Andy’s Player Ratings: Black Cats Sailing Past Sunderland

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Granit Xhaka of Sunderland reacts during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stadium of Light on March 14, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images Melker Ellborg: 7/10 Made an absolutely fantastic save with his feet early on, when it looked like Brighton were guaranteed a goal. That was pretty much the only save he had to make, with the goal sneaking in due to being unsighted with van Hecke just in front of him.

Was OK with the ball to feet but not as comfortable as Roefs. Lutsharel Geertruida : 6/10 Defended well at right back and was his usually steady but overly safe self on the ball, other than one burst forward in the first half when he tested the goalkeeper after a surge up the pitch. Dan Ballard: 8/10 Some good blocks throughout his time on the pitch, was aerially dominant and made some good passes forward to start attacks.

Picked up a knock in the first half, which was presumably to blame for his treatment and subsequent substitution after the break. Omar Alderete: 8/10 Was really good today, other than one sloppy ball forward late on. Tested the goalkeeper with a header from a very high ball and seemed to be much more dangerous on the ball when Brobbey was on the pitch, giving him a target to aim for with clever balls inside.

Trai Hume: 7/10 Dealt pretty well with Minteh down the left and went close in the second half following a one-two with Rigg but shot just wide of the left hand post. Granit Xhaka (C): 7/10 Orchestrated most of our good moves from the middle of the pitch but there were also quite a few sloppy bits of play from a player who does look a little rusty following his injury. Surged forward in the first half and had a couple of great chances to let a shot fly but picked out Talbi, who was probably in a worse position instead.