Bellingham dominant, Le Fee quiet – Sunderland ratings in play-off win over Sheffield United
Sunderland are returning to the Premier League after a stunning playoff final win over Sheffield United.
With the last kick of his career as a Black Cat, Tommy Watson immortalised himself in Sunderland folklore.
The Brighton-bound winger’s goal in the dying moments sent Regis Le Bris’ side back to the Premier League after eight heart-breaking years, condemning the Blades to another season in the second-tier.
Kevin Phillips and Jordan Henderson could both be seen grinning ear-to-ear in the stands as Watson’s goal, following an Eliezer Mayenda equaliser, gave Sunderland a most unlikely playoff final win.
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Sunderland squad in that clash with Sheffield United on Saturday, May 24.
Regis Le Bris leads Sunderland back to the Premier League
Anthony Patterson – 7
Made an incredible stop to deny Kieffer Moore early on from point-blank range. Put in a strong display to keep Sunderland in the contest.
Trai Hume – 7
Punished for giving the ball away from a Sunderland corner with Campbell opening the scoring. Endured a tough time against Gustavo Hamer who ran the game but put in a crunching challenge on Brereton-Diaz to make up for it!
Dan Ballard – 8
Enjoyed a strong game in defeat. Battled well and used his aerial dominance to minimise the threat of the Blades from balls into the penalty area.
Luke O’Nien – N/A
Lasted just a few minutes after injuring his shoulder in an aerial duel with Moore before being replaced.
Dennis Cirkin – 6
A rough afternoon where he was caught out on a number of occasions.
Chris Rigg puts in middling performance in Sunderland victory
Chris Rigg – 6
Sunderland’s most creative outlet in the first half but couldn’t penetrate the Sheffield United defence. Replaced by Patrick Roberts in the second half.
Dan Neil – 6
Kept the ball wall alongside Bellingham but was unable to make the impact he hoped for.
Jobe Bellingham – 9 – Player of the Match
Used his physicality well to help Sunderland to battle in midfield. Put in some good tackles and added crucial quality to his game as the match unfolded to really dominate.
Enzo Le Fee – 6
Dropped into dangerous pockets of space to make things happen but struggled to make a big impact. Put in a shift defensively as well to aid Cirkin behind him.
Eliezer Mayenda – 7
Missed a good chance to level the game with a header from Hume’s cross but made up for it with a stunning equaliser in the second half. A proper young talent.
Jobe Bellingham runs the show for Sunderland v Sheffield United
Romaine Mundle – 5
Posed some questions as he drifted out to the left flank but was replaced in the second half to little surprise. Does not look a Premier League player.
Subs
Chris Mepham – 7
Introduced after eight minutes in place of O’Nien and made his dominance known. Nullified the threat of Moore and Campbell for long spells.
Patrick Roberts – 7
Provided a moment of crucial quality to thread the ball to Mayenda for the equaliser. A real game-changer when he came on.
Wilson Isidor – 5
Looked to lead the line after coming on but was a little bit sloppy in possession.
Tommy Watson – 7
Lively after coming on. Linked up well with Roberts in the build up to Mayenda’s goal before scoring the crucial winner five minutes into injury time.
Leo Hjelde – N/A
Not on the pitch long enough to impact the game.