Sunderland came from behind to claim a crucial victory against Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats went in at half-time behind, with their former striker Charlie Wyke having put the Latics ahead.
But Elliot Embleton levelled early in the second half and Dennis Cirkin scored his first goal for the club when he headed what turned out to the winner with a little under 20 minutes to go. It was a hard-fought win against a side with the best away record in the Championship.
It ended Sunderland's four-game winless streak, and also lifted Tony Mowbray's men up to ninth in the table.
READ MORE: Dennis Cirkin scores on his return as Sunderland come from behind to beat Wigan Athletic 2-1
Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players today.
Anthony Patterson 7
Made a couple of important saves in the second half
Luke O'Nien 7
Impressed on the right side of the back three in the first half, and at right-back in the second period
Danny Batth 7
Very solid at the heart of defence
Dennis Cirkin 8
Scored the winner on his return to action after more than a month out through injury
Lynden Gooch 7
Did well in the first half but took a knock and went off at half-time
Elliot Embleton 7
Scored the equaliser and was a threat throughout
Dan Neil 6
Did OK, but should have made more of his big chance in the second half when one-on-one with the keeper
Aji Alese 7
Started at left wingback, but looked better once Sunderland moved to a back four and he played in the middle
Patrick Roberts 8
Tortured Wigan with his box of tricks on the right side of the front three
Alex Pritchard 7
Saw plenty of the ball in the final third and he provided the assist for Cirkin
Jack Clarke 7
Lively up front, his pace caused Wigan problems
Subs
Amad Diallo 7
For Gooch 46mins. Brought an injection of energy and skill in the final third
Bailey Wright N/A
For Embleton 90+1mins.
Not used: Bass, Matete, Bennette, Dajaku, Michut
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