chance for a teammate.
As an aside to these contributions, Stewart also demonstrated his aerial prowess, wining a match-leading nine headers.
Aiden McGeady – WhoScored rating 7.49
Evergreen left-sided attacking midfielder McGeady netted his second of the season for Sunderland, scoring from the spot.
The 35-year-old was accurate enough yesterday (77%) and 24 of his 31 passes reached their target. Two of these were key passes, each allowing a teammate a goalscoring opportunity.
Before being replaced at the death by Frederik Alves, McGeady had also managed five shots at goal, won two tackles and one header in another consistent display for Lee Johnson’s side.
Callum Doyle – WhoScored rating 7.08
17-year-old Doyle had one of those games that he will remember in what will be seen as a disappointing draw for the Wearsiders,
The Manchester City Under-23 star is on loan at the Stadium of light from The Cityzens and showed his class with yesterday’s performance.
He completed 46 of his 59 pass attempts, made three tackles, four clearances and an interception in a display that belied his tender years.
All data derived from the Sunderland vs Fleetwood Town match profile on the WhoScored website.
