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

Sunderland’s Tyne-Wear derby trip to St James’s Park produced the expected intensity, with player ratings reflecting a fraught contest between close Premier League rivals.

According to Sunderland Echo, the visitors rode out a difficult first half before improving after the interval.

Newcastle opened the scoring before the break, leaving Omar Alderete with little chance to intervene. Sunderland levelled in the second half when Trai Hume hooked the ball back for the equaliser.

Goalkeeper Melker Ellborg looked shaky early and lingered on a goal kick that Anthony Gordon chased down. His distribution faltered before half-time, then steadied after the restart. Rating: six.

Hume filled in at left-back, dropped into midfield at times and stayed composed in possession. He created the equaliser with a hooked return. Rating: seven.

Lutsharel Geertruida started at right-back and struggled as Sunderland laboured for rhythm. He improved markedly after the break and carried a threat going forward. Rating: seven.

Alderete defended well throughout and passed superbly through the lines into midfield. Assured in his duels and calm in possession, he was Sunderland’s standout performer. Rating: nine.

Source: Sunderland Echo