Sunderland 0-1 Charlton: Match Report and Player Ratings
Sunderland’s 100% home record came to an end this afternoon with Charlton picking up a 0-1 win in somewhat controversial fashion.
Both sides looked poor for large parts of the game with very little going forward for either team.
Charlton took the lead in controversial fashion in the second half with Stockley claiming the goal.
Sunderland continued to push for an equaliser but provided little quality offensively and succumbed to defeat for the first time this season.
Team news
Hoffmann, Winchester, Flanagan, Doyle, Cirkin, Neil, O’Nien, O’Brien, Pritchard, McGeady, Stewart
Report
Sunderland got the game underway and also had the first chance of the game. Dennis Cirkin making a surging run before firing towards goal, too close to the keeper.
Minutes later Aiden O’Brien found himself through on goal and checked back inside before stinging the palms of the keeper again with Winchester sending the rebound well wide of the goal.
Despite the early chances, Sunderland looked lost for large parts of the first half and couldn’t keep the ball. Charlton undoubtedly looked the better side in the opening half hour.
The first half came to an end with neither side really threatening the opposition goal.
Mcgeady had a half chance in the opening stages of the second half after some good running from Stewart but his left footed effort was high and wide.
Charlton somehow didn’t take the lead when Purrington missed an open goal from 3 yards after a cross was fired across goal.
Sunderland came within inches of taking a second half lead after a great move. Pritchard receiving the ball from Cirkin before returning it to the full back who’s left footed effort crashed off the upright.
Charlton were the side that took the lead. A cross was sent into the box and Jayden Stockley was on hand to head into the back of the net in controversial fashion. The linesman appeared to flag for a foul and it momentarily seemed the goal would be disallowed but the referee pointed to the halfway line and the goal was given.
Sunderland made substitutions after the goal with Dajaku, Gooch and Evans all coming on but none were able to influence the game.
A very poor performance from the home side ended in defeat.
Player ratings
Hoffmann 6- Had little to do.
Winchester 6- Did his job but nothing more.
Flanagan 7- Defended well and played the ball well.
Doyle 7- See above.
Cirkin 7- Got up and down the left side well and was unlucky not to get a goal.
O’Nien 5- Battled well in the middle but offered little on the ball.
Neil 6- Movement around him limited his ability to split defences. Did what he could well.
O’Brien 4- Offered little. Movement was very poor and was wasteful in possession.
Pritchard 6- Looked lively but again offered little in the final third.
Mcgeady 4- Offered nothing.
Stewart 7- Ran his socks off all game and had no service to thrive on.
