Player Ratings: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Sunderland.

It was a cagey, nervous game down at Hillsborough however it was Sunderland that prevailed in the end through, a stoppage time goal from Patrick Roberts to send Sunderland to Wembley. Sunderland players showed courage and fight in what was a real gritty performance which sent the travelling wearsiders home in delight; Let’s have a look at how each player performed individually.  

Anthony Patterson – 5 

Not Patterson’s best performance in a Sunderland shirt, he looked quite timid at times when collecting crosses from set pieces, also a shaky moment when the ball went over his foot and out for a corner however, not much chance with their goal and didn’t prove costly in the end.

Lynden Gooch – 6

At right back out of position, worked hard as always and kept at the task in hand, only criticism is that Sheffield Wednesday goal did come from his side however, the pass from Bannan was quality so no real blame attached. 

Bailey Wright – 9 

Fantastic performance showed grit throughout the whole 90 minutes by putting his body on the line and heading most balls that came into the box, a real battling display in which he picked up the wounds to show for it.

Danny Batth – 7 

Solid at the back alongside wright, won his aerial duels and was involved in the winning goal as he picked out Clarke with a long ball, only negative is that he lost track of Gregory for the Wednesday goal, despite that, an assured performance.

Dennis Cirkin – 6

Decent performance at left back, held his own against a good side and kept Jack Hunt quite out on the Wednesday right as well as the odd burst forward however, he relied on Clarke to do some of his work in the second half as he looked tired. 

Corry Evans – 8 

Another great display from the captain, read the game in the middle of the park, picking up the bits and pieces then playing it to the more creative players, done the basics very well, which proved vital.

Luke Onien – 5

Kept Bannan quiet for most of the game however, the one time he left him, Bannan plays a pass which leads to a goal. Overall, he played a vital part in stopping Wednesday’s playmaker for large parts, won headers, and battled but poor on the ball. 

Alex Pritchard – 7

Not much going forward for Pritchard bar the odd set piece and certainly not his best however, he ran his socks off and kept things ticking in the midfield, trying to link with the frontline when he could. 

Patrick Roberts – 8 

Very direct when on the ball, caused problems for the Wednesday left back who looked terrified of him and posed a threat on the break all night, eventually getting his reward by getting on the end of Clarke’s cross to win it.

Jack Clarke – 9  

Showed real energy down the left-hand side and helped Cirkin out massively in the second half defensively. Also showed his quality going forward as he eased passed his marker all night and created the winning goal with a left footed cross.  

Ross Stewart – 7  

Held the ball up well at times and defended from the front, didn’t get any clear-cut opportunities but demonstrated that he brings so much more to the team than just goals as he ran channels and brought others into play. 

Substitutes:

Jay Matete – 7

Won a few important second balls around our area and got his body in the right places towards the end of the game. Gave us fresh legs in the middle to go get the ball back when we were under pressure.  

Nathan Broadhead – 6 

Came on late however, for the little time he was on he showed his quality as he plucked a ball out the sky in the Wednesday half which gave the backline a moments rest.

Callum Doyle – 5 

Also came on late and had little involvement, but the little defending he did have to do he done with ease.

Man of the Match: Jack Clarke. 

It was close between Bailey Wright and Jack Clarke however, I edge it towards Clarke for his energy down the left-hand side and moments of quality, such as the assist for the winning goal.