Andy’s Player Ratings: Newcastle United 1 – 2 Sunderland – Brobbey The Hero
Brian Brobbey scored the winning goal as Sunderland do the double over the hosts, here’s how Andy rated the lads!
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland celebrates 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on March 22, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images Melker Ellborg : 7/10 Not overly tested in goal by the hosts and wasn’t particularly accurate with his kicking but got through the game well, despite some rough treatment at set pieces. Lutsharel Geertruida : 8/10 Geertruida was solid defensively at right back, not allowing much to come from his side of the pitch, and was good at combining with Rigg down the right.
Also stepped into midfield on occasion and made a vital tackle to prevent a chance deep into injury time. Luke O’Nien: 6/10 An absolute brain fart early on to gift the home side the lead, also had a couple of other nervy moments with one rushed header in the second half to Xhaka being intercepted and causing an issue at the back. Kept at it though and made a massively important back post header in the second half and won a foul in the process.
Long throws caused some problems too. Omar Alderete: 9/10 Stepped up with Ballard missing and threw himself at everything aerially, won so many headers, tackles and made important blocks. Played some really good balls forward too to start attacks.
Trai Hume: 8/10 Was up against a lot of pace out wide but came out on top, didn’t give Elanga much room to run into and mostly shut down the left wing. Granit Xhaka (C): 8/10 A real leader’s performance in the middle, patrolled in front of the back four and helped push the team up the pitch after the break. There was one lazy pass to Sadiki in the second half that almost set the hosts away.