Sunderland suffered a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Norwich City as they looked to life after Alex Neil. With Neil on the verge of being confirmed as Stoke City new manager, the Scot's erstwhile assistant Martin Canning was in temporary charge as the Black Cats took on the Canaries at the Stadium of Light.
And Sunderland turned in a stirring performance against a side that was competing in the Premier League last season. Ross Stewart saw a volley touched onto the crossbar and Ellis Simms saw a header hit the post, as they created a series of chances.
But Josh Sargent's goal 15 minutes from time settled matters, and gave Dean Smith's Norwich a victory they scarcely deserved.
READ MORE: Sunderland 0-1 Norwich City report as Black Cats begin post-Alex Neil era with a home defeat
Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer James Hunter rated the players.
Anthony Patterson 7
Made a couple of stops but could do nothing about the goal
Luke O'Nien 8
Outstanding on the right side of the back three, he made a series of vital interceptions
Danny Batth 7
Strong at the heart of defence, although Sargent got between him and Cirkin for the goal
Dennis Cirkin 6
A decent performance but, again, Sargent got between him and Batth for the goal
Lynden Gooch 7
Put in some good deliveries from the right flank
Corry Evans 7
Controlled the midfield on his return to the starting XI
Dan Neil 7
Returned from suspension and was excellent alongside Evans
Jack Clarke 7
Worked hard out in the left wingback role
Alex Pritchard 8
A constant thorn in his old club's side, only a goalline clearance denied him a goal
Ellis Simms 6
Fairly quiet overall, but hit the post in the second half with a header
Ross Stewart 7
Caused Norwich a lot of problems, and Krul made a brilliant stop to turn his volley onto the bar
Subs
Elliot Embleton N/A
For Pritchard 77mins.
Patrick Roberts N/A
For Evans. 88mins,
Not used: Bass, Diamond, Wright, Hume, Alese
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