Jack Clarke scored Sunderland's first goal back in the Championship, but the Black Cats were forced to settle for a point against Coventry on the opening day. Summer signing Clarke headed the Wearsiders in front inside the opening quarter-hour at the Stadium of Light.
But Viktor Gyokores levelled for the Sky Blues six minutes from time to earn his side a share of the spoils. There were numerous chances for both sides, with Clarke and Ross Stewart both coming close for Sunderland, while Coventry's Jonathan Panzo saw a shot turned onto the bar and Matty Godden missed a couple of big opportunities.
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
READ MORE: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry report as Jack Clarke's opener is cancelled out by Viktor Gyokores strike
Anthony Patterson 8
No chance with the goal, but his handling was sound and he made a brilliant save from Panzo
Lynden Gooch 7
Played at right-back and delivered an excellent cross for the opening goal
Daniel Ballard 7
Looked solid at the heart of defence on his debut
Danny Batth 7
Did well, although he played Neil into trouble on one occasion and Sunderland were lucky not to be punished
Dennis Cirkin 7
Did a good job backing up Clarke down the left
Corry Evans 7
Read the game well in the middle of midfield
Dan Neil 7
Looked back to the player of the first half of last season - a very promising sign
Elliot Embleton 7
Some neat touches in the final third when Sunderland were on the attack
Alex Pritchard 7
Showed real quality on the ball. He will be a key player for Sunderland at this level
Jack Clarke 8
Scored the goal, could have scored a second, and was Sunderland's most dangerous attacking weapon
Ross Stewart 7
Led the line very well, and only a fine save from Moore denied him a goal
Subs
Luke O'Nien 6
For Embleton 61mins. Fresh legs for the final half-hour
Patrick Roberts N/A
For Pritchard 79mins.
Not used: Bass, Wright, Simms, Hume, Alese
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