Noah Sadiki invisible, Reinildo wonderful – Sunderland player ratings v Burnley
Sunderland suffered their opening defeat of the Premier League season as they visited Burnley at Turf Moor.
Scott Parker’s side were unlucky not to see Lyle Foster’s opener stand, having been disallowed for a push on Jenson Seelt, but that was no worry as Josh Cullen slotted past Robin Roefs on Saturday, 23 August.
Jaidon Anthony netted in the final few minutes to wrap up the three points for the Clarets, sending the Black Cats back to the Stadium of Light with nothing to show after the 2-0 loss.
Reinildo announces himself to the Premier League
Robin Roefs – 5
Almost nothing the goalkeeper could do against Burnley’s winner. Remained confident despite the setback, coming for crosses and staying light on his toes.
Trai Hume – 7
Absolutely deserves his new contract extension, staying solid in defence and winning as many challenges as humanly possibly against the Clarets.
Dan Ballard (Off for Seelt 8′) – N/A
Incredible blow to see Ballard limp off before 10 minutes. Seelt was not a bad replacement at all, but Sunderland missed him from set-pieces, that’s for certain.
Omar Alderete – 6
Adapting very well to the Premier League since his move from Getafe. Dealt well with ground and aerial battles, but his long passes need work.
Reinildo – 8
Incredible performance from the veteran full-back, who barely lost a challenge, continued to push his side up the pitch, all while keeping his own goal as safe as possible.
Dan Ballard injury a major blow to Sunderland
Granit Xhaka – 6
Always a commanding figure in the centre of the park, showing just why Le Bris chose him to wear the captain’s armband for the 2025/26 campaign.
Habib Diarra (Off for Guiu 80′) – 4
Very quiet compared to his opening performance against West Ham, unable to get forward and create many chances.
Noah Sadiki – 2
Barely noticeable at Turf Moor. Saw a lot of possession, but did very little with it.
Chemsdine Talbi (Off for Roberts 64′) – 3
Did very little to help his side, either in the final third or in defence. Tracked back at times, but needed to be replaced by Roberts.
Regis Le Bris’ side suffer defeat away from home
Simon Adingra (Off for Le Fee 64′) – 6
Caused chaos for much of his 64 minutes on the pitch, creating chances, bursting down the wing, but just not being able to find the final pass at Turf Moor.
Eliezer Mayenda (Off for Isidor 63′) – 3
Missed Sunderland’s biggest chance of the game, seeing his shot from inside the penalty area saved well by Martin Dubravka.
Substitutes
Jenson Seelt (On for Ballard 8′) – 7
Was possibly lucky to win a foul during Foster’s opener, but having come into the game as an early substitute, he did well to adapt quickly.
Wilson Isidor (On for Mayenda 63′) – 3
Offered absolutely nothing for the Black Cats, who were searching for a key figure through the middle.
Patrick Roberts (On for Talbi 64′) – 5
Injected some pace into the game after coming on, diving into tackles, and shooting from range. Could not find the final ball, however.
Enzo Le Fee (On for Adingra 64′) – 6
Despite coming on as a hopeful source of goals, Le Fee was extremely strong in the tackle.
Marc Guiu (On for Diarra 80′) – 4
Offered a little bit of threat, but there was little left for the Black Cats to do but run out the clock.