James Copley’s Sunderland player ratings after Tyne-Wear derby at St James’s Park | OneFootball

Sunderland’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’s Park delivered the expected edge and intensity, with stark contrasts across individual displays.

Sunderland Echo provided the player ratings following the high-pressure occasion on Tyneside.

Newcastle opened the scoring, and there was little the visiting defence could do about it. Sunderland hit back after the break when Trai Hume hooked the ball back for the equaliser, shifting the momentum.

Omar Alderete was composed and incisive on the ball, breaking lines repeatedly and defending with assurance. He was Sunderland’s standout performer, rated nine.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg endured a shaky start, lingering over a goal kick that Anthony Gordon chased down and struggling with first-half distribution. He improved after the interval and was rated six.

Trai Hume operated out of position at left-back, dropped into midfield at times and showed calm on the ball throughout a very steady display. He was rated seven.

Lutsharel Geertruida began at right-back and found the first half difficult as Sunderland searched for rhythm. Much improved after the break, he carried real threat going forward and earned a rating of seven.

Source: Sunderland Echo