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James Hunter

Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland player ratings as Patterson stands out after Neil's costly red card

Sunderland's unbeaten start to life in the Championship came to an end at Bramall Lane. The Black Cats arrived in South Yorkshire in good form but boss Alex Neil had described this as their toughest test to date.

And after initially taking the game to Sheffield United, Sunderland's task became immeasurably more difficult when midfielder Dan Neil was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on James McAtee. Anel Ahmedhodzic headed the hosts in front almost immediately, with Max Lowe adding the second just after half-time.

Lynden Gooch pulled a goal back to give the Wearsiders hope, but they could not find an equaliser and in the end only a series of excellent saves from Anthony Patterson prevented the Blades winning by a more comfortable margin.

READ MORE: Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland report as ten-man Black Cats' unbeaten start comes to an end

Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.

Anthony Patterson 8

No chance with the goals but made some brilliant saves late in the game

Luke O'Nien 7

Played on the right side of the back three and did a decent job there

Danny Batth 6

Organised the defence

Dennis Cirkin 6

Generally he did well, although Ahmedhodzic got away from him for the opening goal

Lynden Gooch 7

Scored with a delicate chip to give his team hope

Dan Neil 5

Had been excellent up to the moment he lost the ball, held his man back, and was sent off

Elliot Embleton 6

Did OK

Jack Clarke 6

Covered a lot of ground on the left flank

Alex Pritchard 6

No lack of effort, but not at his best

Ellis Simms 6

Offered a threat when it was still 11-vs-11

Ross Stewart 7

Outstanding up front, both alongside Simms and when he led the line alone

Subs

Jay Matete 7

For Simms 54mins. Brought some extra bite to midfield when he came on, and played his part in the goal

Bailey Wright 6

For Pritchard 54mins. Strong at the heart of defence

Trai Hume 6

For Embleton 54mins. Came on at right-back to allow Gooch to move further forward

Aji Alese N/A

For Batth 86mins.

Jack Diamond N/A

For Clarke 86mins.

Not used: Bass, Roberts

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