Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings after Ipswich defeat on opening day | OneFootball

Sunderland returned to Premier League action with an opening-day defeat at Portman Road, beaten by Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts pounced on poor play to take the lead through Emersonn, before Nilson Angulo levelled with a brilliant free kick. Jack Clarke then secured the points for Ipswich late on. According to Sunderland Echo, the subsequent player ratings reflected a mixed display.

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was given six. His distribution and handling were sound under sustained Ipswich pressure and he had little chance with either goal.

Right-back Thomas Meunier received seven on a composed full debut in awkward circumstances. He used the ball smartly and completed his defensive work with minimum fuss, impressing despite limited pre-season football.

Dan Ballard was marked at five after struggling as the first half wore on against the lively Emersonn and Julio Enciso, though he improved. Luke O’Nien was handed four, his slack pass led to the opener and he was nearly caught again in the second half when Enciso robbed him on the ball, before he made way for Alderete soon after.

A tough afternoon for O’Nien, and he has shown many times he will bounce back.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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