Sunderland climbed into the play-off places with a resounding win at Wigan Athletic. The Black Cats won their final game of 2022 to move to fourth in the Championship, although that could change before the year-end as there are more games tomorrow.
Ellis Simms put them ahead inside the opening 20 minutes at the DW Stadium, only for Will Keane to level for the Latics just before half-time. But in the second half Sunderland took the game away from their hosts.
Sub Patrick Roberts won a penalty which was converted by fellow sub Ross Stewart to put them back in front. And then in the final five minutes, Roberts scored with a deflected effort and then provided the assist for Amad to score a spectacular fourth for the Wearsiders.
READ MORE: Sunderland climb into Championship play-off places after Wigan Athletic rout
Here's how our Sunderland writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 6
Might have held the shot that led to the Wigan goal, but that was his only error
Dan Ballard 8
Excellent on the right side of the back three
Bailey Wright 7
Solid on his return to the side at the heart of the three-man defence
Luke O'Nien 7
Another fine performance in defence
Trai Hume 8
Caused Wigan problems whenever he got forward down the right, and provided the assist for Simms
Edouard Michut 7
Neat and tidy in midfield on his first start for the club
Dan Neil 7
Worked hard in central midfield, filling the role normally played by Corry Evans
Jack Clarke 7
A livewire at left wingback, he was always a threat going forward
Amad 7
Not his most influential game, but still scored an excellent goal at the death
Ellis Simms 7
On the scoresheet and impressed again up front
Abdoullah Ba 8
A powerhouse going forward, Wigan just could not handle him
Subs
Alex Pritchard N/A
For Michut 62mins. Only lasted five minutes before he suffered a recurrence of his calf injury
Patrick Roberts 8
For Clarke 62mins. Won the penalty, scored a goal, and provided the assist for Amad. Brilliant
Ross Stewart 7
For Simms 62mins. Stepped up to slot home the penalty to put Sunderland in front for the second time in the game
Jay Matete 7
For Pritchard 68mins. Did well when he came on
Leon Dajaku 7
For Ba 71mins. Ended up at wingback and did a decent job
Not used: Bass, Bennette
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